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Peruvian style in Covent Garden - we Test Drive Lima Floral

Peruvian style in Covent Garden - we Test Drive Lima FloralWhat can you tell me about Lima Floral?

This is the second restaurant from Gabriel Gonzalez and Virgilio Martinez following the ongoing success of their Fitzrovia restaurant. This second restaurant, in Covent Garden, is more of a casual affair than the original which works well given its position in Theatreland. This Lima also has slightly different take on the bar space.

How is the bar different?

It takes over what used to be one of our favourite bolt-holes, the Forge bar and completely reinvents the space. It's a very welcoming basement bolthole and now that we know it's here, we'll be looking to pay it another visit when we're next in the area.

The bar also offers a way of sampling Lima Floral's food without going for the full a la carte, courtesy of the piqueos menu. On that you can get a number of smaller dishes around the £6 - £8 price point, with ceviches and more on offer - and booths can be booked there too. 

Where should I go for a drink first?

We'd really recommend a pisco sour in the bar (and if you haven't had a pisco sour, it's a must-drink at Lima). Alternatively pop into the Lamb and Flag on nearby Rose Street for a pint.

Who's it suitable for?

A very mixed crowd on our visit leaving us unable to pin down an obvious age group. We'd say it's upmarket casual and there's a great vibe in the main room.

And where should I sit?

Ideally, you'll want to be sitting in the main part of the dining room, which you can't actually see when you come in the main door, but is more convival than the seats just outside that area. In here, either the tables in the centre or by the window is where you should be aiming for.

What should I order?

 In the restaurant, it's a straightforward three course a la carte affair - with no sides available as add-ons. This may be a surprising limitation at first, but all the courses - particularly the mains - are very substantial, so you won't be left hungry.

You can see the full run-down of what we had below - but a couple of dishes really stood out:

  • The seared tuna Nikkei (£10) was immediately lauded by us as one of the best starters we've had this year. The tuna was utterly delicious and the sprigs of samphire with it, gave it a nice British twist.
  • Also excellent - and huge - was the organic lamb main (£22). Not only was the lamb cooked perfectly - but it was enhanced by everything that came with it - particularly the queso fresco. It's a bestselling dish here and deservedly so.

How about the drinks list?

As mentioned, the cocktails - and particularly the pisco sours - are worth your attention. As for wines, they start at £19 for a South African white/Spanish red and are handily split into categories to make the choice for less wine-savvy people easier. We would have liked to see a few more South American wines on the list, however. A Peruvian chardonnay had already sold out so we opted for an Argentinean Torrontes instead.

Overall thoughts?

 In all, the food as much as the environment sees Lima Floral being a little more laid back than its older sibling and this is, in our minds, a good thing. It's a great match for the area and also gives Londoners a decent bar that will be well worth seeking out for a cheeky pisco sour and a ceviche.

Lima Floral is at 14 Garrick Street (Floral Street entrance), Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9BJ. Find out more about Lima Floral

Hot Dinners were invited to Lima Floral. Prices were correct at the time of writing.

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