As you already know I am in general a seafood lover and meat avoider…so when I go to a seafood restaurant, I’m basically in heaven as I want everything on the menu.
Rex and Mariano is just one of those places where it’s difficult to decide what to have, you just want everything and it is so convenient to order as you can do it with the touch of an iPad.
We stepped into Soho restaurant, took our seats and the waitress hadn’t even finished explaining the iPad ordering system before I’d already put through an order of two glasses of bubbly for Mr S and I.
The order from the iPad goes straight to the kitchen or bar meaning everything happens smoothly and efficiently with out too much delay.
I know that ordering from an iPad may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m a big fan of smooth efficiency and I loved it! I’d just make sure you take it slowly, as if you order everything at once you may not get the leisurely lunch you’d planned on!
The restaurant was gorgeous, big, light bright and airy, unlike other Soho restaurants where tables are packed together and you’re practically sharing a table with the couple next to you.
Strangely, I would describe the interior as a cross between a fish monger and someone’s kitchen! The hanging lights and concrete floor give that industrial feel but the bamboo chairs, tiles and fishy plates on the walls give it a more homely atmosphere.
There’s even a sink in the middle of the restaurant, to wash your sticky paws after peeling prawns or shelling mussels.
Though we wanted to try everything on the menu and with delicious looking fresh loaves in a rack behind us, I knew where to start…
I mean, that is serious #breadporn, thick hunky slices of white and brown bread and a salty foccacia, served with a tuna pate slathered all over.
First we went raw…
Lobster ceviche with fennel, yuzu and orange.
Tuna with tomato, jalapeno, coriander and red onion
Tuna with avocado, chilli and chive
All beautifully fresh fish cut through with citrus or spice, everything was so light and delicate. I would have felt very healthy were it not for the fact that the bread was slightly addictive. We chatted with George, the manager who told us that the produce was sourced both locally and regionally with the aim of using the best possible products that were also sustainable.
Rex and Mariano actually comes from the same stables as Goodman, Beast and Burger and Lobster, though three big names, I am still yet to try any of these three…to be honest I think I might be the only blogger who hasn’t tried the lobster roll at B & L, it’s on my list though!
I am told the red prawns, imported from Scilly, are a must try from the menu, so we do and they are amazing. The tails fall easily from the heads so there’s no messy peeling, only these small but still juicy, perfectly seasoned prawns.
As we remove the bowl from the top of the mussels, a rush of steam is released to reveal gorgeous mussels cooked simply with white wine, garlic and chives. But Mr S’s favourite thing about the mussels is the price…
‘That’s a decent portion for six pounds’
And the perfect way to mop up the last of the delicious spongy bread.
Hot and salty fried courgette fritti had been intended as a side dish but came when everything was finished, perhaps the only peril of the iPad ordering system.
Like the rest of the meal, desserts are simple and light.
Home made lemon sorbet and espresso ice cream were the ideal palate cleanser.
And Rex and Mariano’s limoncello, also made in house. This could be poured over the sorbet or drunk on it’s own.
As we were leaving Rex and Mariano, I announced to Mr S that it was new favourite place…he seemed very pleased as it was both light or the waistline and the wallet 🙂
Rex and Mariano
2 St Anne’s Court
London
W1F 0AZ
020 7437 0566
This restaurant is now closed
