Clarissa's Kopitiam

From sticky tables to silver spoons. Jom makan.

  • Restaurante Loaira, Pontevedra

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would seek it out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): Grilled octopus
    • Decor: Gastrobar with outdoor terrace
    • Service: Good
    • Other thoughts: Michelin Guide

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Chorizo and bread amuse-bouche
    • Chef’s croquettes of the day – Octopus
    • Grilled octopus accompanied by potato foam and ajada sauce
    • Black rice with cephalopods, nori seaweed and grilled garlic sauce

    Price

    • Final bill: €60 for 2 pax

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , , ,

  • Fleurie

    Verdict

    3/5: Good enough

    • Would seek it out: No
    • Would go back: Only if asked
    • Standout dish(es): N/a
    • Decor: Parisian cafe
    • Service: Good, attentive
    • Other thoughts: Over-salted duck confit, wouldn’t bother with the mocktails

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Cheese croquettes with truffle mayonnaise
    • Spiced roast cauliflower, whipped tofu, sesame, pomegranate, molasses, chimichurri
    • Burrata with peas, mint veloute, almonds and asparagus pesto
    • Confit duck leg with butternut squash, carrot puree, plum compote and jus

    Drink(s) sipped

    • Pomme Pomme – Clean Co Whisky, apple juice, lime, ginger ale
    • Madam Pamplemousse – Clean Co Rum, pink grapefruit soda, lime juice, syrup

    Price

    • Final bill: £45pp

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , ,

  • Co&Ko (Jeon’s Kitchen)

    Verdict

    3/5: Good enough

    • Would seek it out: No
    • Would go back: Only if asked
    • Standout dish(es): N/a
    • Decor: Modern minimalist cafe
    • Service: Chirpy and attentive
    • Other thoughts: N/a

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Beef Bibimbap – Steamed rice, mixed vegetables and beef with a fried egg

    Price

    • Final bill: £16 for one main only, 12.5% service charge

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , ,

  • Pearl Liang

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would seek it out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): Dim sum
    • Decor: Upscale oriental
    • Service: Good, quick
    • Other thoughts: Located in the amphitheatre

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Pan fried turnip cake
    • King’s scallop shu mai
    • Honey roasted pork bun
    • Mini sticky rice with mix meat in lotus leaf
    • King prawn cheung fun
    • Pork shu mai
    • Prawn dumpling

    Price

    • Final bill: £50 for 2 pax, 12.5% service charge

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , , ,

  • Flesh & Buns, Covent Garden

    Verdict

    3/5: Good enough

    • Would seek it out: No
    • Would go back: Only if asked
    • Standout dish(es): The s’mores were fun
    • Decor: Underground Japanese Izakaya
    • Service: Good
    • Other thoughts: The number of times I had to confirm the reservation was annoying

    Dish(es) savoured

    Express Lunch & Pre-Theatre Menu

    • Edamame sea salt
    • Edamame chilli BBQ
    • Piglet yaki
    • Miso grilled aubergine
    • Japanese fried chicken
    • Duck confit

    Something Extra?

    • Beef fat potato chips
    • S’more (toast your own dessert) – Strawberry marshmallows, almond chocolate, graham crackers

    Price

    • Final bill: £35pp

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , ,

  • DanDan London Bridge

    Verdict

    2/5: Wouldn’t bother

    • Would seek it out: No
    • Would go back: No
    • Standout dish(es): N/a
    • Decor: Modern minimalist
    • Service: Attentive. Disproportionate table: staff ratio.
    • Other thoughts: New opening in London Bridge. Surprisingly bland even after adding chilli oil.

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Lanzhou beef noodle with extra marinated egg

    Price

    • Final bill: £16 for one main only, 12.5% service charge

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , ,

  • Dory’s, Margate

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would seek it out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): Charred hispi cabbage
    • Decor: Minimalist beachside bar
    • Service: Knowledgeable and passionate about food sustainability & the community. Very slow; 30mins+ to get the bill.
    • Other thoughts: Sister restaurant to Angela’s (Michelin green star). Daily changing menu depending on what is fresh from the boats.

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Sourdough & butter
    • Raw bream, cucumber, chilli
    • Hispi, germolata, sunflower seeds
    • Torched mackerel, basil, tomato, yoghurt
    • Cod’s roe, devilled eggs
    • Vanilla ice-cream
    • Chocolate truffles

    Drink(s) sipped

    • Sipello – English gooseberry liqueur served over ice and lemon

    Price

    • Final bill: £42pp

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , ,

  • Akara

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would seek it out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): BBQ Prawn Akara
    • Decor: Modern minimalist
    • Service: Good
    • Other thoughts: Sister restaurant to Akoko (one Michelin)

    Dish(es) savoured

    Lunch Set Menu

    • BBQ Prawn Akara
    • Lagos Chicken
    • Efik Rice

    Price

    • Final bill: £28, 13.5% service charge

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , ,

  • Sargasso, Margate

    Verdict

    3/5: Good enough

    • Would seek it out: No
    • Would go back: Only if asked
    • Standout dish(es): The aubergine (daily special)
    • Decor: Minimalist beachside bar
    • Service: Good
    • Other thoughts: Odd toilets; “fancy” outdoor standalone toilets where you have to request for the key

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Sourdough & salted butter
    • Chorizo picante
    • Boquerones & paprika vinegar
    • Aubergine (daily special)
    • Squid sandwich
    • Lemon sole, tomato & nduja

    Price

    • Final bill: £46pp

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , ,

  • Okan Southbank

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would seek it out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): Okonomiyaki (Osaka-style)
    • Decor: 1970/80s Japanese izakaya
    • Service: Good
    • Other thoughts: Hidden gem in Waterloo

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Okan special okonomiyaki – King prawn, squid, kimchi & corn + fried egg (extra)

    Price

    • Final bill: £19 for one main

    Date

    • June 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , ,