Review: The Ninth

The Ninth describes itself as a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant. In my view it’s more of a fine dining affair although all establishments that fold up your napkin when you leave the table are considered fine dining to me.

Having first visited in July 2016, I was drawn in by the ever-Instagrammed Ossobuco Tortellini which I can assure you doesn’t disappoint. Jun Tanaka’s first restaurant – the ninth in which he has worked – has since been awarded it’s first Michelin star which is very exciting. The Ninth was recognised for it’s top quality ingredients and dishes with distinct flavours. Here are some of the plates I got to enjoy the first time around and during my second visit when I sampled the excellent value set lunch menu.

Cured pork belly with a generous covering of fat giving it great flavour is brilliant paired with celeriac and mustard.

The Ossobuco Tortellini and Bone Marrow is absolutely magical. At £11 a pop it’s perfect for sharing between two as the flavours are rich so you wouldn’t want too much of it.

Okay, that’s a lie I could have eaten the whole thing myself.

On my return visit to The Ninth we tried out the set lunch menu of 3 plates and a glass of wine. Here I enjoyed Langoustine Ravioli served in a consommé. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the dish was rich in flavour.

The second dish I chose was the Roast Duck which had a delicious flavour to it. Decorated with apple and a Jerusalem artichoke it all paired together very well.

The final lunch dish consisted of Orecchiette with cavolo nero pesto, egg yolk and a few shavings of parmesan.

To round off the meal we shared a cheese plate. We were a table of five so it wasn’t enough to go around but since we were on our lunch break we only had time for a taster anyway!

If you do have time/room for dessert, I recommend the Tarte Tatin for two which we enjoyed on my first visit. Served with a rosemary ice cream, the caramelised apple and crisp pastry was delicious.

The Ninth’s cooking uses classical French techniques with a spotlight on the Med; dishes look appealing but the focus is firmly on flavour. It was hard to fault either meal and I’m looking forward to returning again soon for more Ossobuco Tortellini.