Score: 9.0
Best for: Beautiful decor and food to start a central London shopping day
What a gem. Ottolenghi‘s Soho-based restaurant has the ultimate Ottolenghi trademarks – platters full of salads, a beautiful backdrop of marble and gold and a traditional yet cultural menu. It has a more formal feel than some of the other Ottolenghi branches across London, but the staff are just as good as making you feel right at home.
My mum was visiting London this weekend and, fearing taking her out with the hungover crowd, we went for a quick quiet brunch before some central shopping! We were greeted at 11 and swept to our reserved spot just as soon as they had taken our coats – top service. I would recommend booking a few days in advance, as this place gets busy and is relatively small. We were seated at the very back bar giving us a great view of the restaurant and the bar staff rushing around to complete all of the coffee orders.
The beautifully presented menu offered some great options for both the sweet tooth and the savoury connoisseur. The choice was tough; however, a decision was made…
My mum was visiting London this weekend and, fearing taking her out with the hungover crowd, we went for a quick quiet brunch before some central shopping! We were greeted at 11 and swept to our reserved spot just as soon as they had taken our coats – top service. I would recommend booking a few days in advance, as this place gets busy and is relatively small. We were seated at the very back bar giving us a great view of the restaurant and the bar staff rushing around to complete all of the coffee orders.
The beautifully presented menu offered some great options for both the sweet tooth and the savoury connoisseur. The choice was tough; however, a decision was made…
The order:
Such a treat. One of the healthiest yet deliciously sweet brunches I've had. Diverging from the usual poach and avo, I tried the black rice and coconut milk which was delicious and cooked to perfection. The accompanying pots of honey and extra milk made it all the more delightful. My mum went for a generous portion of mushrooms on toast which looked great and was topped off with a perfect poach. She loved the dish but I preferred my choice, as the mushrooms were slightly vinegary in taste for me. However looking over to our obviously pre-informed neighbours at the bar, they ordered the Shakshuka (braised eggs, piquante tomato sauce, smoked labneh) which looked incredible and is definitely at the top of the to-try-next-time list!
- Black rice, coconut milk, banana, mango
- Mushroom on sourdough, poached egg
- Cappuccino
Such a treat. One of the healthiest yet deliciously sweet brunches I've had. Diverging from the usual poach and avo, I tried the black rice and coconut milk which was delicious and cooked to perfection. The accompanying pots of honey and extra milk made it all the more delightful. My mum went for a generous portion of mushrooms on toast which looked great and was topped off with a perfect poach. She loved the dish but I preferred my choice, as the mushrooms were slightly vinegary in taste for me. However looking over to our obviously pre-informed neighbours at the bar, they ordered the Shakshuka (braised eggs, piquante tomato sauce, smoked labneh) which looked incredible and is definitely at the top of the to-try-next-time list!
Overall it was a great experience with lovely service and perfect to fill our tummies before shopping on Regent street!
To try next time:
By Bex G.
To try next time:
- Shakshuka
- Courgette bake, mixed peppers and herb salad
- French toast, star anise sugar, berry compote, orange yoghurt
By Bex G.