XO

I usually frequent E&O in Ladbroke Grove but decided to pop over here.

Food is excellent – i recommend passing on starters and having the beef tahoon – simply delicious accompanied by egg fried rice and veggies. Pad thai is also massive, not out of this world, but huge and tasty. The non alc drinks selection is also good – obviously a good barman works here. Puddings – the banoffee pie is to die for – bigger than at E&O. The menu is the same word for word but the only main difference is this place was half empty on a Tuesday night (and no doubt each weekday) however E&O would normally be packed, with people being forced to leave within the 2 hour time frame! I say this because i was denied a chocolate pudding at 8.45pm there because ‘it would take 18min’ and this would take me past the 9pm cut-off…

My friend also said that the other Ricker place, Great Eastern Dining Rooms, was similarly packed out during the week – perhaps this was due to the location here, somewhere in Belsize Park (not near the station!)

Id say if you are looking just to have a good meal, not be rushed, and good service, then this is the place to go. However if you want the whole buzzy, rushed feeling – and some do!, then E&O is better for you. It definitely has the right atmosphere and good for star spotting but not sure the rushed service makes it worth it every time.

This was our first visit to a Ricker restaurant and the food was exactly how I was hoping it would be; well-presented, of a high quality and a real treat for the tastebuds. The restaurant is stylish (lots of dark wood and funky lighting), separated into two areas by a sleek bar. As it was quiet we opted to sit in the front by the bar, with a handful of other diners. The set lunch menu (£15 for starter, main, side, dessert and a drink) appeared to be popular and judging by the size of the portions, incredibly good vaule. However, as we were only looking for a light bite, we decided to order a la carte. The dim sum was lovely and the chilli salt squid tender and moreish. I chose the sushi and sashimi platter to follow and was treated to some of the freshest tuna and salmon I have had in a long time, the kind that melts in the mouth. I'm not a huge fan of ginger but it was also very fresh; sweet and clean without being too overpowering. The home-made pineapple sorbet was a great finish to a very nice meal. The wine list is extensive, the cocktails well-made and the service was friendly and attentive. Although the a la carte prices are a little steep, I would certainly come back to try the lunch deal.