Four O Nine

Four O Nine stands like a lighthouse in the midst of the sea of gastro mediocrity which otherwise characterises the bar-heavy Clapham High Street. Unlike most lighthouses though, it is a bit tricky to find for the first time visitor. The Infernos shipwrecked don't usually stumble in here looking for a kebab, and that's part of its hidden location (find the buzzer, up the stairs, through the mini-roof garden) appeal. There's none of the pretension of a secret restaurant here though. It's all about appealingly rustic, reassuringly traditional-sounding, chunky dishes. One delicious, Albarino-filled glass too many may have impaired my ability to remember all the flavour nuances of my meal but I think it involved a rather pleasant foie gras pate-y thing with a lovely artichoke sauce and then a rabbit pie, which I definitely polished off, along with some crunchy carrot and spring green sides, followed by a chocolate cake with a surprisingly punchy lavender sorbet. The food here never disappoints but you do pay for that reliability: starters are around £8 and mains from £16 to £24ish, so not that cheap for this area, but it is worth it. Despite the many windows which overlook the High St it is quite dark and cosy inside; low lighting and flickering table candles enhance the clandestine mood. The atmosphere has been described as “flat” but I would say it's blissfully subdued and relaxed compared to the carnage outside, as the clientele are clearly here for good eating and drinking, rather than raucous scoffing and boozing. Service is, as befits the venue, professional but friendly. Four O Nine is the perfect place for dates or for an intimate evening with friends and quite frankly it's the best place for dinner around here. Steer your course away from this one only to head for that other beacon, Trinity, if you're looking for something a bit more formal.

Was a little disappointed with this, my friend lives on Landor road and recommended it – she was wrong, the food was slow and atmosphere a little flat for me.

We may have gone on a bad night but nothing special, could work but needed a bit more vigour and care. Could do better.

A typically wet British evening in July could have put a dampener on the evening when catching up with friends over dinner, but the cosy Four O Nine Restaurant by Clapham North tube put the spark back into the evening. Rain what rain!

We felt like we were going to a friends for dinner or, having not participated in dinner clubs, like we’d signed up to go for dinner at a foodies house where you get a bill at the end. The restaurant is located above the Clapham North pub & you have to ring the bell to gain access. We were welcomed by a friendly Front of House Manger & showed to our table. Our waitress was lovely & was very good at reading the table to top up wine, water etc whilst not hassling us so we could natter on.

I’d previously been to Jamie Oliver’s Feastival Event & having sampled Four O Nine’s Pomegranate roasted duck breast with bulgur wheat & almond herbed salad, apricot & mint jam dish I had high hopes & I was pleased to find the restaurant did not disappoint.

We went for the set menu or £24 for three course’s. I started with crab ravioli with beans. The dish was presented elegantly however both my friend & I, (who had the same), felt the ravioli lacked a little seasoning & the pasta could have been more al dente. My main was hake & that certainly impressed. The Buttery sauce was sure to block the arteries but the flavour dripping off the hake, crispy cabbage, which was almost seaweed like & samphire made me crave each mouthful &, had I been at home, wanted to lick the plate! We finished the meal with chocolate brownie & ice cream – three very clean plates left behind!

We paid £45 per head – £24 three course set menu, (with one side which are all £3.50) & the rest was on wine & service. I didn’t see the wine list but looking online it looks reasonable.

Overall, the food is tasty, the staff friendly, the room cosy so ideal for a guaranteed good night out.

Fantastic. previously service was a bit random, however on our last visit this had been overcome.