Toast — Restaurant in St Albans

Full disclosure, this was my second visit and i owed it to toast to review after my first visit, with that said, let's go. Toast describes itself as a brunch restaurant, bringing coffee, cocktails and "things on toast". Thats exactly what it is and what it does. Like i said this was my second visit and once again, did not fail to leave me smiling. This establishment is not a huge place by any stretch of the imagination but seating is laid out in a way so as not to feel constrained, i didnt feel like people were on top of me. I was welcomed with a warm smile and immediately sat me down. It was a window stool and the server kindly lowered the blinds as it was incredibly bright and hot outside. Pretty much every seat apart from the two window stools were taken, which in my book is a good sign, its popular for sure. After being seated i briefly pondered the menu and gave up almost immediately, every dish sounded great and made it too difficult to choose, so i asked the chef. I dont have any dietry requirements or preferences so im good with that. He said his "Go to" was the Chimi steak, right, done, sold, lets go! I ordered, received my flat white promptly and sat and soaked in the atmospherics, again. I enjoyed sitting with my coffee listening to the voices chattering and laughing, the sounds of crockery and glasses clinking, the distant sounds of labour from the kitchen, it all adds to the nostalgic experience. Toast use good quality produce and the selection, you can tell has been thought about. So my Chimi steak arrives and i am not disappointed. A circular plate housing what would be described as warm happiness. The Marinated Rump steak was cooked medium, with a nicely seared crust, coated in Chimichuri and on top was a perfectly fried egg, all laid on a thick cut slice of sourdough toast, accompanied by a cute little ceramic pot of the lightest fluffiest little hash brown balls. Honestly it was incredible. The whole experience was, i will return again and again, next time to review the sweets on toast. This place is a little gem and the staff here are brilliant, they work hard and really make you feel welcome. Its clean and almost Scandi feel really appeals to me and clearly many others. It definitely feels like a local business run by people who care it does not feel like a business, it feels more like you have been invited to eat at a friends home. Well done Guys, a 'Toast' to you,...

My visit to Toast was an absolute delight. The dishes is designed & made to an incredibly high standard & staff were wonderfully cheery and helpful; something that I don’t require from my friends in hospitality but my gosh does it brighten your experience!

The menu is simply laid out and easy to navigate. With most dishes being able to be adapted to be gluten free, veggie and a surprising amount vegan.

I stayed for some hours, enjoying the strong coffee and variety of smells from the open walled kitchen wafting into the quaint sitting area. There are tables for one or shared dining tables - for whatever you fancy.

I got the Avo toast, something I swore I would never pay £10 for again, but today I very happily handed over my debit card for.

This was an incredible take on a simple dish that is rarely given the time of day by most brunch spots. With salty, seasoned avocado, pickled onions, zesty herby oil and I requested a side of their homemade green harissa. I throughly recommend this addition. The green harissa tipped me over the edge in terms of dish pleasure. I would liken it to the Goan green chutney which consists of green chilli, coriander and coconut.

In other words, I have never had avocado toast like I did today, and if you knew how much I’ve indulged in this dish in both my own kitchen and others', this is saying something.

Please pay toast a visit then next time you're looking for munch in St Albans....

Nestled between the O2 shop and 5 Guys is a road, fairly nondescript, that will lead you to Toast, a place for breakfast brunch and more, with a delectable menu, offering plenty of quirky choices, you'll be glad you ventured off the main thorough fare and into their establishment. Reading the other reviews, there is a vibe, not a bustle; busy yet chilled without having coffee shop snobbery (probably because everyone has their heads down eating!). It's the reason why you go there and the reason why I want to return soon, to try more offerings from that menu. Having already had my quota of coffee for the day, I had to decline a drink, but elected for the cheese on toast with side of hash bites, both come with indulgent dips and made for a good pairing, but I would say that. The service matched the food or maybe even exceeded it, you are welcomed and your visit appreciated, with so many places to eat in the city, sometimes you do just feel like another bum on a seat, here you are a guest of their cuisine. And not to forget the cut chillies on the toast, its always the detail that makes...