I’ve been planning to eat at The Commoner since it opened and last week I finally got there with my hungry girlfriend. We wanted to eat! We started with the Boccarones (Marinated White Anchovies) on Crostini with Roasted Red Pepper and Aioli. Sublime.

The Commoner is small, cosy and intimate. The decor is cute and eclectic. The artwork is cool. There’s stuff to look at while you wait for your food to arrive.

For a main I had the Potato Cake Stuffed with Lamb and Pine Nuts with a Warm, Smoky Eggplant Salad. Delicious.

My girlfriend had the Vegetarian Plate with the House Yoghurt. Unfortunately, the meal was a bit skimpy for a main and there was no sign of the yoghurt.

The verdict so far was good but could definitely improve. The waitress was busy and she also seemed nervous, but the service overall was fine. The wine list is short but there are some good choices on it. I had a glass of the Alamos Malbec, 2005, from Argentina. I’m currently trying the varieties that are starting to become more available here, such as Malbec and Tempranillo, and this wine is fantastic.

What turned the meal from merely good to sensational was dessert. In particular, the chocolate pudding with pomegranate sauce and cream. When food slut meets gastro porn eternal love blossoms. I hope they’re still making this when I go back.