Reviews Darwin Brasserie

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Marry Mariana
+5
love the view
2 months ago
Zomato
Abhinav Kashyap
+4
When you see london you see busy street high rise buildings and lights all around you and among all these towers you find a tall building which nests Sky garden with a view one would die for at night and the ambiance created such that you just want to sit there and enjoy the birds view. As the name suggests it's a garden created in the sky.

The place has a unique sitting style you can sit at the tables where live bands play for you or you can sit in the garden or lean against the glass looking at the city around you.

the view is literally amazing for me the spot i choose was Gherkin i love this building specially for the way it's been designed it's one of very unique structures across the globe and i loved it more.

We choose to take self serve had a few pints of Bira Moreti and drank the evening of just looking at the london city.
Aug 30, 2019
Zomato
Eatwithmyfoodsafari
+5
Anita told me I absolutely must visit Sky Garden to catch a glimpse of London’s highest public garden. Unfortunately I was too late to snag a free ticket to visit whilst I was here. Plan B was to make a booking at one of the eateries here as entry to the garden is included. It worked as managed to book breakfast at Darwin Brasserie and there was plenty to like about the menu so I was sold. Located on Fenchurch Street, you go to the reception where they ask for your reservation as without one there is definitely no heading up in the lift to 35th floors and above. I selected level 36 and away I went. I was warmly greeted when I reached the brasserie and after a short wait I was seated at a table. Unfortunately for me it was a tight squeeze into my table and there was no view from my table! It was okay as I would have plenty of time here to take photos from a more advantageous view.

I knew exactly what I wanted to eat and it was the Darwin Duck Benedict. Confit duck and duck eggs sat upon a lovely toasted muffin with delicious hollandaise. A small tomato sat on the side. Had a glass of Cranberry Juice to go with it. Although the egg wasn’t as runny as I would usually have, it was still a really tasty dish and definitely different to most breakfasts I have. The meat was tender and flavoursome. I then decided I wanted coffee. I could see a few tables open up near the window and asked if they would mind if I could take a few photos there. They did one better and told me they would be happy to move me there to enjoy my coffee. Service was excellent and the gesture was appreciated. The Cappuccino was well made and topped off with coffee art. Really lovely blend.

I highly recommend dining here to not only catch a glimpse of The Shard, London Bridge, and HMAS Belfast but to also enjoy the food and drinks offered here. It is also worth it just to get entry into the Sky Garden where the balcony awaits to take the best pictures. The City Garden Bar is also worth visiting too if not to enjoy a drink or two and views of The Gherkin.
Jun 14, 2019
Zomato
Therese Malilay
+5
My friend took me to Darwin Brasserie for dinner and to see the view of London. I was visiting for a week from Dubai and I was happy they gave us a table with a view! I ordered the pork and I remember it tasting like a posh version of Philippines' lechon kawali. The drink I ordered was both cute and delicious.
Mar 09, 2019
Zomato
Tal
+4
Went for breakfast. And the place was packed. My server clearly was very busy but she tried her best. The food was good, not great. And the view/location is possibly the best the city has to offer. I would highly recommend a visit whenever one is in London.
Jul 02, 2018
Zomato
João Revés Gonçalves
+4.5
Good service . The food was very good : pork terrine ,
Codfish and duck burguer as main dishes . The waiter that had our table(Luigi) was very efficient and he is a good professional . I would recommend for a special occasion . The view is amazing .
Nov 25, 2016
Zomato
Feim Özgür
+5
It was best breakfast for me so far.
View was great. Weather was cloudly with clear weather it could be better.
I enjoyed English Breakfast.
I can't wait for next one.
Oct 17, 2016
Zomato
Michela Bruschini
+4.5
Amazing breakfast (buffet and hot dishes) with an incredible view! Great variety of hot dishes to choose from and great quality fresh food in the buffet. Very highly recommended for a special occasion!
Sep 07, 2016
Zomato
Alice Gee
+3.5
The view is spectacular, of course.  Food is a little uneven.  Some dishes were really excellent, but a couple of others were just meh.  Very much a classic brasserie menu, so success depends on perfect execution rather than invention.

