"Noun: The same thing again; representing a repetition." This is the Oxford English Dictionary definition of Ditto. There is a man in SW18, called George who clearly hasn’t read this definition. He’s recently taken over the restaurant and made some changes, he is understandably nervous of how patrons will take to it. Cautious George need not worry. Ditto the second will be just fine.
The place is both elegant and warm with soft lines and lighting, passive colour tones and clean, comfortable furniture. It is an interesting use of space in which bar meets restaurant meets private dining meets kids soft play area. This may sound confusing but it somehow works and each has its place in a neighbourhood full of professional singletons, couples and families alike.
On our visit, an excellent spirit selection and slick service at the bar helped ease the mind as did the live jazz playing that night (Thursdays), and a look at the menu and wine list, whilst not necessarily challenging, offered up enough staple goodies to tempt all taste buds and purses.
Rich and pungent humous with warm and buttery pita helped soak up some of the crisp, pre-supper NZ Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc. Truffled macaroni cheese was spectacular as were rollmops, with beetroot and watercress, a perfect balance of oil, earthiness and acidic crunch. Prawn linguine and chump of roast lamb were main course highlights, the pasta deliciously al dente and coated, rather than drowned in chill, garlic and tomato.
With a bottle of Malbec and Zinfandel to help us through to pudding, the last course became a little hazy. I can confirm that all puds (choc terrine, apple crumble and crème brulee looking at the bill with sore head the next morning!) were finished and a warm fuzz descended on the table, particularly after an indulgent glass of Sauternes. Cautious George was unhappy with the speed of service, which if we’d been rushing, would have been slow. As it was, we weren’t, and Ditto was found to be doing better than ever under his new ownership. Well worth a visit. Well done, George.
Ditto, 55-57 East Hill SW18 (020 8877 0110; www.doditto.co.uk)
Dinner for 2 with 2 courses and bottle of wine: £70.00