AS WE arrive at Kapara, Soho on what has turned out to be an unfortunately cold and rainy evening, we are embraced with an immediate sense of warmth from the minute we enter through the door as we are immersed into their golden-toned interior colours and incredibly kind-hearted staff.
Kapara, by Chef Eran Tibi, comprises ‘A Tel Aviv Fantasy’ and we are witnessing just that, “Kapara is what happens when you give a bunch of crazy Israelis free reign over two floors in central Soho. An all day, all night and anything goes affair.”
As shown at our table, we are explained that we will receive a selection of recommended dishes from the chef downstairs, so we decide to follow that surprise element with the drinks as well. Our lovely waiter explains that the old-school Israeli sodas with homemade infusions are some of their most popular options, so we decide upon a blackberry and lavender flavour with a serving of prosecco.
The drinks menu explores a humorous side to glamorous dining with cocktails named ‘Dirty Talks’ and ‘Part Time Lover’, which we can’t wait to try after dinner.
Once we’re settled, a flow of starters starts appearing from the kitchen, first a round of hummus with aubergine, tomato and amba spice hits the table with a side of pitta bread, and shortly after some delicious Romano Carpaccio is being devoured by us the minute it’s set down.
The fun doesn’t stop there as next we are seeing an array of main dishes to share between the two of us, which include a mouth-watering plate of Prawn Baklava, which is something neither of us has tried before, but would definitely have again; winter tomatoes with vine leaf pesto and olives caviar; and finally, a funny titled chicken dish named ‘Cheeky Bums’, comprising of chicken oyster skewers, butter chilli and house pickle.
Not sure how we will fit any more in, can’t turn down the enticing desserts we’ve seen being passed around throughout the night, we again opt for their recommendations.
Two dishes arrive, the first appears to be something that resembles an edible cigar, funnily enough, named ‘Gramps Cigar’ and despite what meets the eye, it is absolutely delicious and not full of tobacco! Brick pastry, pistachios, rose, coco, passion fruit curd, chocolate soil and smoked tuile make up this fantastic vegetarian dessert and it’s safe to say, it isn’t left on the table for long.
The second is an Israeli take on the classic sticky toffee pudding, named ‘Sticky Treat’. The dish whips together Majood dates, black treacle, poppy seed ice cream, and Baharat crumble, to form a delightful vegan delicacy.
To round up the night we tuck into some of the eye-catching cocktails as we watch them be made from across the room with their expert mixologists on display. I will 100% be returning to Kapara, Soho and it makes a great addition to what is already such an exciting area of London – it definitely does not disappoint and makes a great spot for friend dates or even ‘Part Time Lovers’.
by Alicia Tomkinson
Find their menus online here.
Location: James Court, Manette St, London W1D 4AL