Catalyst
Holborn, London
To the casual observer, this eatery near Chancery Lane tube resembles any other cool café – hard stools, concrete counters, shelves of coffee paraphernalia, the usual – but to those in the know, it is the go-to for some of the most compelling Greek cooking around. The breakfasts and sandwiches, geared to the local office crowd are very good, but it’s the ‘dish of the day’ that stops everyone in their tracks. One day it might be braised cuttlefish with first-of-the-season fresh peas; another day, meatballs avgolemono or Cornish monkfish stew with kombu seaweed butter. As for the soothing, soupy, spinach and rice ‘spanakorizo’, you don't have to have a Greek yia-yia to get misty-eyed. A terrific spot for a solo lunch, quick business catch-up, or some ‘TGIF’ drinks with exceptional small plates (sea urchin with soft egg or a fat carabiniero prawn with trahanas, for example). The coffee sriracha has a cult following: grab a bottle while you’re there. Alas, they only open late on Fridays.
Dining Information:
Counter seating, Wheelchair access, Dog friendly
48 Grays Inn Road, Holborn WC1X 8LT
020 7242 8777
