Lardbutty restaurant of the month – 5/5
I only noticed Suze in Mayfair recently – next to Truc Vert, an old favourite, on North Audley Street. We went last night for a special occasion: to celebrate it being ten years since K and me got together. And everything was fabulous.
The table was booked for 8.30pm and the restaurant was packed when we arrived. The main ground floor restaurant was filled with a party who appeared to be enjoying a food and wine matching event with a host.
We were led upstairs to a small, cosy attic-like room containing about six tables for two. Service was friendly, prompt and attentive from the word go. Our waiter was happy to give his opinion and share his recommendations when asked, displaying a good knowledge – and fondness – of the food served (even though he didn’t work there but was just helping out a friend!? – yep, I guess it’s just that kind of place).
The menu changes regularly but this sample menu gives you an idea of what’s on offer, including Australasian specialities of – sometimes – kangaroo fillet and New Zealand lamb.
For starters, we shared squid (£5) and venison carpaccio (£5). K chose the venison, it’s not something I’d pick, but I was pleasantly surprised. Both were perfect.
Pie of the day – chicken
For mains, K had the pie of the day (£13.95) (chicken and vegetables) which was simply outstanding, while I had lamb fillet (£17.50). I asked for it to be medium cooked (rather than my usual: medium rare) as the waiter said the kitchen crew were likely to err on the side of under-cooking than over-cooking (top tip). Again, it was perfect – slightly bloody in the middle, very tender, with an outer crunch and served with two divine sauces that complemented the flavours (minted crème fraiche and spicy tomato).
New Zealand lamb fillet
We shared a cheese board @ £10.90. You can pick three cheeses, we chose stilton, yarg (a Cornish, semi-hard white cheese) and reblochon (brie-like, from Haute-Savoie), with premium ports @ £5.45 each (a generous glassful).
Including a bottle of Yalumba viognier and excluding tips, the total bill was £87.80, which seemed pretty reasonable for such good quality, well cooked and presented food.
So, you go out to celebrate and hope to have an exceptional evening. And it can be all too easy for those plans not to live up to your high expectations. There’s a certain pressure in the build up (as opposed to a serendipitous happening).
Suze in Mayfair fulfilled our expectations. And some.
We’ll definitely go back.
Restaurant info:
~ Lardbutty rating: 5 / 5
~ Type: Australasian, New Zealand (ish) slash British, international
~ Address: 41 North Audley Street, London
~ Postcode: W1K 6ZP
~ Tel: 020 7491 3237
~ Nearest tube: Bond Street
~ Website + menus: Suze in Mayfair website
~ Location: Suze in Mayfair map
View Larger Map
Filed under: Australasian, Best of..., International, New Zealand, Restaurants - Lardbutty Tagged: | 5 / 5, 5/5, Australasian, international cuisine, kangaroo fillet, Lardbutty, Lardbutty restaurant index, Lardbutty restaurant reviews, London, Mayfair, New Zealand, New Zealand lamb, North Audley Street, Suze in Mayfair, W1, W1K 6ZP
The chicken pie crust looks beautiful. And the lamb, wow. So placing this on my list of places to go.
The chicken pie was amazing. Enjoy – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I can’t wait to go again…
[...] *UPDATE* Nov 2011 This post supercedes Lardbutty’s previous entry on Enak Enak + upgrades the restaurant rating from 4.5/ 5 to **top rank 5/ 5** alongside Suze In Mayfair. [...]