Island — Review by Eating With Tod
London, United Kingdom — British, Roast
Island in Mare Street Market, run by two Michelin star chefs, serves some of London's best Sunday roasts. The £36 per person sharing platter features four exceptional meats with outstanding crackling and perfectly executed dry-aged beef, making it a top contender for the city's finest roast dinner.
What was great: Exceptional crackling, perfectly dry-aged roast beef with treacle, chargrilled roast chicken, rich gravy, sharing T-bone steak roast with sweet beef jus glaze, lobster and wagyu lasagna, overall quality of meats and preparation
What could improve: Beef cheek could have been softer
The Dishes
Island kicks off with an exceptional special: a lobster and wagyu lasagna generously topped with Parmesan that the reviewer describes as outrageous in the best way possible. The star of the show is the £36 per person sharing roast platter, featuring four different meats and all the traditional trimmings. The dry-aged roast beef is infused with treacle, delivering divine flavors with that distinctive funk that comes from proper aging. The chargrilled roast chicken is described as insane, while the beef cheek, though slightly less tender than ideal, is perfectly complemented by an exceptional gravy. The rare bit cauliflower cheese and Guinness pairing adds another layer of comfort. Additional options include a sharing T-bone steak roast finished with a sticky beef jus that has a lovely sweetness to it. The chocolate cake rounds out the experience, earning immediate enthusiasm from the reviewer.
The Experience
Located in Mare Street Market with an open kitchen concept, Island offers a theatrical dining experience where you can watch the Michelin-starred chefs at work. The presentation and execution demonstrate the skill and attention to detail expected from high-level chefs, with each component thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
Value & Pricing
The £36 per person sharing platter represents excellent value considering the quality of ingredients, the Michelin-star pedigree of the chefs, and the generous portions of premium meats. This positions Island as a premium dining experience justified by the exceptional quality delivered.
Notable Moments
That's probably the best piece of crackling I've consumed at a restaurant.
The dry aged funk was coming through hard.
Where beats this for a roast in London? If you can't take a date, take a mate.
The Verdict
Island stands out as a top contender for London's best Sunday roast, combining technical skill with ingredient quality and an inviting atmosphere. Perfect for both special occasions with a date or casual outings with friends, this is a must-visit for serious roast dinner enthusiasts.