Crispin Studio Voltaire

Lunch at Crispin at Studio Voltaire felt like a low-key culinary treat tucked inside a modern art gallery. The space itself is relaxed but stylish, with a bit of a bohemian charm – whitewashed brick, warm lighting, and a buzz that makes it feel like you’ve stumbled onto something a little special.

We started with a small bowl of assorted pickles, sharp and refreshing, which kicked things off nicely. Then came the Montgomery’s cheddar croquette, served hot and crispy with a surprisingly punchy pickled walnut ketchup. It was indulgent but not heavy, really well balanced, and the kind of dish you immediately want more of, but alas the menu was too good to indulge too soon.

Next was a bright plate of flat peach with carasello cucumber, sweet and sour dill, and Grana Padano. This was a total contrast, fresh, juicy, and herby with a savoury finish from the cheese. A very summery dish that looked as pretty as it tasted.

The grilled friggietelli peppers with Portland crab and brown crab mayo was another standout. The crab was beautifully sweet and the peppers had a lovely charred flavour, with a little heat from the Aleppo pepper that tied everything together. It was rich, but balanced and full of character.

For our main, we had the cockle and clam tagliatelle, finished with scallop butter and parsley. This was the sort of pasta dish that’s hard to forget – silky, savoury, and layered with flavour. The shellfish added a touch of sea breeze, and the buttery sauce clung to the pasta just right. If you’re not a fan of al dente, you may not love the pasta, but I’m a fan of doing whatever the Italians tell me to.

We finished with a light, crunchy meringue topped with summer berries, a simple but satisfying end to the meal, sweet without being over the top. Drinks were great across the board, but the dirty martini deserves a special mention. It was perfectly briny and cold, with just the right edge to complement the food. It felt thoughtfully made, not just thrown together.

Service was warm and efficient, with staff who clearly knew the menu well and made good suggestions without being pushy. There was a real ease to the day – the pacing felt natural, and we never felt rushed. You can also have a wander around the gallery spaces if you please.

All in all, Crispin at Studio Voltaire is doing something quietly confident. The food is seasonal and clever without trying too hard, and the setting gives the whole evening a slightly off-the-beaten-path charm. It’s the kind of place you’d take a friend who loves good food, interesting spaces, and a well made cocktail.

Find out more > www.crispinlondon.com/studio-voltaire