Odette's

My wife and I were curious to try Odettes in its new icarnation under the ownership of Bryn Williams. I had never really rated it when it was the haunt of the denizens of the “World of Advertising” (a number of whom had over the years taken me there to show how big a bill they could write off on expenses). We went with a couple of friends visiting London from San Clemente (Nixon territory for those that remember). We had a very enjoyable evening, but I have been left with the feeling that this is a work in progress rather than the finished article. I feel I need to justify this conclusion. Good points: The food itself was very serious – I eat out a lot, and all over the place, but this was imaginative cooking with unusual pairings of flavours, the odd flight of eccentric individuality (Assiette de Porc or Pig's Head – not for the faint hearted), very well executed and stylishly presented. My starter of miniscule pieces of raw tuna on confit tomato served with a concentrated beetroot nage was a feast on the palate. The main course of Turbot pan fried to absolute perfection with crispy, almost caramelised pieces of oxtail with cockles was… well, I loved it. Our friends ordered mushroom soup – sounds uninspiring ? The actual soup looked really wonderful (especially in the way it was served) and I am told tasted original and great. My wife's Quail's egg starter was, by comparison, more a triumph of style over substance. However, all the main courses drew huge praise (the lamb was perfectly executed, the salmon looked equally good, as did the halibut). Less Good Points: The Wine List seems to me to be overpriced: I love certain Portuguese reds, and there are four levels of Quinta do Crasto available if you look… More

fantastic restaurant – food always superb. we usually take our own wine and pay the reasonable corkage charge. would recommend this restaurant to everyone. going there again on sunday for mothers day – cant wait :-)