Socca Bistro: Mediterranean Escape In The Heart Of Mayfair

A hidden gem in the heart of Mayfair, Socca Bistro invites you to indulge in a gastronomic experience that transports you to the sun-kissed Riviera. The bistro proudly pays homage to its namesake: the humble chickpea flour pancake. The establishment promises a delightful haven of French-Mediterranean culinary traditions.

I settled into my comfortable sofa seat and ordered a non-alcoholic cocktail. I seldom drink in restaurants nowadays. ‘La vie en Rose’ (£12), a refreshing blend of strawberry and lychee, was a pleasant start to my meal. The breadbasket, offering a selection of baguettes and focaccia, set the stage for the coming meal. The staff suggested dipping the focaccia into the olive oil provided on the tables. The butter for the baguette arrived a few minutes later.

Hors D’œuvres Selection at Socca Bistro

The Hors D’œuvres section on the menu caught my attention. It is a nostalgic nod to the past, where small bites were savoured and shared at the table. One rarely sees it on restaurant menus nowadays. I couldn’t resist trying the Tarte de Menton, an onion tart reminiscent of the classic Pissaladière, and the namesake Socca accompanied by a ‘tartinade’ of roasted peppers, aubergines, and olive oil.

Tarte de Menton is a regional speciality from Menton on the French Riviera. It consists of its thin, crispy pastry base topped with caramelised onions, anchovies, and olives. The golden-brown crust contrasts beautifully with the sweet and savoury flavours of the toppings, making it a perfect Hors D’œuvre.

On the other hand, Socca is a traditional ‘Nice’ dish made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil. The batter is spread thinly on a hot, oiled surface and cooked until crispy around the edges. This gluten-free, vegan pancake offers a simple yet satisfying taste that paired exceptionally well with the tartinade of roasted peppers, aubergines, and olive oil.

These small bites, with their deep-rooted history in Mediterranean cuisine, were the highlights of my meal.

Chef’s Favorite Rabbit Leg and a Classic French Dessert

I chose a chef’s favourite for the main course: Rabbit leg à l’ail. It was a succulent rabbit leg braised in a rich onion and garlic sauce. I ordered a side of gratin dauphinoise to go with my main course. The rabbit leg was perfectly cooked but slightly dry, a common occurrence. Thankfully, the dish was generous with the sauce, which was robust and delicious. I liked that I could enjoy this dish with a tablespoon rather than a fork and knife. Though generously portioned, the gratin was a bit too creamy for my liking.

My dessert choice was a traditional tarte fine aux pommes, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The crispy base and beautifully caramelised apples on top made it an enjoyable end to my lunch.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

The service was adequate but not exceptional; when I inquired about the ingredients in my cocktail, I received a hurried response echoing the menu description. My bill totalled just over £100 for two Hors D’œuvres, a cocktail, a main with a side, dessert, and a coffee. While I appreciated the food, I felt the experience was worth a 3.5-star rating. Now, this only reflects my humble opinion and experience, and I may return to Socca Bistro, but I won’t rush back.

In conclusion, Socca Bistro offers an enjoyable French-Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of Mayfair. While the charming atmosphere and attention to detail in the presentation of dishes contributed to the restaurant’s appeal, I felt there was room for improvement.

My rating reflects the standout quality of the small Hors D’œuvrere, the highlight of my meal. However, the value for money is not quite up there, considering the total bill and the overall satisfaction with the dishes. The dining room, with its cosy, south-of-France ambience, provides a pleasant setting for a meal.

While I may return to Socca Bistro to try the regular à la carte dishes, it is worth noting that the investment would likely exceed £100. I believe there are many alternative options in the city with a more favourable price-to-quality ratio. Nevertheless, Socca Bistro remains an intriguing destination for those seeking a taste of French-Mediterranean cuisine in a posh Mayfair setting.