We started with sour dough bread and tasty olives marinated in oil, garlic and parsley.  For starters the four of us had two orders of chilled pea, mint and buttermilk soup, one crab salad and one chicken liver parfait.  The parfait was the standout.  Quite a large portion of rich pate, served in a jar topped with meaty jellied consomme.  Accompanied with griddled brown bread and an onion and port marmalade.  Nice balance of flavors.  The pea soup was pleasant, but a bit too sweet for my taste.  I would have preferred more stock and buttermilk and fewer peas.  I liked the garnish of pea shoots.  I only had a tiny taste of the crab salad, which was nice enough but didn't particularly excite me.

For mains there was one order of the roast chicken for 2 to share, my confit duck burger and a lamb rump.  We also had some vegetable sides.  The meat of my confit burger was very tender but a little under seasoned.  It did come with homemade ketchup that I ate with the excellent crunchy fries.  I probably should have used some on the burger, because it needed a hit of something sweet and sharp to offset to richness of the duck and fried egg.  The addition of a crunchy element, such as raw shallot,  would have improved the dish.  I made the mistake of pulling off the top bun, where all the truffle oil was.  Omitting it upset the balance of flavors.  So if you are trying to cut carbs, skip the bottom bun instead of the top bun.

The best of our mains was the roast chicken platter for two to share.  The meat had been brined so really juicy and well seasoned.  Crispy skin too, which can be hard to achieve on a brined bird.  Black pudding and balls of mushroom-y bread stuffing that had been deep fried were flavorful compliments.  The chicken came with two sides.  Mash had a nice acidic tang of creme fraiche.  A dish of peas and corn kernels looked boring but tasted amazing.  They had been sauteed in butter with a strong hit of diced mushroom and onion.

The owner of the lamb rump was disappointed.  Meat was ordered medium, but came rare, and was still surprisingly tough.  Potato terrine was under seasoned.  I liked the cloves of baked confit garlic that he didn't eat. 

From the sides, I loved the charred hispi cabbage.  It had been braised in quite of lot of butter and then blackened with a blow torch along the cut edges.  A side salad garnished with avocado and cheeses was a little dull.

Big portions on the mains so we didn't have room for dessert.  I would come back for the brined roast chicken, which is much better than anything I can make at home.  Also the charred hispi cabbage because I don't own a blow torch.  The cheapest bottle of red is £27, which is quite a big spend.  Heineken lager is £5 a pint, so average for Shoreditch and the City.
Jun 05, 2016
Zomato
Katie Hughes
+4.5
My little sister and my flatmate’s birthdays are on the same date, so to celebrate their milestone (they turned 30 this year!) I decided to treat them to a special girls dinner in the Sky Garden. View across the Sky Garden at Fenchurch street. To keep it secret I met them in nearby Leadenhall Market first for a gin and tonic.
Jul 15, 2016
Zomato
Katie Hughes
+4.5
My little sister and my flatmate's birthdays are on the same date, so to celebrate their milestone (they turned 30 this year!) I decided to treat them to a special girls dinner in the Sky Garden on the 25th floor of the Fenchurch building overlooking the City of London.
Mar 24, 2016
Zomato
Jem Coco
+4
I've had a few oysters in my lifetime but I got to admit, the oysters here are the best! So fresh that it melts in your mouth. Also the olives for the starter was amazing! The mains were nice as well but loved the oysters and olives most. For the desert I had the mulled wine jelly with ice cream. Something different but worked so well. The venue at the Sky Garden has a good ambience and being 36 floors high you get a good sky view of London.
Feb 16, 2016
Zomato
Sara
+4.5
I had a most memorable time here last night. The panoramic views were spectacular overlooking some iconic sights of London and the sky garden.

The food was equally delicious, I ordered the 'roast stone bass fillet' main, which was stunning; I loved it, and would recommend it to anyone. I also had a side of 'broccoli & almonds' which wasn't necessary but went well with the fish, as well as having the 'kale & pumpkin' salad to share.

For dessert I opted for the 'chocolate bar' which was a heavenly treat after a delightful meal.

After your meal you are left to explore the sky garden; host to some spectacular views and a bar for post-meal drinks and nibbles if you have space!

