Last Thursday we had supper in Soho. We had elected to go for a ‘small plate’ experience once again.

Having seen some very positive reviews of Nopi – we gave them a ring at the last minute and they said they could accommodate us if we didn’t mind sitting at the bar.

Not sure what to expect, we were greeted by a crisp white interior and once comfortably ensconced, we had a great view around the dining area which was buzzing, gradually becoming dimly lit (hooray) all of which made for a great atmosphere and the perfect ambience with a feel of sophistication about it.

The bar staff were friendly and we began with cocktail: a chilli Fino for Rocket and a Pomegranate Martini for me. They were so good we forgot to snap them until we were half way through!

We chose from the starters/sharing dishes menu and went for the octopus with red quinoa and the grey mullet with urid dahl and hot and sour aubergine. We also had couple of sides, the Lavosh seed bread and truffled polenta chips. I love this kind of shared dish thing…until the other person wants to order the octopus…

Nopi is a Yotam Ottolenghi restaurant and the menu does reflect his style, I am a fan in all respects having recently started reading his book “Jerusalem”.

I’m never really ‘sold’ on Octopus, but it’s ok and a) rocket says he loves it and b) this was more edible than some I’ve had. The quinoa was the most delicious I’ve ever eaten with a nutty, rich flavour. The grey mullet dish was the star though, the urid dahl a smooth puree and the deeply smokey, sour aubergine – it was mouth watering. I finished with a lychee sorbet… delicate light, delicious.

Over all we had great night, spanked the budget again and resolved whole heartedly to attempt to make the urid dahl puree and sour aubergine as an accompaniment to various fish dishes.

We spent the same as we had spent at Jose, but had ordered less dishes and drinks so value wise I guess it was just at the upper end of acceptable for us, but you can’t doubt the quality of the dishes, imagination of the menu or the perfect service.