Stunning fine dining experience
This was, I believe, our first visit since covid. We've visited quite a few times, and stayed on several occasions, even though it's only 40 minutes away, just because it rounds out a wonderful experience.
This was no different. It was our 25th wedding anniversary, and we just opted for lunch.
The decor hasn't changed, but has stayed fresh and sharp. The staff were truly magnificent, as always, and really help to set the tone, which is just the perfect balance of formal yet relaxed and modern.
They all really do a great job.
The food, however... aaaahh the food.
It always used to be excellent. On this visit, though, it was simply beyond belief.
The depth and intensity of flavour delivered in every last morsel was just beyond compare. We've eaten several great (Michelin and so forth) restaurants, and I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever had anything better than the lunch I had yesterday. Really. It's hard to single out any one thing, but the chicken tortellini was absolutely mind blowing.
One thing to bear in mind is that this is genuine fine dining. Don't expect fancy pub grub. Don't expect large portions.
This is food as art. Don't get me wrong, I didn't come away hungry, but when your plate is mostly empty when it arrives - that's deliberate. At least one reviewer here seems to have been new to this concept, which is fine, but it's a shame they give one star for something that is a deliberate design choice, and is perfectly normal in fine dining.
At the moment, Northcote are simply displaying culinary art at its very best.
I wish I could give six stars.
31 July 2023
Unprompted review