Search the Good Food Guide - Site Settings site

Location

Establishment Type

Cuisine

Price

Clear
New Review
  View all 6 photos
  /6
X

Cinder St John’s Wood

London, St John's Wood - Mediterranean - Restaurant - £££

Zesty Med-inspired food in a happy neighbourhood setting

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

A fine neighbourhood restaurant in a quarter of affluent north London not over-endowed with gastronomic options, Cinder is very much the personal project of Jake Finn, a second larger outpost to go with the original in Belsize Park. Filled with happy natter, it's the kind of place that easily persuades locals not to eat in their PJs at weekends, but throw something on and step out into the wide world instead. A Josper flame oven is the heart of the operation, the menu working to the format of a fairly lengthy roster of small plates. Some grilled bread with garlicky tahini makes the most appetising start, ahead of one or two cold dishes full of sharply pointed seasoning. Spicy tuna ceviche with sweet potato and coriander or beetroots with feta will disappear like morning mist as soon as they hit the table. The condiment elements of each plate lift them into the realms of the memorable: Turkish Urfa chilli aïoli and red pepper relish laced with chilli oil accompany a trio of c...

A fine neighbourhood restaurant in a quarter of affluent north London not over-endowed with gastronomic options, Cinder is very much the personal project of Jake Finn, a second larger outpost to go with the original in Belsize Park. Filled with happy natter, it's the kind of place that easily persuades locals not to eat in their PJs at weekends, but throw something on and step out into the wide world instead.

A Josper flame oven is the heart of the operation, the menu working to the format of a fairly lengthy roster of small plates. Some grilled bread with garlicky tahini makes the most appetising start, ahead of one or two cold dishes full of sharply pointed seasoning. Spicy tuna ceviche with sweet potato and coriander or beetroots with feta will disappear like morning mist as soon as they hit the table. The condiment elements of each plate lift them into the realms of the memorable: Turkish Urfa chilli aïoli and red pepper relish laced with chilli oil accompany a trio of cod croquettes, while the satay-style purée of peanuts and cashews that came with our duck breast, red onions and lime leaves made a blackboard special truly special.

Desserts play it safe with decent crème brûlée and baked cheesecake, or there could be freshly cooked doughnuts enriched with BBQ banoffee sauce. The short wine list just about covers enough ground, and there are inspired cocktails too.

Read full reviewSee less

N Leslau

1 September 2024

I’ve dined at both cinder locations multiple times and keep coming back to it. The service is always friendly and knowledgeable. The food is full of flavour, unique and delicious. It’s simple and consistent. Top quality and amazing to have locally but would travel for as well.

VENUE DETAILS

5 St John’s Wood High Street
St John's Wood
NW8 7NGGB

020 3667 8500

View opening times

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Counter seating, Credit card required

More like this

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    Latest articles