The Cardinal Bar and Kitchen Review

One year on and we were invited back to visit and review The Cardinal Bar and Kitchen – I’d heard good things, so was keen to try it myself.

The Cardinal Bar and Kitchen is in the heart of East London and they have a menu of bold dishes; all inspired by seasonal produce and global influences.

As always, I had looked at the menu before we arrived, but felt really spoiled for choice as there was so much I fancied. We both ordered a fruity mocktail (I can’t remember exactly which but both were delish!) and shared the Salmon Tataki to start. It was the perfect way to start a meal; light and fresh and with a lovely gentle flavour. The other starters were also really tempting, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to manage a main too if we had one each.

I was very tempted by a Chopped Salad but instead decided to treat myself to the Salsa Verde Marinated Code. The fish itself was cook perfectly and the butter bean broth was tastier than expected (albeit a few too many beans) but I loved that the dish was finished off with salty olives, capers and breadcrumbs. OH (obviously) had a Steak and Chips, which he said was tasty!

Whilst we didn’t have space for dessert, I had a look at the menu and the Sticky Toffee Pudding and Dark Chocolate Fondant are right up my street – I look forward to going back to try them, with a Baileys on ice in my other hand!

As well as tasty food, Cardinal Bar and Kitchen also has Happy Hour drinks and is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner, which i imagine would be a great way to kick off 2026!