Imagine a culinary adventure that transports you to a garden brimming with natural flora and botanicals, where the ambience is serene and the food divine. In Horto, which translates from Latin to ‘In The Garden’, is precisely that – a delightful, rustic dining concept that marries pastoral tradition with the comforts of home cooking.
Upon entering, diners are greeted by cascading greenery that adorns the rafters, creating an atmosphere that is as enchanting as it is inviting. The generous portions are designed for sharing, yet each dish exudes such an exquisite air of homely comfort that you may be tempted to keep every morsel to yourself. From whole baked cauliflower with four-cheese potatoes to roast chicken with garlic potatoes and leeks, there’s something to suit every palate. For those seeking heartier fare, the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with harissa vegetables is a must-try.
The snacks and starters at In Horto are nothing short of spectacular. The chorizo honey with mustard dressing is, hands down, one of the best starters I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. The dish was so scrumptious that I couldn’t help but order seconds. The white crab, charred baby gem, and brown crab mayonnaise offered a delightful contrast in flavours, while the crumbed venison breast with smoked pancetta provided a deeply satisfying savoury sensation.
For the main courses, I selected the onglet steak accompanied by cima di rapa and aioli, as well as the succulent slow-roasted braised lamb with harissa vegetables. Each dish was flawlessly cooked and brimming with delightful flavours. If I were pressed to choose a favourite between the two, I’d have to give the nod to the lamb, as its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness was simply divine. To complement the mains, I opted for the confit potato chips, which proved to be so irresistibly moreish that I found myself yearning for another helping.
No meal is complete without dessert, and In Horto didn’t disappoint with its offerings. I tried the tiramisu, which had an intriguing presentation and a slightly stronger flavour than I’d anticipated. Despite this, it was a delightful way to round off the meal, and the fun presentation only added to the enjoyment of the dish.
As well as the tiramisu, I indulged in the chocolate mousse, honeycomb, and salted caramel ice cream. This dessert was a true delight – not only was the honeycomb visually impressive, but it also provided a unique textural contrast. I thoroughly enjoyed both desserts, and they were the perfect sweet conclusion to the meal.
In the summer months, In Horto truly comes into its own as the restaurant opens up, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the al fresco dining. I’m already looking forward to returning during the warmer months to witness this unique feature.
The communal nature of In Horto’s dining concept makes it the perfect spot for a meal with friends. Sharing plates and exploring the diverse flavours on offer adds a fun, interactive element to the meal that only serves to heighten the overall enjoyment.
In summary, In Horto offers a truly enchanting dining adventure that seamlessly blends rustic charm with exquisite cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a light, summery dish or a hearty, comforting meal, In Horto has something to offer everyone. And, if there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s this: don’t leave without trying the chorizo honey. It’s absolutely banging!
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Images by Louis Mennear
