Date Night in Islington

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Hummus

Described as 'the closest thing to a revelation,' this 'homely' version is 'hefty and grainy' because the chickpeas are broken up with a fork rather than blitzed into a paste.

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Channa Bhatura

Described as a 'giant's pillow of deep-fried dough,' this is the standout dish that Hot Dinners claims you 'won't be able to stop yourself from ordering' when you see it served to everyone else.

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Salt Beef and Sauerkraut Steamed Bun

Described as 'essentially a Reuben sandwich with new tailoring,' this soft bao features a thick wodge of cured meat and the 'crunch sour' of fermented cabbage.

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Beef Summer Rolls

Described as "exploding with foliage like a peacock’s tail feathers," these rolls offer a "comforting combination of softness and crunch" from vermicelli, bean sprouts, and grilled marinated beef.

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Udon with Aubergine

Described as a 'really nice bowl to chew and slurp on,' this dish features gooey aubergine slices and puffed tofu in a 'gentle but umami-rich' soy-based broth.

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Pappardelle with Wood Pigeon

Described as the 'true stars of the piece,' these wide, butter-yellow ribbons of pasta are served in an earthy stew and a ripe gravy that 'insinuates itself into every corner of the dish.'

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Zanmai Chirashi

A 'visually stunning' bowl described as having a 'superb' taste; it features high-quality ingredients including snow crab, scallop, yellowtail, and marinated mackerel on mixed vegetable sushi rice.

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Prawn on the Lawn

The eponymous signature dish: prawns and smashed avocado on toasted homemade soda bread with chilli and lime.

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Pep Pizza with Fennel Sausage

This combination features what critics call the 'best example' of fennel sausage ever had on a pizza. The base is a 13-inch 'biscuity' crust with a tomato sauce that is 'deep and fruity.'

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Silk Handkerchiefs

The chef's signature dish that he became known for at Bancone, this pasta features jagged-cut sheets in a walnut butter sauce topped with a confit egg yolk. Critics call it 'simply irresistible' and 'simple yet compelling'.

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Nigiri & Sashimi

Reviewers highlight the 'finest cuts of fish' that 'just melt in your mouth.' The tuna is specifically praised for being 'identifiably-fresh' rather than a 'mayonnaise-chili-mash' found elsewhere.