Frommer's Review
When Jamie Oliver, author of The Naked Chef, opened this restaurant, it created a media blitz -- he even chronicled his trials and tribulations on a six-part TV show on the Food Network called "Jamie's Kitchen." Oliver takes "disadvantaged" young people and trains them from scratch in just 4 months before turning them loose as your chef for the day, with all the profits going to charity. In a red-brick Victorian building, convenient for touring the trendy Hoxton Square art galleries, the decor is contemporary and clean cut, not unduly gussied up.
What to expect in the way of food? Although a bit hyped in the media, it's quite sumptuous and has won the praise of London's battle-toughened food critics such as Fay Maschler of The Evening Standard, who felt that Jamie should be "knighted" for his efforts. She claimed that Fifteen serves some of the best dishes she's sampled in a long time. Even Michelin-starred chefs have shown up here raving about the dishes, especially the succulent pastas. There are two dining venues here -- a ground-floor trattoria and a downstairs restaurant, the latter the only place to order the set menus quoted below. Dishes we've sampled and enjoyed here include a light fish-laced gnocchi and a braised shoulder of lamb ravioli with a light rosemary butter sauce. Among some of the more delectable main dishes you are likely to be served are chargrilled halibut in a lemon crème fraîche or loin of pork pot roasted with balsamic vinegar flavoring and bay leaves. Desserts are always a surprise, including such treats as a lemon tart with lime syrup and a limoncello mascarpone. It's easier to get a reservation at the trattoria, as the staff keeps some tables free every night for walk-ins. The trick is to turn up immediately when the place opens.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
