Written in collaboration with TwoStomachs.com
What is the food like?
Unique homely modern European. The cooking and flavouring are spot on at Rochelle Canteen. Dishes are made from fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection and created thoughtfully. They are presented in a homely rustic manner. No fancy edible flowers or symmetrical food arrangement. Relax and tuck-in.
How is the drinks selection?
Effective. A well selected list of 14 red wines and 15 whites. Mostly French with a couple of Spanish and Greek infiltrates. Prices range from £25 to £90. A small selection of aperitif, beers, juices and digestif are also available.
What is the place like?
Relaxed rustic. There are two parts to Rochelle Canteen which have quite different vibes. Indoor, it is a clean line, white wall space, almost Danish like with a gorgeous high A-frame ceiling. Outdoor, it is a covered rustic garden with weathered wooden tables, festoon lights and enamel water jugs. It sits within a converted school which is now an office complex.
Who are the patrons?
Trendy people of Shoreditch. Groups of friends catching-up on their latest undertakings and sharing jokes. No suits and ties in sight. A decent place to enjoy some sunshine in the capital.
How was the service?
Friendly. Servers were confident, knowledgeable about the menu and cordial. Service was prompt and efficient.
Is it child friendly?
Yes. Plenty of space for pram and there is even a small garden to run about to release some energy if required.
Is it dog friendly?
Yes. There were a few other doggies on our visit at this dog friendly restaurant. Though they weren’t offered any water.
Good value?
Yes. There aren’t many good restaurants in London where you can still get a starter for £10 and a main for £20 for dinner. The restaurant charges a discretionary 12.5% service charge.
See below for what my dining companions and I indulged in for this review in June 2022 (prices quoted include VAT):
Wine
2019 Naoussa Dalamara (Recommend)
A light ruby coloured red made from Xinomavro grapes. Light on the nose with faint hint of cherry and oak. Dry with strong tannin on the palate. An easy drinking red. £59
2019 St. John Mâcon Burgundy (Recommend)
One of the few house-wine of Michelin-star St. John restaurant produced in partnership with French vineyards. It was refreshing to have this pinot noir chilled. Fragrant of raspberry. Medium bodied, very dry and fruity. £42
Starters
Brown shrimp & chervil on toast (Recommend)
A decent but not outstanding dish. Refreshing uncommon combination of toppings on a toast. Raw sweetness from the shrimps accentuated by the saltiness of the salmon fish roe. £9
Onion soup (Strongly recommend)
One of the best onion soup we have ever had. Wholesome and packed with croutons and melty cheese. Was initially disappointed with the small bowl, but it was perfect given how rich and indulgent it was. £9.50
Cuttlefish, rice & aioli (Strongly recommend)
A depth of flavours. Slices of smoky tender grilled cuttlefish served over rich caramelised cuttlefish ink rice topped with a wholesome aioli. Beautiful balance of richness from the stock & ink, sweetness from the cuttlefish and lightness of the aioli. £12.50
Tomatoes, anchovy & mozzarella (Recommend)
Simple but delicious. The ever humble creamy mozzarella paired with umami salty anchovies and refreshing sharp sour tomatoes. A classic combination. £9
Cured beef, horseradish & pickles (Recommend)
Loving the offer of this dish as a starter rather than as sandwich filling. Beef was sweet and tasty and can’t go wrong with the classic pairing with horseradish and pickles. £10.50
Mains
Roast chicken, chips & gribiche (Recommend)
A generous but ordinary portion of two chunky chicken breasts with roasted potatoes (they ran out of chips). Also, not sure where the gribiche sauce went. The chicken was well cooked, but might have been better with a mixed of thigh and breast. £22.50
Sweetbreads, borlotti beans & bacon (Strongly recommend)
The star of the evening. Rich flavours of the gorgeously charred sweetbread worked well with the carby brown borlotti beans and fresh green pea. We could not see any physical pieces of bacon but could certainly taste it in the indulgent rich sauce. £21.50
Salt Dexter beef, beetroot & caper sauce (Strongly recommend)
Deliciously succulent and juicy salt beef. Falling apart as you bite into it. Loved the pairing with earthy beetroot and mustardy caper sauce which broad all the flavours nicely together. £20
Dessert
Crème brulée (Recommend)
A decent crème brulée. Good crunchy caramelised sugar top and creamy rich custard but failed to stand-out among tough competition. £8.50
Steamed marmalade sponge & custard (Strongly recommend)
Marvellous dessert. Sweet sharp marmalade with real pieces of oranges. Its flavour and texture worked brilliantly with the fluffy sponge cake and vanilla infused custard. £8
White chocolate chip cookie & ice cream sandwich (Strongly recommend)
A match made in heaven. Doughy white chocolate chip cookie with creamy rich vanilla ice cream. Somethings are just meant to go together. £9
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