Intimate, Inspired, Incredible: A Night at Archway Battersea’s Chef’s Table
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Archway Battersea, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. I chose this hidden gem which is nestled discreetly beneath an old railway in Battersea to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday, and it far exceeded all of my expectations.
I have this sneaky suspicion that Chef Lorenzo is going to be one of London’s next big culinary stars. My foodie radar is rarely wrong, and he’s definitely got the talent!
Lorenzo’s passion for creativity and
seasonal produce ensures a dining
experience that is both innovative and
memorable.
My boyfriend couldn’t stop remarking on how Chef Lorenzo could easily transition into a model or actor. Should I feel a touch envious that he not only crafts such exceptional dishes but also possesses a striking presence? It seems he truly excels in every regard.
Ambiance:
The restaurant boasts a chic, modern décor that seamlessly blends with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a romantic date. The lighting was exquisitely arranged—soft and flattering without being excessively dim—creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that immediately made us feel at ease, as though we were guests in a lavish home with a beautifully open kitchen.
Upon entering and glimpsing the small Chef’s Table, I couldn’t resist inquiring if I could be seated there. It was an absolute delight for any food enthusiast to witness the head chef’s passion firsthand. Observing the meticulous preparation and cooking of each dish, from the flatbreads to the steaks, was like living out a culinary dream.
Service:
The service at Archway was absolutely fantastic. The staff were incredibly attentive and professional. From the moment I walked in, I felt really well looked after. They knew it was a special night for us and even surprised us with a little extra touch for the birthday dessert—such a sweet gesture that made the evening even more special.
Plus, they changed my plates every time and made sure each dish was served at just the right moment. It’s so refreshing to see a place that really cares about those little details these days in London.
Drinks:
The wine list at Archway is thoughtfully curated—not extensive, but highly selective, changing seasonally to complement the monthly menu. This attention to aligning with seasonal ingredients truly reflects their commitment to quality.
In addition, they offer an impressive selection of elegant cocktails to accompany your meal. The coffee was notably excellent as well.
Price: £££
The portion sizes were ample, and the presentation of each dish was beautifully executed. Combined with the exceptional service, I found the overall experience to be well worth the cost!
What I Ordered:
Focaccia
The bread had a beautifully golden crust, sprinkled with just the right amount of sea salt and fresh rosemary, which added a fragrant, herbaceous note.
As I tore into the Focaccia, the texture was perfect—crisp on the outside and wonderfully airy and soft on the inside. Each bite was a delightful combination of subtle flavors; the olive oil used in the dough was clearly of high quality, lending a rich, buttery finish to the bread.
What I appreciated most was how the Focaccia managed to be flavorful on its own, yet versatile enough to complement every dish we paired it with. Whether dipping it into olive oil, sopping up the last bit of sauce from our main courses, or enjoying it as is, the Focaccia was a standout part of the meal.
*Flatbread, squacquerone, sage, guanciale
The flatbread itself was perfectly baked, with a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, slightly chewy interior. The Squacquerone cheese was spread generously across it, adding a creamy, tangy richness that melted deliciously with every bite. Then the sage added a lovely, aromatic touch, giving the dish a nice contrast
The crowning element was undoubtedly the guanciale. The thin, crispy slices of cured pork brought a deep, savory flavor that took the dish to the next level. Its salty taste paired beautifully with the creamy Squacquerone and the fragrant sage, creating a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.
Burrata, melon, cucumber, basil
This dish was artfully plated, with vibrant colors that made it as much a feast for the eyes as it was for the palate.
The real highlight was the combination of flavors. The creamy burrata, the sweet melon, and the perfect hint of salt with fresh basil all came together brilliantly. Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, it would be an ideal starter, especially on a summer evening. (Even though it wasn’t quite summer when we visited, we still enjoyed it immensely!)
*Cardinali alla Nerano
It was a dish that truly captured the soul of Italian cooking, blending simplicity with exceptional flavor.
The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente, providing just the right amount of bite. It was luxuriously coated in a creamy, velvety sauce that was rich yet wonderfully light. The cheesy flavor was indulgent and satisfying.
Lamb neck fillet, peperonata
The lamb neck fillet was beautifully prepared—tender and juicy with a rich, succulent flavor that can only come from slow-cooking a well-chosen cut of meat. The fillet had a lovely crust on the outside, locking in all the juices, while the inside was so juicy, showcasing the lamb’s natural richness.
Since lamb is such a rich meat, I would have liked the peperonata a bit more sweet side for my taste, but that’s just a personal preference.
Zucchine alla scapece
Unfortunately, this side dish wasn’t really to my taste. It had a strong, acidic, and garlicky flavor that didn’t seem to pair well with the other dishes.
Tiramisù della Nonna
What a charming square shape! I tasted the high-quality ingredients— the cream was wonderfully rich and buttery, and the cocoa powder added a nice bittersweet touch.
I would have enjoyed a bit more richness from the mascarpone cream, though.
Cherry, almond frangipane tart, vanilla ice cream
The tart was great, but what I loved most was the vanilla ice cream. The vanilla flavor was rich and aromatic, making it the perfect match for the tart. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream provided a refreshing contrast to the warm tart, making each bite a delightful mix of temperatures and textures.
Conclusion:
Archway Battersea really impressed me in every way. The food, the service, and the overall atmosphere made for a memorable birthday celebration. Especially if you prefer dishes with a bit more salty side and less sweetness, you’ll really enjoy this place. The chef knows how to use salt and olive oil to perfection.
If you’re looking for a special spot to enjoy a great meal with someone you care about—or just want a fantastic dining experience in a lovely setting—I can’t recommend Archway Battersea enough. And definitely check out the Chef’s Table if you can; it’s where all the culinary magic happens. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Tips from Nako:
- Booking ahead is definitely recommended, especially if you’re aiming for the Chef’s Table, as the place was packed the night we visited!
- They do have outdoor tables, but the indoor setting is much nicer.
- Be sure to try the flatbread and pasta dishes—they’re must-orders!
- Check out their menu before you go (they do have vegetarian options), as it changes every month.
- Oh, and they’ve even been mentioned by Michelin!
