Where hype meets genuinely great food

If you’re looking for an honest and detailed Mountain restaurant review, let me take you through my full experience at this much-talked-about Soho hotspot. Some restaurants you simply visit. Others feel like a moment in London’s dining scene, and Mountain on 16 Beak Street is very much the latter. I had heard the buzz. I’d seen the queues. And I’d been repeatedly told by friends that I absolutely had to go.

So when Olga and I booked a 7.30pm table, we did what any good friends do: we met an hour early for drinks and a proper catch-up. I arrived slightly ahead of schedule and instantly understood why Mountain is one of the hardest tables to secure in Soho. At quarter past six, the room was already full. Not “busy for a weekday” busy. I mean properly buzzing.

Despite the crowds, the front-of-house team greeted me with warmth and composure, promising they’d get us settled as soon as possible. That alone set the tone for the night. A restaurant can be loud, lively and completely full, yet still feel calm, organised and welcoming. Mountain achieves that balance beautifully.

Booking and Arrival

Warm, fast and friendly even at peak time

This is not a place you can walk into on a whim. Book in advance. Everyone wants to be here.

There are two small steps from the street into the restaurant, but once inside it’s spacious and easy to move through, making it largely accessible for wheelchair users.

The moment I walked in, the energy hit me in the best way. Bright, lively, charmingly chaotic and unmistakably Soho. After a quick visit to the spotless bathrooms, I took a seat at the bar and waited for Olga, who – true to her nature – arrived at exactly 6.30pm on the dot.

Drinks and Aperitif

The sparkling water that stole the show

No Mountain restaurant review would be complete without mentioning the water. Yes… the water.

I never imagined I would begin a restaurant review like this, but here we are.

The sparkling water was genuinely outstanding.

When asked if we preferred still or sparkling, Olga chose sparkling for both of us. Then came a question I have never been asked before: “Bottled or tap sparkling?” Curious, we said bottled.

Enter Vichy Catalan.

One sip and I downed the entire glass in seconds. It was salty, mineral-rich, almost electrolyte-like and absolutely addictive. Olga had tried it in Spain and immediately said, “Isn’t it delicious?” She was right. I’m now planning to buy it in bulk.

Tip: order the Vichy Catalan. You’ll thank me later.

Choosing the Wine

Expert pairing and a wine list worth exploring

Our waiter Oscar – who deserves his own chapter in this review – guided Olga through the wine list. For starters, we went with a Fior di Bianco, a beautifully aromatic and balanced white that paired perfectly with the dishes to come. Crisp, smooth and elegant without overpowering the food.

For the main, we switched to red. Again, a fantastic choice. Mountain’s wine list is curated with intention. Every bottle feels like a discovery.

Starters

Sharing plates that showcase the kitchen’s creativity

One thing you’ll learn quickly in this Mountain restaurant review is that the starters alone are reason enough to visit.

We ordered:

Wild mushrooms

Deep, earthy, buttery and packed with flavour. One of the best plates of the night.

Squid with blood pudding and roasted peppers

Rich, bold and beautifully executed. I loved it, even if it’s not a dish I’d reorder every time. A strong, characterful choice.

Pumpkin fritto (tempura-style)

Light, crispy, sweet and salty all at once. Melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

Cured beef

Tender, silky and beautifully balanced. A standout.

Crab Omelette

Soft, indulgent and full of sweet crab, wrapped in perfectly cooked egg with just the right amount of richness. It felt like comfort food that had been to finishing school, the kind of dish you keep thinking about the next day.

Every dish arrived warm, thoughtfully presented and bursting with flavour. Mountain’s starters alone are enough to justify the hype.

Mains

The mutton moment I didn’t expect to love

Our original plan was to order the Dover sole, but we were a few minutes too late and the last one had just been sold. A small heartbreak, yes, but then Olga made a point that completely changed the direction of our meal:

“You can get duck, sea bass or steak anywhere. But how often do you get mutton?”

She was right. Mutton is bold, rare on modern menus, and deeply flavour-led. So we committed.

Mutton chops

Robust, smoky, tender in places and naturally a little firmer because of the age of the meat. Full of depth. Full of character.

Smoked potatoes

You already know my love for potatoes runs deep, and these were exceptional. Soft inside, smoky on the outside. A must-order.

Lettuce and anchovy salad

Now, here’s the twist: I don’t like anchovies. But I didn’t say a word. I simply tried it… and ended up loving it. Fresh, salty, creamy, addictive.

By the end of the mains, we were genuinely full – the good kind of full where the meal feels complete.

Atmosphere and Design

Bright, busy, buzzing and unmistakably Soho

Mountain has nailed the aesthetic and atmosphere.

The lighting is perfect. Bright enough to admire your food properly (bless them), yet still warm and flattering.
Around the windows sit rows of bottles that glow gently in the evening light. It gives the room a unique texture.

You can see the open kitchen in full motion, which adds to the energy and theatre of the night. It’s the kind of place that stays buzzy from open to close.

Expect a crowd that includes:

Foodies
Stylish couples
Friends catching up
People celebrating something fabulous

This is not a quiet restaurant. It’s lively, social and vibey in the best possible way. Definitely not suited to business meetings – unless your business involves shouting.

Service

Oscar: calm, patient and always one step ahead

Our waiter, Oscar, deserves a spotlight.

He was:

Knowledgeable
Patient
On the ball

He helped us with wine, guided us on portions, checked in at the perfect moments and made sure everything ran seamlessly. In a packed restaurant, that level of attention is impressive.

The Bathrooms

Small details that elevate the whole experience

Mountain’s bathrooms are an unexpected delight. Soft hand towels (not paper), beautiful hand soap, hand cream and spotless surfaces. It’s a subtle sign that the restaurant cares about the entire guest journey.

Value for Money

Exceptional quality at a fair price

At around £130 per person, including multiple plates and two fabulous wines, Mountain offers excellent value for central London. You’re paying for high-quality produce, skilled cooking and a standout dining experience.

Who it’s perfect for

The ideal crowd for Mountain

Food lovers
Girls’ night out
Date nights
Celebrations
Anyone who loves a buzzy, energetic room

Not suitable for quiet catch-ups or corporate meetings.

Official Mountain Website

https://mountainbeakstreet.com/

FAQs

Is Mountain in Soho worth visiting?

Absolutely. Mountain is one of the most in-demand restaurants in London thanks to its incredible sharing plates, buzzing atmosphere and exceptional service.

What should I order at Mountain London?

The wild mushrooms, pumpkin fritto, cured beef, smoked potatoes and mutton chops are all standout dishes. And don’t forget to try the Vichy Catalan sparkling water.

Is Mountain in Soho good for date night?

Yes. The atmosphere is lively, intimate and energetic, making it perfect for dates.

Does Mountain offer good vegetarian options?

Yes. The menu includes beautifully executed seasonal vegetable dishes.

Is Mountain suitable for groups?

Yes, it’s great for celebrations and social dinners, though it can be loud for business meetings.

Final Verdict

A must-visit for anyone who loves great food and great energy

Mountain is special. From the addictive Vichy Catalan water to the wild mushrooms, the cured beef, those smoked potatoes and the soulful mutton, every part of the experience felt memorable.

Pair that with vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful service and a menu full of creative, seasonal dishes, and it becomes crystal clear why Mountain is one of London’s hottest reservations.

If you love sharing plates, great wine and lively dining rooms, put Mountain at the very top of your London restaurant list.