Babes In The Woods
£14.00
The Perilla Menu at 1-3 Green Lanes, Newington Green, London N16 9BS offers a masterclass in modern European cuisine with a firm nod to sustainability and innovation. Nestled in a leafy corner of North London, Perilla impresses from the moment you walk in-its open kitchen, rustic wood tones, and laid-back ambiance perfectly complement the thoughtful, seasonal dishes.
What makes the menu stand out is its strong identity. The ever-evolving tasting menu places vegetables and lesser-used cuts of meat at the forefront. During my visit, the sourdough bread with whipped brown butter was a sublime opener-light, nutty, and deeply comforting. The standout dish was a beautifully charred hispi cabbage served in a seaweed broth, showcasing how humble ingredients can be elevated to fine dining status with technique and vision.
Equally memorable was the cod with smoked eel sauce-delicately balanced, both in flavor and presentation. The team at Perilla clearly emphasizes texture and flavor layering, and the portion sizes are generous by tasting menu standards. The wine pairing, though optional, is worth considering, as each selection adds thoughtful nuance to the course progression.
Compared to traditional fine dining establishments, Perilla’s approach feels refreshingly unpretentious. It’s refined, yes, but rooted in approachability and sustainability-aligning well with today’s conscious diners. From a value perspective, the price-to-quality ratio is excellent, especially considering the originality and locally sourced ingredients.
Service is attentive but never intrusive, with the staff clearly knowledgeable about both the dishes and their ingredients. If you're seeking a memorable dining experience that blends creativity with accessibility, the Perilla Menu is a compelling choice-an excellent example of modern British dining at its most thoughtful.