Salut! — A Refined Neighbourhood Gem in Islington
A Warm Welcome on Essex Road
Salut! Restaurant is Tucked away on Essex Road at 412, N1 3PJ, Salut! greets you with large windows, warm lighting, and vintage furnishings that give it an immediate neighbourhood comfort. Whether it’s early evening or late dinner, the atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and refined — casual enough to feel at home, elevated enough for a celebratory night out.
Inside, you’ll often catch glimpses of the open kitchen where the craft unfolds — a design choice that draws you into the culinary theatre. The brothers behind Salut!, Martin and Christoph Lange, have shaped the space with care: wooden tables, vintage touches, and soft music set a pace that feels unhurried yet considered.
Culinary Signature & Flavours
Salut! describes its cuisine as Modern European — in practice, it blends Nordic, French, and German influences with a clean, ingredient-forward approach. The culinary direction is rooted in the Lange brothers’ backgrounds: Christoph spent formative years working in high-end kitchens across Europe (Oslo, Copenhagen), while Martin brings deep front-of-house and hospitality experience.
Starters (to set the tone)
You might begin with a Tartare “Three Ways” — a play of textures and flavours, often featuring dry-aged rump, beetroot, or even smoke-kissed pigeon breast. Another highlight is the wood pigeon paired with celeriac remoulade, pickled heritage carrots, juniper & blackberry. That combination of wild notes + tang + earthiness makes a strong first impression.
Mains you’ll linger over
If you’re a meat lover, look out for dishes like salt marsh lamb with dauphinoise & savoy cabbage, or the 45-day dry-aged short horn sirloin with king oyster mushrooms and truffle pomme purée. For a lighter alternative, the pan-fried sea trout balances crisp skin and fresh flesh, often paired with seasonal vegetables. There’s also a creative “Forest Floor” vegetarian or mushroom-based dish, showing Salut!’s ability to speak to non-meat preferences with as much flair.
Sweet Finish & Cheese
Desserts are delicate yet bold. A poached pear with marinated berries, white chocolate espuma, and hazelnuts offers a bright crescendo. Or, indulge in a trio of chocolate spheres filled with liqueur crème and cherries — dramatic presentation meets deep flavour. If you prefer something more grounded, the cheese board with gooseberry purée provides a satisfying, savory conclusion.
Why Salut! Stands Out
- Culinary pedigree & coherence: The Lange brothers bring experience from fine dining institutions including Noma in Copenhagen and other notable venues.
- Balanced atmosphere: It’s rare to find a place that feels both intimate (for quiet dinners) and lively (for a fun night out). Salut! hits that nuance well.
- Ingredient-first cooking: The menu changes seasonally, centred around high-quality produce, sustainable fish, and meat that’s been handled thoughtfully.
- Open kitchen transparency: Seeing your dish being assembled adds theatre — and trust — to the experience.
- Local resonance: For Islington and North London diners, Salut! feels like something you can brag about to friends — a local treasure worth recommending.
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