Couldn't fault the food one bit and is definitely worth trekking all the way into Chelsea for! The service was also perfect and everyone makes you feel right at home. The Artisan Bistro has a friendly relaxed atmosphere and you can tell it's a favourite with the local residents. The decor is also very simple and neutral, in order to showcase the artwork hung up on the wall which has been painted by local artists. The Artisan Bistro has a philosophy of "bought on the day, cooked on the day". They strive to use the freshest of ingredients, sourced locally - there's even a micro-garden at the back of the restaurant. So you know you're going to be eating some good food.
Starters: The panco breadcrumb coated aubergine, served with a soy caramel sauce were were an absolute delight to eat. The aubergine were sweet. The soy caramel sauce was like a sweet thick soy sauce - really nice! I also had the pandro peppers served with an orange and sherry drizzle. Pretty simply, but also tasty - I would've preferred a sharper sauce though. The grilled prawns with squid ink polenta were absolutely amazing and a must-try. The prawns were cooked perfectly and the polenta was smooth and so yummy!
Mains: The Artisan Sailboat is a traditional dish of fishermen. It literally is a one-pot wonder, filled with a mix of shetland mussels, prawns, (just one) lobster claw and asparagus. Cooked in just white wine, garlic and a dash of saffron, you really could taste the freshness of the seafood used. I also got to try the 10oz sirloin steak, served with roasted baby tomatoes and a rich bernaise sauce. The steak was a perfect medium rare and was just as good with a good old grind of black pepper, if you don't like bernaise sauce.
Sides: truffle chips with parmesan cheese - nicely seasoned and you won't be able to keep away from them! Patatas bravas with garlic aioli - these were a perfect match with the sirloin steak, so don't forget to order these too!
Desserts: mint chocolate souffle with vanilla ice cream - a fun twist to a classic souffle, once I cut into it, the gooey chocolate filling oozed out onto the plate - which was scattered with some popping candy! This was definitely my favourite of the night. Next was the rhubarb crumble with vanilla ice cream - a posh adult version, not too sweet, yet still sharp as rhubarb should be. Last was the chocolate tart which had a scoop of Bailey's cream. This was the most elegant dessert and had a nice buttery pastry, with a rich chocolate filling.
I'll definitely be going again soon! read more