Reviews

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2010

This long serving ModEuro outpost (founded 1994) occupies the ground floor of the Delfina Studio Trust, and its artistic connections are apparent in the paintings on the wall. These add colour to the bright white of the décor, and make the large space - originally a factory - lovely in daytime, Even without the visual appeal, Delfina would be worth visiting. Our Summer lunch was a sensation from beginning to end; the only thing lacking was privacy in which to lick the plates. The fortnightly changing, well priced menu celebrates the seasons in its use of both fruit and vegetables. Asparagus featured in a wonderful salad with poached duck egg and hollandaise. Deep fried courgette flowers were stuffed with creamy brandade. New season leeks made a splendid soup with potatoes. Strawberries came three ways - soup, sorbet, parfait - in a light but thrilling dessert. Out one main course, succulently braised belly of pork with beetroot, new-season turnips, baby fennel and spring vegetables, continued the artful deployment of seasonal produce. All was cooked precisely, all ingredients of the highest quality. Service was smiling and attentive, and the short, imaginatively assembled wine list has plenty under and around £20. Our meal was a complete pleasure even if we couldn't lick our plates!

The Good Food Guide 2010

"More of less around the corner from London Bridge station, Delfina is a converted chocolate factory, a big open, daylight filled venue with an expansive exhibition space at the back. Mainly a lunch venue (plus Friday nights), it has always offered up-to-the-minute fusion cooking that is built of quality ingredients and influences drawn from all around the Mediterranean and beyond. Chilli crusted Coley with a sweet potato blini, pak choi and confit tomatoes may be hard to place culturally, but it packs a punch of flavour whatever, while a lentil curry full of cumin and coriander might be garnished with halloumi. Prior to that, you might have started with a char-grilled quail with courgette and a fig and chestnut pannacotta. Meals end aromatically with pistachio macaroons, served with lavender cream and rosewater syrup. A short international wine list starts at £18.60"

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