Restaurant of the Month: Motcombs.

Belgravia’s beloved neighbourhood haunt, Motcombs, has decided that one plum spot simply isn’t enough. After over 40 years of charming Belgravia, it now graces St John's Wood with its presence, breathing new life into the high street and sprinkling a touch of elegance over the neighbourhood.

The recipe for success remains unchanged: an elegant brasserie experience serving sophisticated, slightly retro fare. Motcombs' magic lies in delivering delectable dishes at reasonable prices while making every guest feel like royalty. On the evening we visited, both elements were in full swing. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with classical, chic decor and service that was both polished and personable.

The bar, a sweeping vision of refined interiors with warm earthy tones and marble accents, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening even before you’ve perused the modern Pan-European menu. Choosing highlights is no easy task, but the truffle arancini with parmesan, truffle, pickled mushroom, and micro parsley were crispy on the outside with a flavour explosion inside. The lively tuna tartare with pickled mushrooms, rice crackers, and sesame oil made for a delightful starter. The angel hair king prawns, served in a trio, were impressively sized. They arrive whole, but the shell between the top and the tail has been replaced with a deep-fried, shredded kataifi pastry coat. Three dips -wasabi, sweet chilli, and black garlic - add a playful twist.

From the mains, the lobster escargot with garlic and parsley butter, topped with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, is a hedonistic nod to 80s extravagance - in the best way possible. The garlic-marinated, plump prawns basking in a luscious sauce are outstandingly addictive. For a slightly less indulgent option, the pan-fried seabass with nduja puree, baby leeks, and langoustine bisque is cooked to perfection. The seabass boasts a beautifully crisp skin and tender, flaky flesh that is seasoned just right, allowing the fish's delicate flavour to shine through without being overshadowed.

The pudding menu tempts with a plethora of delightful options for a sweet finale. Start your dessert journey with a hot, baked chocolate chip cookie with sea salt and salted caramel ice cream. Then, dive into the decadent chocolate brownie cheesecake - a dark, rich wedge with a cheese swirl on the crunchiest of biscuit bases. As if the food isn’t enough, Motcombs is a paradise for wine lovers, offering an extensive and impressive wine list to complement every dish. With service as smooth as the silkiest béarnaise sauce and food that is artfully crafted, Motcombs has undoubtedly become our new favourite neighbourhood restaurant.