At the pared back Cafe Deco in Bloomsbury, co-founder and head chef Anna Tobias turns out simple, Euro-meets-country-style dishes that lean on good produce and a simple touch. Her thoughtful menus reflect years spent as head chef at Rochelle Canteen, as well as stints at Ruth Rogers’ River Cafe and Blueprint Cafe under Jeremy Lee. The dishes are designed to pair with the list of natural wines, mainly from European producers.
While diners spend their downtime feasting on her food, we wanted to know where she eats on her days off, in between service and on special occasions. So, we asked her.
Roast chicken is the star of the show on your Instagram grid. Where do you get the best birds?
Roast chicken is one of those true home pleasures for me, so it’s not something I necessarily seek out at a restaurant. I usually buy my chicken from Islington Farmers’ Market on a Sunday – it’s the perfect weekend treat.
What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway dinner? Either a pizza from a great little spot around the corner from where I live called Oi Vita, or fish’n’chips from Micky’s Chippy in Dalston.
Where do you grab lunch on the run? I don’t often eat lunch on the go – I prefer to sit down when I can – but every now and then I treat myself to a lahmacun (Turkish pizza) from a place near my house called Ustun Lahmacun. They’re made fresh to order and are absolutely delicious.
It’s date night. Where are you going? 40 Maltby Street (the team are the co-founders of Cafe Deco). It’s so consistently delicious – both the food and the wine – and it has such a lovely, casual atmosphere. I also very much enjoy going to Brutto.
What’s your special-occasion restaurant? Hunan in Pimlico. Wonderful food and an excellent wine list, too.
You have friends in town. Where will you be taking them? If they’re not British I’d take them to Sweetings. It’s such a fun spot – so esoteric and unique. I’d also take them for a drink at the bar at St John Smithfield. It’s always got a good atmosphere and is great for people watching.
What’s your pick if all you want is a good drink and a snack? Hector’s wine bar has a wonderful selection of wine, and their snacks are simple and straightforward. Just what you need.
Your favourite breakfast spot? Towpath Cafe. There’s nowhere better to sit and watch the world go by while having breakfast. I love their eggs poached in yoghurt.
Where would you go for a long lunch? Rochelle Canteen. It’s generous and relaxed, and they know how to feed you well.
Where do you buy your groceries? I do a big shop at Islington Farmers’ Market every Sunday and then stop by Neal’s Yard Dairy on the way home for my milk and cheese.
Is there a hidden gem in London more people should know about? At one stage I would have said Polentina, but I think that cat is out of the bag now!
What’s your favourite sweet treat in London? I like to go to Romeo & Giulietta for an ice-cream.
@tobiasanna
cafe-deco.co.uk
@cafe_deco_bloomsbury
Where Chefs Eat is a Broadsheet series in which London’s best chefs share their favourite places to eat.