Welcome back to The Weekly Table.
This week I’m taking you from Chiswick to Covent Garden to the top of Canary Wharf. One is so new I haven’t even posted the reel yet. One cooks everything over open fire. And one has a view that had me forgetting about my food (almost).
Below you’ll find what I ordered, what I’d go back for, what I’d skip, and who each spot is perfect for. Let’s eat.
Mirtala, Chiswick
Bold northern Mexican cooking in Chiswick
This is the one I haven’t posted yet, and you’re hearing about it first. Mirtala was so good I couldn’t wait for the reel. Northern Mexican-inspired, and we tried a LOT of the menu.
What I ordered
Summer guacamole. One of the best guacamoles I’ve ever had. Perfectly seasoned, and you can really taste the lime without it overpowering anything.
Sikil pak with crudités. A thick, delicious dip with a spicy sauce. It went best with the cucumber.
Devon crab tostada. Out of this world. The flavours were insane, and it’s the one I keep thinking about.
Bluefin tuna tostada. The tuna was really fresh, but for me it lacked a bit of flavour next to the crab.
Orkney scallop in chipotle butter. Beautiful and cooked to perfection. The butter was seasoned just enough without taking over.
Extra-large grilled tiger prawns. Huge, honestly the size of my hand, in a marisco style marinade. Absolutely delicious.
Mexican fried chicken. Probably one of the best fried chickens I’ve had in a restaurant. The batter was just right, not too crispy, and the seasoning is what did it for me. It came with a habanero cream, but the chicken was so well seasoned it didn’t even need it.
Spanish rubia gallega bone-in sirloin. The big one. It’s pricey at £55 per person, but the portion is generous and it was cooked to perfection. It comes with homemade salsas, from mild to hot, and flour tortillas that are somewhere between a tortilla and a paratha. I’d never have thought that would work for a taco, but it was phenomenal. No complaints.
The verdict
The dish I’d go back for: the Devon crab tostada, with the fried chicken a very close second.
Could skip: the bluefin tuna tostada, if you’re choosing between the two.
Perfect for: a group who love sharing plates, or a steak night with a twist.
Price per head: £75 per person for the five-course feasting menu, which includes every dish I tried apart from the fried chicken and sirloin (that’s £55 per person).
▶ My Mirtala reel is coming soon on Instagram.
Nettle, Covent Garden
Open-fire, farm-to-table dining in Covent Garden
Quick context first. Nettle is up on the rooftop at The Conduit, and it’s run by Will Devlin, who is both the farmer and the chef. That’s why the ingredients are the star here. Nearly everything meets the fire before it reaches your table.
How I’d order
Start with the bread. The bazlama flatbread comes with three spreads: Carlin pea hummus, beetroot yoghurt and ramson preserve. Save the most bread for the ramson. It’s the best of the three.
Share a few small plates. The ribs are the crowd-pleaser, sticky and sweet with a herb dressing to freshen things up. If the octopus skewer is on as a special, add it, because the char on it is spot on.
Feeling adventurous? Try the rabbit. It’s a texture I genuinely can’t compare to anything else, and the fermented chilli gives it a lovely heat. Not for everyone, but I’m glad I tried it.
For the mains, pick a side: land or sea. The lamb chops were the standout for quality, with grilled turnips and house balsamic. The Cornish monkfish is the one for fish lovers: meaty, on a bed of pickles, pulled together by a spiced adobo sauce.
Do not leave without dessert. The Kentish strawberry tart is the reason this whole review exists. Fermented fruits, meadowsweet custard, total silence at the table.
The verdict
Go back for: the strawberry tart, the lamb chops and that ramson preserve.
Perfect for: a special dinner, impressing someone who loves food, or anyone who cares where their ingredients come from.
Price per head: £30-90
▶ Haven’t seen the reel yet? Watch it on Instagram: Where2eatlondon - Nettle
Alto 19, Canary Wharf
Sky-high Mediterranean dining and drinks at Locke, Canary Wharf
The reel was all about that view, and fair enough. But a view doesn’t keep you coming back, so here’s what’s actually worth spending your money on.
Alto 19 is on the 19th floor of Locke Hotel, from the same people behind Lina Stores, so expect the same simple, quality-first approach. The space is designed down to the last detail, and the bar is just as good-looking as the dining room.
Where to spend
The mains, every time. The black Angus sirloin was the highlight: juicy, full of flavour, on a bright salsa verde. Order the chips and honey carrots alongside. The carrots are a quiet hero.
The porcini ravioli. I nearly didn’t order it, and it ended up being one of my favourites. Think a rich parmesan fonduta and shaved truffle on top. If you’re wavering, consider this your sign.
The stracciatella, for the squash. On its own it’s a safe pick, but the roasted squash turns it into something special. Use the polenta and sage focaccia to mop up every last bit.
Where to save
The crab fritti. It didn’t quite work for me. The filling was a little too runny.
The tiramisu, if you don’t like it strong. It’s a punchy one. I enjoyed it, but go in knowing that.
At the bar
Come for a drink even if you’re not staying for dinner. Alongside the wines there are classic and signature cocktails. The Navarra leans sweet, a bit like a Paloma. The Sundowner Sangria is the one I’d pick: floral, fruity and made for golden hour.
The verdict
Go back for: the porcini ravioli, the sirloin and the view.
Perfect for: date night, after-work drinks that turn into dinner, or showing visitors London’s skyline.
Tip: book for sunset or after dark, when the city lights come on.
Price per head: £30-80
▶ Haven’t seen the reel yet? Watch it on Instagram: Where2eatlondon - Alto 19
Until next week
That’s a wrap on edition two. If you go to any of these, tell me what you ordered. Reply to this email or tag me on Instagram, I read everything.
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The Mirtala reel is coming soon, so keep an eye on my page.
See you at the next table,
Priscilla