We visited the Rail House Cafe, Victoria, London, for my birthday lunch. I selected this restaurant because the menu looked interesting, with plenty of Vegan and Vegetarian options. I was also in the process of writing about the best things to do in Victoria, and it’s dog friendly, so our cute puppy could accompany us. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Victoria, places for lunch near Victoria Station or pre-theatre dinner, you’ll love the Rail House Cafe.
“Feast on fabulous Small Plates, Bowls and Skewers full of Modern European and Asian flavours. Kick back and relax inside the expansive restaurant or on the pedestrianised street. It’s a great place to hang out with friends or savour the tasting menu before heading to the Theatre,” Homegirl London.
Rail House Cafe Lunch Menu
The lunch and dinner menus are pretty much the same. If you’re starving, I recommend one of the Bread options like Artichoke Dip, Parmesan and Flame Grilled Sourdough or Grilled Flatbread with Braised Beef Shin, Sour Cream, Green Chilli, Cassava Hummus and Rose Harissa. Another option is to share a few Small Plates of Crispy Oyster Mushrooms with Miso Dip, Salt Cod Fritters with Citrus Mayo or Yellow Fin Tartare.
We skipped the Bread and Small Plates and went straight to the Bowls. We fancied the Chanda Dal, but unfortunately, there wasn’t any left. Instead, we settled for the comforting thick Corn Chowder, which warmed us up on the dreary day. It arrived with a piece of Flame Grilled Sourdough for dipping. We also shared the Pea Fritters with Crispy Kale, Chickpeas, Squash and a layer of Tahini. I do love a good Fritter, and these didn’t disappoint. Other Bowls were Salads, but they were too cold outside to try. If you want to share a few Bowls, you can order the smaller size.
There is a selection of Skewers if you want a little taste of something else. We tried the Grilled Cauliflower with Pepper Sauce, Winter Pesto, and the Panko Halloumi with Mojo Rojo. Both were tasty, although small. Other options include Chicken Thigh with Lemongrass, Honey and Blue Cheese and Miso Salmon with Anchovy and Preserved Lemon Aioli.
More significant portions are the Plates which we didn’t try because we were saving room for Dessert. The Vegan Plate is Braised Puy Lentils with Carrot Mochi, Roast Carrots and Carrot Skin Crisps. Atlantic Bream with Curried Jerusalem Artichoke Cream and Crisps is the Fish dish. Meat eaters can enquire about the Big Cuts Menu for Prime Steaks or try the Beef Patty Soul Burger. Check out the Sides because the Crispy Okra with Yuzu Ponzu Dip was excellent. They also have Truffle Mac and Cheese, yum!
As I said, we saved room for the Desserts and were glad we did. Our favourite was the Hot Brioche Doughnuts with Milk Jam for dunking. The Pavlova with Coconut Cream and Cranberry Compote was a sweet treat. Next time I look forward to trying the Sticky Toffee Pudding or the Chocolate and Lavender Marquise. Ice Cream, Sorbets and Artisan Cheese are also available.
If you’re off to the Theatre, try the Tasting Menu for £35. To give you an idea of prices, Bread is £5.50-8.80, Small Plates 8.80-13.80, Small Bowls £8.40-9.30, Skewers £2.80-8.80, Large Plates £15.50-22.80 and Desserts are £6.50-9.
The drinks list is extensive, with a Wine, Beer and Cider collection. House Classic Cocktails include Birds and Bees with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin, Lemon, Honey and Chamomile and Rum and Rhubarb with Cut Spiced Rum, Aperol, Apple, Lime and Orange Bitters.
Watch My Rail House Cafe Victoria Video
Helpful Information About Rail House Cafe Victoria
To find out more, visit the Rail House Cafe Website. The address is 8 Sir Simon Milton Square, London SW1E, in Nova, where you’ll find a collection of Restaurants and Bars near the Victoria Train, Rail and Bus Stations. It’s the perfect place to meet friends for Weekend Brunch or Sunday Roast, entertain clients for Weekday Lunch and Evening Dinner or pop in for a Pre-Theatre Meal. Current opening times listed on the website are Monday to Friday, 8 am until 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am until 11 pm and Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm.
The interiors are industrial luxe with weathered corrugated iron sheets cladding the walls and ceiling. An expansive central bar has a private dining room to one side and a mix of velvet upholstered sofas and dining tables on the other. Outside on the pedestrianised street, you’ll find an abundance of comfy sofas and armchairs for alfresco dining.
If you want to explore the area further or nearby Belgravia and Pimlico, you may be interested in these articles:
Ten Things To Do In Victoria
Ten Reasons To Visit Elizabeth Street Belgravia
Ten Things To Do In Pimlico
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about restaurants where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as restaurant standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the restaurant is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
