Borough’s Bests: The Chic Eatery Serving Seasonal Sensations
- Where? Borough Market, 12 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD
- How Much? ££
- Cuisine? Seasonal options and sourdough pizza
- Vegetarian options? Yes
- Vegan options? Yes
- Gluten free options? Yes
- Dog friendly? Yes
Elliot’s has held a prominent position in Borough Market since 2011. It is easy to spot with its crowded counters and lively ambiance that lights up a modest facade. Having opened a second restaurant in Hackney in 2021, Elliot’s fresh ingredient dishes and wood-fired pizzas are clearly in high demand. It was indeed this high acclaim and a plethora of recommendations that guided me here – and it did not disappoint!
With the recent revival of Borough Yards and the return of the post-COVID Borough buzz, many restaurants have opened their doors in the area, increasing demand and competition. This small and stylish eatery has, however, stood its ground, continuing to welcome an eager sea of visitors. From day to nightfall, you can be sure to find full seats, empty plates, and clanging wine glasses – a clear sign of satisfied customers!
The restaurant itself is deceptively large – a bright wooden exterior hides a deep, chic, and subdued interior. Inside it is bustling as its outer pavement, with full tables and mouth-watering platters flowing to and from the kitchen. Amber accents illuminate its cool, charcoal walls, creating a cavern of solitude far from the crowded clamour of the market. A meal at Elliot’s is accompanied by an air of sophistication and style – perfect for special occasions, date nights or as a cosy refuge on a brisk winters day.
The Food
Elliot’s offers a range of dishes including small plates, pizzas, and large plates. Sourcing ingredients from the neighbouring stalls of Borough Market, Elliot’s incorporates fresh seasonal produce into its dishes, serving crisp creations all year round. Bread is a particular specialty, offered in the form of focaccia, pizza crust, and delectable dippers!
Food is served as and when it is ready, so I’d recommend ordering a few plates to share between you. Alternatively, order a couple of small plates and snacks to share, and indulge in a main to yourself! We tasted a range of dishes between us, as well as some gin & tonics – a tipsy and tasty treat, that I look forward to enjoying again.
Beef carpaccio, tonnato dressing, rocket & fried capers – Small Plate £18
7/10 – The beef carpaccio was one of the cleanest-tasting dishes we ordered. All the flavours were perfectly balanced, and the beef melted in my mouth like butter. My only criticism is that there wasn’t enough. I was expecting more for the price – a tiny portion with a hefty price tag.
Radicchio, anchovy, shallot & pecorino salad – Small Plate £15
8.5/10 – Radicchio is a bit like Marmite – a bitter leaf which people either love or hate. I personally loved this dish and thought the salty Pecorino and anchovy toppings paired perfectly with the bitter crunch of fresh radicchio. The portion is a lot more generous than the carpaccio, though I’m still not sure Elliot’s can justify charging £15 for a side salad. Price aside, this was one of my favourite dishes – crisp, creamy and packed with flavour!
Fried Maris Piper potatoes & aioli – Side £5
10/10 – Wedges are an easy crowd-pleaser, though rarely has a fried potato wowed and wooed me. These, however, had us fighting over where they should be positioned on the table, and even our cockapoo was sniffing around for a crispy bite. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, and the garlic aioli was a dreamy delight. Highly recommend.
Mauve aubergine, friggitelli pepper & nocellara olive gremolata – Sourdough Pizza £15
5/10 – This dish paired two of my favourite ingredients, Nocellara olives and aubergine. Though the toppings did not disappoint at all, the sourdough base was too moist and quite soggy. The tomato base was incredibly watery, which shrouded the pleasure of the delicious aubergine and olive tapenade. A real shame, as I was really looking forward to this one!
Prosciutto di Cinta Senese, fig, rocket & aged balsamic vinegar (no tomato) – Sourdough Pizza £18
4/10 – Same issue as above, and this time, with undercooked dough to match. Again, a real shame as the pizza base bedded a delicious range of ingredients we couldn’t wait to try.
Tuscan pork sausage, coco beans & napolitan squash – Wood Grill £27
7/10 – A meaty, crumbly, and flavoursome coil, paired with creamy beans and crispy sage leaves. This truly fell apart in your mouth. Personally, I felt the dish could have been improved by a richer sauce to elevate the flavour of the meat – however, having tasted Tuscan sausage in Tuscany, my expectations are perhaps a little high. All in all, a delicious dish, definitely worth a try.
Cornish bluefin tuna steak, capers, olives & verjus – Wood Grill £53
6/10 – A tasty dish, perfectly cooked and paired with a delicious jus, however, like many of the dishes, it’s difficult to justify the price. For £53, we were hoping for a dish that would stand out – unfortunately, it just wasn’t that memorable.
Grilled cabbage & bomba butter – Side £5
8/10 – Buttery, sweet and tender, the grilled cabbage is the perfect side to any of the wood grill dishes. This warming side is ideal on a cold autumnal or winters day. One of my favourite dishes from the meal.
Basque Cheesecake
9/10 – A favourite dish from the afternoon, which I’d readily recommend and reorder time and time again. A simple classic, which was utter perfection. Tart seasonal berries and a creamy, light charred cheesecake – you can’t go wrong!
Overall, we had a lovely experience at Elliot’s, one which I recommend and would love to return to again. The atmosphere is great, and the service is really kind and accommodating. My only qualms are with the pizza and the coffee, which I wouldn’t order again – however, neither cast a shadow so dark as to outshine the deliciousness of the other dishes. Stick to the grilled dishes small plates, cocktails and gins, and I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time!
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