Cantina Vinopolis Review

Book a table at Cantina Vinopolis

It’s not often that a restaurant is so fault-free that less than two weeks later, I’ve already booked a table with friends for a revisit. The 10-year-old Cantina Vinopolis has made it in to my list of personal favourites, which is actually a little bit annoying because I’m always suspicious of gushing reviews. Short of scraping the barrel for negative points such as, I don’t know, the boring grey hue of the floor tiles, here are 594 words reasoning why you should check it out for yourself, and I can assure you there’s been no bribery involved.

It has a prime location, next to the Thames, Bankside; easy to travel to; and as it’s just round the corner from Borough Market, a great place to grab a bite to eat after building an insatiable appetite perusing around the stalls.

It’s a pretty impressive looking building that looks like a gallery from the outside, with its grand glass façade decorated with colourful pop art designs. Inside, the main dining area has a completely different feel; housed within the immense bare bricked arches of a Victorian viaduct with just a few pictures of rolling hills dotted around reflecting the Mediterranean-inspired menu. The biggest wine rack I’ve ever seen drapes along the length of one wall, weighted down with the 500 worldly wines on offer; a selection that’d satisfy the fussiest connoisseur, ranging up to £375 for a bottle.

Tables fill the space without being crammed together, and at 7.30pm on the weekday when my friend and I dined, they were almost all taken up with young to middle-aged couples and fours, ranging from the smartly suited after workers to more casual trainer wearers, all looking pretty happy. The loved-up couple to our right were on their first visit after a friend had recommended the place to them; on our left another mid-twenties duo were chatting about the wine tasting session they’d just taken part in next door.

After five minutes of soaking up all these elements, coupled with scents of sesame oil wafting over from the open kitchen, and the gentle jazz playing in the background, I was in love; my friend was also won over. I just hoped that the food lived up to our expectations. A dodgy meal now would’ve been disastrous.

The set menu offered a good choice at the just £25 for three courses, but the A La Carte menu excited us more, and at doable prices that wouldn’t look out of place in a posh pub. My tuna carpaccio was spot on; lovely thick slices of fish, prettied up with the hard boiled quail eggs, while my friend’s squid and chorizo dish was worthy of a last supper.

Our mains of duck and grey mullet were similarly great. I’d forgotten that grey mullet, often referred to as the poor man’s sea bass, is a rather muddy tasting fish with not much going for it at all, so I was initially disappointed that I hadn’t gone for my first fish choice. However, the slightly sweet mushroom broth and perfect cooking meant it was actually very good; the sign of a great chef.

Instead of finishing off with our usual espresso we went through to the adjoining Bar Blue for a cocktail from the After Dinner selection, which with the livelier music mix of Lady Gaga, woke us up enough for the stroll home. My Bar Blue Martini complete with bright red chilli garnish, and my friend’s lemongrass adorned citrus drink, were award-worthy mixes.

I haven’t stopped raving about Cantina Vinopolis since our visit, hence the swift rebook with friends. It’s a foodie’s dream. All the characteristics of a high-end restaurant, without the measly portions, strict dress code and weighty, heart palpitation-inducing check at the end.

Popular for working lunches apparently, but I wouldn’t want to waste this place on corporate small talk; save it for a special occasion, group catch-up or to impress that date you’ve been trying to win over (yes people (me) can be that shallow). It fills up pretty quick though, so its one to book ahead.
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Gabrielle Sander 28 Apr 2010

Cantina Vinopolis Description

Cantina Vinopolis is to be found under the massive Victorian arches by the Thames at Bankside, Southwark. It's the public restaurant in the wine attraction "Vinopolis" - hence the name! Created by award winning (Michelin, Carlton, timeout etc) restaurateurs Claudio Pulze and Trevor Gulliver. To be found under the massive Victorian arches by the Thames at Bankside, Southwark. The food and service are paramount with a wonderful opportunity to select from a great wine list ranging from around the world. Our team will be delighted to answer any questions you may have regarding reservations, private events, group bookings, private wine tasting dinners etc.

Special Offers at Cantina Vinopolis

• Promotion menu - 2 courses £14.95 or 3 courses £19.95
• Free glass of house wine for all diners booked in for lunch on the 3 course promotion at £19.95

Customer Reviews for Cantina Vinopolis

Average (based on 1 votes): 1 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Cantina Vinopolis.

“I'd been wanting to try this place for ages, my husband finally took me last week as a birthday treat. Really nice place, loved the food, especially the puds. So impressed we're going take the inlaws there when they come visit soon.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Pauline, East London (3 years 22 days ago)

Cantina Vinopolis Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: European
• Average Price: £40.00
• Dress Code: Smart/Casual
• Group: Vinopolis