Asia de Cuba

From the row of Philippe Starck seats shaped like molars in the lobby, to the location inside chic St Martins Lane Hotel, this design-led restaurant piles on the modernist style, yet is never quite as cool as it thinks it is. Clubby music at busy sittings means conversation is not a priority – unless you include the charmtastic staff, who pause prettily at your elbow to elucidate on everything you wanted to know about the menu but were too distracted by the stylish clientele to ask. Hybrid dishes are inspired by the Chino-Latino cafés of Havana, Miami and New York. All are intended for sharing, which goes some way towards justifying the premier league pricing. Of particular note are the bountiful house salad of crispy calamares with sesame orange dressing, and the simple medium-rare wagyu beef with mash. Cocktails are engagingly inventive; the lychee and apple mojito just tops the signature ‘ADC’ of champagne, vanilla-infused rum, raspberries and lime juice. Keep a clear head for the bill, mind; a 15% service charge is included while the slip’s left open.

Services

Available for hire: Separate rooms for parties, seating 48 and 96
Child facilities: Babies and children welcome: high chairs
Disabled: toilet

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