Mio Modo Opens in Leeds
H2B’s first ever all ‘five Star+’ Review
Category: £20 - £30
Formerly Medina, the new owners Mio Modo have taken Leeds by the scruff of the neck and given it a good shake. Other restaurants beware! Mio Modo is without a doubt in my opinion the best Italian/Mediterranean restaurant in town.
To put this into perspective, we were seated at 8pm and were the last to leave at 12:30. When was the last time you went out to dine and left four and half hours later, not only merry but so content that you could have stayed all night? This is why for the first time in H2B's four year history of doing restaurant reviews we have given five stars for everything. Actually six stars for atmosphere.
On arrival we were greeted by the manager `Misco`. A gentle giant of a man with a bedside manor to rival any front of house manager. We were seated in the bar area, drinks ordered and delivered without delay or mistake. Friday nights should be busy in a city centre venue and this was no exception. Suddenly about 40 diners arrived celebrating someoneÕs 21st. I have to say this is what took the atmosphere off the scale to new heights. They started singing happy birthday, they then did it again at my request. Yes you have got it they were Gospel singers. The whole place was rocking and we had not even got to our table yet.
We were seated by the window overlooking Wellington Street, menus in hand a fantastic evening had just begun.
We ordered Faustino V Rioja Rosado (rose wine) to keep our pallets moist whilst we contemplated.
The four of us ordered the following:
STARTERS:
Charcoal grilled king prawns
served on buttered rice £6:95
Crab salad with coconut
shavings £4:95
Gamberoni Lambarda
(freshwater king
prawns) £6:50
Garlic & tomato
pizza bread £2:95
MAINS:
Live lobster in garlic
butter £25:00
Filetto Rossini (oven roasted
with pate & mushrooms) £16:75
Pollo delicate (poached chicken
with spinach & ricotta cheese) £11:50
Red tuna steak with cherry tomatoes,
thyme, lemon & olive oil £12:50
VEGETABLES:
Baby spinach £1:85
Medley of steamed
vegetables £1:95
Plum tomato and red onion
with basil £2:75
PUDDINGS:
Creme brulee £4:25
Mousse au Chocolat £4:25
Tiramisu £4:25
Cheesecake £4:25
From start to finish this restaurant
was outstanding. However one or two
things really stood out.
The Charcoal grilled prawns were divine and healthy; each of us tried them and was very, very impressed to the point where we very nearly ordered them again. The Lobster was amazing, fish is one of those things that when cooked is either cooked perfectly or 30 seconds later is fit for the cat. Not only was this lobster reminiscent of an animal from Land of the Giants it was cooked to perfection.
Then came desserts, my friend Craig a fellow diner ordered Crme Brulee, he then stated "This is the best dessert I have ever had.Ó In turn he then tasted ours then re stated. ÒMy pudding is the worst of the three," which is something for the puddings served in Mio Modo.
The decor inside is very modern and slightly eclectic with some pieces of modern art that are really funky. The kitchen is open plan where you can see everything been cooked. Immaculate is an understatement this ethos is apparent throughout the restaurant right through to the toilets, where I have to say, take your sunglasses. The loos are brilliant white with brilliant white lighting and that smell of freshness that is distinctly lacking from far too many other venues.
To summarise, attention to detail would appear to be paramount at Mio Modo. The food, the atmosphere, the value the service the hygiene are all first class and above reproach. All four of us agreed it was absolutely outstanding. A definite must for anyone wanting a good night out, whether it is just for a drink or indeed a damn good meal.
Reviewed by Neil Saville.
Review Summary
Atmosphere ♦♦♦♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦♦♦♦
Value ♦♦♦♦♦
Contact Details
Mio Modo
2-4 Brittania Street
Leeds
LS1 2DZ
T: 0113 242 6655
