In a corner of Hackney fast becoming a haven for foodies, Lobster Bar has added yet another culinary jewel to the dining hotspot’s crown.
The speciality of this warehouse-chic restaurant, which launched in August, is obvious in the name – but its branding perhaps does a bit of a disservice to the magnificent range of other seafood treats on offer here.
After kicking off the evening with a crisp glass of Occhipinti from Sicily, which we were told would (and did) compliment the meal ahead perfectly, we started by trying the oysters.
They were as fresh as they come – not surprising given that they only had to travel from our own Essex shores – and came served with a lively chilli and cucumber vinaigrette.
I was slightly pessimistic about the chargrilled octopus leg which followed, but was pleasantly surprised with its smokey barbecue flavours and the tenderness of the meat.
The pan fried scallops were also impressive, served perfectly browned and on a bed of creamy cauliflower puree.
But the crab croquette was the stand out starter here. The golden crispy breadcrumbs of the fried outer layer gave way to gorgeously flakey meat inside, infused with chilli and spices and further brought alive – but not overpowered – by the hot sauce served on the side.
Onto the main event, and my partner and I both went for the signature dish of the restaurant. The dressed lobster slid away from the shell at the touch of our forks, with the indulgent garlicky butter sauce seeping into the already tender meat to make every mouthful a smooth, rich and flavoursome delight.
Fans of the crustaceans can enjoy it here in a variety of other forms – in a roll, in pasta or even on a muffin topped with hollandaise sauce for breakfast.
The truffle-infused fries served alongside our main course were also a treat in their own right - never has a chip tasted so good than with this added flavour, in my opinion.
Desserts of poached pear and chocolate souffle were also delicious, and rounded off an evening of top-notch food.
With its relaxed vibe and outstanding cuisine, it won’t be long before this restaurant garners the kind of London-wide reputation afforded to neighbours like Rawduck.
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