Monday 23 July 2012

Ritas Dining

Ritas Dining is a new pop up on Stoke Newington Road from the owner of Brunswick House Cafe, Jackson Boxer. Originally meant to be a fried chicken shop, they chose to widen their scope, and the menu that evolved is much more varied. There doesn't seem to be an underlying theme to the menu; from Patty Melts to Fried Chicken Rolls and Ox Heart Taco's; and although the menu seems slightly greasy, what arrives is heavenly.

On a Friday night the whole place was rammed, we arrived about 8.30pm and there was little chance we would get a table and so we settled in on stools at the bar, right in the middle of the action.


We started with Hibiscus Margarita and a Dark and Stormy which kicked off the evening nicely, followed by rounds of Desperadoes. Dishes are smaller than expected but all as sounding as delicious as the next. We decided to split 4 between us, starting with the Patty Melt and Soy and Ginger Chicken Wings served with pickle and watermelon. I could have easily eaten another Patty Melt  and its moorish caramelised onion jam on my own and it was a struggle not to order myself one and gorge myself in secret. The plump Soy and Ginger wings were delightfully sticky and not too fatty. As per our visit to Elliot's, I'm not normally a fan but have been proved wrong twice now.

We let that settle before debating our next course of action. Due to the unadventurous nature of my other half, we weren't allowed to order the Duck heart baked beans or Ox-Heart Taco. Instead we went for the fried chicken sandwich and green chilli Mac n Cheese. I think we may have peaked, with our first two dishes and so although they were both delicious, they didn't quite live up to our expectation. Which by this point were sky high.


The Clientele is quit trendy however don't let this put you off. Staff were are lovely although frantic -  with the waitress unnecessarily trying to sneak me a small portion of beans on the side, before being shouted at by the chef, food was great and although fairly loud, the atmosphere was electric. This place is still a (slightly) hidden gem so I would suggest to get yourself there sharp-ish.

Open for dinner from 7pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
33-35 Stoke Newington Road
@ritasdining

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