Review of 108 Brasserie in Marylebone Lane
Hidden away on the cobbled cuteness of Marylebone Lane, 108 Brasserie is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in the middle of London’s hustle for a blissful moment. It’s part of The Marylebone Hotel, so you get all the gorgeous touches you’d expect, but with the laid-back vibe of your favourite local. Inside, the dining room is all understated elegance, while outside, La Terrasse is a riot of flowers, olive trees and Mediterranean greenery. It’s basically a slice of Provence, just a hop from Oxford Street.
I kicked things off with the Devon crab crumpet, piled high with brown shrimp, kohlrabi and apple. It was light, delicate and just the right side of fancy. The brown shrimp were super fresh, and the apple and kohlrabi brought a zingy crunch that kept the crab from getting too rich. My dining partner went for the chicken Caesar salad, ticking all the Caesar boxes: the leaves were crisp, the chicken juicy and perfectly cooked, a perfect light start to the meal.
For mains, I couldn’t resist the Thai yellow prawn curry with rice. It arrived looking like a bowl of sunshine, and tasted just as good, all coconut sweetness and gentle, warming spice. The prawns were plump, the veggies still had bite, and the toasted coconut on top brought a lovely crunch. I scraped the bowl clean and immediately wished there was a secret second helping. Across the table, my dining partner tucked into the Black Angus grass-fed beef with chips and peppercorn sauce. It got a raving review thanks to the tender beef that was “like butter on hot toast” packed with a rich, savoury flavour. The chips were golden and crunchy, and the peppercorn sauce was so creamy you could almost eat it with a spoon. It’s classic brasserie fare with all the right flavours to make you book again soon.
Dessert time brought a tiramisu that looked like a giant coffee bean, complete with a crisp, chocolate chip cookie-style tuile on the side. It was a showstopper on the plate, but still delivered all the classic coffee, chocolate and creamy goodness you want from a proper tiramisu. Meanwhile, my dining partner’s golden chocolate bread-and-butter pudding was pure comfort in a bowl, rich, warm and totally indulgent. The kind of pudding that gives you a hug from the inside. We washed it all down with a bottle of rose d’une Nuit, which was fruity enough to play nicely with both the lighter starters and the richer mains. The virgin Bellini was a peachy, refreshing treat that managed to be bright and lively without tipping into sugar overload.
108 Brasserie nails what you want from a neighbourhood spot: a gorgeous setting, classic dishes with a twist, and food that feels comforting but never boring. Throw in top-notch ingredients, pretty-as-a-picture presentation and a prime Marylebone address, and you’ve got a place where lingering over dessert is basically mandatory.
For more information and to book a table click HERE
Address: 108 Brasserie, 108 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QE
Written by Stacey Reeves
Photography courtesy of 108 Brasserie
