An intimate bistro in the heart of Fulham, just minutes from Fulham Broadway station. Manuka Kitchen serves up an ever changing seasonal-driven menu, crafted from quality, lovingly sourced ingredients and with a team so passionate about what they do it comes across in the food. Not to mention it’s excellent value for money in an area which can sometimes be bustling in nothing but fast food and endless coffee shops. Manuka Kitchen is a breath of fresh air and a hidden gem in my opinion.
Whilst we got to familiarise ourselves with the menu, we settled in with a couple of cocktails. A fantastic Negroni which had all the bite and bitterness you always hope for, as well as a Strawberry Bellini – which was as fruity as it was boozy. The perfect couple of drinks to start off the sunny weekend and also only our second meal out since lockdown – which made for an even more exciting afternoon.
Owner Joseph Antippa is so passionate about the food he serves which meant for an experience that immediately had us feeling like we found a new local and our first dish was testament to that passion. Kicking off our lunch was this gorgeous plate of homemade burrata with home-preserved peach and herb oil. Creamy, juicy, sweet – this dish had it all. I loved the burrata so much, but those peaches were pretty special too and the herby pesto topping was an extra added bonus.
Another starter we indulged in was the home-cured salmon. Again, it was thoroughly enjoyable and looked like Summer on a plate. Served with pickled watermelon and radish sprouts, I highly recommend washing it down with a few too many glasses of wine or something sparkling. You’ll love it.
One of my favourite dishes here is one of their classics. The wagyu beef bolognese. It’s been on the menu probably for as long as the restaurant has been open and for good reason. The fresh ribbons of pappardelle are silky, but full of bite. The wagyu sauce is as rich and deep as you hoped it would be and lashings of parmesan are of course, mandatory. I loved the dollop of pesto on the top too, it added a nice freshness to it all.
What’s better than pasta? Beef of course! In fact this beef wasn’t better than the pappardelle, but just as good. A beautifully cooked 8 oz bavette steak, marinated in morels powder, black vinegar and Kombu dashi – then topped with a dollop of chimi churi and served with a side of fries. I’m not entirely sure if I could taste those medley of marinades in the meat, but it didn’t really matter because it was a lovely, full flavoured piece of bavette. Make sure you also order a side of the rocket & parmesan salad for good measure.
If you’ve still got room, finish with the cheese – because it’s SO good! Served at perfect room temperature (meaning lots good cheesy mess), you’ll get a selection of two expertly sourced cheeses, as well as some luscious brandy apricots, Manuka honey and bread. If like me you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, then the Eton mess will be the one for you – especially in this heatwave. Gloriously sweet strawberries, home-made vanilla ice cream and chewy meringue. A fantastic ending to what had been a lovely meal.
I’m sure you can probably work it out already, but I absolutely loved Manuka Kitchen and living just down the road, I can’t believe I’ve left it so long to visit. Refreshing cocktails, the best home-made burrata you’re most likely to eat all year and a ragu with a such a richness to it you’ll only want to come back for more. Would we return? Absolutely! Did I mention it’s great value too? I think I did!
NB: My meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.
You had me at homemade burrata!