An old English style pub/ eatery in the heart of Soho, Once Upon A Tart is a cafe and restaurant with freshly baked goods. Tarts, of course, and several other choices for breakfast are served every morning. It’s a nice place but something is missing. It’s too yellow, too dark and small especially for having breakfast. Calm music playing in the background, a welcoming and attentive waitress, I sat to have my second breakfast of the day.
On the menu are obviously the tarts, then eggs, sandwiches, chef’s specials and sweets. A bit complicated and slightly unconventional, the menu makes this place what it is. I liked how the bar is open and the coffee machine is in the dining space itself. The lights suspended from the ceiling are all covered with paper dimming their effect. Two yellow leather sofas occupy both sides of the restaurant.
Too bad...the food is way below average!
- A spinach and mushroom tart, clearly prepared in advance, badly reheated, dry, very thick crunchy borders and topped with a sunny side up egg. It lacks life, the feel of a passionate chef and that unique flavor that will make you want to have another bite.
- The pancakes: very sticky, very gooey, lacking airiness and softness. Two thick pancakes with butter and apple pear compote. I didn’t like them at all.
I wondered 'should I give this place another chance?', so I got a chocolate tart! A disaster to say the least, very dry - not even cuttable - sticky puff pastry with chocolate mousse in its heart. It’s really not good! It’s not even biscuit, not even puff pastry, not even something enjoyable on the palate. Extremely sweet, it also irritated my throat. This tart’s texture is not acceptable!
When I arrived here the place was empty while the neighborhood breakfast spots around it were full; now I understand why! A restaurant not worth trying.
