Reubens

Time Out says

Thu Jun 14 2012

Deli West One is now open around the corner, but Reubens is still holding its own – though the ground-floor cafeteria could do with a makeover. The cold blue walls and granite tables are unwelcoming, but the food is reliably haimische (home-style), appealing to those who like Ashkenazi staples. The menu is extensive, with sandwiches, shwarma, grills and burgers cooked to order, and attractive-looking salads on display. Downstairs in the pricier basement restaurant (with linen tablecloths and waiter service), you’ll find more adventurous dishes: magret of duck, steak diane, beef wellington and sushi-grade tuna. Little changes: the salt beef is moist, and as flavourful as it can be with the fat removed. Prime-cut lamb chops (a generous serving) arrived perfectly chargrilled, with refreshing watercress and tomato on the side. Salads are appetising and fresh, especially the waldorf with walnuts and apple. Sautéed potatoes with fried onion make a pleasant change from chips (also available, of course). After soup and a large main course, few people have the appetite for apple strudel or hefty lockshen pudding. Instead, you could share a chocolate fondant with pistachio ice ‘cream’.