REVIEW: Restaurant Tour - The Mailbox Edition
There’s something special about exploring a city through its various food hotspots. On a Sunday afternoon I joined the Restaurant Tour UK on a mission to visit six restaurants within the Mailbox.
The idea behind the Restaurant Tour is simple – one Sunday afternoon, six stops, each with a small plate and drink. It’s perfect for foodies who wants to sample diverse cuisines and restaurants without committing to one.
I kicked off my culinary journey at Aluna, a Pan Asian restaurant known for its delicious cocktails and vibrant fusion dishes. We were greeted with a Lychee Martini that was sweet and refreshing in equal parts. We were then served a Thai Green Curry – tender chicken, coconut aromas, and bold flavours of Thai basil and green chilli, perfectly balanced by the martini.
After the great start at Aluna, it was time to head over to my second stop of the tour, Malmaison. Known for its upscale vibe and great service, this place did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in we were met with incredible hospitality. Our visit began with a delicious glass of white wine, that paired perfectly with the salmon dish. The salmon was served chilled with pickled cucumber and dill mayonnaise. The combination of pickle and dill with the salmon was superb and added tang and freshness with every bite.
After the delicious light bite at Malmaison, I was ready for the bold flavours of Dil Se. To kick things off, we were served a Mango Mule, a cocktail that mastered the perfect balance between the zesty heat of ginger and the tropical fruitiness of mango. It was refreshing and vibrant and set the tone for the rich flavours that awaited. Next up was Lemon Grass Coriander Chicken – bold and aromatic in flavour. This dish had a nice spice to it that complimented the cocktail. The chicken was so flavourful that I found myself wanting more, but with three more stops ahead, I had to remind myself to pace it, as this way only just the halfway point.
After the complex flavours of Dil Se It was time for a timeless classic. And what better pairing than red wine and steak? At Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, I opted for the rump steak - cooked to perfection and topped with chimichurri, alongside crispy chips and a fresh salad. The sophisticated atmosphere added to the experience, with views overlooking the city and a live DJ that played all the right tunes.
Ready to take on our next meal, we headed to Noel’s with stunning floral decor and a prime location along the canal. We were served an easy drinking white wine, perfectly paired with pan-fried sea bream. The dish was a delicate balance of flavours, tender sea bream with pickled courgette, spinach and ricotta, apple puree, fresh apple with parsley oil. It was light and refreshing, and complimented the wine and ambience, making for an elegant dining experience.
Last but not least, we made our way to Lucarelli for our final stop of the tour, and it was the perfect ending to a great day. We were treated to a lovely glass of white wine, perfectly paired with their luxe lobster ravioli, served in a rich lobster bisque. Everything at Lucarelli was incredible – from the attentive service to the beautifully crafted dishes and the stunning décor, It was the perfect grand finale, wrapping up the tour in a picturesque way.
One afternoon, six incredible dishes and countless flavours later, the Restaurant Tour: Mailbox Edition, was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday. With various different cuisines and dishes, each restaurant brought something different to the table. This experience was more than just great food – it was a quest dedicated to discovering and enjoying the culinary diversity our city has to offer.
The Restaurant Tour UK allows you to sample the best of multiple restaurants without the commitment of a full meal. It is the perfect way to experience the city’s food scene, while keeping things fun, light and unforgettable.
The next Restaurant Tour is taking place on 29th September in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Book your ticket here
Author: Dine Hub Team
