Magenta is an elegant new restaurant nestled within the chic confines of Megaro Hotel in London’s Kings Cross. A delightful aesthetic mergence of Victorian industrial architecture and wholesome northern Italian food, this culinary new kid on the block has caused quite a stir recently with London foodies in the know and I was keen to discover it myself.
I visited with two of my favourite foodies – one an actual real life Italian person with an exquisite palate and a fine dining loving vegan with fine tastes. We feasted on the finest Italian offerings, admired the breathtakingly glamorous decor and left extremely satisfied. We opted for the four course menu (£55) and much needed expertly made cocktails – it had been a long day for us all.
The dressed Dorset crab drizzled with apple gel and dill mayo was a fresh explosion of flavour and my favourite dish by far, whilst the tuna tartare with raspberry vinegar, candied olives and buffalo mozzarella reminded us of sun-drenched Italian holidays.
The vegan starter of fried spicy artichoke puree and pickled walnut was gloriously earthy and thoroughly enjoyed by us meat loving people diners also.
The primi dishes were also a true delight, particularly the hand cooked Agnolotti, slow cooked beef and smoked creme fraiche – the ultimate autumnal comfort dish. The goats curd and lemon tortellini was divine as was the pumpkin and gorgonzola cappellacci – who needs a holiday to Italy to experience such culinary expertise?
Secondi dishes were more hearty and beautifully presented to please even the most hardened Instagrammers. The seared halibut with mushroom jam and Nasturtium butter sauce was a pleasing nod to North Italian rustic cooking, whereas the fermented cauliflower with porcini vinaigrette, cocoa butter and black truffle could quite possibly be the best Italian vegan dish I have had the pleasure of tasting.
We ended our joyful meal with a shamelessly tasty Maldon sea salt and caramel ganache and selection of tastebud-pleasing Italian cheeses accompanied with wine jelly and pillowy soft fig and hazelnut bread.
Magenta you have been a true foodies dream and we will return….