There are some classic restaurants in London that tick the boxes for every occasion.
Perfect for a working lunch, a romantic dinner date or a girlie brunch…The Delaunay, a restaurant in the tradition of a grand European Cafe easily ticks any box.
With wooden fixtures, green leather interior and white table clothes, on first glance you may think it’s a bit formal but actually the restaurant was buzzy and alive with all sorts of different people. Pretty cakes, biscuits and sandwiches can be purchased from the counter or you an sit down and enjoy the atmosphere.
The menu is quite German but one thing I notice is the proliferation of Jewish comfort food: Chicken noodle soup aka Jewish Penicillin, that winning combination of smoked salmon and creme cheese bagel (which would actually probably be my favourite thing ever) and beef Frankfurters, otherwise know as Kosher hot dogs.
First we’re presented with the baguettes, everything is silver and pretty…and I like everything to be silver and pretty. You can see the table was set for three, but two of us had exactly the same and I was lenient on the blogger rules ‘everyone must order something different for the photo.’ 😉
I choose beetroot cured smoked salmon served with rye bread, and as a salmon connoisseur, it passed my test.
My companion chose a breakfast favourite, Eggs Benedict, as his lunchtime starter. The Delaunay is owned by Corbin and King who also own London institution The Wolseley as well as Colbert and Brasserie Zedel. The Wolseley is famed in London for it’s breakfast specifically this dish, which has been ably transferred to the menu at the Delaunay. Actually The Wolseley and The Delaunay are very similar in terms of atmosphere, menu and quality of service so if you’re having trouble booking one, try the other!
For my main course I chose trout with girolles, leeks and the thyme beurre blanc. The fish was beautifully cooked, medium rare as I’d asked for it and a crisp skin on top.
And for my companion a light dish of seared mackerel with tomatoes, cucumber, spring onion and preserved lemon dressing.
The Delaunay is pretty much a fail-safe option where you know the food and service will deliver. But my favourite thing about The Delaunay is the buzzy brasserie atmosphere, you just can’t go wrong.
The Delaunay
55 Aldwych
London
WC2B 4BB
020 7499 8558
