Rita’s Dining

The American Diner, With a British Twist

Where? Soho, 49 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AP
How much? ££
Cuisine? American dining, seasonal British ingredients
Vegetarian? Yes, limited
Vegan? Yes, limited
Gluten free? Yes

I had Rita’s on my radar as one of the top London restaurants to visit, so when the opportunity to visit finally presented itself, I didn’t hesitate. What drew me to Rita’s is their unwavering dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients. It isn’t just about the taste but also about the origins of the produce. Knowing that they prioritise sustainably sourced fish and locally sourced, organic ingredients was a huge plus for me – I knew I was in for a treat!

Rita’s humble exterior is withdrawn from the flashy extravagance that dominates much of Soho – to the regular passerby, you likely wouldn’t even notice it. This shy facade made me admire it more, reminding me of the classic London restaurants that have stood the test of time by demonstrating quality, not boasting it. Stepping into Rita’s feels as though you have discovered something completely untouched by the world of technology and excess, concealing something far greater – charm and nostalgia.

The Food

Louisiana Boudin Balls with Creole Mustard Aioli – £8

7/10 – Concealing the rich and meaty core is a light, golden-brown crust. Deliciously crisp on the outside and oozy in the middle. A fluffy orb of steaming rice to sink your teeth into, and a tart aioli that elevates the flavour of the meat inside. Hearty and delicious!

Watermelon, Ricotta, and Toasted Almond Salad – £12

8.5/10 – My favourite dish from the evening. Light and subtle flavours cleanse the palate, allowing the textures of the dish to shine through. I loved the addition of toasted almonds and the creaminess of the ricotta with the watermelon. Really simple, but executed well.

Tomatoes and Tropea Onions with Mole Verde – £12.50

8/10 – The ingredients of the dish are incredibly fresh. Juicy, plump tomatoes and an aromatic, luminous mole verde. While I loved the dish for its fresh taste and simplicity, it didn’t have the same originality as the watermelon salad. But that said, would I order it again? Absolutely.

Crispy Chicken a la Diabla – £22

5/10 – I was hoping to love this dish, but it just wasn’t for me. For £22, I was expecting more meat. However, we received two bones with hardly any meat on them at all, which was a real shame. I’d heard a lot about this dish, so I was expecting more. The flavours are all there, however, I wouldn’t order it again.

French Fries – £4

7.5/10 – Delicious fries, with the perfect crunch and a generous sprinkling of seasoning. Highly recommend ordering!

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