Serving “vegetarian food that’s a joy to eat” since 1993, this coolly contemporary but accessible restaurant remains a meat-free diamond in a city known for its open-minded approach to all things gastronomic. As ever, the kitchen knows how to dazzle when it comes to putting ingredients together, while the flavours in the astonishing Asian-edged food continue to challenge and excite.
Long descriptions may baffle, but the results are all down to sublime spicing and inspired combinations. Korean fried cauliflower with sweet ‘n’ sour sesame, onigiri rice, soused daikon, kohlrabi and pickled mirin ginger jelly is an enticing oriental combo, while aubergine dengaku sees slow-baked aubergine sizzled with tahini, sesame and white miso, and served with edamame, and a puffed rice seaweed cracker dusted with nori salt.
To finish, check out the ‘churrismo’, which are doughnut straws with vodka-steeped cherries and sticky salt caramel ‘dunker’, or stick to the conventional with your choice of Terre a Terre’s homemade ice creams.
If you’re on the hunt for an afternoon delight, Terre a Terre’s Asian take on afternoon tea is also popular. The tea is served daily and features a savoury tier filled with the likes of a tapioca seaweed cracker with pickled vegetables, and a steamed rice bun stuffed with Szechuan marinated halloumi. The sweeter offering meanwhile sees indulgent bites of chocolate hazelnut truffle cake, and orange and almond polenta cake served with clementine sorbet.
The rest of the family can also join in on the fun, as Terre a Terre boasts a children’s menu which is sure to entice young food lovers. Kids can nibble on the likes of teeny weeny spaghettini and smoky scrunch chips which are seasoned with bang bang spice dust, before finishing up with vanilla ice cream crowned with shortbread biscuits and chocolate sauce.
Terre a Terre also scores points for its imaginative wine list which features organic and biodynamic offerings, as well as the restaurant’s personable, informed service which ticks customer’s boxes.