Toklas — Restaurant in London

In the heart of London, just a stone's throw from the Thames, lies Toklas—a restaurant that’s as much an experience as it is a culinary destination. The moment you step inside, you're greeted not just with the tantalising aroma of freshly baked bread, but with the promise of something quite extraordinary.

Starting with the sourdough, still warm from the bakery, it’s a revelation in simplicity. Paired with butter that’s been meticulously salted to perfection, it sets the tone for what’s to come. This is not just bread and butter; it’s a prelude to an odyssey of flavors.

The mussels escabeche arrive next, and they are nothing short of a marvel. Tender and bathed in a delicate marinade, each bite is a testament to the sea’s bounty.

Then, a salad that redefines what you think you know about tomatoes. The Cuore del Vesuvio Italian tomatoes, kissed by the sun and nurtured by the rich Italian soil, burst with a flavor that’s almost nostalgic in its authenticity. The borlotti beans and marjoram don’t just accompany the tomatoes; they elevate them, adding layers of texture and a floral note that dances on the palate.

But the pièce de résistance is the squid ink tagliolini with Portland crab and purslane. It’s a dish that captures the very essence of the sea. The tagliolini, inky black and silky smooth, intertwines with the sweet, succulent crab, creating a harmony that’s nothing short of transcendental. The purslane adds a touch of earthiness, grounding the dish in a way that makes each bite more compelling than the last.

Dessert, often an afterthought in lesser establishments, is treated with the reverence it deserves at Toklas. The amaretto roast peaches with mascarpone are a symphony of sweet and creamy, while the chocolate cremosa is indulgence personified. Each dessert offers a divine conclusion to a meal that has been nothing short of a gastronomic journey.

Service here is impeccable. The staff at Toklas move with a grace and attentiveness that is as rare as it is refreshing. They are knowledgeable, passionate, and contribute to making the dining experience seamless and unforgettable.

Toklas isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to what happens when culinary expertise meets an unwavering commitment to quality. 10/10, without a...

We were walking in London and choose this place to pop-in for a drink, rest our feet and use the restroom. Naturally, we did not have reservations and we were told we could only sit outdoors on the patio for drinks only. We did not complain because garden area was very lovely. The wine list was extensive, however we were excited to try something from cocktail menu. Our service however, was not very good. We waited a long time before we were asked for our drinks and our server was not friendly. My sister ordered the espresso martini. While this drink tasted like burnt espresso, it was at least palatable. My friend and I both each ordered the old fashioned, which was unpalatable. The drink tasted like we drinking pure lemon verbena syrup, without bitters or bourbon. Because our server was so unfriendly, we didn’t feel comfortable sending back our drinks and ordered from the wine menu. In effort to save our cocktails, I ordered 50ml a of Mitchers Bourbon and added 25ml to both old fashioned. Even after adding the extra bourbon, the cocktail tasted of pure syrup. I can only blame myself for not sending the drink back from the beginning. After asking for our bill, we 60£ in cash for three drinks we couldn’t finish. On our way out, our server said our “bills looked too new” and told us credit card was the only accepted form of payment. She added a service charge to our bill, which is to be expected upon receiving adequate service. This was the worst service we received during our seven day trip in London. To my other fellow travelers, the food menu looks amazing. I suggest to make a reservation, drink from the wine menu (avoid the old fashioned) and do not attempt to pay with cash. Hopefully the treatment you receive is...

A Hidden Gem in Surrey Street – Worth the Find Tucked behind an unassuming door on Surrey Street, Toklas is one of those rare places that truly deserves a visit—and a mention. You might hear the buzz of diners before even spotting the entrance. I walked in without a reservation, and while the staff was initially hesitant due to how busy they expected to get, by the time I left, the place was absolutely packed. A true testament to the quality of the food, the atmosphere, and the service.

I started with freshly baked sourdough and butter, followed by a beautiful spread of: • Grilled sardines with tomatoes and gremolata • Slow-grilled carrots with labneh, pistachios, and sumac • Cuore del Vesuvio tomatoes with borlotti beans and marjoram • Roast courgette with coco beans, tomato, and olives • Hake with courgette, potato, and basil

Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and flavourful, but the slow-grilled carrots and the tomato salad with borlotti beans stood out as my personal favourites—layered, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean soul.

The chips and chicken at the next table looked incredibly tempting, and I was eyeing the Amaretto-roasted peaches with mascarpone for dessert… but being on my own, I had to pace myself!

Service was warm, professional, and attentive throughout. Trev, the manager, deserves special mention for his calm presence and graceful handling of a fully booked restaurant.

Also worth noting—the wine and cocktail list is excellent, with plenty of interesting choices to complement the food.

Highly recommend booking in advance. But if you’re lucky, a walk-in might just turn your night into something unexpectedly delicious.

Follow me for more artful bites and bubbles...