Ikan

Ikan was formerly a Thai and Asian fusion café on Sackville Street but upon relocation to Portland Street it became a fully-ledged restaurant, located next to the Ibis Hotel. The location is certainly more central and visible than Sackville Street. The huge amount of road traffic along Portland Street will see to it that passing custom increases. Commuters along this route will also be aware of the various Chinese buffets that are in the area, almost as if they are not quite good enough to reside in Chinatown. With its modern design, Ikan clearly sets out to occupy a higher rung on the dining ladder than the neighbours.

The subdued lighting instantly lends atmosphere within the black and red interior. Subtle mood lights are spaced around at suitable points such as the bar, which has a wide spirits selection and extensive wine list. Dining takes place at black lacquer tables with leather banquette booths and modern leather chairs. The effect might be too sexy for meeting a business acquaintance but is ideal for taking someone on a date. The ambience is there, but what of the food?

The lunch menu includes the expected platters, soups and fish cakes, plus main courses such as lemongrass chicken, Thai style stir fried mussels and Singapore vermicelli. Examine the a la carte menu and you’ll find the likes of Szechuan seafood hot and sour soup, Peking duck with tobiko caviar, Thai king prawn salad with mango, sweet and sour tofu and the Crying Tiger steak. Main courses hover around the £15.00 mark, which is expensive for this style of food. One can’t help thinking that the mark-up is related to the obvious expense that the décor has incurred.