Delfina Studio Cafe review by Pete Burgess
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.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
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