Smith's of Smithfield Top Floor

It was good but not quite as good as I was expecting, considering where it is in the heart of Smithfields. Having said that, I would certainly go back again.

Terrible food. Had to send one main course back, as the monkfish was raw in the middle. My steak was very nice but when the steak came out for the replacement for the fish, it was burnt to a crisp. Poor flavours and very badly seasoned food. At £189 for 3 people, I would not set foot in this very dirty, poor value for money restaurant.

Nothing special. Nice interior, nice service but found the food to be very average, especially considering price. Head to the Eagle instead for some amazing pub grub.

A great view, lots of space and light, and a firmly British menu with lots of emphasis on good quality produce. Go for the beef - they give the producer and the amount of time it was hung for.

Poor value for money.

The terrace overlooking the London skyline with its crisply modern interior might have the look of something just a little bit too trendy for its own good; but in fact, Smith's Top floor scored well on all the right points and I was thoroughly satisfied. So much so I'm going again this week.

Service was excellent: well timed, charming, unobtrusive, knowledgable. A pleasing malescot St Exupery '96 was well decanted and dispensed.

Food was, as you would expect, trencherman based, but well presented.

Given the house style, I opted for a smoked eel and pancetta salad (enough eel, good crisp pancetta and immaculate dressed greens) followed by a Hereford sirloin (I think) of 24 days hanging. They take their beef seriously here: farmers and breeds are listed as sourced, which I like. It gives a connection with the food...

...and I'm delighted to say that it was the most memorable piece of beef I have had in recent years.

I followed with cheese, which was pre-plated (Grrr) and a little on the meagre side.

Aside from the cheese, my only other complaint was that for such a price (I think #27-00) the steak could have been just a bit larger; and I am emphatically not a person who judges a restaurant by size of portion.

None the less, a hit. and I left the place feeling as I should feel - restored.

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