London's gluten-free dining scene has grown rapidly over the past couple of decades, and one of the trailblazers in this industry is Niche. Located in Islington, this venue was the UK’s first Coeliac UK-accredited 100% gluten-free restaurant, and they also keep the site completely free from sesame, peanuts, tree nuts and oats. What's more, they're one of the only restaurants to offer a low FODMAP menu, designed for people with digestive issues.
I recently tried this spot out for myself, eager to see the dishes they have created for different dietary requirements.
Niche restaurant is cosy and welcoming from the outset.
DesignMyNight's Review Of Niche London
Need To Know:
- Address: 197-199 Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TJ
- Area: Angel/ Islington
- Cuisine: European
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: the restaurant was cosy and laid-back, while still coming across as stylish. It was an intimate, dimly lit space that looked out onto the street outside, with twinkling fairy lights setting the mood. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming, and happy to explain the menu further when needed.
- Perfect for: a meal that caters for multiple dietary requirements.
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £125 for two, including three courses and a drink each
The Niche fried chicken (pictured left) and beef short rib (right).
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Niche fried chicken (£15.50) - a generous basket of marinated chicken breast in their signature spiced crumb, this starter was very moreish. The crispy-coated pieces of meat were even more delicious when dipped in the dairy-free aioli and barbecue sauce served on the side.
- Roasted gnocchi (£20.75) - these perfectly cooked chunks of potato pasta were coated in a flavourful tomato sauce and vegan mozzarella, featuring a mix of Mediterranean-style roasted vegetables. It was a sizeable portion that left me full and satisfied, with a hint of basil running throughout the dish.
- Slow-cooked beef short rib (£39) - an indulgent main drizzled in a rich red wine and thyme gravy, this succulent cut of beef was highly praised by my friend for its tenderness and rich flavour - a real melt-in-the-mouth meal. It came with a colcannon, a buttery, Irish-style mashed potato featuring chopped greens - with a deliciously creamy texture.
- Raspberry sorbet (£7.50) - ordered from the low FODMAP menu, this sorbet packed a real punch. It was refreshing, ultra-fruity and a little bit tart, with a shockingly pink colour to it.
- Tiramisu (£11.50) - possibly the biggest portion of tiramisu I've ever seen, this dessert contained rich layers of fresh cream and ladyfinger biscuits, infused with plenty of Tia Maria and coffee.
Save room for dessert here.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- White Zinfandel (£10.75 for 175ml) - I enjoyed the crisp, semi-sweet flavour of this rosé, with a hint of strawberries and raspberries. It was a great accompaniment to my meal - soft and gently fruity.
- Malbec (£10.75 for 175ml) - this Argentinian red was summery and fruity, with slight undertones of a more bitter, peppery flavour - excellent alongside the meatier dishes.
My Overall Experience At Niche Islington
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was very impressed by the range and diversity of Niche's menu, especially considering the number of ingredients omitted from their kitchen. It really is the ideal spot to eat out when you've got a complex list of dietary requirements, as they can pretty much do it all, and coeliacs can be sure that their meal is 100% free from any traces of gluten thanks to their strict policy of not allowing it in the restaurant. As someone who isn't gluten-free myself, I really wouldn't have noticed the difference, and all their dishes were both delicious and very generously portioned - especially the tiramisu.
