When it comes to exploring new and fresh restaurants in London, Solis should be the name on everyone’s lips. This brand new restaurant, in the heart of Battersea Power Station’s Arcade, is making waves in the local food scene.
Created by the culinary power couple Ana Gonçalves and Zijun Meng, the masterminds behind TĀ TĀ Eatery, Solis promises an unforgettable dining experience that transcends borders and tantalizes taste buds.
The restaurant’s name, Solis, pays homage to the legendary Juan Díaz de Solis, a 16th-century explorer credited with being the first European to set foot on what is now modern-day Uruguay. The inspiration drawn from his adventures becomes evident in every dish on the menu, weaving a culinary narrative that touches upon the vibrant flavours of Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Solis beckons diners on a journey that begins with an array of small plates that effortlessly set the bar high for the evening. These carefully crafted appetizers offer a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary mastery that awaits. Offering tantalising selections like huevos rellenos, a playful twist on devilled eggs with a zesty spiced tuna filling and salsa golf sauce, and beef croquetas that will satisfy your craving for something crispy and savoury.
And then comes the main event, the pièce de résistance – the grilled steak. Even if you consider yourself a steak novice, Solis will convert you into a true aficionado. The flavours are bold, the steak grilled to perfection, and the meat, tender and juicy, will leave you yearning for more. With four different sauce options to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Our personal favourite was the garlic green goddess sauce, a flavour-packed accompaniment that elevates the entire meal. There’s also the half chicken, a testament to the restaurant’s prowess in grilling poultry, served with Solis’ signature Aji-Aji sauce.
And, of course, no culinary journey is complete without a sweet finale. Solis does not disappoint with its dessert menu. The Torta De Queso, a velvety cheesecake crowned with a generous drizzle of blueberry sauce, is the perfect ending to a sensational meal.
The ambience at Solis is warm and inviting, creating the ideal setting for a memorable dining experience. It reminded me of a traditional eatery I visited in Lisbon earlier this year, it truly does make you forget that you’re in the middle of the shopping centre. The attentive and knowledgeable staff are there to guide you through the menu, ensuring that every visit is a culinary adventure worth embarking upon.
Solis may well be the best-kept secret south of the river, but it’s a secret that deserves to be shared. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine steaks, a lover of vibrant Latin flavours, or simply in search of a restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience, Solis should be at the top of your radar. Ana Gonçalves and Zijun Meng have created a culinary masterpiece in the heart of Battersea Power Station, and it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.
Find Solis at Arcade, 1st Floor, 330, Battersea Power Station, Circus Road South, Nine Elms, SW11 8DD (nearest station is Battersea Power Station).