Little Bay - Kilburn

V. Gabriel (22 August 2004)

Just paid our first visit to The Little Bay; is it related to Small and Beautiful? Certain things seemed similar. Excellent value. A huge choice of food - partly on regular menu and partly on the board. Really difficult to make a choice! Partner had dressed crab, and I had the spicy fishcake, both of which were delicious.

If there was a criticism, the little bit of green salad decorating my plate was rather too soggy and drowned in dressing, but the actual dish was excellent and everything was most attractively served.

Bread is included, and already on the tables, but sensibly wrapped with a napkin to ensure freshness. I wish others could learn from this! Service was quick and very attentive.

Main courses ranged from fish dishes to vegetarian to lamb knuckle in wine sauce, duck breast with red cabbage, and even some middle-European goulashes. We both had the sea bass, which consisted of two tail fillets served on a bed of green mash (with spinach), and in a delicious sauce lightly flavoured with mustard - unusual and marvellous.

One peculiarity of the restaurant, if it could be called that, is that every dish is served with the same "vegetables" which consist of a dish of shredded white cabbage in a slightly piquant sauce (some vinegar in there somewhere), with a few pieces of carrot, as well as potato.

Interesting, but maybe it would be nice to have an alternative.

Desserts were interesting - partner had a pistachio and vanilla parfait and I had the most exquisite profiteroles filled with banana cream and generously laced with chocolate sauce.

The place is very informal and friendly, and it was a great evening out. Total cost with 1 large glass of wine, 1 large orange juice and 1 coffee came to just over £36. Not at all bad!