Salut! | Modern European Islington Restaurant
“Salut” is a French word that can mean both hello or goodbye.
Which is useful if you pick up the phone to a telemarketer.
Or, apparently, if you want to open a modern European restaurant in Islington.
Opened by brothers Martin and Christoph Lange, Salut! resides on Essex Road in Islington with casual-yet-fine-dining food, a relaxed atmosphere, and remarkably friendly service provided by the German-born duo themselves.
Large windows take up the entirety of two walls, whilst the others reveal an open kitchen. Casual seating and low lighting – as well as the aromas from the ovens – give the eatery a comfortable neighbourhood feel, which is a welcome juxtaposition to the complex plates which emerge from Christoph’s workspace. Here’s what he’s cooking up:
Starters
The Tartar 3 Ways dish stands out with 45 day dry-aged short horn rump, beetroot, and smoked pigeon breast. And, if you’re into the whole pigeon thing, there’s also wood pigeon with celeriac remoulade, pickled heritage carrots, juniper and blackberry.
Mains
From the salt marsh lamb with dauphinoise & savoy to the Paddock Farm 45 day dry-aged short horn sirloin with kale, king oyster mushrooms & truffle pomme purée, the mains fill the meat and two veg criteria with ease. There’s a mushroom-loaded Forest Floor, and a pan-fried sea trout option for those less carnivorous clients.
Dessert
If the sweet flavours of poached pear with marinated berries, white chocolate espuma, and hazelnuts, or the trio of chocolate spheres filled with liqueur crème and macerated sour cherries don’t appeal, the impressive selection of cheeses with gooseberry purée should suffice. If you can resist all that…
…we salut you.
NOTE: Salut! is open for dinner Mon-Sun (5.30-10pm) and lunch Fri-Sun (12-3pm). You can make a booking right HERE.
Salut! | 412 Essex Road, N1 3PJ
Seeing as you’re in the area… check out our pick of the best restaurants in Islington