Legare

an evening at Legare on the recommendation of a friend turned out to be exceptional. The ambience was quaint and beautiful. Jay....the owner couldn't have been any more helpful and outstanding in any way. From wine recommendation to dishes he got it completely right. He really knew his stuff with passion. As 3 of us were also vegetarians he also went out of his way to cater for our palettes. The quality of the food was way above standard   Value for money totally. I'd go there again and again! 

Hidden in Shad Thames, a stones throw away from Tower Bridge in a delightful hidden part of London I came across this lovely restaurant. No gimmicks. Just great food and good service. Actually the food was AMAZING. 

The starters hit the spot, absoultely lovely. For main I had the Stracci with crab, chilli, garlic, saffron and pangrattato. WOW! What a absolute delight, my taste buds went on a fantastic journey. The homemade Peach ice Cream? OMG. I love ice cream and this was quite possibly the best PEACH flavored Ice Cream/Sorbet I have ever had. 

This was a great find and next time I am in the area, I WILL be eating here again. Lovely service, lovely restaurant with GREAT FOOD. Make sure you try this place when visiting London.  

One of my hobbies is to check out new London openings, especially in the areas surprisingly bereft of good eateries, like Tower Bridge. This is one of the best new London openings I have tried in quite a while; pretty impressive on day 4 of formal opening, and it was full house too. Housed in a former 19th century spice warehouse, this is a very cosy space full of hygge, and semi-opened kitchen, that is fun to watch. Warm, genuine service, with Jay (I understand owner/manager) on hand with good suggestions, and Martha especially, made my pre-theatre dinner such fun. They all, including the chefs, looked like they wanted to be there and were having fun, not taking themselves too seriously, with healthy doze of humour, unlike some other newbies on the block, especially in Fitzrovia (see my review of another new Italian eatery). Best still, it is only some 2min walk from the iconic bridge, and the fab Bridge Theatre. As to the food, small menu, but still plenty to find for a pescaterian, I opted for mackerel crudo (who would have thought that, as done here in Legare, it could give seabass run for its money!) Not fishy at all, melt in one's mouth, perfect when accompanied by citrus and fennel salad, beautifully seasoned with herb mix, green olives, roasted pistachio. I also tried the freshest gem lettuce with pangrattata, blue cheese "sauce" and marinated shallots. Perfection on a plate, super simple, but oh so tasty. Tiny criticism, attributable to newness no doubt: Jay offered me water "on the house" upon arrival, but it actually came charged at £1 on the bill, no big deal, but serving staff all just need to align. Plus, it would be great if the staff could refill diners' glasses, it's such a small gesture but means a lot, especially if they are just standing around. But that is really just so minor, and the overall experience so positive, that I already cannot wait to try it again with friends. The oatmilk macchiatto coffee was excellent. I am only hoping the wine list expands a little, especially by the glass. Bravissimi!

One of my hobbies is to check out new London openings, especially in the areas surprisingly bereft of good eateries, like Tower Bridge. This is one of the best new London openings I have tried in quite a while; pretty impressive on day 4 of formal opening, and it was full house too. Housed in a former 19th century spice warehouse, this is a very cosy space full of hygge, and semi-opened kitchen, that is fun to watch. Warm, genuine service, with Jay (I understand owner/manager) on hand with good suggestions, and Martha especially, made my pre-theatre dinner such fun. They all, including the chefs, looked like they wanted to be there and were having fun, not taking themselves too seriously, with healthy doze of humour, unlike some other newbies on the block, especially in Fitzrovia (see my review of another new Italian eatery). Best still, it is only some 2min walk from the iconic bridge, and the fab Bridge Theatre. As to the food, small menu, but still plenty to find for a pescaterian, I opted for mackerel crudo (who would have thought that, as done here in Legare, it could give seabass run for its money!) Not fishy at all, melt in one's mouth, perfect when accompanied by citrus and fennel salad, beautifully seasoned with herb mix, green olives, roasted pistachio. I also tried the freshest gem lettuce with pangrattata, blue cheese "sauce" and marinated shallots. Perfection on a plate, super simple, but oh so tasty. Tiny criticism, attributable to newness no doubt: Jay offered me water "on the house" upon arrival, but it actually came charged at £1 on the bill, no big deal, but serving staff all just need to align. Plus, it would be great if the staff could refill diners' glasses, it's such a small gesture but means a lot, especially if they are just standing around. But that is really just so minor, and the overall experience so positive, that I already cannot wait to try it again with friends. The oatmilk macchiatto coffee was excellent. I am only hoping the wine list expands a little, especially by the glass. Bravissimi!