Looking for a late Saturday lunch in Soho, we were headed for Barrafina. After finding seats at the bar, we were told they were closed until dinner service. A bit bummed, we left but realized Ceviche was just across the street. It has been on my list to try since it opened. So, we were off…
The hostesses who greeted us were friendly and pleasant. Given an option, we opted for seats at the bar though the dining room atmosphere was quite inviting. It was the right choice because the bar staff was excellent and it was interesting to watch one of the chefs preparing dishes in the bar area and the bartenders work away preparing the signature drinks. We also were able to feel the breeze from the windows along the front that open which is a bonus with the nice London weather we have been having.
My other half enjoyed Cusqueña Peruvian beer (£3.75) and I had Pisco Sours (£5.50). Pisco is a type of Peruvian brandy which is mixed with lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white and Amargo Chuncho bitters . Though Ceviche would probably cringe to hear this, it taste similar to a margarita…but even better!
The Bar at Ceviche
We ordered several dishes to share as you do in Ceviche. We started with black Botija Olives from Peru (£3) and were served other interesting dishes such as Causa Mar, Sakura Maru, Grilled Skewered Paiche fish, and a salad of palm hearts and feta. I have included the menu descriptions below as I am not sure my recollections would do them justice otherwise.
Causa Mar (£6)
Prawns and avocado on a smooth cool Peruvian potato cake
Sakura Maru (£7)
Tiradito of thinly sliced salmon in Nikkei tiger’s milk made with satsumas, mirin, soy sauce and limo chilli
Paiche Amazon Fish (£10)
Marinated in amarillo chilli, with sweet potato salad and alfalfa sprouts
Solterón (£6)
Palm hearts, spinach, alfalfa, feta, Peruvian Botija olives and a light lime dressing
Dish Details:
The salmon itself as well as the accompanying sauce was especially delicious and quite possibly my favourite of the dishes. The Causa Mar, with a surprising twist being served cold since the base was potato, was a good mix of textures and flavours. Though I enjoyed the Solteron salad, I probably would opt for something else next time as it was not as exciting as the other dishes. The paiche was nicely cooked but the dipping sauce was the star of the dish. It is obvious great care is taken in the combinations and making sure each dish is satisfying in colour and taste.
All in all, I loved the experience with the small plates of complementary and varying flavours and colours. We nearly finished all of the food ordered but were just a bit too full for dessert unfortunately. The guys next to us who ordered desserts and coffees were plenty happy with their selection.
Fusion Mixers
Whilst there do not miss the cocktails made with the fusion mixers made in-house and kept in large jars at Ceviche.
The verdict is that we will definitely return. Oh actually we did…even before I could write the post. This is a feel-good place that you will want to return to again and again. It would be a great place to meet a friend for dinner or drinks or a good date spot.
My pictures unfortunately did not turn out well but after contacting Ceviche, they agreed I could use some from their website taken by Paul Winch Furness. Thank you.
Ceviche
17 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4RG
020 7292 2040
££
Monday to Saturday: 12pm till 11:30pm
Sunday: 12 noon til 10:15pm
http://cevicheuk.com/
Tagged: Alfresco Dining, Ceviche, Cocktails, Dining, Fresh, Peruvian, Restaurant Review
