I’ve lived around the corner from The Zetter for quite some time and although I’ve gone drinking in their court yard, I’d never really sat down to eat. Mainly because it seemed a little bit poncy (i.e. pricy) from the outside. I mean when you have wallpaper (as shown below), you think it’s going to be all for show.

With some great deals on Top Table at the moment, it’s definitely worth going. In fact, after eating there I still think it’s a good place for a quality dinner regardless of whether or not you get the deal. The focus for The Zetter is modern Mediterranean with foods from all over, though noticeably more focused on Italian and Spanish themes. Take for example the bread, a simple, slightly crisped rosemary foccacia with some olive oil for dipping.

I had quite a bit of difficulty choosing from the menu, a good sign that it had some interesting dishes. I have a feeling the their menu is seasonal as it was printed on a piece of paper and then supplemented by some daily specials. I decided to start with the aubergine soup, served with creme fraiche and a piece of garlic toast.

I’m not sure if you can really tell in the photo, but it was deliciously thick and had strong flavours though was slightly over-seasoned with too much black pepper. A bit of a shame because everything else was so nice. Next up was the main.

A twist on the classic Paella, this version was made with Orzo (an Italian rice shaped pasta) though served with plenty of seafood and available for a single person (unlike all other places that seem to mandate at least two people have it). Chock full of flavour and bursting with seafood, this was super enjoyable.

Although their best dessert was apparently the crème brule, I’ve been a sucker for Tiramisu for a while, so I was intrigued by the “Zetter Tiramisu”. Served in a glass, it was the traditional layers although I think they’d opted for some sort of coffee liquor and had some fresh berries to provide a tart contrast. Served with an almond biscotti, perfect for dipping it wasn’t long before I had finished it.

I remember a very extensive wine menu although we weren’t drinking that night. They also seemed to have some reasonable and interesting cocktail creations as well. Service on the other hand was impeccable throughout. It was prompt, our tap water was constantly filled up and we were never pressured into being upsold or anything.

I’d definitely go back for a meal again.

Name: The Zetter
Website: http://www.thezetter.com/
Found at: St John’s Square, 86 – 88 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5RJ.