Destino
Above: Destino in Putney
Destino is a family-run restaurant on Estate Agents’ row in Putney (otherwise known as the Upper Richmond Road), which serves up traditional tapas with a contemporary twist. While it was quiet on the Tuesday night we visited, this did not detract from the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Owner Felix is a man who knows his carrilleras (wild boar) from his calamares and is on hand to recommend you try new and exciting things.
Destino has a tempting menu of main courses, I intend to sample very soon, but on the night in question I couldn’t resist the temptations of tapas. With a wide range of hot and cold tapas or starters you’re awarded the opportunity to try a selection of food groups – and sample the standard of cooking that take place in the kitchen.
Our order of chorizo, salted cod with courgettes and roasted red peppers, calamares with green alli-oil, wild boar cheek cooked in rioja with creamy potatoes, chicory, walnut and apple salad and pork strips with garlic and chilies was brought to the table in small doses – so at no point were we surrounded by food going cold waiting for us to reach it. The calamares was one of the best I have ever tasted and as I sampled the wild boar cheek, for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how tender it was. This has become one of Destino’s most ordered dishes – although some have to be persuaded to try it. Once they do they come back time and time again.
The presentation, particularly the salted cod and the chicory salad, was impressive and the taste did not disappoint. Breaking into the chicory tower, topped with apple, with four types of dressing, unleashed an incredible combination perfectly topped off by the walnuts.
The house white went surprisingly well with everything we ordered – and with those we did not. Fried Spanish peppers were brought to us – and others – to sample, on the house. This used to be on the menu and Felix is wondering whether to bring it back. Our verdict? Yes please – satisfying to say the least.
Dinner for two plus wine £50.
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