As soon as you open the door to step inside Griddle Bar & Meat House, the aromas of fresh and warm food hits your nostrils and creates a warm, homely atmosphere - almost like visiting your parents for a Sunday roast.  

When the Ely Standard arrives at the recently-opened restaurant in High Street Passage on Friday evening, downstairs is absolutely packed. It’s great to see a new restaurant thriving so much.

The upstairs dining area, which is accessed by walking past the kitchen area and up stairs passing black and white photos that portrays a pictorial history of Ely, is comparatively calm. 

The decor is classy and striking, especially the two grand-looking hanging chandeliers and floral ceiling. Finished with sage green panelling on the walls and leather chairs, or really does create a luxurious setting. 

(Image: Newsquest) Onto the food and the menu is equally as impressive. 

As the grilled eel starter had sold out by the time we ordered (though we heard from those nearby that it was delicious), we head straight for mains.

RECOMMENDED READING: Ely Griddle Bar and Meat House owner Juliana Hunt interview 

The Ultimate Griddle Bar Burger, thick chips and garlic and truffle oil mash for myself, and a 32oz tomahawk steak and thick chips for my friend. 

Before these arrive, however, we enjoy some homemade hot lattice-style crisps that are served in a brown paper bag; a nice, unique touch – as we come to learn, this is a theme of Griddle Bar’s menu. 

Shortly after making our choice, we are asked how we would like the steak to be cooked and the burger, which is made from scratch. 

(Image: Newsquest) When our mains arrive, it’s a real wow moment – not only the size of the tomahawk, but the presentation of each dish - on a chunky wooden board with the restaurant’s name and logo burned into the bottom left corner. 

Then comes the moment we were waiting for: to dig into what’s on the plate in front of us.

The steak is a prime cut not only cooked to perfection - full of flavour, tender and juicy, it falls off the bone - but the peppercorn sauce is exactly right; not too spicy but just enough of a kick. My friend says it’s, hands down, the best steak he‘s ever tasted! 

Similarly, the flavour-filled burger - a stack of two house-made beef patties with black garlic ketchup and harissa mayo, melted cheese and crispy lettuce in an artisan roll from nearby bakery Grain Culture - makes for one of the best this writer has ever eaten. 

The quirky choice of caramelised onion chutney rather than a traditional sauce or burger relish is a twangy stylistic touch, too; and don’t skip on the option to add pork belly, either. 

The thick chips are spot on as well: crispy and golden on the outside but fluffy in the middle, while the mash is extremely light, creamy and moreish.

(Image: Newsquest) To finish, we opt for the deliciously soft and smooth cheesecake of the day, which was raspberry and pistachio (two of my favourite flavours; somehow it wasn’t too sweet).

Throughout the evening, the service is faultless - despite being very busy and only in their second week open, the manager Ryan and waitresses are very attentive and friendly, even taking the time to offer their recommendations. 

Add to all this a drinks menu that’s full of home-brewed beers and wines from all across Europe and Griddle Bar really have nailed it. 

(Image: Newsquest)