Union Street Cafe is a Gordon Ramsey restaurants located on Great Suffolk Street, just a few minutes walk from Waterloo Station. This former warehouse has been converted into a fun Italian restaurant offering authentic Italian dishes. The interiors are inspired by the luxuries found in Northern Italy. We loved the large industrial ventilation shafts and no-tablecloth approach to the layout. It’s a large open-plan restaurant split over a couple of levels, with some private dining spaces as an option too. The service throughout is friendly and charmingly Italian, and the food doesn’t disappoint either, Union Street Cafe is a fine addition to SE1.
We decided to begin with a couple of pre-dinner cocktails, I opted for the aptly named ‘The True Aperitif’, mixed with a blend of Vermouths, Cocchi Americano, Nardini Rosso and Noilly Prat Dry with Orange and Grapefruit Bitters, a super cocktail, very lively on the palate with a pleasant aftertaste. My partner sampled the ‘Union Spritz’, this was essentially an Aperol Spritz, but with the addition of Bombay Gin and Elderflower Liqueur, which actually improved on the classic very well.
“Union Street Cafe is a fine addition to SE1.”
We began by ordering the Gnocchi, with Deer Ragu, Red Cabbage and Parmesan. Gnocchi is a classic Italian dish, and it didn’t disappoint. My partner ordered the Spaghetti with Octopus, which was served with Turnip Tops and Taggiasca Olives. Another well executed, authentic Italian dish. The Octopus was delicious, and judging these dishes we couldn’t wait to explore the rest of the menu.
Moving on to our main course we ordered the Ox Cheek with Radicchio, Blackberries and Pregiato Truffle. The presentation of this dish was outstanding, and we especially liked the upright placement of the Radicchio. It’s little touches like this that improve the dining experience and leave a lasting impression. My partner ordered the Pork Fillet with Guanciale, Barley, Pecorino and Chanterelle. The Pork was tender and prepared well, and the Chanterelle complemented the dish perfectly.
We ended the evening with desserts, I ordered the Sicilian Cannolo with Candied Orange and Pistachio Ice Cream. My partner opted for the Anise and Pear Tart with Lemon Frangipane and Fennel Ice Cream, a wonderful end to our evening.
We enjoyed a bottle of 2014, Chianti Classico, Castellare Tuscany, Italy. This ruby red wine has some wonderfully integrated aromas and spicy notes, it accompanied our food perfectly.
Union Street Cafe is a fine example of an Italian restaurant, even the most critical lovers of Italian cuisine will leave satisfied.
The Bill: £47 per head
