Congratulations to Panel of Chef’s member; Nicolae Gonta newly promoted to head chef for Café Mao’s refurbished Chatham street venue along with Donal [gen manager] and Ronan [executive chef]. and the rest of a very professional team.

I was invited along to the opening night as well as some eighty other fortunate guests, to sample the fare on offer; the name should be changed to Café Wow! The restaurant has subtle lighting and is well planned with clean lines and comfortable padded armchairs contributing to a no nonsense layout perfect for a modern dining room, the open plan kitchen is a confection of polished stainless steel, a joy not only to see but also to work in, full marks all round for the design team so.

The service was sharp and attentive and less than a minute after sitting and before my order was taken a pitcher of ice water arrived without my asking closely followed by glass of well-chilled good house white.                 

I had the chilli squid to begin with and let me tell you it has been many years and thousands of miles since I have eaten squid as good, the batter crisper than perfection; the squid so soft and tender that most chefs can only dream of it’s like.

For the main course I chose the lamb Korma which came complete with rice, the lamb was redolent with spices and subtle flavours, and the perfume of the rice was intoxicating, if you are only used to standard quick cook rice check out theirs and be forever ruined.

I finished my meal with a beer and a chat with tired but exhilarated head chef Nicolae Gonta and a tour around the gleaming kitchens where I was introduced to the team, all on a first night high, which is so good to see.

So would I take friends and family there? Yes of course, can I highly recommend the place? Absolutely, but don’t take my word try the CAFÉ MAO yourself.