Seemor

ToklasB+Worth Trying

1 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND · Modern European restaurant, Bar, Event venue · 4.8/5 Google (991 reviews)

Reservations · Outdoor seating

Seasonal, Mediterranean-leaning cooking with standout vegetables, attentive service on good nights, and a serene terrace—worth it if you value produce-driven plates and are patient with occasional slow pacing.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Toklas delivers exceptional ingredient-driven cooking with standout fish and vegetable dishes, supported by a serene terrace that feels like a hidden oasis. However, inconsistent execution during peak service and pacing variability prevent it from reaching grade A territory, making it a strong neighborhood choice rather than a destination restaurant.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked just off the Strand, Toklas delivers ingredient-first cooking with a tranquil terrace that feels like a city secret. The vibe is relaxed but polished, and when the kitchen hits stride, plates sing with clarity and confidence—think impeccably cooked hake or lamb and vegetable-led dishes that actually thrill. The culinary approach here leans creative Mediterranean within a modern European frame: bright herbs, cultured dairy, and seasonal produce arranged with restraint rather than fireworks. It suits diners who love clean, vivid flavors and a menu that evolves. Expect refined portions, a strong wine list, and desserts that lean on peak fruit—like peaches with mascarpone or a mango sorbet that stops conversations. If you want a big, heavy dinner or traditional classics every time, the menu’s changeability might feel fickle. For families: the room is lively without stuffiness, and sharing plates help. Food-wise, kids who enjoy simple flavors will find anchors like chips and sourdough, plus occasional plain pastas or simply cooked fish, but there is no explicit kids menu. Picky eaters may struggle with a fish-forward, veg-led selection; adventurous teens will do fine. The terrace is an easy win for family meals when the weather cooperates.

At a Glance

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£42-66 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Perfect For

Location Insights

Area: Central London corridor near Strand/Temple, blending offices, legal chambers, and West End theaters; upscale casual with business and pre-theater crowds.

Safety: Generally safe, busy foot traffic, well-lit main streets; quieter side streets late evenings.

Nearby: Near the Strand, Temple, and West End theaters; mix of offices and cultural venues influences pre-theater dining.

TempleA prestigious area known for its historic legal district, home to the Inns of Court, with a sophisticated and professional dining environment that caters to barristers, solicitors, and academic professionals.
Inner TempleA historic precinct within the Temple area, featuring traditional legal chambers, elegant dining venues, and a highly professional social atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–14:30, 17:30–21:30 Tuesday12:00–14:30, 17:30–21:30 Wednesday12:00–14:30, 17:30–21:30 Thursday12:00–14:30, 17:30–21:30 Friday12:00–14:30, 17:30–21:30 Saturday12:00–14:30, 17:30–21:30 Sunday

Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating

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