Review: CERU, restaurant, Soho ★★★★★
Enjoy a flavour-packed journey through the Levant
CERU restaurant, Soho
Nestled in the heart of Soho is CERU: a new neighbourhood restaurant offering a ‘flavour-packed journey’ through the Levant. Interiors are simple yet stylish, and a friendly buzz fills the air. The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming – as in the original South Ken branch – making CERU a great new spot for a mid-week bite with friends or family.
It’s all about the sharing plates here, so order generously and adventurously. That said, the cocktails are delicious too. CERU boasts London’s best Espresso Martini as well as an eclectic mix of unusual signature cocktails, including the flavour-packed Turkish Delight, made with rose water and strawberry liquor.
Food is a mixture of hot and cold sharing plates, salads and sides. Dishes are all freshly prepared with the finest ingredients from London’s markets and are all served when ready. CERU's diverse menu harnesses more than 100 ingredients, spices and cooking methods traditionally found in Lebanon, Cyrpsus, Israel and Palestine. But fear not; dishes are invariably complimentary. If you need help navigating the extensive menu (like us), ask for recommendations from the friendly and knowledgable staff.
Highlights included the whole grilled garlic prawns with dried lime and coriander, and the succulent merguez chicken, served with a delicious lentil and mint salad, preserved lemon and dried black olives. Order a basket of freshly baked pita bread to mop up surplus sauce. When it comes to vegetarian dishes, the grilled halloumi with red peppers, and the zucchini and feta fritters come highly recommended. Those in pursuit of fresher flavours, though, may prefer the crisp apple, mint and pomegranate salad. If you're hungry – order it all.
Make sure to leave room for desert, though. On our waiter’s recommendation, we ordered the honey and cardamom panna cotta, served with rose petals, pomegranate and pistachios, and the 'flavours of baklava with cardamon' ice cream. It's safe to say that we’ll be coming back for the sweet treats alone!
It’s all about the sharing plates here, so order generously and adventurously. That said, the cocktails are delicious too. CERU boasts London’s best Espresso Martini as well as an eclectic mix of unusual signature cocktails, including the flavour-packed Turkish Delight, made with rose water and strawberry liquor.
Food is a mixture of hot and cold sharing plates, salads and sides. Dishes are all freshly prepared with the finest ingredients from London’s markets and are all served when ready. CERU's diverse menu harnesses more than 100 ingredients, spices and cooking methods traditionally found in Lebanon, Cyrpsus, Israel and Palestine. But fear not; dishes are invariably complimentary. If you need help navigating the extensive menu (like us), ask for recommendations from the friendly and knowledgable staff.
Highlights included the whole grilled garlic prawns with dried lime and coriander, and the succulent merguez chicken, served with a delicious lentil and mint salad, preserved lemon and dried black olives. Order a basket of freshly baked pita bread to mop up surplus sauce. When it comes to vegetarian dishes, the grilled halloumi with red peppers, and the zucchini and feta fritters come highly recommended. Those in pursuit of fresher flavours, though, may prefer the crisp apple, mint and pomegranate salad. If you're hungry – order it all.
Make sure to leave room for desert, though. On our waiter’s recommendation, we ordered the honey and cardamom panna cotta, served with rose petals, pomegranate and pistachios, and the 'flavours of baklava with cardamon' ice cream. It's safe to say that we’ll be coming back for the sweet treats alone!
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
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| What | Review: CERU, restaurant, Soho |
| Where | CERU, Soho, 11 D’Arblay Street, London, W1F 8DT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Oxford Circus (underground) |
| Price | ££ |
| Website | Please click here for more information |