Delfina Studio Cafe

We visited this restaurant on Friday night off the back of reading the latest hardens book that gave a glowing review. We have lived in the area for some time and often frequent the local restaurants on Bermondsey Street however we hadn't realised Delfina. Most probably because it doesn’t look all that much like a restaurant from the outside and secondly because it is only open for dinner on a Friday evening.

Entering the restaurant is an experience in itself. I had been slightly worried that the setting may be very stark and not intimate enough for an evening meal, this was not the case at all; it was an amazingly vast space, sympathetically lit with table’s well spaced apart making for a quirky and thoroughly agreeable dinner setting.

We enjoyed Pigeon and Risotto of Pancetta, Lettuce & Fig to start (both exemplary). Followed by Wild Bore Stew and Lamb Shank (very good) for desert the Cheese Board and what can only be described as a de-constructed take on Banoffee Pie; banana panna cotta with a coffee mouse and a type of caramel brittle. The Cheese, two types which we were told change daily were extremely good. And the desert was a real masterpiece. Wine list wasn’t massive which may be a downside for some however we managed to pick reasonable Chianti.

Service throughout was seamless and efficient.

If I were to grasp at straws and pass criticism on any part of the meal I would say the main courses are not the strong point, I am very adventurous but there wasn’t much grabbing me, unlike the starters and deserts. That said I think it also produces a plus side – picking things you wouldn’t normally. It was clear from the dishes on the menu and those we sampled from our selections that the chefs were both skilled and innovative in there cooking, offering something quite different to most restaurants. We paid under £100.00 including service for three courses with one bottle of wine, water, a glass of port and desert wine. In summery; excellent value for money in a restaurant that can truly rival the many greats in London.
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GP
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 05, 2007

Four of us visited this restaurant on Friday and had a superb meal. Risotto cakes to start followed by (complimentary sorbet!) perfectly cooked lamb. Really delicious food served in an unobtrusive and friendly manner. Bill came to £70 per couple including service. Fantastic value for money, just wish they were open for dinner more than once a week!
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SMOC
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, June 12, 2007

We went there for dinner on a friday. Food is excellent, well presented. The wine list is good value and very interesting. Service is good and very relaxed. Excellent Restaurant.
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Ludo
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Please open in the evenings mid-week and maybe even on Saturdays?

Food great, wine choice good, service excellent, atmosphere relaxed, decor sterile but in a decent way.

Well worth making the effort for lunch with clients or friends.
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Martin
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 15, 2007

I have been living in London for the past two years and have spent many an evening trying out some of the most highly recommended restaurants in London, taken from various sources and have had highs and lows of what I consider good quality of service. After having spent seven years in the hospitality industry I was under the impression that I had seen all that was on offer, taking into consideration quality versus cost, until tonight......the Delfina Studio Cafe can only be described as a hidden gem, set far enough away from the rat race of the city workers and the typical London tourists, yet close enough to transport links and other services not to be a hindrance, this unlikely studio come cafe has everything that you would expect from a top rated Michelin Restaurant at less than half the price.

The initial impression I got when I walked in, was that I could have been in the cafeteria of any artistic university. This may not sound like everybody’s cup of tea and certainly wouldn’t have been mine if I had just noticed it on passing, but after ten minutes of being there, the atmosphere seemed to change from what I originally expected and I noticed the room was showing off some very impressive art, ranging from photographic images of London, to obscure yet alluring random shapes and colors that promote conversation but aren’t intrusive on the surroundings. That, combined with the warm and professional welcome of the staff, helped to set the night off to a good start.

The tables are spaciously placed so that you don’t feel that you are on top of the next table yet the ambiance of the room gives a feeling of being cozy and intimate. The wine list is comprehensive and caters for even the most ardent of wine buffs, but even if you aren’t, the staff are more than willing to recommend a quality wine that will compliment your meal.

I have been told the menu changes every fortnight but I doubt that you would complain over the quality of what is on offer. I had a fantastic duck pastry complimented by an unlikely tomato and pomegranate salad base for starters that managed to get my taste buds watering for the main course. My wife had the lentil soup, which from previous experiences at other high class restaurants has tasted bland and can often feel like eating a mouthful of sand, yet this was creamy, tangy and very well presented.

Between the starters and the main course our waiter brought out a complimentary orange sorbet, which managed to clear the palette of any lingering flavors.

All I can say with out drawling, is that the main courses were divine, unusual in their combination, but well proportioned and fantastic value for money (most expensive was the venison steak at £14) and the desserts aren’t to be missed (highly recommended, if still on the menu are the lemon and rosemary crème caramel’s!).

Throughout the evening the staff were highly professional, knew their products, were on the spot when required and were non-intrusive, as can sometimes be the case.

All-in-all for a three course meal for two including a bottle of wine at £75 (total, including gratuity), I can’t think of a better restaurant I’d rather take anybody to. Make sure that you consider this restaurant next time you venture into the city as I am sure it will astound you.
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Pete Burgess - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, January 27, 2007

This has to be one of the best restaurants in London; I have recently moved into the nebourghood and can’t get enough of this place. Food and service are incredible and it is really good value.
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Claire Swift
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, August 17, 2006

I'd been reading about this place for nearly a year and tonight we finally made it. I've run in the door and straight to the laptop: this restaurant is a goldmine! What an amazing space...very light, open & airy but warm and not echoey, amazing art on the walls, a bit of dramatic lighting...very welcoming. The service was educated, but still warm and personal...some of the best I've had in London. The food...delicious. So fresh. So perfectly cooked. Red mullet with chorizo and carmelized carrots was the special of the evening...fantastic. The fish was crisp on the outside, tender and succulant on the inside. The chorizo and carrots were sweet and pungent next to the tender and tasty fish. Mister's beef was very tender if not over the top in flavor, but was served with a green tomato side which was the perfect compliment. (I'm ordering that next time!) He wasn't wild about his cherry and vanilla pancake terrine...nor was I. But by that point my tastebuds were having an out-of-body experience on Camambert ice cream. I was questioned by the waitress if I knew Camembert because some people find it too strong...I said bring it on! With the red wine biscotti it was amazing...like nothing I've ever experienced before. On it's own it was a bit overpowering. Mister thought it was the grossest thing he's ever had and wasn't shy about sharing those observations with me...but he's an ice cream addict, so it needs to be sweet for him. But for me, the cheese glutton, it was really fun. In short: we've found a new South Thames favorite and we can't wait to go back!!!
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CulinarilyCuriousCouple - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, May 05, 2006

we came on this resaurant by chance but were very glad to do so. very spacious relaxed atmosphere which fitted perfectly with the food. we were esspecially impressed with the fish main courses which were juicy and sweet and delicious. however we did have a few problems with the over complicated starters that combined flavors that were adventurois but just didnt go!!! i also has a reduced sauce which was very badly burnt so it tasted bitter but when we informed the waiting staff he was told to tell us that it was 'smoked' which i found rather insulting feeling that perhaps the chef shold taste it!!

otherwise very enjoyable
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jenny glazsher
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, April 21, 2006

This is an excellent lunch venue in a wonderfully airy and spacious room. Food always hits the mark and it is a great place to entertain business guests in the SE1 area. Strongly recommended.
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Charlie P - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Probably the best restaurant in SE1. It was very at lunch but 2 people serving managed to cope very well.

Menu is seasonal and full of flavours. My chicken was extremely well made and the desserts were spot on.

Prices are very reasonable considering the quality. Only open for lunch except Fridays.
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Dutch_Food - View all reviews by this user
Monday, November 21, 2005