Tranquil Garden Retreat in Buckhurst Hill

Chef and TV personality Ravneet Gill is behind this smart neighbourhood bistro, along with her chef husband Mattie Taiano – after whose late mother the restaurant is named. The menu has a meaty basis, with a daily blackboard of prime cuts being the star of the show. Everything is well-priced, prepared with care and swaps fuss for flavour, such as well-judged onglet with a creamy peppercorn sauce. The whole team bring personality and infectious enthusiasm to their work, helping to make a visit here such a lovely experience.