Our punter says
Arriving at Chameleon, the atmosphere was lively with a band playing while diners ate. Outdoor tables are well spaced, with white tablecloths and fresh flowers.
The Sunday brunch menu was split into two categories, dips and small plates, all meant for sharing. There’s lots of vegetarian dishes on the menu and the drinks list was extensive. We both opted for a cocktail: for me a lychee and rose bellini, which was sparkling and sweet, perfect for a spring afternoon.
We shared dips and bread – sweet harissa, white tahini, shaved tomato, and za’atar which was tangy and salty; smoked pumpkin, crème fraîche, roasted pumpkin seeds and paprika honey, which was earthy and the seeds added a great crunchy texture. The coal-roasted aubergine, goat’s cheese and walnut was creamy and mellow.
We ordered four dishes from the plates section of the menu but in hindsight three would have been plenty. Aubergine carpaccio with goat’s cheese and pistachio was my favourite – it was quite sweet with a salty, nutty crumb aftertaste. The grilled lamb pitta was the only dish we tried that we wouldn’t order again: the meat was a little dry and we thought a bit expensive at £17.50. The braised smoked cabbage, crème fraîche, salsa verde and pecorino was a great vegetable dish for two people to share, it was vibrant in its colours and taste, and accompanied the lamb spare ribs well.
We shared two desserts to finish the meal, a chocolate crémeux and an Israeli spiced nut millefeuille. Both were full of flavour and not too big but we felt like it was the savoury dishes of the meal that stole the show.
Chameleon is a great restaurant for a relaxed but special meal. The service was friendly and attentive, and they’ve done a great job of turning the outside area into a beautiful dining space which is warm and comfortable. I would definitely go back for a meal – it would be a good spot for a celebration with friends.
Bill for two, including service: £160.34
Atmosphere: 8
Service: 8 Food: 8
Total: 24/30