Native

Chef table 

Picked pear, poacher, pennywort

My second visit back to Native at Covent Garden, a tiny restaurant specialised in using wild ingredients as much as possible, turning out some very exciting modern British cuisine with a light creative touch. My reason for returning? Simple, the cooking standard is high, the quality of ingredients are great and the hospitality is outstanding. Not to mention, the price is seriously fantastic value for money. This time around, I booked in at its chef table, over looking the kitchen as the chefs cook and serve up our dishes, similar to Kitchen Table inside Bubbledogs.

Chef table

Rabbit dumplings, smoked pig cheek dashi

Hake, split pea dahl, pakora

Savoy cabbage, miso butter

The menu was more or less similar to last time, the rabbit dumplings were finely seasoned, the intense flavours of the broth combined wonderfully with the smoked pig cheek, it was a serious grown-up plate of food. Once again I had the hake dish, the fish was cooked to the perfect level with plenty of moisture. The crispy cauliflower leaf pakora acted as a great contrast in texture whilst the split pea dahl offered a mild spiciness and creaminess to the overall finishing touch. Venison loin steak was the star dish on the night, the meat contained a beautiful rich and elegant gamey flavour without being overly challenging to the palate. It was tender in texture and powerful in taste, this is what a high quality game dish is all about.

Jack the master

Venison loin, cauliflower and onion

Rhubarb and custard

Honey truffles

It was another great meal at Native, the menu was short and simple, flavours are not complicated and straight to the point. Sitting at the kitchen table offered me a different kind of dining experience as it was wonderful to get to understand more about the concept of the restaurant, as well as some of the dishes in deeper detail. The service was once again top notch, spoken with great enthusiasm while maintaining professionalism. With water only for drinks, I spent under £30 for dinner, given the high standard of cooking and the central London location, this price is outrageously good. The staff mentioned they are planning to roll out a tasting menu in the near future once they get more talents behind the kitchen, I cannot wait!

Food 4/5

What I paid: 
£28 per head

Average cost without drinks and services:
£30 

3 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP

http://www.eatnative.co.uk/