Little Quiet - London Restaurant Review

As founder of DesignMyNight, our editorial team only let me out for reviews they think I'd be especially excited about; Disappearing Dining Club's first ever permanent restaurant opening, Little Quiet, was one of those reviews.

The Venue

Disappearing Dining Club have unearthed an unused wine bar and cellar, which for a decade was lost down a cobbled side-street near the Barbican. Little Quiet could not be more apt a name for this 16 seater, heart-breakingly cute and understated dining room. Once you've found the brass "Little Quiet" plaque, head through the navy door straight into the dining room, greeted by one of the two hosts that look after everyone's experience. No bank of staff here fussing around you; just quiet and effective, personal hosting.

The atmosphere is obviously intimate, but you're by no means on top of each other. We were in a later sitting so at one point there were only a few tables with guests, and it seemed perhaps a little too quiet for my liking, meaning that personal conversations suddenly became public. Perhaps some music if the hum of chatter begins to fade could alleviate that. That said, if you're after a place for date night, a chilled catch-up with friends or a place to impress the parents, Little Quiet's the ideal spot.

Little Quiet

Little Quiet is one of London's most clandestine dining spots.

The Food

Disappearing Dining Club have always been known for quality, and they've never been a pop-up to front style over substance. Little Quiet has followed suit. The varied Scandinavian-cum-European offering allows you to choose a 2/3/6 course menu (£32/£37/£47) - so naturally, we opted for the 6 course tasting menu. I have a lactose intolerance (boo hiss boo) and I can't praise them enough - Kate (our host) came straight back from the kitchen and told me how they were going to adapt each dish allowing me to eat pretty much all the plates on the menu. As you'd expect from a tasting menu, the dishes were small and perfectly formed, leaving you comfortably full by the end.

Special shout-out goes to the Curried Dorset Crab with Granny Smith Jelly, Batons and Coriander which was stunning, and the jelly so good I'd have been happy with six bowls of just that. The Roast Lamb Rump was melt-in-the-mouth, perfectly complemented by a small tower of nicoise potatoes. Finally, the Chocolate Brownie, Salted Caramel and Popcorn Parfait was dribble-worthy, and as we were the last table, the chef knocked us up an off-menu, lip-smacking seared beef dish...just, well - because. Don't come expecting Heston-esque theatre dishes, but instead delight in seasonal, fresh, simple, wonderfully-cooked food - all at a reasonable price.

Drinks-wise, as part of the menu you also get a fresh bubbly cocktail on arrival, and they have a carefully selected wine and beer list too.

Little Quiet

Expect fusion dishes with modern Scandi influences on the menu at Little Quiet.

Summary 

I've never been to such an aptly named restaurant before; the setting and dishes are "little", and everything about it has a "quiet" understated excellence, which makes for a really memorable dining experience. The term "hidden gem" gets bandied around too often in this industry, but Little Quiet is precisely that. Disappearing Dining Club have prided themselves on being an elusive London favourite for years, and their permanent venture in Little Quiet doesn't disappoint. 

(Top Tip - 5-star rated Oriole bar is only a 5 min walk away, so a pre or post-dinner cocktail there creates a perfect night out)