4 /5 Yee Au: Firstly, I like to point out that the photos that I have uploaded with this review do not do any justice to the quality of the food. I was using a 6-year-old mobile whilst my usual go-to Pixel is being repaired!
We happened to be in Walthamstow Village when a spontaneous craving for a quick meal struck. "The Kitchen," the first restaurant we passed, didnt seem too busy (early Saturday evening, thankfully, as Id heard this popular spot gets packed). Grateful for their hospitality, they squeezed us in despite our lack of booking.
The Kitchen itself is petite and beautifully decorated, exuding a cosy vibe. The staff were friendly and polite, tentative but not in-your-face.
Short on time and mindful of our impromptu arrival, we opted for mains only. Their menu offered a tempting selection of small plates, burgers, and larger dishes, complemented by a well-stocked wine and cocktail selection.
We ordered the Lasagna, Creamy Risotto and Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
The Lasagna was a triumph. Perfectly al dente sheets embracing a rich, meaty ragu, all blessed with a gloriously crisp crust. No sogginess here – just well-balanced perfection. The accompanying rocket and lettuce salad, dressed in a light honey-oil vinaigrette, was a refreshing counterpoint, though if I were to add another element to the rocket, I would probably opt for cucumber and mango or watermelon instead of lettuce. But this is just a matter of personal preference!
Now, the Jerk Chicken... on the other hand, was not great. I wouldnt normally order Caribbean food outside of a Caribbean restaurant, but for some reason, this dish seemed to stick out like a sore thumb on the menu compared with all the other usual European dishes. I decided to give it a try. The aroma, while pleasant, lacked the Jerks signature smokiness. Instead, sweetness reigned, more reminiscent of tamarind than the usual brown sugar and pineapple notes. The heat, too, was an unexpected sriracha taste instead of the normal ginger and scotch bonnet. A fusion of more Eastern than Caribbean. The chicken itself? Lets just say it had spent a touch too long under the warming glow of the microwave (in my personal opinion), resulting in unfortunate dryness. The accompanying rice and beans were lovely, but I had to resort to mixing in some rocket salad from the lasagna to salvage the dish.
The Creamy Risotto, however, was a redemption song. It was creamy, it was delicious, and the pops of fresh peas and courgettes were delightful and added freshness to the palate. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano (or was it Pecorino?), it was a dish Id happily revisit.
So, would I return? In a heartbeat! The Kitchens charm, warm service, and reasonable prices make it a Walthamstow Gem (Except for the Jerk Chicken).
