LOCATED just a stone’s throw away from Paddington Station lies one of London’s best-kept secrets – Smith’s Restaurant & Bar.
Centring itself around sustainable modern British cuisine, the contemporary dining venue offers an eclectic range of courses. Acting as an oasis of tranquillity in London’s bustling Little Venice quartier, the airy, chic restaurant features a year-round terrace so one can sip tasty cocktails whilst gazing upon the Grand Union Canal.
Interior of Smith’s Bar & Grill
Undeniable comfort meets quiet sophistication in the Paddington Basin eatery. Before we sit down for dinner, we are enthusiastically greeted by the staff, who go on to provide us with helpful insight into Smith’s expansive menu. Featuring a plethora of delightful dishes – such as steaks, fresh seafood and healthy light bites – the menu offers plates suitable for brunch through to dinner.
To start, we opt for the trio of tartare and the burrata – which prove to be brilliant choices. Consisting of tuna, salmon and seabass with ponzu dressing and chives, the trio of tartare is a beautifully succulent, fresh start to the meal. Meanwhile, the burrata – accompanied by pesto, basil and datterino tomatoes – is the perfect level of richness.
Trio Tartare
For those keen to visit Smith’s, the menu’s main options will not disappoint. In particular, the fresh handmade truffle tagliatelle is not to be missed. Full of flavour and fragrance, the pasta’s smooth texture makes it incredibly more-ish.
However, the restaurant’s grilled offerings are of a similar calibre. The Smith’s burger – made of Scottish beef, Gruyere cheese, bacon, red onion, pickles, Dijon mayo and served with chips – is a delicious, hearty dish, certain to please anyone’s palate.
Steak
After such delectable cuisine, we take a moment to absorb the restaurant’s eclectic interior, admiring the hanging foliage and flowers from the ceiling, before ordering a drink. Whilst sipping upon a refreshing mojito, it becomes evident that the bar staff truly know their way around a cocktail menu. Having allowed enough time to savour our mains, we then decided to sample Smith’s deconstructed tiramisu for dessert.
Modern, subversive and engaging, the restaurant’s tiramisu is delicately constructed at our table side by the dedicated staff team. Ideal for sharing between 2 or more people, the tiramisu goes down a treat.
For those seeking elevated yet cosy British cuisine, Smith’s is the place to go. Whether it’s to try one of its famous roast dinners or to indulge in bottomless brunch, the restaurant’s joyful atmosphere will leave visitors eager for more river-side culinary enjoyment.
by Sophie Richardson
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