Rocket
Italian Restaurant in Canary Wharf
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Opening Times
| Monday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Tuesday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Wednesday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Thursday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Friday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 00:00 |
| Saturday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 00:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
Rocket Picture Gallery
All In London Review
There's plenty of life at this Canary Wharf restaurant and bar.
There’s a large raised area outside at the front – and you can walk up stairs or a ramp – as you run the gauntlet of jovial office workers and smokers. On the ground level is a sizeable bar – loud music and young people and clearly a very happening place. The surrounding benches against the walls have a baroque feel about them which goes well with the chandeliers on the high ceilings. There’s an open nook with space for around a dozen folk if you want your own area. There’s a decent bar snack menu here I understand.
We climbed up stairs that were decorated by book wall paper and emerged into a small reception area where the two friendly women offered to take our coats. I was more intrigued by the door to a charming terrace area containing rattan sofas and chairs and low tables. This terrace winds round the entire outside of the restaurant – with tables and chairs along the way – offering a spectacular view of the Dome across the river and, well, a lot of glass-clad offices elsewhere.
We were guided to the far end of the restaurant which provided an insight into just how big the place was – although on a Thursday evening it was only about 30% full. It was mostly couples (both mixed and same sex) and one or two small groups. But it’s a lively and animated atmosphere rather than romantic – although significantly quieter than downstairs.
As we sat down we had time to admire the amazing gilt framed oil paintings on the ceiling. My companion commented on the interesting drawers-as-shelves design of the large bar at the back. The high stools indicate that if you prefer things a little quieter you can escape here from the melee in the bar below.
So. The service was fast, efficient and friendly and we were directed to the drinks menu. A bottle of Sancerre (£31.60) was requested – the wine was well chilled but the glasses were warm. It was rather drinkable.
For starters my companion ordered Chorizo and Manchego cheese tortino served with a roasted nut and red pepper sauce (£6.85). This was prettily presented – a small tower of what he described as “like quiche with chorizo” that seemed to go down well. My Buffalo mozzarella drizzled with a basil and nut dressing served with cherry tomatoes, basil and balsamic salsa, accompanied by toasted artisan bread (£6.50) was again well presented. The mozzarella was in good sized cool creamy chunks and the tomatoes (heritage?) were both green and red. It was fresh and light.
Now I would advise you to be hungry when you eat here as the portion sizes are large. We were both tempted by the pineapple and ham pizza. My friend’s Mexican vegetable calzone – with the optional chorizo (£12.85).– was the largest I have ever seen. A veritable puffy parcel of goodness. Despite its name, I was told that it wasn’t particular spicy – apart from the chorizo. The salad it was presented with could have been a main course in its own right
I choose the salmon and crayfish fishcakes (£13.25) and was amazed to be served with two huge cakes. I must admit that the salad with these was really excellent. My side of chips (£3.25) was good but not a large portion. So fry-birds forbidden – get your own.
Being fully sated there was no room for desserts although we took a peek and considered the arrogato. Instead we both ordered mint tea which was fresh and delicately-flavoured.
Apparently, the place is packed to capacity at lunchtime and in the evenings it is mostly walk-ins (local workers from the nearby banks and financial institutions) and a fair few regulars. Best sellers include a steak and chip salad with a black bean dressing (around £16) and a similar version with fish and chips.
I suspect that the restaurant is stunning in the summer – with that amazing terrace jammed with bright young things. The bar is definitely a place I will return to if I’m working in Canary Wharf and want somewhere with a bit of life.
Reviewed by KimT
on Mar 14, 2014
Published on Mar 14, 2014
In The News
2-4-1 pizzas at Rocket Canary Wharf
To celebrate the ‘Great British Summer’ Rocket Canary Wharf are offering guests an exclusive rainy evening guarantee.
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