From Sam’s Riverside to Shack-Fuyu, here are the best things the CODE team ate this week

Eve Bar

I’d heard a lot about Adam Handlings Eve Bar and can say hand on heart it lived up to all expectations. Drawn away from the sunny streets of Covent Garden we headed down into the darkness of the subterranean bar, lured by the soft glow of neon. Taking seats at the bar we sipped on sparkling wine before moving onto their new zero waste cocktail made with Ellie Goulding’s hard seltzer brand SERVED, which I highly recommend if you like something spritzy. Throughout the evening we steadily munched our way through the snack tasting menu – from warm sourdough with chicken butter to the acclaimed cheese donuts, each dish was as exciting and delicious as the last. The kind of food you think about for a long time after you’ve eaten it.
Molly Wade, memberships manager

Legare

In the muted light of Bermondsey’s converted warehouses is Legare, a small Italian restaurant full of life’s zest and energy. The team are made of the star-studded Jay Patel (former GM of Barrafina and Koya) and Matt Beardmore (ex-Trullo), so promise hanged in the air. As we walked in, the staff greeted and seated us warmly, and we began to feel that friendliness of neighbourhood restaurants. Once we settle down into our seats, everything was perfectly timed to the ebb and flow of a meal. The plan was to go after work to guzzle natural wine and taste the pasta work of Chef Matt Beardmore, but not before we were goaded into trying the focaccia, the carpaccio, the burrata… Luckily the menu was short, but choosing pasta is always a moment of truth. Ricotta cappellacci with sage and orecchiette with braised rabbit – eaten with deliberation and joy. To finish, a cannolo of the gods. Take your sweet and unfettered time to relish the moments.
Céire Carey, team assistant

Shack-Fuyu

In the heart of Soho on Old Compton Street you will find Shack-Fuyu, a Japanese ‘Izakaya-style’ restaurant that serves comfort food to be shared. The prawn katsu sando is my favourite, served in soft toasted bread along with shredded lettuce and tonkatsu sauce. The kimchi hot stone rice is another highlight, a colourful palate of flavours which is mixed at the table. I was initially taken aback by the confidence of only serving one dessert, but after trying it, I completely understand why. This might be the only dessert you’d ever want to eat again. Kinako French toast with buttery crisp edges is served with a satisfying swirl of matcha soft serve.
Henry Southan, editorial intern

Sam’s Riverside

After checking out an exhibition at Japan House (‘Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow’) and discovering that their restaurant Akira was closed that day, we decided to take a wander down Cromwell Road towards the river and stop at Sam’s for brasserie fare that’s perfect for a lazy late afternoon. Whole globe artichoke to share with a punchy saffron/chive aioli, beautifully plump crevettes with a generous pot of house mayo, salty and creamy Carlingford oysters, a glass of zesty Gusbourne Brut Reserve the only drink that’ll do to accompany. Finished with the irresistible apple crumble soufflé and Calvados ice cream.
Sam Selwood, accounts manager

Osteria Le Logge, Siena

There’s something quite reassuring about returning to a place you often frequented, but thanks to the past 18-months had not been able to, and finding it in exactly the same way you left it. This was very much the case with Siena as I pottered around it on Monday evening and had dinner at one of my favourite spots to eat in the Tuscan town. Despite the lack of tourists, Le Logge was as buzzy as ever and they’ve even take the opportunity to open a cocktail bar opposite the restaurant in lockdown. A plate of pasta, a glass or two of Gianni Brunelli’s Rosso di Montlacino and all seems right with the world.
Adam Hyman, founder

Koya-Ko

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of Koya’s latest opening, Koya-Ko, on Broadway Market Mews. An area of London that I haven’t been to before pleasantly surprised me. You can expect all the usual Koya classics, with various udon dishes as well as some rice bowls and smaller plates. My favourites were the fish curry udon, and the addictive chicken kara-age.
Henry Southan, editorial intern

Slice by Pizza Pilgrims

Slice by Pizza Pilgrims is their new spot in Finsbury Park – it’s all about massive NYC slices, metre-long pizzas and having some fun! Fun comes in the form of Aperol slushies, retro arcade games, neon lights, face-melting playlists and Nutella Grissini as long as the pizzas…I already want to go back!
Sam Selwood, accounts manager

To read more reviews from the CODE team click here