Review: A fresh start for Kenilworth with Number 11

The restaurant is not so tucked away along the town’s main street ready to welcome diners from breakfast right up to late night dining and drinks.

Formerly run as the familiar steak house, Beef, it was taken over by chef, Amir Diba in 2013 when he began a break away from the signature beef menu and high prices.

The result is an all new menu with a hint of French inspiration and the launch of a lighter, easier and more inclusive, Number 11.

The kitchen is still very meat focused with simple, wholesome dishes but at much more affordable prices offering early to late dining which Amir and his team hope will please all palates.

The space itself is cosy and unassuming. It is fresh, with just a small number of tables and a welcoming atmosphere honed in no small part by Shireen Diba who welcomes diners in with a smile and wealth of information about the food and drinks on offer.

Taking our drinks orders she answers questions about the new venue with a proud assurance that it is all about great food, cooked well and built on Amir’s years of training in the kitchen.

Settling on a fruity Californian Zinfandel Blush rosé and bold Cockburns Ruby port, the drinks were timed perfectly with our starters of salt baked beetroot, goats cheese and toasted pine nut salad; and a simple but classic and delightfully presented Parma ham and seasonal melon.

The goats cheese was warm and light, deliciously mixed with sweet crunchy beetroot while the ham had a distinct and full flavour.

Inviting and light, they proved the perfect choice to pick up an appetite before meaty mains arrived at the table.

An 8oz ribeye steak and the three bone rack of BBQ beef ribs came to us on huge wooden boards, presented with a light side salad and rich beef dripping fried chips.

The size of the dishes alone was enough to know it was probably not going to disappoint.

While the restaurant may be keen to break away from its steak reputation with fish and vegetarian offerings, there is no doubt that the meat dishes shine out from the menu and are a proud signature for the chefs.

The ribs were succulent and sweet, with crisps skin and meat sticky with marinade and falling off the bone.

The portions were huge, well cooked and quickly out from the kitchen.

And if all of that wasn’t too much, the menu boasts an inviting selection of sides, unpasteurised cheeses, European inspired puddings and ice creams.

With great food, a central setting overlooking the town’s shopping street, and an array of specials, steak nights and burger deals to chose from on each night of the week, Number 11 should make it to the top of everybody’s dining list at least once this summer.

Number 11 is open in Warwick Road, Kenilworth from 10am to 2.30pm, and again from 6pm on Monday to Saturday.

Contact the team at 01926 863311 to book a table, or visit the website to see the menu.