Patara

Patara Restaurant Review:

Enter Patara via a small bar with comfortable low seats and one of the best cocktail lists around. Beyond that the restaurant is configured around a gold, miniature palace replica made of teak that's lit from above, while around you the silk walls, greenery and sandstone panels take you right to Thailand. The menu does all the classics, and does them very well: poached king scallops in spicy lime and chilli vinaigrette with lemon grass, mint and shallot; steamed dumplings are light and flavourful; mains like grilled black cod with ginger and pickled yellow bean sauce manages to be both delicate and full of flavour; rack of lamb with sweet rice rolls, spicy salad and chilli sauce. Desserts are more western than Thai and very good too. The short and to-the-point wine list has no greedy mark-ups; it even includes a Thai wine. Service is discreet, friendly and professional, keeping the largely well-heeled crowd more than happy. 4 branches throughout London.