Fortunately, the weather was somewhat summerish on the evening I visited Chino Latini last week, so we were able to enjoy the panoramic views over the Embankment and River Thames and try out a new menu that was launched last month.
Created by Executive Chef Ederson Bonasso, the menu offers a mix of Peruvian and Asian flavours along with a selection of delicious Dim Sum, Sushi, Taquitos and skewers. Chino Latino’s new menu offers something for everyone, including a 150g Wagyu Beef Ishiyaki served on a hot Himalayan salt block and Beef Picanha and Giant Prawns served with cassava chips, rice and bok choi, as well as some great seafood dishes such as a Black Cod and Seared Salmon.
We purposefully arrived a little early so that we could sit at the Latino Bar and enjoy a couple of their signature cocktails from the new cocktail menu which is inspired by South American flavours. My guest chose the ‘Pandan’, which is a mix of Roku Gin, Pandan Syrup and Lychee Juice, while I sipped om the ‘O-Hanami’, which is a combination of Triple Sec, Roku Gin and Cherry Syrup. Both setting off the evening perfectly.
Sitting at our table by the floor to ceiling windows at the front of the first floor restaurant overlooking The Thames, I started my meal with the popular Black Cod Dim Sum which is wrapped in spinach and sits in yuzu soya and explodes with a mix of flavours on the first bite. I thoroughly recommend trying it. My guest opted for the Duck Salad being gluten intolerant, which is drizzled with a lime mustard maple syrup. A generous portion, this is also a delicious and healthy starter option. They also offer a Chicken or Beef Salad depending on what you fancy on the day.
We then both decided on the 180g Casterbridge Sirloin Steak which comes sizzling on a bed of hot rocks and added a side of fresh Tenderstem Broccoli and Steamed Bok Choi. The meat was tender and perfectly cooked with both of us agreeing it was one of the best steaks we have had recently.
Some of the other meat dishes on the menu include a Lamb Cutlet, Slow Cooked Prime Beed Short Rib and Duck Breast as well as Pork Belly and a Thai Green Chicken Curry.
Choosing the right wine to pair with our meal was effortless as they have a good selection of international labels reasonably priced for London, starting at £32 a bottle. I was however, immediately drawn to the 2018 Rioja Crianza Journey Collection, Ramón Bilao, which proved to be an excellent choice.
Be sure to leave yourself some room for one of their tasty desserts, and if you want to try a selection then go for the Chino Dessert Platter for two. I was tempted by the Sweet Miso Cheesecake but was recommended the Three Way Latte by our charming and attentive waitress, which proved to be an excellent choice, and is a coffee crunch, whiskey brülée and milk ice cream served in a tall glass.
We rounded off our evening overlooking a now lit up Thames with a chilled Tosatsuru Azure-Gingo Sake, made with deep sea water from a natural spring located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. It is very smooth and dry with a mellow taste and deep Gingo bouquet, and if you like Sake, I can thoroughly recommend it as a perfect way to finish off your meal.
In fact, Chino Latino has an extensive Sake selection, each listed with a brief description and pairing suggestion to give you an authentic sushi experience, so if you like Sake, this is most definitely the place to visit in London.
A mention should also be given to Chino Latino’s new ‘STRT_X CHINO’ lunch menu which is inspired by Asia’s popular Street Food scene and offers a selection of three dishes for the price of two between midday and 2:30pm, including Dim Sum, Bao Buns, small bites, soups and skewer dishes.
If, however, you would like to try a bit of everything then I would suggest the ‘Taste of Chino’ menu, where you can enjoy a selection of their signature dishes such as the excellent Duck Salad, Flaming Salmon and Prawn wrapped in a shisho leaf. You can also try some of their tasty skewers and choose between the Prime Beef Short Rib, Prawn Moqueca or Mushroom Hot Pot as a main course. Then perhaps round off your meal with a naughty but nice Chocolate Matcha Fondant.
In its 10 years of operation, Chino Latino has established itself as a popular brunch spot thanks to its excellent Sushi and Dim Sum, and every Saturday between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, the restaurant serves a brunch where you can enjoy an unlimited selection of Dim Sum, Sushi and small plates for £40 per person.
So, if you are looking for a great location to meet up with friends at the weekend or the perfect spot for some post-work cocktails or more intimate date night, then you can’t beat the quality of the service and dishes at Chino Latino.
The Details
Chino Latino, Park Plaza London Riverbank, 18 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London, SE1 7TJ, England.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7769 2500
Website: www.chinolatino.co.uk
Email: london@chinolatino.co.uk
Located on the first floor of the Park Plaza London Riverbank Hotel, the restaurant is a short stroll from Vauxhall station or a brisk 15-minute walk from Waterloo station. Open Monday to Sunday from midday to 10:15pm.
Type of Restaurant: Pan-Asian Restaurant
Price Band: Medium. The ‘Taste of Chino’ set menu costs £48 for two people and includes a selection of signature Chino Latino dishes.
Insider Tip: Arrive a little early and enjoy one of their superb cocktails at the bar before sitting down for your meal.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of Our Man On The Ground, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Chino Latino
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