9 months ago
Roast season is upon us so we are featuring some of the very best Sunday lunches you can get your hands on in Tooting.
If you’re yet to visit Rick’s Dining Room then take this as your sign. This restaurant on Mitcham Road is a real institution, having been operating in Tooting since 2001, and they’re still doing things their way. Their way is a set menu that operates from Wednesday until Fridays, where 3 generous courses will set you back an easy £12.50 (no, that’s not a typo). We dare you to find a place that has better value for money in London, because we’ve not found it…
Ambience: But with the incredible price, you’ll also get a lovely, homely atmosphere. As the name suggests, it really does feels like you’re in someone’s dining room when you visit. The restaurant is decked out with artwork which inspired by the Chelsea Arts Club, so it’s a little kooky and extremely characterful. Rick is always knocking around and him and his staff are some of the most welcoming bunch. Just ask and Rick will gladly show you around!
Food: Could these be some of the best roasts we’ve had so far? It’s up there for sure. We tried the beef and the pork and both meats were incredibly succulent. There was nothing dry about this plate- it came doused in a rich gravy and all the trimmings you could hope for (Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, greens, apple sauce with the pork… you get the idea).
We couldn’t resist the pudding menu when we saw what was on offer- show us someone who could turn down an offer of a sticky toffee pudding or a blueberry creme brûlée and we will show you a liar. Both were the perfect ending to the meal, the sauce on the sticky toffee pud was a glossy delight and the crunch of the caramelised top of the creme brûlée alongside the silky interior was seriously addictive. Rick and his team know how to do a dessert, so make sure you save room.
Standouts: There was a vegetable and garlic mash hidden under the roast and the trimmings which was exactly the kind of surprise you want to find on your plate. It was a real highlight to the meal- a punchy flavour bomb that we didn’t ‘need’ on our plate… until we’d taken a bite. It was fantastic.
Price: Beef: £19. Pork: £17.50. Sticky Toffee Pudding: £7.75. Crème brûlée: £8.
As roasts go this is pretty standard pricing for Tooting and we’d say it’s worth every penny. You’ll leave full in both your stomach and heart and that, in our opinion, is priceless.
The overall vibe of Rick’s Dining Room has us head over heels. When you’re in there you wouldn’t know there was a busy high street just the other side of the door and it really is a cosy, welcoming haven for a few hours of the weekend. Make the most of this Tooting gem.
THE ROAST SERIES: We are on a journey to discover some of the very best Sunday roasts in Tooting. Each will have remarks in 4 categories: Ambience, The Food, Price and Standouts to make it clear what it is we loved about each one. We will aim to order similarly in every place we try to give you the clearest indication of how it compares to the rest of the neighbourhood. Stay tuned to find your favourite.