The portion sizes were good, the ambience is romantic, and the panoramic views are phenomenal. I would recommend for a romantic date or an intimate gathering, as the show-stopping Sky Garden and the view makes the experience even more special.

(£124 for two people)
Feb 12, 2016
Zomato
HerFavFood
+4.5
Nothing can get swankier than rising to the top of one of London’s stunning buildings to be greeted by a lush public garden framing a view of the city skyline. Add to this a restaurant with a view of the Sky Garden as well as the city beyond it and you know you're in for a meal worth savoring.
Dec 29, 2015
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Elle Bloggs
+3.5
I've been writing this blog for quite a while now but have only recently began dabbling in the idea of 'blogger meet-ups'. I've always been a bit nervous about going out of my comfort zone & meeting new people but when I got the e-mail from the lovely Lauren saying this particular event would be chocolate making, I knew I just had to go.
Dec 10, 2015
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Wanderlust Chloe
+4.5
The lift ascends, floor 1, 2, 3, 4… right up to 35. The doors open, and in front of me lies London, basking in glorious sunshine.

 There’s a real buzz around the Sky Garden. Opening at the start of this year, it provides visitors with amazing views of London, three drinking and dining options, and what has been described as London’s highest garden. Not to mention, it’s located at the top of the iconic Walkie Talkie building – yes, the building that famously melted cars and fried eggs!
Nov 01, 2015
Zomato
Emma Blanc
+4.5
My sister is vegan which means going out for meals isn't very easy. Most restaurants do a vegetarian option however that usually includes cheese which obviously my sister does not eat. When I booked to go to the Darwin Brasserie for my birthday, I didn't even give her dietary requirements one iota of thought - I was too busy thinking about the huge amounts I could eat!!
Sep 26, 2015
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Elle Bloggs
+3.5
You may remember last time I visited the skygarden (or the Walkie Talkie as I like to call it), it was for dinner at their Darwin Brasserie. . The food was amazing - but as it was night time, I didn't get the opportunity to fully enjoy the views that this garden in the sky has to offer. Obviously, this had to be rectified so i made arrangements to go back & try the restaurant for breakfast so i could take in the views
Sep 15, 2015
Zomato
LisaC
+3.5
This restaurant has a view to boast about especially since it's on the 36th floor! The servings a generous and the food was good. The main issue we encountered was a member of the group had special dietary requirements that the restaurant was made aware of at time of booking. The special dietary requirement was discussed with our waiter, however when the meal was served, it contained the ingredient that was requested not to be present. This was disappointing. The restaurant was very apologetic, however it didn't make this situation easier to digest.
Sep 09, 2015
Zomato
#Fatinside
+4.5
20 Fenchurch Street used to be nothing more than the building known as the 'Walkie Talkie' but since January, it has opened a mix of London's latest viewing platform and a park in the sky. That's correct, Sky Garden is a miniature park at 35 floors above ground level where you can admire the plants and as well as the incredible views of London. Access is free for the garden itself (though you'll have to book well in advance) but you can book at one of two of the restaurants located here. The garden itself is small but it gives you an out of the ordinary experience with spectacular views of the city.
Sep 01, 2015
Zomato
Elle Bloggs
+4
London seems to have been swept by a succession of restaurants with a view recently - Duck & Waffle, Aqua, Hutong and City Social to name a few. Taking prime place at the top of London's favourite skyscrapers, these restaurants offer diners the chance to take in the beauty of the city, whilst tasting some of the best culinary experiences the capital has to offer.

 The new-boy to the party, opened in January 2015, is Sky Garden located at 20 Fenchurch Street or the walkie-talkie building as it's more affectionately named. If you still don't know the building - it's the one that melted in the cars in the summer.... - yep that's the one.

The building is home to three dining establishments, Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill, Darwin Brasserie and Sky Pod plus is also the home to the highest rooftop gardens in London, hence the name gettit.

To start, I chose the Sticky Shallot Tarte Tatin with goats cheese, which was really rather excellent. The base could have been a little crispier for me but the caramelised shallots and anything with goats cheese is always a winner in my book.

 Tom went for the beetroot cured salmon with horseradish creme fraiche and suffered a bit of food envy at the sight of my dish. The texture was a bit 'mushy' for lack of better word and the flavour of the salmon was overpowered slightly.

