Fika

Enter Fika and you will be so pleasantly surprised. It looks so discrete on the outside that it is missed by so many. When you enter, it has such clever design - a beautiful mirror on the left which has a chandelier dotted out and back lit - a very delicate and well thought through mirror. It came to our attention when the light was dimmed and everyone (4 other tables) in the restaurant gasped when the light shone through revealing the design. The remaining decor is foresty, fake grass here and there with deers, birds and trees featured on the walls. The restaurant is small and relaxing, the staff serve you well and make you feel at home. With such a straightforward menu and the smell of the food, your mouth waters. As my husband and I sat down to dine we saw others food being served and it looked so delicous that we couldn't wait to have our own fish on a plank. We decided to try the herring to start followed by Salmon planka. The oak that the plank cam on had such a scrumptious smell. Neither my husband nor i eat red meat, but judging from the salmon, I am sure that the remaining items (as well as their speciality, the steak) is as beautiful in flavour. The menu explained that we had just had a Fika! We sure reccommend this place!
Comment on this reader review

Jessica Parker
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, July 07, 2008

Sorry, but I BEG to differ.

There were only about 6 customers in total in this "restaurant" late one Monday night. We waited almost an hour to be served cold mashed potatoes alongside a

"my first fried egg attempt aged 6". One of the advertised "specials", the purpose of this burnt perforated egg was to hide underneath it a putrid pink soggy insult to WW2 rationed luncheon meat. Pre BSE by the way. I doubt this mechanically reclaimed number would even make it to the discount shelf at Lidls. It is the type of weapon you would use to get back at an ex lover by hiding it under their bed and knowing that even if they discovered it within the hour it would still have the same impact as if it had been there for a year.
View/Add comments (1)

Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, June 03, 2008

I'd just like to echo the other two reviews here, fika is a different and a great addition to dining in the Brick Lane area.

The salmon was very good, the (large) steak is also good although under seasoned in my case. A Scandinavian fellow diner couldn't resist the dime bar laden dessert which works if you grew up on them, the chocolate cake will keep the others happy. Nice, well priced wine list too.
Comment on this reader review

KevinW
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, June 02, 2008

For once I am moved to write a review because I really liked a place! Fika is lovely - gorgeous space with soft wood, quirky decor (I'm a sucker for reindeers drinking tea...) and just the right lighting. It's quite romantic with trees etched on the walls and candles, and tables not too close together.

My group shared herring and gravadlax starters, which were as good as anywhere I've tried in London but quite a lot cheaper. Then great big steak on a board which is apparently typically Swedish - can't comment on the authenticity but they were damn good. And again, you get a lot of steak for your money. Meatballs were good too; only criticism would be lack of green veg but I accept that no-one else I know looks to restaurants to help them get their 5 a day. There's also salmon but it had run out since it comes from Billingsgate rather than the deep freeze!

Definitely recommend this place if you want a lovely atmosphere and reasonably-priced food on Brick Lane but can't bear another curry - have herring instead!
Comment on this reader review

Harry - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 11, 2008

There are a selection of Scandinavian cuisines appearing in London but none are so well priced as the one on Brick Lane. The word Fika (which means to take a break) is a perfect name for the restaurant which provides a lovely space for socialising and sampling some traditional Swedish dishes such as gravad lax and meatballs.

At first glance you would think that it is expensive and a daring move from Brick Lane, however, upon tasting the food one quickly realises that the food served is top quality reasonably priced (almost value prices). The item on the menu which left us in awe was the planksteak. It is a delicious cut of sirloin presented on a wooden 'plank' which has an aroma of smoked wood (according to the menu the plank's made from oak wood) decorated with mashed potato along the edges. Beautiful presentation and very filling.

The restaurant has a personal touch and minimalist style with deers and birds dotted around on the walls creating a very relaxing environment. The service was very friendly and unpretentious.

The wine list is small (but those selected are tasty) and there is a lack of Swedish spirits. As they are newly opened, the waitress tells us that there are some plans of expanding the bar selection - we look forward to it.

All in all, it is a great place to catch up with friends and a perfect romantic place for a date!
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, January 25, 2008