Bistro1, Soho London

Under the broad, yet auspicious description of “Mediterranean influenced”, the owners of Bistro1 have developed a small chain of restaurants that are known for providing real value for money.

The first restaurant was in Brewer Street, Soho, and subsequent plots have been opened in Frith Street, Beak Street, and Southampton Street – all in London’s West End.

Going back nearly a decade when I worked in Golden Square for this mad, fiery Irish woman otherwise known as my Managing Director, I and the rest of the team were regularly treated to lunch or dinner as some form of team bonding exercis.  And its with good reason why Bistro1 was the chosen venue; very simple dishes that are cooked well, friendly hosts and usually a cracking atmosphere, all at a ridiculous budget;  back then it was around £6 for three courses or £5 for two.  Nowadays, it’s still a recession friendly busting £11 for a three course dinner and £8 for a three course lunch.  Bargain!

Bistro1 on Frith Street London

So what’s the food like?  Well as you’d expect, you’re not going to get fine dining at this price and I’d also suggest that any half competent cook can knock up the majority of the menu within 30 minutes;  Grilled chicken kebabs on a bed of rice isn’t particularly complicated and when served with a side of uninspired salad, you know exactly how stretched that food budget is.  However, the rice is moist and well seasoned and the kebabs are tender and citrussy.  I’m also a big fan of the sea bream on mash;  fish is firm, flaky and juicy and added to the creamy mash, delivers a main that slips down your throat a little too easily.  Definitely a recommendation from me UNLIKE the fish and chips which I’d say look suspiciously pre-cooked and packaged from Captain Birdseye’s knock-off brother.  Burnt batter and ‘chips’ that have been fried more than once does not make a meal.

Other standouts include the mixed meze which is a bit too substantial for a starter for one, but delivers on taste and freshness;  The grilled sardines make up for the insipid salad by their fishy oily goodness whilst the deep fried camembert is as it is and served with cranberry jam.  It’s a tasty starter but me and deep fried cheese go hand in hand.

The desserts on selection aren’t a particularly inspiring selection with tarte tatin (apples were a bit sour and overcooked);  creme caramel (firm, eggy, sweet and comparable to the many Rosattas I’ve had in Croatia);  Banoffee pie (store bought but it was nice and light).  The third course seems like an afterthought and would benefit from a bit more attention.

I’m not a drinker but the wines were quite cheap at under £3 for a glass and I’ve been told that they were inoffensive.

Also a big recommendation for their Turkish coffee, especially if you’re readying yourself for a full on night out.  I find espresso to be too bitter for my taste buds but Turkish coffee provides that caffeine kick and a smoother taste.  The grounded coffee residue at the bottom of the cup is traditionally left alone I’m told.

A quick mention goes to the atmosphere: The owner’s ability to cram as much seating space into their restaurants as possible, added to low lights, loud music and cheap wine means that the evenings can be lively and lends itself well to its Mediterranean theme, and that’s a good thing when you’re dining out with a group of friends.

They generally get good reviews from online forums and as long as price is considered when setting expectations then I think the reviews are deserved. Bistro1 gets a thumbs up from me because its price range, locality to the West End, and sheer quantity of choice means that it can always be relied upon;  Whether you’re meeting up with bunch of friends for a night out, a quick business lunch or gathering sustenance for a shopping frenzy I really don’t think you can go much wrong here.

I recommend calling up for a reservation for evening dinners, and they can be contacted below:

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Tagged as: Bistro1; Greek; Mediterrannean; Meze;