Soul Pleasing Soul Food at Americana in London.
When it comes to dining in London, you are spoiled for choice. From traditional British fare to a multitude of international cuisines, the city truly caters to every palate. Among the many options, Americana stands out, taking diners on a special culinary journey straight to the heart and soul of the Southern United States. With its wide range of Soul Food-inspired dishes, Americana has quickly established itself as a destination for foodies
and even possibly the American actress Megan Fox who your correspondent was surprised to see a few yards away while he waited outside the restaurant for his colleague.
www.americanalondon.com/
11 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP a few minutes from Piccadilly Circus
Southern American Hospitality
As you step into Americana, you are quickly swathed in an inviting, warm ambience. The restaurant’s interior exudes a distinct American charm, with its hints of retro decor, tastefully placed greenery and an eclectic mix of booths and tables. The clever use of warm lighting creates a cosy and intimate feel, making it the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends and family. The exceptional service at Americana deserves an upfront mention – it’s a distinct strength and probably as close as you will get to Southern hospitality this side of the Atlantic. We were warmly greeted by the staff who guided us to our table with genuine smiles. The waitstaff, particularly the charming Serena, were knowledgeable and attentive throughout the evening – nothing was too much trouble, and they were always ready to provide recommendations and answer any questions we had.
Southern Soul Food
The menu showcases an inviting array of American classics, expertly crafted using high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of soul-satisfying comfort food or seeking a culinary adventure, Americana has something to please every palate. We began the meal with subtly marinated Olives and the Sourdough Loaf, a freshly baked bread that arrived warm and crusty with a pleasingly light, airy texture infused with a hint of tang. We also indulged in the popular Smoked Chicken Wings, which were perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
The accompanying delightfully light blue cheese dip provided the necessary complementary contrast to the spicy heat of the wings. Next up: the Lump Blue Crab Cake – a generous portion of tender lump crab meat that was encased in a golden crust and seasoned to just the right level.
Our first course (s!) was rounded off with the Cajun Gumbo, a heart-warming, stomach-filling kaleidoscope of smoked sausage, chicken, ‘Holy trinity’ (onions, celery and green bell peppers) and homemade cornbread. All-in-all, a delightful introduction to the flavours on offer at Americana.
The mains centred on beef and chicken. The Buttermilk F.ried Chicken Burger was a standout dish that showcased Americana’s mastery of comfort food. The chicken was perfectly fried to a golden crisp, with a juicy and tender interior. The burger was topped off with a creamy Mississippi comeback slaw (aka coleslaw) and served on a toasted brioche bun – a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that showcased what the chefs at Americana can do. Hard to resist ordering another, frankly.
A steak is always an option for moi as I rarely cook at home and so the thought of a good steak, southern style always goes down a treat.
American Desserts
And let’s not forget about the desserts! The warmed-up Alabama Pecan Pie, with its buttery crust and gooey pecan filling, takes you on a sweet Southern escape. Truly, a nutty, cherry-gelled revved-up gut-busting indulgence.
The thought of warm apple pie is generally a no brainer but its definitely an iconic American dessert and I was not disappointed.
The Lemon Cheesecake and Chocolatey Chocolate Tart provided a delightful balance of tangy and sweet indulgent flavours, creating a perfect ending to a memorable meal.
That American Smile
Whether you’re a local seeking a taste of America or a visitor wanting an authentic culinary adventure, Americana London treats you to a slice of southern American charm and seriously good soul food. It will leave you with lasting memories and a longing to return for more.
