Asia de Cuba in Covent Garden, London

Fluid Eating's Review of Asia de Cuba

Asia da Cuba, one of Ian Schregger’s projects, is designed to titillate all senses. The décor, lighting, atmosphere, selections of rums and cocktails, and fine dining, are all ingeniously combined to serve up the most sublime evening out.

From the moment you enter the lobby with its funky molar and toadstool sofas, you almost feel as if you have entered another world where time stands still and the next few hours become one of those perfect moments in your life.

The staff are chic, in silver and grey Catherine Bennett. (I did overhear one patron comment that the waiters were more overdressed than some of the clientele, while another questioned, “how do you tell who works here?”) To their credit, everyone is treated as if they are one of the stars that frequent this establishment.

The décor is offbeat, yet very pleasing to the eye, blending a variety of styles and contrasting classic old against retro new. This is achieved through the use of interesting artifacts and photographs as well as clever lighting effects. One pillar is entirely adorned with petit pot - plants. The music is bright and bold, though not intrusive. This is not the place to have a quiet night out and even if you were hoping for a discreet dark table in the corner, you won’t be able to resist the effects of the mood and atmosphere. Not to mention of course, the effect of the cuisine; bound to put a smile on everyone’s face – even if it is just a smirk at how clever you are in finding this venue.

The food falls under the Fusion cooking category: hence it’s name. Asian and Cuban foods are blended, resulting in unusual, sometimes surprising and always magnificent dishes. The concept is a sharing one and the portions generously aimed for two, though ideally, go with a group of people so that you can try everything – bonquettes upstairs seat 6, 8 or 12 [and are usually where the stars sit.]

A favourite has to be the suckling pig marinated in soya, miren, chili, ginger, garlic and sake and baked with a honey, white rum and peppercorn glaze. If you’d prefer a fish option, the sezuan tuna served very rare is equally transcendent. Main dishes range between £15and £30, while the wide variety of starters are £10 - £20. The tuna pica which is diced tuna, sultanas, green olives, pickled red pepper and cucumber served on delicate pastry is highly recommended, while the Thai beef salad is a must.

With a fine selection of wines and a sommelier to enlighten you, all that’s left is to savour the sensations. An apéritif in the form of a Mojito - rum, sugar and lots of fresh mint and lime – is strongly advised. Make sure you leave room for dessert, for their Mauritian pastry chef certainly knows his mousses from his meringues (Though panacotta’s are usually the order of the day.) Sit back and imbibe. (Updated 13/07/2010)

Asia de Cuba Special Offers

Title: Lunch and Pre-Theatre offer - Assorted Bento Boxes from £15
Description:
Classification: Fluid.Data.LinkSpecialOfferTypeCollection
Date: 20 Jan, 2010 - 30 Dec, 2010
Days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Time: n/a
This is an online special offer only - Click here to book

Title: Latin Jazz Brunch. Prices starts from £9
Description:
Classification: Fluid.Data.LinkSpecialOfferTypeCollection
Date: 19 May, 2010 - 19 Aug, 2010
Days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Time: n/a
This is an online special offer only - Click here to book

Asia de Cuba Map

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“Most of the dishes I tried are excelllent ... e.g. black cod, tuna. But some were just average. However, the restaurant can be very noisy and sometimes you have to shout if you want to be heard by the person sitting opposite. Also, there is one guy (waiter )who tries to sell you the most expensive dish / drink on the menu. It happened ot me few times there. He does makes you feel bad when you don't go for it. May be it's just me, but you dont want to feel like that when you are eating out in a not very cheap restaurant.” Rating: — Iris, london (30 Jun 2010)

“I love this place - definitely my favourite restaurant of all time. Food, drinks, design and service all incredible-even better if you manage to get into the Light bar (also within the hotel) for cocktails afterwards.” Rating: — rebekah, london (13 Aug 2005)

“I have been to Asia de Cuba a few times and have had a very good experience. The staff in the restaurant are very efficent and friendly.” Rating: — Elvy, [ Unknown ] (29 Aug 2004)

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