We went to Cinnamon Soho when it first opened April. It’s in Kingly Street just down from Liberty’s and it was an evening visit so I was prepared for a difficult/crowded journey through Soho. The taxi dropped us at the top of Kingly Street and of course it was at the other end but it is pedestrianised at night and the new paving meant it was a smooth ‘push’ through the Pub clientele drinking outside.
The restaurant is on the level and there are no steps to get in. It’s small as with most Soho venues and the bar at the end only sits 3 or4. But well done to them as they have given up space for a disabled toilet and it isn’t used for storage!
There is a strong smell of spices from the kitchen which is not unpleasant just noticeable. We had a few of the small plates to start and I wished we’d had more as they were very unusual and superb to taste. ‘Haleem with saffron pao’ was a stunner (not sure what it is but delicious). The Naanza Indian pizza and the Crab Cakes were also good. They all were slightly different than you would expect which made for a new and interesting eating experience. The main courses were less so but still good, I had the Old Delhi-style Tandoori Fenugreek Chicken and my friend had Marrow steak with Bitter Gourd. She was disappointed in the Marrow what do you expect from an overly large vegetable!
A good night out but I think it’s more a lunch place or a quick dinner venue. We had three different sets of dinner guests sitting next to us as we consumed cocktails, wine, small plates, main course and dessert. Maybe we did outstay our welcome????
Cinnamon Soho gets 2.5 ticks