18 Nov 2024
A spotlight on London's Noizé
Walking into Noizé on Whitfield Street, it’s clear the restaurant has its own unique character. With exposed brick walls, warm copper accents, and a mix of vintage furniture, the place feels both cosy and a bit industrial — like a trendy loft with an old-world soul.
The lighting is low, giving it a moody, welcoming glow that makes you want to settle in for hours. There’s no flashy decor or gimmicks here; instead, it’s all about creating an atmosphere that lets you unwind and focus on the food and wine. Noizé’s white tablecloths add all of the Frenchness that you’re looking for, while brightening up the space with greenery and velvet touches. The space feels inviting and relaxed, the kind of place where casual catch-ups, intimate dinners, or low-key celebrations feel right at home.
Noizé’s menu is rooted in the classics of French cuisine but is refreshingly unpretentious. Germond’s philosophy is simple: use top-quality, seasonal ingredients and don’t complicate things. The starters alone showcase this, with dishes like veal carpaccio with an anchovy dressing, crispy potato, & lemon jelly, or the marinated tuna with cucumber, kohlrabi, buttermilk, & dill – simple ingredients used in extraordinary ways.
The mains keep up the momentum, balancing rich flavours with simplicity, like the succulent duck leg served alongside a grilled duck heart, swiss chard, & a walnut sauce, and the roasted John Dory with fresh squid, squid ink rice, & baby leek. Vegetarians are also well-looked after with dishes such as their roasted parsnip with caramelised parsnip purée, brioche crust, & a celeriac jus and butternut squash with parmesan cremeux, cheese sablé, & squash dressing.
The desserts follow suit with an unfussy yet delightful approach: expect dishes like a rich chocolate financier with meringue foam, mint oil, & blackberry sorbet and the apple terrine paired with salted caramel, ginger crumble, & jelly. Of course, they also have a few French favourites including a delightful creme caramel and comte cheese with a wine pairing, finishing the meal on a high note.
And speaking wine… Given Germond’s extensive background in wine, it’s no surprise that Noizé’s wine list is a real star. Each selection has clearly been chosen with care, and whether you’re a wine novice or an enthusiast, the staff are more than happy to guide you toward something that complements your meal perfectly. The list includes both well-loved favourites and lesser-known gems, so there’s always a chance to discover something new.
Noizé really has managed to find that sweet spot between fine dining and laid-back charm. It’s polished without being showy, and its understated elegance is clearly resonating with a crowd looking for more than just a meal. For those who love French-inspired food and want an experience that feels both thoughtful and effortlessly enjoyable, Noizé is definitely worth discovering. You may come for the food, but you’ll stay for the whole experience.
You’ll find them at 39 Whitfield Street, London W1T 2SF. Book your table at Noizé here on Dish Cult.