Temper Soho

Ali★★★★★★★★★★5.04 months ago

My friend and I visited here on a weekday evening, meeting after work to catch up over dinner in Soho. Tucked away on Broadwick Street, it felt like the right choice for a relaxed but memorable meal, especially as we were both in the mood for something comforting and flavour-led. From the moment we stepped downstairs, it was clear why so many people describe this as a fire-fuelled steakhouse in Soho rather than a standard restaurant experience. The atmosphere struck us straight away. Low lighting, warm wood tones and the steady glow of the central fire-pit give the space a calm but energetic feel. There is music playing, but it never overwhelms conversation, and the layout allows you to watch the chefs working confidently over open flames. The smell of wood smoke lingers gently in the air, adding to the sense that you are somewhere focused on craft and process. For Temper Soho, the open fire is not a feature for show, but the heart of how everything is cooked and served. We began with the aged beef nachos, topped with mature cheddar, pickled onions and a dusting of Tajín. The beef was rich and well-seasoned, and the balance between salt, acidity and heat made it surprisingly refined for such a generous dish. The burnt ends tacos followed and were just as impressive, with deep smoky flavour and soft textures that showed real care in preparation. For mains, we shared the chicken carnitas, smoked and grilled on flatbread, finished with honey and sriracha sauce. The chicken was juicy, with a gentle sweetness and heat that worked beautifully against the smoke. Of course, a visit to Temper restaurant would not feel complete without steak. Their 100% British beef is butchered in-house and dry-aged for 28 days, and we chose the sirloin with chimichurri and Korean barbecue sauces. Cooked perfectly and rested well, each bite delivered bold, clean flavour without feeling heavy. Service throughout the evening was warm and well-paced. Naji and Kelly were particularly helpful, offering thoughtful recommendations and checking in without hovering. Dishes arrived at a comfortable rhythm, allowing us to enjoy each course without feeling rushed. The menu is clear, and it is reassuring to see halal meat options available, making this a steakhouse with halal options in Soho that still feels inclusive and considered. We also enjoyed a couple of refreshing mocktails, which paired nicely with the richness of the food. This is a place that suits many occasions. It works well for friends catching up, couples on a relaxed evening out, or even small groups celebrating something special. The best time to visit is likely a weekday evening or an early weekend slot, when you can enjoy the space without feeling crowded and take in the open fire cooking in London at a steady pace. We finished with dessert, sharing both the peanut chocolate tart with Fiordilatte ice cream and the deep dish brigadeiro cookie. The tart was pleasant and well-made, but the cookie was the standout, warm, rich and indulgent in the best possible way. It felt like the right note to end on. Overall, Temper delivered a confident, satisfying experience, and I would happily return with friends or family for another evening around the fire.

Will Lamb★★★★★★★★★★4.06 months ago

Lots of really great food options executed really well. You can tell they put a lot of effort into the open flame charcoal cooking and it really transfers into the flavour in the dishes. Drinks were a little bit lacklustre for me. The food menu felt very creative but the cocktail menu felt "off the shelf". My only other "complaint" is that it felt very warm inside and we visited in depths of winter. A downside of the charcoal cooking techniques I suppose but a small price to pay for the great tasting dishes. Overall a fantastic meal and I'd certainly revisit in the future.

Yasemin Erdoyuran★★★★★★★★★★4.06 months ago

We had a great time here, the atmosphere is truly beautiful and the place itself is stunning. The kitchen did an amazing job, our food and drinks arrived quickly, although the overall service was a little slow. We ordered our steaks medium, but it looked slightly undercooked when it arrived. That being said, the flavor was incredible. I usually eat my steaks medium- rare, so it didn’t bother me at all, but a few people at the table said, “I wouldn’t eat this,” and then ended up finishing everything because it was so delicious. 😅 Overall, a lovely experience and definitely worth a visit!

Eimear Hurley★★★★★★★★★★4.0a month ago

Lovely atmosphere, comfortable chairs, tables that aren’t too close together (seemingly an increasing rarity) great food and good service - what more could you ask? The menu has small sharing plates so you can get a good selection and share - perfect for people who want to try different things.

Matt Gordon★★★★★★★★★★5.07 months ago

Great spot for a decent steak, make sure you order the chimichurri it's probably the best I've had. All the sides were fantastic and complemented the steak well. The pork belly bites to start were delicious, but I'm not sure I'd reorder the tacos. The deep dish cookie will finish you off and make you want a nap. I'd definitely go back again.