Lyles (Shoreditch): Restaurant Review

​Top 50 Best Restaurant in the World

The list for the Worlds Top 50 restaurants was recently released and I used my anniversary as an excuse to visit the second highest ranked UK restaurant, Lyles. We opted for a lunchtime visit and was lucky to get a booking with almost all tables booked.  

Lyles, based in Shoreditch opposite Boxpark next door to Dirty Burger, serves seasonal British food to busy guests at lunchtime and dinner.

The menu isn’t the biggest, which is ideal if you ever suffer from FOMO! Our very friendly and knowledgeable waiter recommended two to three dishes each plus a main to share. We were hungry but not starving, so we went for a modest three dishes to share as starters; Guinea Fowl, Pork Terrine, Saddleback Collar, and then the Dexter Onglet for our main course

Lyles London: Dexter Onglet

Our very meaty/piggy/birdy starters were delicious.
​
The 'Guinea Fowl' was the star of the starters with a  sauce of herbs and garlic coating the meat really well and added an extra layer to this meaty treat.

​I wasn’t sure what to expect with the 'Saddleback Collar' and initially my mind wandered to a rib joint or slab of meat. I was pleasantly surprised to see strips of meat, akin to jamon on the plate in front of us (below). This dish had a very smokey flavour; not too salty, but still very moreish all the same.

Lyles London: Saddleback Collar

The 'Pork Terrine' ​ was what you would expect and some more. The flavours and textures were much bolder than any other terrine I have had before. This made it more gamey, and therefore richer in flavour.
​

We ended our anniversary lunch with 'Gooseberry & Oat Fool and a Raspberry Tart'. The 'Fool' was recommended which was like a crumble with lovely ice cream. The different textures and sweetness made this a real pleasure and surprise making the tart a bit more special.

Lyles London: Gooseberry & Oat Fool

Raspberry Tart

Special occasions = special food

With the changing menu and fair price point, it does make Lyle’s a very recommendable place for a relaxed vibe with superb service and food. 

The highest ranked London restaurant at present is the 'Clove Club'; which is included in my blogs from last year.

The contrast between Lyles and Clove Club couldn’t be more obvious. From the decor to the food, the service and to be frank the price too. Lyle’s was quite affordable and makes me like the place that much more.