The Don Restaurant & Bistro is a classy city brasserie and restaurant that’s bustling by day and quiet at night.

The Venue
Don is two venues in one. There is the more corporate, high ceilinged, airy restaurant floor, smartly done out in blues and creams, and the vaulted intimate brasserie, which has low barrel ceilings and bare brick walls. It is quite hard to find as it is in a courtyard off an alley.

The Atmosphere
This is a place for City suits and business chat. The restaurant is a good deal quieter in the evening but may not be the place for a first date simply because of size of the table. The brasserie area has a much more discreet and cozy feel. Expense account lunches are well catered for in both areas, and service is spot on and knowledgeable. Watch your wallets, though, as the restaurant is pricier than the brasserie.

The Food
The Don serves a modern menu that’s seasonal in its ingredients. There are well executed modern dishes like duck and sea bass in the restaurant area, but also more earthy, flavourful starters and mains in the brasserie. Think upmarket country cooking like Mediterranean fish soup and lamb burgers. Desserts include chocolate parfait or creme caramel. The ingredients are well sourced and first class.

The Drink
The Don boasts an award winning list of over 350 wines and champagne and as the location used to be storage warehouse for Sandeman wines and ports, they know a thing or two about wines. The prices are high for top of the line bottles.

The Last Word
The Don is an impressive City stalwart. Just be sure to book ahead if you are lunching.

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