Set on the ground floor of one of the imposing glass towers of the shiny Nova development, Rail House Café attracts big crowds. And no wonder. The massive dining space pretty much guarantees a table, prices are reasonable and the location over the road from Victoria station couldn’t be more convenient. The kitchen certainly knows how to cater for all those hungry diners, with an international menu of crowd-pleasing favourites.
Comfort food is a running theme. You might start with mac and cheese with shallot rings, given an extra bit of indulgence with the addition of confit duck, or a sticky plate of soy and honey pork belly, and follow with a big portion of buttermilk chicken burger. But it’s not all so hearty. Seafood noodles – mussels, clams, squid and tiger prawns tossed in rice noodles with bacon sauce – is a clean-tasting alternative.
Puddings were a little disappointing, with neither the speculoos cheesecake with passionfruit sauce, nor the raspberry and white chocolate tart, particularly exciting us. Cocktails fared better, with a Gin, Gin and Ginger (gin, sloe gin, lime, plum bitters and ginger ale) making for a sweet but refreshing long drink.
All in all, Rail House Café is an easy-going, no-fuss experience, and it serves weekday breakfasts and weekend brunch, too.