Le Nusa, The Strand

I recently visited Le Nusa on the Strand and came away really impressed – not just by the food, but by the overall feel of the place. It’s clear from the moment you walk in that this isn’t trying to be a bog standard Indonesian restaurant. Instead, it feels more considered and modern, while still staying true to its roots.

The space itself strikes a nice balance between stylish and welcoming. There’s a subtle attention to detail in the interiors, which reflects the restaurant’s wider approach – thoughtful, but never overdone.

To start, I had the Siomay Bandung – chicken and prawn dumplings served with sweet soy and peanut sauce. This was a great way to begin the meal. The dumplings were soft and packed with flavour, and the sauces added just the right balance of sweetness and richness. The peanut sauce in particular stood out, giving the dish a comforting depth without feeling too heavy.

For the main, I ordered the Bebek Sambal Andaliman, a North Sumatran dish with pan-seared duck breast, green chilli, shallot, garlic and andaliman. This was easily the highlight. The duck was cooked perfectly – tender with a crisp outer layer – and the flavours were bold but well balanced, it packed a decent level of spice. The andaliman added a slightly citrusy, almost tingling heat that made the dish feel really distinctive. It’s the kind of flavour you don’t come across often, and it made the whole dish feel both authentic and memorable. This dish is a great example of how the restaurant draws from different regions of Indonesia while presenting them in a more refined way.

The service also added to the experience. It was attentive and quick, without feeling rushed or intrusive. Everything flowed naturally, which made the meal feel relaxed and easy to enjoy. I also dined solo and didn’t feel out of placed or moved along at all.

For dessert, I had the Pisang Goreng – banana fritters with palm sugar, coconut ice cream and a cookie crumble. This was a really satisfying way to finish. The fritters were crisp on the outside and soft inside, and the coconut ice cream paired perfectly with the sweetness of the banana and palm sugar. The crumble added a bit of texture, making it feel a bit more elevated than a standard version of the dish.

Overall, Le Nusa is a thoughtful and unique addition to London’s dining scene. It presents Indonesian food in a way that feels both authentic and contemporary, without losing its identity. Combined with the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, it’s the kind of place you’d happily return to – whether you’re already familiar with the cuisine or trying it for the first time.

Find out more > www.lenusa.co.uk