On to main courses, we were both equally pleased with our choices. I had pork belly which was served with puy lentils, carrots, crackling and apple sauce whist he went for the braised ox cheek.

Mine was wonderfully cooked (although I would have preferred a few more carrots - they seemed a bit lost) and the crackling had the perfect amount of crunch. The ox cheek too was excellent, really meaty and tender and the sauce made with shallots and pancetta was incredibly 'more-ish' - my turn for food envy.

For sides we went with tenderstem brocolli and spinach which we can't really fault. I loved the spinach - it was jewelled with rock salt and i would have wolfed the whole plate down in one if i hadn't been sharing....

Word of warning - the bar area is freezing. Even the poor waitress who greats you at the elevator was wearing a fluffy hat. Either wait till Spring/Summer or grab your coat, but it's definitely worth the trip up, even if just for that Sticky Shallot Tart....
Jun 09, 2015
Zomato
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl
+4.5
I ordered the Smoked haddock with Jersey Royal potatoes, which came served with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce (£16.50). The dish was very well presented and was absolutely delicious. The fish was tender and smooth with the accompanying egg, sauce and vegetables really complementing it.
May 26, 2015
Zomato
KS_Ate_Here
+4
Finally open to the public in late 2014, 20 Fenchurch St (i.e. The Walkie Talkie) is the next is a long line of skyscrapers popping up and changing the skyline of London. With its unique structure where the surface area at the top is maximised whilst at the same time using minimal ground space, it's an eye-catching structure which dwarfs all those around it. With the building commanding such attention, resident restaurants have the added pressure of knowing that they are also being judge; at Darwin, they are more than up to the challenge.

Overlooking the Thames on Level 36, Darwin is an all-day brasserie serving up modern-British dishes inspired by seasonal, home-grown ingredients. My visit today was for lunch on a typically cloudy London day; not the best to show of the epic view at your disposal but that mattered little because the food was the highlight here.

I was sceptical when an order of the house bacon cheeseburger was made with the thought that, so many times now, I've found higher dining institutions failed on cooking a good burger. To my surprise, this one was quite good. A well cooked and meaty 6oz patty was complemented by a strong mature cheddar, intense bacon and buttery full brioche. Served with chunky chips (which were so thick it bordered on being a roast potato) it is a hearty meal I would happily order though I would wish for more generosity with the bacon.

Highlight dish though was without doubt the braised ox cheek served with creamy mash and roasted carrots. The meat was cooked to perfection (so juicy and soft, it just melted in your mouth) and that gravy and mash will leave you licking your plate. I'd be confident saying this is one of the top ox cheek dishes I've ever had.

With sunlight streaming in from the floor to ceiling windows, Darwin has successfully created a nice relaxed atmosphere right in the heart of the City in which to enjoy a fantastic meal with a view to die for. I'm a fan.


Also follow me on Twitter @annixontong and @wetrykai and on Instagram @annixontong.

