Rubino Kitchen — Restaurant in Colchester

I cannot say how pleased I am to have found Rubino and find a place finally making use of the great produce available in Essex. The Google description as an Italian restaurant is misleading, although Chef Rob uses Italian technique and presentation to express his seasonal and local vision. This is one of those occasions where there needs to be more opportunity to distinguish between 5 star reviews!

The menu changes once per month, with Sunday being reserved for Roast Beef (also locally sourced and rumoured to be exceptional). The menu consists of 6 dishes and diners have the option to choose as many as they wish in any combination- all being available as small or larger plates. We opted for the tasting menu and elected one dish to be the main. What we were served was really exciting. Good local seasonal food simply done to show of the quality of the food.

The gnocchi with wild garlic and walnut pesto was delicate and packed with flavour. Chef Rob taking time to explain his fast hand production process to ensure plump fluffy dumplings where the starch hasn't had time to solidify. The Ham and Guinea Fowl terrine was delicious with a playful deconstructed Piccallili which had be hankering for more. Next up was the Lamb Tortelli with smoked aubergine, spring beans and grilled baby gem. This was for me the absolute highlight of the meal. Spring on a plate, with perfect pasta wrapped around delicate juicy lamb highlighted by subtle cumin and smokiness of the aubergine and a fresh sweetness brought by the peas and lettuce. I elected to have the cod with asparagus, new potatoes and samphire hollandaise as the main dish, which again was deceptively simple, but incredibly pleasing.

There were a couple of misses for me. The salmon ceviche had all the ingredients to be incredible, but for some reason fell flat. I think it needed balance for some of the bitter flavours and missed the leche de tigre marinade to bring it together. Also the distinctively flavoured stinging nettle risotto missed a touch of seasoning and was slightly overcooked, which was a shame as it could have been insanely good. But believe me I'm being picky here as the quality of the food was exceptional. Hard to believe so much can come out of a relatively small kitchen.

I didn't make it to dessert but worth mentioning that there was a terrific wine list.

Rubino is a delightful location offering an intimate and unhurried service. Chef Rob talked for a while about his cooking and influences, which added to the experience. So great to see such quality in an...

Rubino Kitchen On Saturday we made a long overdue return to Rubino Kitchen. I’m delighted to say it was our best visit to date as we enjoyed a fabulous tasting menu created by chef / owner Rob. We were also looked after superbly by Sophie. The restaurant is on the Inworth Road just a ten minute drive from junction 23 on the A12. When we arrived Sophie was there to greet us warmly before seating us at our table. At this point Rob came out for a chat and to welcome us back. For the menu which is designed so you can either have A la Carte or create your own tasting menu. This gives you the opportunity to have as many dishes as you like as well as this there also the choice of a set three course lunch menu. We decided to opt for the offer from Rob to have a surprise tasting menu. We started with a Chicken and Leek Terrine which was followed by Rabbit Agnolotti , Baked Scallops , Braised Beef with Horseradish Risotto and Haddock. Then it was time for desserts. Here we enjoyed the delicious Lemon Tart , Custard Tart and the Biscoff Cheesecake. We finished with a coffee before heading into the kitchen where we could personally thank Rob and the team for a great afternoon. There is no doubt in my mind when I say I would recommend a visit to Rubino Kitchen which is one of the best restaurants in Essex. Thank You all for a fabulous afternoon and look forward to seeing you...

Sunday 19th I went for Lunch to Rubinos at 2.30pm, pre-booked. This was my 3rd visit and my second Lunch. First 2 visits amazing, last Sunday a bitter disappointment. What was wrong? Everything. Sat at a Table near side Door and was freezing. Couple after me were given the choice to pick their Table, not me. When I asked if the Heater could be turned up I was told that is not possible because it would create a short. Lunch was the greatest disappointment. 2 small pieces of Beef with 3 small pieces of Roast Potatoes, veg again in small portions. I did request extra Potatoes and was given 2 Pieces each. On the previous Lunch some month ago it was more then double the amount. Dessert also disappointing. A cold piece of Brownie supposedly Cherry Brownie with a little whipped cream on the side. Not a hint of Decorations, like maybe a cherry on the top or half a Strawberry to make it look a little colourful and presentable. My own conclusion is that 2 bookings were taken the day before as I spoke to the Guests and as Supply was ordered they had to make it go further and stretch it out. I will not be going again, shame but not willing to risk it...