Harden's says
Replacing Cantina del Ponte (RIP), the late Sir Terence Conran's Butlers Wharf venue near Tower Bridge, this new branch of the Waterloo-based Malaysian restaurant features a 70-seat covered terrace with spectacular views of the Thames and the City. Opened August 2023.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A well composed panoply of flavours from Southeast Asia” – curry puffs, crab dumplings, lobster, ox cheek Penang curry – have won a loyal following for Peter Lloyd’s South Bank fixture, and over time fans “have become enamoured, and no longer mourn the loss of RSJ” (which preceded on the site for over 20 years). “Nothing is extraordinary, but it is our current first choice pre the National Theatre”. He must be doing something right, as expansion is coming fast, with a sibling to open in July 2023 on the former site of Cantina del Ponte, RIP, with a large terrace overlooking Tower Bridge; and another in Islington later in the year.
Summary
“Not out of the ordinary, but what it does it does well” – chef Peter Lloyd’s transformation of the revered South Bank French restaurant RSJ (RIP) into a “Malaysian-style” venue over three storeys disappointed former regulars, but has become a “firm favourite” with a new crowd for its “imaginative food, friendly service and a buzzy celebratory atmosphere”.
Summary
“Freshness of flavours in the varied SE Asian dishes” all “at sensible prices” – and including a tasting menu option – provides endorsement of Peter Lloyd’s transformation of RSJ (RIP, the former occupant of this site, which graced the South Bank for 30 years). “They found their feet quickly after lockdown”, too. On the debit side, the famous “Loire wines inherited from RSJ seem to have been exhausted, and noise levels are still as high as ever”. And oddly, given the proximity to the Festival Hall and Old and Young Vics, “there’s no pre-theatre menu”.
Summary
Having the “same staff as RSJ” (its predecessor on the site, now RIP) preserves some continuity at this 30-year stalwart, near the Festival Hall, whose “brave move to Thai food from classic French” a couple of years ago has split opinion: “zingy and fresh” to fans, but to critics, “entirely unremarkable”. Its famous cellar of Loire wine has also been transferred to the new venture: “still the best wine list I know of, but it goes less well with the Asian food now on offer”. The ambience of the room – whose Reinforced Steel Joist inspired the name of the former operation – has never been a major plus.
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Restaurant details
Sticky Mango Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Good food. Noisy instagrammers at adjacent table an annoyance."
"We went to the old RSJ near the National Theatre for lunch. Sadly quite noisy partly due to a thoughtless party (which the manager managed to convince should pipe down) and partly furnishing. Not ideal for romance! That said, the food was original and well done. I love soft shell crab and this was in a bun and did not disappoint. My wife preferred the black pepper prawns. Monkfish and vegetable curry followed. The crispy baby potatoes were not, crispy! Deserts were also original . "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £20.00 |  |
|
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 50.00 | Always available | 9 |
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £8.30 | £22.50 | £7.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Opening hours
| Monday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
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