Oozing the kind of self-assured sophistication you more commonly associate with a restaurant in London’s West End, Blue Jasmine is as much about fashion as gastronomy – the dining room is imbued with a sultry, urban-chic vibe that’s enhanced by daylight radiating off the marina and moody lighting by night.
Kick off with soft-shell crab or spicy octopus with yuzu tobiko before trying slow-cooked Hampshire pork belly, seasoned with Asian spices and caramelised with an orange glaze and white chocolate. Don’t miss their duck puff: the sweetness of the pastry beautifully offset by the savoury duck and perhaps matched with the sweet cherry fruit and savoury, forest floor character of a North Italian red from an exciting wine list. Carabineros prawns braised with a royal supreme stock and served with crab meat, sea vegetables and corn noodles is a healthy and delicious alternative.
Crispy honey soya chicken has a sweet subtle nuttiness, while hot and sour Asian seafood stew is a sensual delight. Even desserts are exquisite pieces of fine art.
Knowledgeable staff and prices that are far from eye-watering suggest this little jewel is will soon be garnering a more than loyal fanbase.
Drinkswise, you could do much worse than tuck into a lemongrass and yuzu martini at the seductive and comfortable bar, but if the sun’s out why not live a little with a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier or the king of pinks, Domaine Ott "Clos Mireille".