Pan Asian Dining at Aluna

I have been to Aluna a couple of times and have enjoyed their fab cocktails. Located just by the canal, in Mail Box the area is perfect.

After my recent visit I can confirm that not only are Aluna pros at making cocktails, but they also have an amazing chef who puts together some delicious Pan-Asian dishes.

On a busy Saturday night, we were welcomed by the manager who showed us to our table.

Within a couple of seconds our server came and asked if we had dined with them before and explained the menu to us.

Atmosphere

The restaurant & bar was busy and had a vibrant atmosphere. Staff were friendly and polite, ensuring customers were served asap.

The interior decor was modern and warm with buttoned velvet seating in the dining area and chemistry symbols dotted around the bar.

Cocktails

While we waited for our food we enjoyed their Banoffeerama ( Caramel sweetened dark Rum, dark Chocolate and Banana liqueur) and Lychee Martini (Beefeater, St. Germain, Lychee, Lemon, Apple & Vanilla). The cocktails were made with care and perfection and went down a treat!

Food

The main menu is split in five main sections: starters, sharing plates, big plates, salads and sides. Cara, our server, suggested a couple of starters, couple of mains (if we went for the sharing one) and sides. We went with her recommendation.

We could have easily picked most of the items on the menu (a bit like the cocktail menu)!

Starters:

Tiger Prawn Cookie: These cookies were perfectly fried and seasoned. They were soft on the inside with Prawn and were seasoned with Coriander, Garlic and Lime. The starter came with a Sweet & Sour Plum Sauce that complimented the cookies really well.

Pan Roasted Scallops: 3 delicious scallops were served in their shell. They were very moreish and the Wasabi Aioli, Crushed Pea & Purple Shiso just brought out the delicate flavours. The scallops were perfectly cooked and did just melt away in our mouth!

Mains:

Red Aromatic Crispy Duck: The curry was served with Baby Aubergine, Baby Corn, Tamarind, Crispy Sweet Basil & Wild Ginger. The sauce had the perfect consistency and the flavours were intense and delicious…. it was just what I was hoping for in a red curry.
The only downside was the duck could have been slightly crispy to get rid of the fatty skin. The aubergines and baby corn were went well with the duck and were delicious.

Baked Barramundi Parcel: The delicate fish came wrapped a thin pastry with Lemongrass, Lime Leaf, Grilled Asparagus and Whole Peppercorns. The dish was served with Blackened Lime, Mint & Coriander Raita. The zing balance was perfect and went well with the mild flavoured fish.
The Barramundi was carefully presented and had an array of delicate flavours. If you love lemon and lime (and of course soft delicate fish) this is one for you.

The Barramundi was carefully presented and had an array of delicate flavours. If you love lemon and lime (and of course soft delicate fish) this is one for you

Sides

We had the Sweet Potato Fries with rosemary and nori salt, Jasmine Rice topped with toasted sesame seeds & Steamed Vegetables with the mains. The vegetables were missing the garlic, ginger & soy taste but still tasted great.

Desserts

Homemade Brownie: Two pieces of warm brownie came with some chantilly cream and strawberry coulis. Though I didn’t like the coulis on the brownie (personal preference), on its own with the cream the brownies were delicious.

Salted Caramel Budino: A thin sponge topped with a creamy pudding and finished off with caramel and crumbled shortbread & sea salt..this was so tasty. I am a bit salted caramel fan too! The creamy base was not sickly and perfect with caramel.

Summary

The portions were a good size. The food was well presented, looked appetising and had a range of delicious flavours. The selection of dishes on the menu is varied so there is something for everyone. Aluna is somewhere I would recommend and I will be returning soon.

Aluna say “ Our Pan-Asian inspired menu is a culmination of our chef’s experience & dedication to food, we guarantee you’ll find something from Aluna’s kitchen to tantalize your taste buds” and I agree.

Whilst in the restaurant/bar don’t forget to get that perfect Angel photo too..i could not resist.

Until next time it’s bye from me…

Neha x

My meal was complimentary however this has not influenced my review in any way and all opinions are honest and my own.

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ALUNA, 128-130 The Mailbox, Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RQ, 0121 633 9987