Jolene

French·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Jolene

Silver Award

From the outside, this new venture from the guys behind Primeur and Westerns Laundry looks like a candlelit private party – although appearances can be deceptive. Jolene is first and foremost a bakery but, come nightfall, it morphs into a restaurant with an ever-changing chalkboard of sharing dishes.

 

 

The simplicity of the Italian-leaning menu will be familiar to fans of the owners’ earlier ventures. Don't come here if you’re on a carbs-free regime, because their bread is as good as it gets; the sourdough almost chewy, slightly tangy and perfect with plates of jamón de Teruel or Tuscan salami so pretty it could pattern a dress.

 

Occasionally, simple veers into plain, as in a plate of romanesco with only a few almonds and raisins to add some interest, but almost everything else is stunning. Warm, rosemary flatbread slathered with herby oil is perfect with bowls of pasta made from home-milled flour – our buttercup-yellow ravioli filled with soft pumpkin and sage was unforgettable. Hefty mains such as an entire beef's cheek, bourguignon-style are designed for sharing, or you could go solo with a huge fillet of expertly cooked stone bass in a rich, satisfying retro butter sauce.   

 

As for the vibe, think Notting Hill minimalism meets Shoreditch warehouse with a Parisian jazz soundtrack and some cool customers (Nick Grimshaw was having a low-key dinner when we visited). Our advice: book ahead, arrive early and have fun watching the place fill up.

 

Photo Credit: Patricia Niven

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Under £30
Cuisines
French
Ambience
Cool, Cosy, Lively
Food Occasions
All day dining, Breakfast, Brunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating
Special Features
Counter dining
Perfect for
Child friendly, Dates, Romantic
Food Hygiene Rating

Location

21 Newington Green, London, N16 9PU

020 3887 2309 020 3887 2309

Website

Opening Times

Tues-Sat 9am-5pm (Thurs -11.30pm Fri-Sat -12M) Sun 10am-11.30pm

Reviews

Share your thoughts with other diners

Write a review

Book a table

Find a table

Sorry, you cannot spend SquareMeal vouchers here yet.

Other restaurants we like near Jolene

Chips n Dat
Hackney

Chips n Dat

Mr LoBo
Islington

Mr LoBo

The Vincent
Hackney

The Vincent

Check availability