Inside (CLOSED)

Editor's note: As of November 2015, Inside restaurant is closed. Time Out Food & Drink.

Often referred to as Greenwich’s best restaurant – an accolade it’s held for the bulk of the ten-plus years it’s been open – Inside didn’t disappoint on our last visit, showing that chef-proprietor Guy Awford’s aim to create a top-notch neighbourhood restaurant is still in full swing. The compact, smart interior (white tablecloths, subdued grey and ochre tones) and rather cool staff might not appeal if you like a rustic vibe, but the formal atmosphere does help to spotlight the seriousness of the cooking. A new banquette wall has done wonders for the acoustics, meaning that the background chatter from the well-dressed patrons is more civilised murmur than echoing din. Top-notch own-made bread with olives made an auspicious beginning, and a beautifully arranged starter of gravadlax, crème fraîche and perfectly cooked beetroot was superb. Meaty cod fillet on a bed of spinach, served with herby mash and pea sauce, managed that tricky line between comfort food and fine dining, while a rare grilled ribeye was well complemented by potato and turnip dauphinoise. Desserts of sticky date pudding with cardamom ice-cream, and raspberry and vanilla crème brulée, weren’t highlights, but were tasty. It’s wise to book – locals seemingly celebrate most of their successes here.