Sofra - Tasty Turkish in Covent Garden

There's more than one Sofra, and its sister chain Ozer - dotted about all over London. For a pre-theatre treat or a really delicious, light but incredibly varied and generous lunch try the £13 healthy option set-dinner which changes according to the seasons. For your money you'll get eleven taster dishes. For example: a rich and creamy houmous, crunchy fresh fava beans in yogurt, tabouleh, roast aubergine salad, spinach and feta cheese borek, chopped walnut, pine nut and herb salad, baba ganoush (smoky aubergine and tahini dip), tender lamb kofta, spicy chicken skewer, a couple of tasty beef meatballs and several other delicious tidbits. A glass of red or white wine is included. If you're new to turkish and eastern  mediterranean cuisine, this is the best way to taste a lot of things without feeling heavy and stuffed afterwards. Olives and fresh bread are brought to the table, the waiters are courteous and all rather good-looking! If you're not into set menus, the duck tagine with plums is simply SCRUMPTIOUS!

Every dish is unique and shows off the simple flavours of their core ingredients despite the  different blends of spices and herbs. The ambience is intimate and classy. Plus it's right round the corner from Covent Garden so ideal for a good pre-theatre nosh.

Sofra website

Song Que Cafè - Best vietnamese in Shoreditch?

Lying half-way up Kingsland Road, fifteen minutes from Old Street tube station the mint green cantine-style interior of Song Que heaves with hungry diners. There are several other vietnamese restaurants and cheapo cafès along this road, but this is the only one with the serious queue at the door, and don't let that put you off, the waiter would free a table up for you if it costs him his daughter. This is no-frills, no trimmings, good-quality comfort food. Mains cost an average of £6 and are extremely generous. Flavours are bold and service is fast with some pretty witty banter coming from the staff. Don't expect to be fussed over and to lounge about once your plate's been cleared, there's others waiting behind you. Do, however, expect friendly and efficient service and a tasty and extensive menu.

Tried and tested:

Spring rolls - crispy and golden but a tad greasy for my taste
Vietnamese summer rolls - these were divine, full of fresh flavours and good texture
Pho Tai (rare beef noodle soup) - heart-warming and delicious, but could've been just a teensy bit more generous with the meat.
Pancake with prawn and chicken - light fluffy egg pancake with crispy beansprouts and very tender prawns
Grilled squid with ginger and spring onions - the squid was fresh and not at all rubbery
Chilli salted squid - this was a strong dish, popping with chilli
Lemongrass chicken with peppers - again, a real fiery kick of lemongrass and crunchy peppers for texture
There's jasmine tea and a varied selection of vietnamese bottled beers as well as the regular beers.


Cost: about 14 pounds per head for two courses and a drink.


134, Kingsland Road
London
E2 8DY
Closed Sundays
Children Welcome