Dakota (Bar)

Located just a few blocks over from Portobello, Dakota is a refreshing escape from the busy weekend market streets and the perfect place to have brunch. It offers indoor and outdoor seating and food as satisfying as any other typically greasy hangover breakfast in a fine setting.

Filled with everyone from couples resembling my grandparents, to parents with young girls in frilly socks and twenty-somethings puffing on fags and sipping cappuccinos, Dakota evokes a fresh feel that will jolt you awake on the cloudiest of Saturday mornings.

Inside, the restaurant is upbeat and bright but still comfy. Royal blue couch-like chairs line the walls and lime green and orange seats dot the rest of the upstairs. Blown up photographs on the walls figuring different scenes such as men smoking on the sidewalk under graffiti covered walls provide the place with some funk, while two walls of tethered logs standing at either end of the main room evoke a cabin feel.

The young, smartly dressed waiters were quick and attentive to the right degree that we were neither ignored nor rushed. However, I did overhear a guy beside us telling the waitress that he had ordered cappuccinos fifteen minutes ago!

Most importantly the food was excellent. Freshly squeezed juices (£2.50), smoothies and slushy or juicy cocktails (most for £5.50) will leave you rejuvenated and practically moaning with contentment. From there you can dive in to anything from a fruit plate, eggs, soup, salad, or crepes, to pasta, smoked haddock, salmon, steak, or marinated lambs leg, with prices ranging from £5 to £15.

The menu offers a lot of choice for vegetarians (about 1/3). Although none of us ate the Buttermilk pancakes, they looked downright delicious.

If you’re willing to make a reservation and fork out a few more pounds than you might at McDonalds, you’re in for a damn good meal and a pleasant brunch experience....read more