Tucked half way down Dalston’s Queensbridge road is a bargain priced restaurant with quality food and kitsch Egyptian decor straight from a Hollywood film studio.

The Venue
Imagine the set of the 1963 Hollywood classic Cleopatra in the heart of Hackney and you’re still not picturing the wonderful oddity that is LMNT. Yes, the four giant glittery Sphinx busts placed in each corner, the raised Egyptian style cubby holes and the giant golden urn you can sit in do resemble a Disney ride more than a restaurant, but this is what gives the venue its unique charm. There are also some nice tables outside - perfect for a summer drink.

The Atmosphere
Perhaps it’s the crazy decor, perhaps the good prices, but LMNT routinely packs in a young friendly and buzzing crowd. This restaurant doesn’t take itself too seriously, and located bang in the centre of unpretentious Hackney, it’s the perfect place to take a bunch of friends for a slap up meal that won’t break the bank.

The Food
Food here is great for the price - all starters are priced at just a few pounds, with mains at around £9.00 (just under £7.00 before 7pm). Don’t expect the Ivy, but with a little investigation you’ll find some standout dishes amidst a menu of good quality offerings. For a starter the steamed moules are a good bet, excellently cooked with an Asian kick of aromatic ginger, lemongrass and chilli. The warm goat cheese, red onion and rocket salad is also lovely, with creamy goats cheese that contrasts perfectly with the tang of the rocket and onion.

For mains, try the salmon supreme, cooked succulently and subtly seasoned with creamy crushed new potato and spinach as accompaniments. The pork belly with apple and cabbage is rich and filling, and the lamb chops are tender and flavoursome with a well judged side of swede, potato gratin and caper jus. Quality roasts are also available every Sunday, perfect for the morning after a big night.

For dessert there’s rich dark chocolate tart which is just right in texture and sweetness. The pistachio creme brulee is a treat, thick and creamy with the flavours of vanilla and pistachio working alongside each other to delicious effect.

The Drink
There is a perfectly decent selection of wines to get you in the swing of things. Try the Sauvignon blanc or the Willowgen Semillon Chardonnay for around £15.00. If you want to splash out there’s the excellent Pouilly Fume Guy Saget at about £25.00.

The house reds are good choices: Marquise de lassime and Baron d’Arignac both come in at about £11.00. The Macon Rouge Superiore is a good choice if you’re feeling flush. And to keep you in the mood there is a range of Egyptian themed cocktails including local favourite Bleeding Cleopatra (absolute citron, fresh strawberries and raspberries and lemon juice) and, to get you sitting up straight, Tutankhamun’s Erection, a champagne cocktail featuring absinthe and pear nectar. For everyone else there’s a slightly limited range of beers, but with a cocktail list like that, lager should be the last thing on your mind!

The Last Word
LMNT is friendly, unpretentious and the perfect place for a fun night out. The dishes are cheap, the decor is barmy and the cocktails speak for themselves! Definitely worth the visit.

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