Tipped

A personal Favourite

August 20, 2007

This is one of my favourite places to take clients because the food is always fantasitc, and you can always order way too much without looking too greedy. The portions are large and it is all sharing food so you always want to taste everything. The food is a fusion of Asian and Cuban, so some of the dishes sound odd on the menu as they include things like banana, or coconut. but just go with it, you will love it! a particular favourite is the calamari salad as a starter and the Bay of Pigs for desert (share it, it is HUGE)

Being in St Martins Lane Hotel means the decore is very funky. As you walk through the reception you pass Gnome shaped stools, and ceiling hight vases of flowers and oversized armchairs. Once inside the the restaurant they allow large groups which is a big plus if you are taking a group of clients.

One draw back is that no matter how much you spend (and it is easy to spend a lot) they wont let you into the bar as it is reserved for hotel guests.

Tags: hotel restaurant, funky decore,

Not bad

July 27, 2007

The notion Asian/Cuban fusion food was intriguing, but ultimately disappointing. The menu is essentially that of a Japanese restaurant - specifically Nobu, where the head chef has worked in the past (they even serve Miso Black Cod, the Nobu signature dish) - but with some plaintain thrown in.
I find these expensive restaurants rarely live up to the hype, or the prices. The food is good, but not that good.
On the other hand, the service was stellar. Every member of staff was welcoming and helpful. Food was served quickly and we were left alone to enjoy it.
Bear in mind, if you want to drink at Light Bar, you need to make separate arrangements, as booking a table at the restaurant does not guarantee you entry to the bar.
As to the decor; it was amusing, but didn't strike me as being romantic, or cosy, or anything you might expect a restaurant to want to be - just self-consciously eccentric.
Overall, I would eat here again, but it doesn't make my top ten.

Tags: fusion, expensive, great service

Superb food, service & design

July 22, 2007

Asia de Cuba is located inside St Martin's Lane Hotel. This is one of the best restaurants in London, in my opinion. I've generally never been a fan of restaurants at hotels but this is an exception.
The food is really asian fusion. The menu is excruciating as everything on it appears so appealing and I found it difficult to decide what to order. The service is excellent, and the dessert menu is to die for!
You should visit this place in a group of four (at least) as it is best to share the dishes and try a whole range of flavours and fusions to appecriate the experience.

I would encourage you to have pre-dinner drinks in the bar next door - The Light Bar.

It's not cheap here, but that is what you get if you want the best!

Finally, the interior design is brilliant, very busy, and sleek. What else can you expect from Philippe Starck!?

Tags: Asian, cocktails, seafood, wine, interior design