SquareMeal Review
Bronze Award
Discreetly housed on a side street by Monument station, MBER is a cool, subterranean space of charcoal-coloured metal, warm wood and candlelight, with plush sofas and a clubby soundtrack to keep things from getting too clinical. The look and name is inspired by the fact that this is where the Great Fire of London started, while the menu is Pan-Asian. Based on our experience, we’d recommend ordering a cross-section of small plates and larger dishes. We kicked things off with a sticky, slow-roasted pork belly bao bun, topped with a smattering of peanut crumbs, but this strong start was soon eclipsed by MBER's signature Wagyu beef and foie gras burger. Although rich and served between slippery avocado sections (replacing a traditional bun), it was an explosion of flavours and contrasting textures. A sweet end came via a creamy and smooth peanut butter parfait. The bar comes into play with MBER's in-house signature cocktails, while the wine list boasts over 120 varieties from across the world. Waiting times between courses can be a little too long, but with a buzzing atmosphere, cheery staff and three private dining rooms to boot, MBER is worth getting hot and bothered over.