An elegant beacon of light, Sucre is a regal offering on a busy West End street. Chef Fernando Trocca opened Sucre in Buenos Aires in 2001, and this is his first international restaurant.
The Décor/Vibe
Taking over the London College of Music, this 310-year-old townhouse-like building is one class act. The interiors strike a balance between grandiose and warm, which is hard to do. High ceilings with bespoke large chandeliers set the tone, and an open kitchen and industrial accents balance things out. The space feels fluid, like someone who knows a thing or two about feng shui was consulted.
The Restaurant
We love this menu – it’s perfect for those days when you can’t decide what cuisine you want to eat. To start: wood-fired shrimp pil pil, aged cheddar and onion empanadas, and oysters with smoked tomato granita. For small plates: scallop tiradito with jalapeño horseradish and soy, and panzanella with lovage and olives. For something from the charcoal fire, monkfish with XO sauce and blackbeans; from the wood oven, fideuà with squid and paprika, and from the stove, fish stew with black garlic and gnochetti sardi.
The Bar
ABAJO (downstairs) is the opposite in design. Dark, minimal and sultry, it feels more like you’re in a mixologist bar in Barcelona than in Soho, but DJs and elegant lighting keep things warm. Their drink list is creative and the bartenders are good, so try something different. This is a much-needed addition to the Soho bar offering.
Highlights
The menu is great and could keep you coming back. We loved the contrast between the décor in the dining room and the bar, too.
