Restaurants

Tucked down a quiet side street, Jack’s is one of Dulwich’s best-kept secrets. Presided over by chef James Hoffman and his loyal deputy and baking queen Fi Sweeney, its counters are piled with warm-from-the-oven delicacies, from the superb caramelised french onion tart to the daily-changing cakes sinking under the weight of their frostings. Chalkboards display variations on own-made soups, salads and sandwiches to add to the staple offer of hot drinks, fresh juices, milkshakes, Criterion ice-creams and sundaes. With its genuine, friendly service, unfussy interior and tiny open kitchen, Jack’s has the heart and soul of a classic British caff, but with infinitely superior food values. In place of bacon butties are the likes of toasted ciabatta with chargrilled chorizo, tomato salsa and rocket, swedish meatball sandwiches with beetroot mayo, own-made chicken pâté, or broad bean and pea salad with spinach and parma ham. Fresh, seasonal produce is also sold at the counter to supplement the larders of local foodies.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008