Great food, but service and atmosphere falls short.
It is really hard to pinpoint what this trendy Belgravia restaurant is trying to do. It seems to market itself as a sushi and Asian fusion cuisine style eatery, but looking at the mains on the menu it seems hard to pin down exactly a particular focus. It is all over the place. What does seem apparent is that Salmontini is trying to attract the young and rich visitors. A sexy cocktail menu, a bit of nosh to go with those cocktails... that sort of vibe.
Indeed walking into the fashionable candlelit space, with pale greys and sleek trim it has a bit of sophistication, it looks promising. But then there is absolutely the most atrocious artwork on the walls, psychedelic faces of what appear to be celebrities staring down at you and you wonder who's great idea it was to match the art with this setting. It reminded me of school days and going for a curry at inexpensive establishments off the high street, the art was that bad -and distracting! It totally changed the mood.
The service was very detached and not overly attentive. Polite enough to not be considered rude but definitely giving off the vibe that they really couldn't be bothered. We had come eager for sushi, but while ordering we were informed with a bit of attitude that sushi was considered a starter, and not a main as we had ordered. It just seemed so unnecessary, especially that between all the sushi we ordered and drinks we racked up a hefty bill. More than if we had eaten in a much better restaurant.
The food was delicious, very good, and for that alone I would go back. Good quality sushi, exciting preparation and plating.
But the rest left a bad taste. The clientele was... odd. Young rich kids out with a friend with daddy paying the bill, young couples on their phones checking messages and not talking... and in a very weird moment, a girl left her date at a very large table for only two to come sit next to us for 5 minutes to text on her phone. All the while her date watching her from a few tables away. It was as if the pre club crowd was meeting here to kill some time before they went out for the serious partying. It really was distracting and took away from the evening.
Yes, I would go back as the sushi was mouthwatering, but a bit reluctantly given everything else. Between the chilly service and bizarre diners, it wasn't the best dining experience and even with the good food I am only giving it 2 starts because of it. A restaurant in that neighbourhood and at those prices! should definitely be ticking all the boxes. read more