Apr 29, 2015
Zomato
Sagan
+4
Probably the best views of London from a rooftop restaurant, better than the shard, gherkin or heron towers. It nicely positioned so you get both sides of the city. Apart from the views and good atmosphere/service I was initially sceptical after looking at the food menu however everything that came out was better than expected and actually presented and tasted great. The only couple of downers was the dirty martini which was not cold and the fact that we got charged for bread.
Mar 08, 2015
Zomato
Vincent Pedayes
+4
5/5 for the view and the service but the food was disappointing although not expensive. The bar was surprisingly not crowded for a Thursday night
Feb 27, 2015
Zomato
Gerard
+3.5
A bit of a mix. Getting in was interesting airport style security followed by a very express lift. You emerge into the very open Sky Garden. A flight of stairs later and you're in Darwins. Very nice reception and taken to your table with a brilliant view of London. All good so far. Then my partner tries to order a glass of prosseco, apparently they'd run out, but they were happy to recommend a very expensive rose champagne! I had a beer to start, excellent local beer, Notting Hill Stout. For starters the beef Carpaccio I had and the beetroot smoked salmon my partner had were very good. Main course, my partner had the braised ox cheek which was really good, tender and a very big portion. My rump of Welsh Lamb wasn't so good. Despite making a big fuss of the options for cooking, I opted for pink, it came out well done. They changed it no bother, but insisted on a poor explanation that was essentially brown is pink here!
Overall a really nice place and although expensive you are in an incredible space. Would go back
Jan 26, 2015
4
Sophie Foster
+4
A lovely place to go for dinner with a view! It was really busy inside the sky garden but a nice atmosphere. The food was basic I thought considering the price, I've had better elsewhere! The service was excellent and our waitress was really friendly and attentive. I would recommend going mainly for the lovely views and good atmosphere!
5
Paul Shillito
+5
This was our first visit, and a long-standing dream destination of my wife. The prices do make this a special treat. BUT - It was all wonderful - the food was amazing, the drinks delicious and the ambience wonderful. It’s not as formal as the website suggests (so jeans are fine), and very relaxed. Be cautious of sitting near the service stations - they can be loud and a splashes can fly - but it is a great place for a super special treat!
4
Sue
+4
A wonderful birthday experience with a table right at the front with uninterrupted views! The service was perfect - friendly, attentive and efficient! I was very happy with my food choices but my partner not so hence the 4 stars. The dishes were nice but we weren't "wowed" by them. Overall wonderful experience though as the venue is the main event!
5
Rupinder Matharu
+5
This was an excellent experience and would totally recommend it. Obviously, views were exceptional! Eating over looking London on the 36th flood was quite a unique experience. The food was overall very good, particularly the steak tartar. The burgers we had were "well done", usually, I like them more medium/well so they were dryer than I'd like. The cocktails were quite expensive but not unexpected for the location, my "High in the Sky" cocktail was 17 pounds! Service was excellent, we had Caroline as our waitress. Overall my family and I were very happy with our experience. We would recommend to anyone visiting London but expect the bill to rise considerably with cocktails etc.
5
Marta Carrera
+5
The experience was fantastic. The food was great, the atmosphere very nice and the view is really worth it. Our waiter John was very friendly and helpful, so a must come back for us!
5
Brandon-AM
+5
Booked an afternoon 3 course meal for a family meal. What a super place to eat up in the sky overlooking London. Service was good, they even brought my mum a little cake and candle as it was a birthday treat. Menu had good variety and everything was delicious. Relaxing atmosphere. Kids not allowed after 6pm.
5
Paz Tailor
+5
Visited for an early birthday dinner and drinks session. Upon arrival at 9pm just ahead of sunset our table wasn’t quite ready but the staff at the bar were very kind and got our drinks started right away. John who served our table was amazing and did a great job taking care of us throughout our time at the table. If you’re looking for an amazing dinner with an amazing view. You honestly can’t go wrong. Get your timing right and the sun will set as you’re enjoying your meal.
4
Kathleen Flora
+4
We had dinner at Darwin Brasserie on one of our last nights in London as we wanted to enjoy excellent views of London as well as a great meal. The hostess was lovely and seated us at a window table overlooking the River Thames. Gorgeous view! We began with the Breadbasket, Prawn Cocktail and the Green and Black Olives. Delicious! For our main meals we had the Sea Bream (light & flavorful), the Dry Aged Ribeye Steak (cooked perfectly ~ medium rare), and the Ratatouille. An amazing meal with excellent wine recommendations! My only complaint is how our waiter handled the check by asking for an additional cash tip on top of the already present service charge. He was a bit pushy about it which left us rather disenchanted with him. We are always happy to recognize excellent service, however, due to the way this was handled we chose not to add to the tip. (We had not experienced this at any other restaurant during our travels through Europe.) Otherwise a wonderful evening.
5
Irene Jose
+5
