CERU IS THE PLACE TO KNOW FOR FOOD FUSION
For a taste of the Med mixed with a touch of Arabia, and all the best bits of Turkey, Persia, Egypt and Greece, head to the latest addition to the Foodie Circuit, Ceru, in South Kensington.
Slow cooked, freshly prepared dishes have been rounded into a well flavoured menu of sharing dishes, inspired by the Levant; The owner’s approach to bring the sunshine and spices to experimental customers who love good food and wine, seems to have found the perfect home in Bute Street.
An understated exterior, leads to a warm and buzzy interior, complete with candles, booths and mosaics which transport you faraway from Central London.
Super friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to help with the small but perfectly formed menu, and offer choices and suggestions for any allergies or dietary requirements. They also know a thing or two about the cocktail and wine menu, and I struck lucky with my ‘Too Hot to Handle’ concoction. A mixture of Famous Grouse, Disaronno, Chilli, Lemon, Sugar, Egg white, it could have gone either way with the chilli, but it tickled my pre-dinner taste buds, and got me excited for more!
Ordering a selection of food for sharing is the done thing in Ceru, and the waitress brought the mezze dishes as and when, which was meant there was always something on the go, and something to look forward to! I recommend eight dishes for two people, and definitely try and squeeze in the Chef’s special desert…
Depending if you prefer meat or vegetables, (there are plenty of options for veggies/vegans) I would recommend the roast pumpkin and cauliflower salad, (melt in the mouth) lamb kebabs, roast beetroot and fennel salad, crisp apple, mint and pomegranate salad, beef kofta, courgette fritters, fadi dip and flatbreads… And if that sounds like a lot, it is ample! But going to Ceru is a treat after all. AND they serve the delicious Lebanese wine Ksara, which complemented everything!
Spending hours chatting and making ourselves at home, it was great to end the night with the chocolate surprise. A mousse topped with crumbled pistachios (and a cherry hidden inside).
Yum.
Perfect for couples, catch ups, small groups or mums. They even do an express lunch and afternoon tea. Not sure how this works Levant style, but I’m very keen to give it a try!
See the menu here and check it out for yourself