Trinco Dulwich — Restaurant in London

I wanted to share my experience from last night’s Valentine’s Day dinner at Trinco, where my partner I had the set menu.

Firstly, when booking, there was no indication that we would be given a set menu. We only found out a couple of days before the event when we received a confirmation email stating it was for the Valentine’s set menu. However, we couldn’t find any details about the menu online. After requesting it via email, we were sent the menu and decided to proceed, as it was so close to the date to make changes.we were frustrated by this as we would have wanted to have the choice of the full menu, and if this had been made clear at the time of booking, we would have booked the restaurant for another evening.

Upon arrival, we were asked to wait for a table, which was fine, as we were offers drinks menus while we waited - but the drinks menus never arrived and we weren’t able to get anyone’s attention. Once seated, it took about 10 minutes before anyone came to take our drinks order or offer any water, and this only happened after we managed to get someone’s attention. Once ordered, we had the water did not arrive, so we had to ask again. We asked for the drinks menu half way through our meal, but no one came back to take an order, so we just stuck with the initial drink and water. We ended up passing our drinks menu to the next table, who seemed to be in the same position as us.

Throughout our meal, we overheard multiple tables complaining about delays with their food. The couple next to us had been there for two hours and had only just received their mains. Another couple tried to leave halfway through the meal and attempted to pay, but the waitress convinced them to stay.

As for the set menu, while the food came out in reasonable time for us, one of our courses was forgotten. We flagged this when the main course arrived so they brought it over but we then had to eat everything together.

Additionally, the menu listed a roti as part of the curry, but this was missing when the dish arrived. It was brought out later after we flagged the issue.

Over all the food was fine. It didn’t blow us away.

Lastly, while the staff were friendly, we noticed multiple instances where the wrong items were delivered to tables, particularly with drinks.

I’m sorry to write such a negative review, especially since we had heard great things about Trinco and were looking forward to the experience. However, given the high cost of £55 per person, we left feeling disappointed and wish we had spent our...

If vegetarian food is your main goal, then this is a good place to go because the flavours are distinct and the menu has a very handy option of "one of everything" so there is no need to choose.

The jackfruit stood out among the dishes. The grilled courgette was a wonderfully light started with sour cream and a delicate seasoning.

The mean came with a platter of condiments which were a hit and miss. The cucumber yogurt and mango salad were memorable.

The service on the other hand lacked care and detail. A missed chipped plate, spotted cutlery and even a lack of clarity when explaining the menu dragged the overall experience of the food. The sample platter at £25 a head was introduced as unlimited, but only the plain rice is unlimited, although even the flavoured biryani was not much to write home about. The Hopper served in this platter was one between two people, and it is still unclear whether it was at all added as a favour or that was the original suggestion on the menu. This again comes back to clarity in service.

For a busy evening the place felt a little tight and loud, although to be fair we just chose to add to that by doing our bit to chat over the din.

Personally, I would also add/close the door to the kitchen access because the bright light there compared with the softer dining area was a...

Trinco in Dulwich is a real gem, offering an inspired and authentic taste of Tamil-Sri Lankan cuisine with a modern twist. From the moment you step inside, the intimate atmosphere and thoughtful Sri Lankan touches create a welcoming ambiance. The set menu is a standout, showcasing vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. The staff are incredibly attentive and warm, making the experience even more special. A well-deserved 5/5! Highlights for me: Fried Banana Blossom: A crispy, delightful dish, perfectly balanced by a cooling coconut yogurt dip and a chili mayo that provides a gentle kick. The muttonless Rolls are a delicious plant-based take on a classic, with the tamarind sauce and lime pickle mayo adding a tangy burst. Red Curry of Hearts of Palm was rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, especially when paired with the soft pol roti and perfectly cooked black & white rice. Trinco clearly celebrates fresh, sustainable ingredients while paying homage to the chef’s Sri Lankan heritage. It’s a must-visit for adventurous food lovers in East Dulwich looking for a genuine and memorable...