Having visited 'Sofrito L1' a few weeks after it first opened on Whitechapel last August, it was a pleasure to return and be warmly greeted by friendly owner Soufiane and his team.
A truly inviting restaurant, the decor is simple but pleasant with olive green painted walls lined with framed photographs. A spacious dining room set out across two levels houses a large number of dark wood tables and chairs provided ample comfort during our quiet lunch-time visit to discuss business.
Our lunch party of four perused the ample menu, inspired by Spanish, Greek and Italian dishes and decided to settle on the Prix Fixe deal - 3 courses for £14.95 - it is excellent value for money.
To start we ordered the Spicy Smoked Haddock Fishcake, two modest portions ideal to whet the appetite for main course, the Soup of the Day, a tasty homemade cheese and onion with a hefty slice of crusty bread. Along with two portions of a generous helping of Chicken Liver Parfait served with crusty bread, cherry tomato and apple chutney which was a truly unique mixture unlike chutneys other restaurants serve up out of a jar.
For mains we had a fine choice of Steak Fritte, Rump of Lamb, Roasted Salmon, and vegetarian choice Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto. We decided to enjoy two healthy portions of the rump steak, served with crispy well done fries while myself and another dining companion went for the Roasted Salmon Fillet, beautifully presented alongside dauphinoise potato with melted cafe de Paris butter. Each dish was cooked to perfection with a side portion of vegetables pleasantly cooked "al dente".
Sofrito L1 really pulls out all the stops for dessert offering a vast sweet selection of homemade treats. Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding drizzled in toffee sauce looked mouthwateringly , the Raspberry Crème Brulee a delicious twist on the classic, a Selection of Mrs Dowsons Ice Cream served in a brandy snap basket was received with a satisfied "YUM!" as praise and my Homemade Chocolate Brownie served with pistachio ice cream was exquisite, the pistachio a perfect complement to the warm, soft chocolate sponge which oozed flavour.
It was only after our business chatter we noticed there had been a specific lunch selection on the reverse of Sofrito's already ample menu. A variety of Ciabattas, Pasta and Risotto and delicious mains such as Beer Battered Haddock, Moules Frites and Homemade Beef Burger are available at very reasonable prices, making Soufiane's establishment an ideal destination no matter what the time of day.
Without doubt the best part of the dining experience is the personal service Soufiane provides. He couldn't do enough to ensure our time in his domain was comfortable, serving us three cups of traditional English tea and sharing jokes until it was time for us to head back to the office.
Visit Sofrito L1 to judge for yourselves, with 2 courses on offer every evening at £10.95 and mid-week offers including the 'Tuesday Tenner', two courses from the ala carte menu for only £10 every Tuesday, and 'Grill Night Wednesday' - all 28 day matured steaks and fish grills at 50% off!
To book your table or to enquire about availability for large parties please telephone: 0151 236 0411
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