Eelbrook (Restaurant)

The Top 10 things to know about Eelbrook restaurant:

1) What do you get if you cross a parkside location, a head chef trained in some of Europe’s most lauded kitchens (Fävikan, Arbutus, Mark Hix) and an interior designed by the man behind both Hakkasan and Wagamama? Eelbrook. The restaurant South London has been waiting for, that’s what.

2) The vibe here is what’s commonly called ‘casual fine dining’. That means linen napkins but no tablecloths, a focus on quality ingredients and a fairly eclectic mix of dishes.

3) European classics like ricotta gnudi and beef tartare sit alongside dishes of North African inspiration like crab brik and preserved lemon, and spiced poussin with fattoush. It’s an interesting array, but one that only happens on the menu, never on the plate. “Eclectic” we said, not “fusion”.

4) Bring your mum here, she'll love it. So will dad, and grandpa. Book a table with that person you've been dating; take it to the next level with. And bring your boss. Not all at once of course. They'll be putty in your hands afterwards.

5) Table size is a finely balanced art. Here they’re small enough for intimacy but big enough to fit plenty of plates on - so go ahead and order that extra starter.

6) The wine list is brief, this is A Good Thing. Go for the Château Léoube Rosé. Crisp and chilled, it’s perfect for sipping on the outdoor terrace. Yes, that’s ‘outdoor terrace’!

7) Don't like fish, you say? Let me introduce you to Mr Smoked Eel. Or as we call him, the bacon of the sea. Little slabs of the restaurant’s eponymous fish come on crisp toasts with horseradish cream. Eat, drool, thank us later.

8) Waitressing isn't an odd job to do whilst waiting for your big break, it’s a career to be proud of and the staff here damn well know it. They're unfailingly friendly, engaging and clearly in love with working here.

9) Once you've tasted tomato salad made with bull’s heart tomatoes imported fresh from Italy you'll weep that you ever bothered with anything else. Add a few wafer thin slices of pickled shallot and you have the perfect side dish.

10) It’s considered poor form to deliver a 100% positive review, so…. um…. the lobby outside the toilets is a teeny bit dark. There....read more