Photo: Beautifully Plated Sharing Dishes That Marry Bold Mediterranean Flavours with Contemporary Techniques at Oui Madame.”
Food Designed to Connect People
Oui Madame delivers a perfect blend of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, thoughtful service, and a cosy atmosphere. From exquisite scallops to inventive plant-based options, every guest is treated to an elevated dining experience.
J ust a short stroll from Highbury & Islington station, Oui Madame is an understated gem that serves subtle Mediterranean flavours on the plate and in the atmosphere. Embracing the character of the old building at 290 St Paul Road, it strikes a fine balance between contemporary elegance and a comforting charm. The décor creates a welcoming atmosphere that is both light and airy, yet gloriously warm—this is the kind of space where you feel cared for, no matter where your table is located.
From the moment you step inside, the details begin inviting you in. lighting is perfectly judged: bright enough to read the menu with ease, yet ambient enough to foster intimacy. The subtle background music pairs with the cosy aesthetic, creating an atmosphere of calm without distraction. Table placements are thoughtful, offering ample room to enjoy your meal without feeling crammed. Comfort levels are high, with seating that allows diners to ease into the experience and enjoy conversations without interruption.
Where Oui Madame truly shines is through its impeccable service. Elen and Connor, the staff who attended to us throughout the evening, were exemplary in their approach. They exhibited a combination of warmth and professionalism, balancing efficiency with genuine hospitality. Conversations about the menu felt like sharing secrets with a friend who just happens to have insider knowledge—well-articulated descriptions and heartfelt recommendations added an extra layer of excitement to the dining experience.
Oui Madame excels in food, service, and atmosphere, creating an enchanting and welcoming space for every type of diner.
Their anticipation of guests’ needs was a mark of great attention to detail, pre-empting requests for water, sharing plates, or adjustments before they even needed to be voiced. All of this was delivered with sincerity and patience, ensuring the evening flowed beautifully.
The menu at Oui Madame is designed for sharing, creating a communal feel that perfectly complements the atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine while embracing contemporary techniques, the dishes are vibrant, varied, and characterised by bold yet precise flavours.
We were off to a happy start with the Tomato & Fennel Focaccia with Whipped Basil Butter. The bread’s texture was satisfyingly bouncy, with just the right application of salt to enhance the distinctive sweetness of the sparse tomato topping. My dining companion who has strong opinions about anything Italian would have liked it to a have little more olive oil. The Savoury Choux with Comté Cream and Wakame was impeccable—a delight of fluffy pastry with rich cheese filling that shows a real skill in the kitchen.
The Grilled Lettuce Taco, another starter, offered a unique twist on the familiar. Dense and firmly packed lettuce served as the base, beautifully complemented by an umami-rich kimchi dressing with just the right amount of spice—this was inventive simplicity at its best.
Moving on to sharing plates, the Grilled Scallops were an undeniable highlight—so perfectly cooked that they practically melted in the mouth, enhanced by smooth cauliflower purée and a smoky chorizo crumb. Equally impressive were the Pressed Pork Shoulder Skewers, glazed in a mildly spiced gochujang sauce. I’ve never seen a skewer so elegantly presented. The pork was rich and comforting, perfectly balanced by the glaze. Vegans get their love in the Tomato Concassé, with roasted garlic, tofu ricotta, and black quinoa prepared to a pearl-like texture. This dish is a masterclass in plant-based dining: bold, creative, and satisfying even for non-vegans.
From the mains, the Rack of Lamb provided further evidence of the kitchen’s skill. Tender and flavourful with a herbaceous marinade, the lamb was undoubtedly delicious—but the real star was the accompanying natura jus. Silky, refined, and so flavourful we could not help but eat it by the spoonful, the jus elevated the dish from excellent to unforgettable.
The presentation was elegant throughout—visually appealing without being ostentatious. There was a clear focus on letting the ingredients speak for themselves, enhanced by thoughtful plating that highlighted their colours and textures. The quality of ingredients was superb, reflecting clear care in sourcing and preparation. Each dish arrived at an appropriate temperature, further enriching the dining experience through proper execution.
Oui Madame strikes a commendable balance between quality and affordability. Designed for sharing, the portions tend towards modest yet impactful, with flavours that more than make up for the size of servings. The prices are reasonable, positioning the restaurant as accessible while still delivering an elevated experience.
For a restaurant that’s still relatively new, having opened mere months ago, Oui Madame already feels established. There’s a warm, familial charm to the venue, bolstered by Chef Jacob’s enthusiasm for diverse and creative dishes. His passion for food and diversity is palpable, and it’s clear that the team takes great pride in what they deliver to their guests. What sets this restaurant apart isn’t just the food itself—it’s the combination of a welcoming atmosphere, exceptionally thoughtful staff, and a menu that caters to everyone, carnivores and vegans alike, with equal skill and creativity.
Oui Madame is a perfect marriage of flavour, hospitality, and comfort. This neighbourhood treasure creates a sense of intimacy that feels as though every diner is part of a larger community, brought together over food designed for sharing. Whether you’re popping in for a few snacks or treating yourself to an indulgent meal with friends, there’s something for every palate, always prepared with care and precision. Highlights included the impeccably cooked scallops and the indulgent cheese choux, but the warmth and expertise of the staff ensured every moment was memorable. For those who love great food in an inviting atmosphere, what Oui Madame offers is utterly, undeniably special.
