Antipodea Kew

Rich Taste in Cozy Atmosphere

Once in a while, you stumble into a restaurant where the vibrancy of the interior speaks louder than the flavors on the plate, and Antipodea in Kew enthusiastically delivered this particular kind of experience. With décor that straddles the line between comforting homeliness and eclectic artistry, this spot cleverly layers its aesthetics to create a charmingly relaxed vibe that begs you to linger. Regrettably, as enticing as the aroma wafting from the kitchen might be, the journey from kitchen to table highlights the lapses the staff has yet to perfect. Even as the dishes emerge—a medley of basic dishes delightfully spangled with creativity—the consistency seems aspirational rather than current.

The menu at Antipodea showcases thoughtful fusions like the folded eggs with chorizo, resplendent in their portion generosity, alongside other more experimental offerings that struggled amidst the heightened expectations their seductive descriptions set up. It’s worth noting, though, that unexpected pioneers like the Jerusalem artichoke soup have been exalted as masterpieces in the modest annals of sides. Yet, it’s the faces over steaming cups, elevating this gathering place, especially when the ni should be enough reason to stick around despite occasional hiccups in service involving lengthy waits or misconstrued orders that sometimes overshadow the otherwise vibrant dining experience. Any missteps are eagerly smoothed away by the adept touch of senior staff and the warmth of human banter reflecting genuine hospitality. You leave clutching memories of delectable serendipities like the salted caramel brownie—and contemplating all the reasons you just might return. — Clarissa Cuisinier