Best bites: Smoked potato raviolo at Bancone and the three beast feast at Temper

Decimo at The Standard

For whatever reason, I often find myself at Decimo at The Standard. I’m not complaining, because rarely do you find food of this quality combined with such pleasing views. Dinner there recently included a host of chefs, owner Peter Sanchez-Iglesias among them, and cocktails made with clarified milk provided suitable lubrication for red mullet on braised beans; croquetas; bright scarlet prawns; barbecued brill and pork; deep black rice with artichokes; and steak that enjoyed being among romesco. I think this food is known as ‘crowdpleasing’. The best kind, really.
Josh Barrie, editor
CODE was a guest of Decimo at The Standard

Temper, Shoreditch

Craving large quantities of meat, potatoes and veg on a Sunday is part of our DNA. Last week, I went to the new Temper in Shoreditch, my old stomping ground. The ‘Three Beast Feast’ sounds like something Henry VIII might have had on a regular basis, but this Henry had yet to experience such a colossal plate of food. Rare roast beef, braised lamb shoulder, and smoked pork belly were all presented on a platter with crispy roasties and veg piled high. Wonderful. I recommend sitting at the counter, where you can watch the chefs in action and admire all the meat hanging over the grill.
Henry Southan, social media manager
CODE was a guest of Temper, Shoreditch
Temper, Shoreditch is available on the CODE app

Ibérica, Marylebone

On Monday, I went to Ibérica, Marylebone, where they had a tasting evening celebrating the cuisine of Castilla La Mancha. The Michelin-starred chef Samuel Moreno, of restaurant El Molino de Alcunezahas (a former flour mill), has created a tapas menu including a Gomez Moreno manchego cheese selection; ‘Toledana’-style partridge ravioli; and saffron custard with an almond crumble, fresh orange, candied orange peel, chocolate ice cream and cocoa paper. But the highlight of the evening was the ‘Ajoarriero’ cod with avruga caviar, black garlic and micro parsley on toasted ciabatta. These limited-edition regional dishes are only available at Ibérica restaurants throughout November.
Alice Hale, production assistant
CODE was a guest of Ibérica, Marylebone

The Vineyard

On Friday night we visited The Vineyard, a luxury 5-star retreat just outside Newbury. With direct trains from London Paddington, the hotel and restaurant is a convenient getaway for Londoners looking for something special. The owner, Sir Peter Michael, has a deep passion for wine, and it is evident throughout the restaurant: more than 30,000 bottles (including some of his award-winning estate wines from his winery in California) adorn the illuminated, glass-topped cellar in the lobby. The food is elegant and contemporary, with chef Tom Scade overseeing things. To start, we enjoyed a cep tart with pickled enoki and kohlrabi, and a warming game pie with Cumberland chutney and pickled walnuts. Partridge came with a rich, buttery truffle pie, and the sea bass proved to be generous and meaty alongside aromatic celery, fennel, and a champagne sauce. We heard that there’s a very loyal local following at The Vineyard, and we can see why.
Tom Pilgrim, account manager
CODE was a guest of The Vineyard

Bancone, Golden Square

My affinity for pasta is ever-growing. It’s a versatile thing, suited to all seasons. Unlike my fur coat, which only comes out in the depths of winter. Bancone have been feeding Londoners pasta for years now, and they’re very good at it. Pasta fritta with whipped cod roe was followed by a smoked potato raviolo, the most autumnal of pastas. Two very different dishes, both equally delightful. Whatever the season, pop into Bancone, you’ll leave with a satisfaction that only pasta can provide.
George Gill, operations coordinator
CODE was a guest of Bancone, Golden Square

Laurel’s on the Roof

Sunshine at the moment is a rarity, so when it does come, we must make the most of it. Laurel’s on the Roof is a proper sun trap – that and the menu will make you feel like you’re in Los Angeles rather than London. Think tacos, shrimp cocktails, lobster rolls and cobb salads. Pair all that with a fruity cocktail and you’ll forget all about the grey clouds and drizzly rain.
Molly Wade, memberships manager
CODE was a guest of Laurel’s on the Roof

Read more reviews from the CODE team here