
Address and Contact Information
Address: 6 Park St, London SE1 9AB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 3325 3933
Website: https://www.kolae.com/
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Related Web Results
KOLAE — 6 Park St, Borough, SE1 9A
Kolae – London – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Kolae – London – Restaurant – 50Best Discovery
Reviews
Good atmosphere with 3 floors, there was a really nice buzz for a weekday, head chef seems knowledgeable. Would recommend.
The food was bold, balanced, and punchy. The spices certainly didn’t shy away, but they weren’t overwhelming either. What really stood out were the curry sauces; they were incredibly addictive and almost “drinkable”.
I was particularly surprised by the desserts. Usually, Thai desserts can feel like a bit of an afterthought, but the two on offer here were absolute winners. The mango custard sticky rice was a nostalgic trip back to Chiang Mai. While the mango flavour in the custard itself was quite subtle and could have been a touch more prominent, the overall dish was still delicious. However, the real star for me was the young coconut sorbet. It wasn’t overly sweet, making it the most refreshing way to cleanse the palate and end the meal on a high note.
In terms of value for money, I’d say it’s fair for the quality of cooking and the central London location. The service was top-notch as the staff were incredibly helpful, guiding us on portion sizes so we didn’t over-order. If I had one small piece of constructive feedback for the kitchen, it would be to perhaps look at the portion sizes for the larger and pricier sharing plates (like the stonebass), as they felt a little lean for a group. While there wasn’t one singular “knock-out” dish that reinvented the wheel, the consistency and quality across the board were impressive.
If you’re looking for a polished, flavour-forward Thai experience in a beautiful setting, I’d definitely recommend a visit to Kolae. It’s a great example of how traditional flavours can be elevated without losing their soul.
The food is honest and deeply flavorful. From the grilled prawns and chicken to the vibrant salads and curries, everything feels thoughtfully cooked and beautifully presented. You can taste the technique and respect for tradition, while still feeling modern and refined.
The atmosphere is relaxed but stylish earthy tones, warm lighting, and an open, social energy that makes it perfect for both casual dinners and long, shared meals. It feels contemporary without losing its soul.
Highlights include chicken skins (sadly not on the menu in January 26… but may return!), softshell crab, and pork belly – all packed with flavour but none overwhelming. Every dish seems to have a citrusy lightness that keeps the dishes feeling fresh. The standout favourite were the mussel skewers – so good I kept forgetting to get pictures.
A naughty little treat to match all this goodness are the £6 martinis – small in size but the perfect companion to all the excellent food.
An equally impressive thing about Kolae is the price point. You’ll spend 50% more on much less impressive food in Borough.
The food is great. Every dish was full of flavour and nicely presented, from the crispy prawn heads to the grilled skewers and the incredible coconut dessert. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care put into each plate.
The staff were genuinely lovely too: attentive, friendly, and happy to explain the menu.
Overall, a unique and modern take on Thai cuisine that still keeps all the soul.
Our glasses were never empty and Amad’s cocktails were expertly crafted, explained and complemented each course. The spicy margs at Kolae are my absolute favourite and I chase that high across the UK.
Last but definitely not least, our server Hannah who took the time to explain each dish, how you eat it and her own personal favourites. She is an asset to the team and made us feel so welcome.
We have left Kolae with full bellies and a huge appreciation for the whole team. You might be wondering why I have named all of the staff? Why do I know their names? For a special prize perhaps? No, I specifically asked for their names because they made us feel so warm and welcome and they deserve the shout out. This place is on the cusp of a Michelin star, you’ll know what I mean when you visit. Trust me, book a table, sit back and rejoice in the experience.
The interior is light and airy, creating a calm and relaxed dining atmosphere despite being the heart of the market. Service was attentive throughout, with staff taking time to clearly explain both the food and drinks menu, which made navigating an unfamiliar offering feel comfortable.
As a first-time visitor, I ordered a range of dishes and was pleasantly surprised overall. What stood out most was the playful nature of the cooking, the depth of flavour and balance in many of the dishes often differed from what their appearance initially suggested, adding an element of intrigue to the meal.
The mussels and chicken skewers were particular highlights. Both were well cooked tender, juicy, and confidently seasoned. They are satisfying enough that I would happily order a couple on their own for a light lunch and would strongly recommend trying them if they’re available.
The pepper chicken curry was also enjoyable. The chicken was well cooked and the curry itself had a pleasing heat and flavour. That said, the portion size felt slightly small for the price, and the sauce was a little more viscous than I would have preferred. These were minor points, and did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the dish.
The mango and cucumber salad was the only real disappointment. While the ingredients were fresh, the balance of flavours felt off. A salad should provide a refreshing counterpoint, but here the dressing and dried shrimp were overpowering. With both the dried shrimp and the dressing contributing to the heavy taste, the dish became overly salty, making it difficult to appreciate the subtler elements of the meal that followed.
Overall, the experience at Kolae was very positive and I look forward to returning to explore more of the menu.