Almeida Restaurant, London N.1

If you like slightly avant-garde theatre, with an excellent restaurant of the same name just across the road, then try the Almeida in Islington, North London.

This area of town is not the smartest, but it is jumping, and Upper Road is a series of bars, restaurants, second-hand charity shops, several pubs with live jazz at the weekends, and above all lots and lots of people!

The restaurant has been consistently good over the years but was taken over in 2006 by two entrepeneurs called D and D, when they bought out all the Terence Conran restaurants in London, many of which were first class.  Since this takeover  I haven’t tried any of the others that I already knew, such as Orrery and Kensington Place, but judging by the meal I had recently at the Almeida restaurant, Messrs.  D. and D. are maintaining the high standards.

The dining room is large, light and airy, with a fantastic view into the glass fronted kitchen with its many stainless steel appliances and bustling chefs.  There is an extensive menu, with some distinctly different dishes, such as risotto with truffles and wild mushroom, venison stew and roast suckling pig.  The desserts were less exciting, but nevertheless of good quality and there was a comprehensive wine list, with plenty of wine by the glass too.  Service was attentive and efficient – with several French participants as well as various other nationalities.

The restaurant is particularly well-known for its pre-theatre dinners and they offer a good value Menu du Jour of 2 courses for £15.95 or  three for £18.95.  The regular menus, with a wider choice,  are £23.95 and £28.95 for 2 or 3 courses respectively.

Definitely a restaurant to put on your London list.