No3 at Nightingale Place

When doorways promise warmth and culinary delight, a restaurant must strive to meet that expectation beyond mere façades. My recent visit to this locale revealed a promising set menu that defies its otherwise somber service reputation. Inside, the establishment is a bit of an enigma - excellent quality sirloin steak tingles your tastebuds in poetic contrast with its dreary, quasi-sports-hall ambiance where echoes rather than music float through the air. There lies potential for gastronomic achievement if only the ambience matched the zest presented on the plate.

Yet not all corners held sparse appeal; for instance, an afternoon tea held within their private dining room rose to charm at will, thanks in large part to Tamara, the star staff member whose willingness to please resonated reliability. Her delightful assistance breathed life into what might otherwise feel underestimated in myriad ways. While a few possible disgruntlements pull their punches via incidents like overcooked poached eggs or drafty dining nooks, it is the earnest cadre - kind but sometimes overwhelmed - that could ultimately entice you back, especially for those dependable cakes. For now, one may hope that like its much-lauded offerings, the service blooms fully, for glory worthier than brinksmanship between plates and pours. — Audrey Al Dente