8 Hoxton Square

8 Hoxton Square Restaurant Review:

From the team behind the no-reservations Soho favorite 10 Greek Street is 8 Hoxton Square. The smart-casual restaurant with bare brick walls lined with black leather banquettes, reclaimed school classroom-style tables and chairs, and industrial lamp shades has a well-priced and daily-changing menu, meaning becoming a regular is almost inevitable. Chef Cameron Emirali and former wine merchant Luke Wilson (front of house) are responsible for the Modern European small plates and the coveted wine list respectively. The dishes are available throughout the day, but at lunchtime, two of the substantial small plates are on offer for just £10. Expect the likes of Gorgonzola custard, chorizo on toast and fried baby squid, with a basket of freshly baked focaccia included. The spot is prime for lazy weekend breakfasts and brunch, particularly if seated on the terrace on a sunny day. You’ll find duck eggs with wild mushrooms, smoked salmon bagels, full English breakfasts, and sloe gin cocktails. For dessert, it’s hard to ignore the buttermilk waffles with salted caramel, banana and peanuts; chocolate mousse with pomegranate and Amaretti biscuits; or spiced quince with orange, meringue and a buttermilk sorbet. Wilson’s wine list is one of the most interesting and best priced in town. It’s a galaxy of unusual and excellent entries sold by the glass, with very conservative markups. Three courses of quality ingredients cooked well, with first-rate wine, will set you back about £40. This is the sort of neighborhood restaurant everyone wants.