Pied a Terre | London

Pied a Terre has been on my to lunch list for the longest time. Finally, we managed to finally go there for what is known as one of the best value lunch in London. Since we had to take a day off work to run some errands, we thought we might as well use it to the fullest. 

We were greeted with big smiles and warm welcome as we entered. They even asked which area we would like to sit since there were 2 different rooms. We of course sat at the more cosy part, the one without a group of suits at their business lunch meeting. 

The meal started off with some canapes of crispy croquettes and a spoonful of tuna tartare. The tuna was so fresh and melted in the mouth. 

Then came the starter of pickled cornish mackerel with golden cauliflower, heritage carrots, watercress and smoked eel which I really liked. This was the preferred starter to the below sweetbread P had. It was not because I am much more of a fish person but I enjoyed the many different flavours and cooking method of the fish, all well executed.

Salad of veal sweetbreads with mushroom vinaigrette, green beans, baby artichokes and summer truffle was nice and earthy.

Pan fried fillet of cod with lightly poached prawns, rock samphire, sea purslane and tarragon nage was very well cooked and moist. It was an elegant dish.

The lamb was pink and tender, served with shaved fennel, confit garlic, pineapple tomato, and dill puree. The potato pillows were there to give it some visual and crunch effect. A pretty dish in general but lacking in potential flavours from a lamb dish.

Olive oil and lime parfait with crunchy meringue, whipped creme fraiche and macerated cherries was a perfect summer dessert. It was light and refreshing yet not too sweet.

Petit fours

Enjoying the last bits of the meal

Though simple, this was the best doughnuts I have ever had. It was soft and fluffy, light as ever coated with ground cinnamon and sugar. 

Smile..

For what it is, it is of really good value and worth visiting for lunch. The service was friendly and attentive. Food was good though I was expecting more 'blow my mind' flavours since it used to be a 2 michelin star restaurant, now 1. 

Frown..

They only serve lunch menu on weekdays. Would have been good to be able to order lunch menu on a Saturday as well.

Will I return?

Yes of course. Perhaps a la carte or tasting menu the next time. 

Pied a Terre

34 Charlotte Street
W1T 2NH London,UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7636 1178