My wife and I had brunch at Darwin Brasserie located in the Sky Garden. Although it was a rainy day, the views were spectacular. Above all, our waitress Sara was amazing. She surprised us with an anniversary dessert that was so delicious. This is a must see when in London. We will definitely come back when we're in town.
4
Claudia Medina
+4
Very friendly service and well organized. Starters were quite small but mains were big. Kids menu had big portions. Overall price-quality was good for a very touristy place and it gave us access to Sky garden. Would recommend it to people wanting to go to Sky garden and have lunch. Some tables have views to London.
5
Turtlekeeper Designs
+5
We reserved without a problem for the 830am breakfast seating. The entrance was simple and not crowded at that time. The restaurant is one floor up from where the elevator arrives. For the first seating, we got a nice table by the big windows. Service was great and enthusiastic. Menu had a nice selection of sweet and savoury. We ordered pancakes, eggs and an omelette. We also added a black pudding to try! The pancakes were a little dry but otherwise lovely. Everything else was tasty. Good amount of food. The gardens and surroundings were relaxing. The views were spectacular. The terrace opened at 10am and it was a great place for more photos. Overall - highly recommended!
5
Joanna Louise
+5
I love how bright this restaurant is, and what a lovely view you get from your table. I visited recently for breakfast and had the pancakes with Chantilly cream and berries, and it was very delicious. The pancakes were super light and the berry compote and cream complimented well. There is a good variety of options on the breakfast menu and I was impressed with the coffee too. The service was impeccable. My friend unfortunately had a stray hair in one of her pancakes and the manager took care of the matter straight away.
4
may chaw Win
+4
I went there for a three course lunch for three persons. The starter especially steak tarte is really great. Seam bream is also cooked to perfection. The deserts are not the best. Though overall, all the foods are fresh and with the view, it is worth it. I was a bit disappointed as it is so noisy and crowded. The staffs are also a bit busy and in rush. I would recommend for foods but things will be better if people have a good private and relaxation time and you have no good reception there.
5
David Antrobus
+5
Absolutely fantastic food with great views, great price for the quality of the food. Would highly recommend, definitely coming back the next time I'm in London.
5
Jamie Bruton
+5
One of the most incredible views and locations in London I would say. The place itself is gorgeous incredible live planting throughout with great furniture and decor to match, and then there are the views truly awe inspiring constantly find your self taking photos or stopping to stare! The food itself was good but not as Wow as I would of expected and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive albeit quite a slow service on getting drinks to the tables.
5
Sefora A
+5
The service and views are both amazing. I came here for a special occasion, for my friend's birthday. The bday brownie bite and plate was a welcomed surprise. Most venues don't do much with the info for the reason you are booking. So it was lovely to get that. It literally made the day. It's not cheap for a brunch venue, 60 quid for non alcoholic. 70 if you want an alcoholic beverage. And obviously you pay extra for anything outside your 3 course meal (starter, main and dessert). Would highly recommend for a special occasion. Everybody has to go through security (like the airport's just mini). But I loved the fact I didn't have to qué up with everybody else for the free sky garden entry. You go straight through the doors with a restaurant reservation.
5
Louis Leonard
+5
Darwin Brasserie, Sky Garden I visited here for my 19th birthday with my friend, we booked a week in advance and there was no trouble with the reservation. Upon entering sky garden, you do not have to queue. Just show staff reservation details and they will let you up straight away (once cleared security). We arrived at the restaurant with a warm greeting from the host and quickly shown to our table, which had a nice view over London. The menu is extensive, but as the same time quite compact and easy to choose from. The cocktails that we both had were really flavourful. The truffle and parmesan chips were delicious, definitely recommend those. I had the New Hampshire Pork Chop, to be honest it wasn’t mind-blowing, but was still ok for lunch. My friend had the beef, which was nice. At the end of our meal a birthday plate was presented to me, which was a really nice touch and thoughtful of them. The service was good, friendly servers and host. I would definitely recommend for a nice lunch with friends and family.
5
Trinity Ellis
+5
This meal was absolutely outstanding! We had the set menu, it was absolutely delicious. Good sized portions, beautifully presented. One of our party had the burger and said it was the best he has ever eaten (this is a regular choice of his when dining out). The peanut butter and jelly cheese cake was dreamy. The only thing we would say, would be that there wasn't enough sauces/gravy on the dishes. Also the room is quite noisy, which can't be helped as it's all glass, but might be tricky if your sensitive to noise. But it's a must do experience!
5
Valeria Fonseca Diaz
+5
Great experience, we were lucky to have a table at the corner with a wonderful view of London and the Thames river. The English vegan breakfast was delicious. Filtered coffee was unlimited. The service was excellent and we were served a small treat for our celebration.
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