Located on the unlikely Frith Street in the heart of bustling Soho, you will find this Michelin starred gem of a place, Arbutus. The restaurant serves a unique and wonderfully hearty menu based on Modern European, French influence, in which the dishes constantly change according to season where the food produce bought depends on what is available at the present time. The unpredictability of the changing menu definitely makes it much more of an interesting place to dine at.

The current set menu is fitting and complementary with the summer season with a choice of chilled soup of organic market vegetables or Scottish salmon salad, caillette of pork, potato pur or risotto of smoked eel. Their meat dishes from both the set menu and the à la carte tend to be consistently good, succulent and well made, they are highly recommended. Their dauphinoise potatoes as a side dish are deliciously creamy and rich, though very much artery clotting food, they are very tasty, especially as a compliment to a red meat dish.

For dessert, there is a soothing strawberry sorbet or Fougerus (belongs to the Brie family of cheeses) however, if you crave for a heavier, more filling dessert, the crème brûlée from the à la carte menu is delicious.

Adding to the delicious food is the uncomplicated and unassuming décor, with simple wooden furniture and muted dark brown and cream tones throughout. The atmosphere exuded is comfortable and relaxed in which one can enjoy their food without the pretence of an overly styled interior. The staff are also very helpful and cheerful, demonstrating genuine interest and knowledge on the food and drink, which is an attractive and important quality for restaurants to have.

Arbutus is a breath of fresh air for high-end restaurants offering a 3 course lunch menu at competitive prices at £15.50, all week, and a £17.50 pre and post theatre deal from Monday to Saturday. Arbutus might possibly be one of the least expensive, and least pretentious, of the Michelin starred restaurants in the UK!

It is always advisable to make reservations, as even having opened its doors since May 2006, it remains a popular dining spot. If you happen to be dining alone, or with one other person, ask for the high seats by the bar area as it is generally quieter and more relaxed, plus, you get your drinks served faster!

By Aline Davies

Friday, 21 August 2009

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