La Rock

Visited La Rock for the first time for a Saturday lunch having been bought a voucher for my birthday and was very impressed. Had a couple of really good mocktails whilst choosing our food. Though a tasting menu was offered we preferred the choices on the a la carte so went down that route instead with a large glass of wine each. Interesting wine choices too with the ones we went for being from Macedonia and Libya. My salmon starter was very good, nicely seared and served with a great, salty dashi sauce. The main of fillet of beef was even better. Two decent-sized slabs of lovely pink beef and a disc of salty oxtail crumb accompanied with onion cooked a number of ways. The dulce de leche parfait dessert was a great finish to the meal. Service was good throughout and our choice of food and drink meant that while it wasn't cheap it was by no means bank-breaking. We had a very enjoyable lunch at La Rock and will definitely consider returning.

A rare 5* awarded from me. A little out of town (from Notts or Derby), situated in Sandiacre, with ample public parking directly opposite the restaurant. Staff were well presented, friendly and helpful. We sat downstairs, in a rustic but smart diving room, just the right level of lighting, and soft music in the background. The food was very very good considering the value (£100 per head, including a few drinks, tip, and 3 courses, with little extras in-between courses). The food is modern and creative, a nice small menu to choose from, and catered well for a few allergies. Totally unpretentious, yet stylish and creative.

Impromptu lunch. Now, if you want the true definition of a hidden gem, this is it. Located down a side street in Sandiacre. That's Nottingham or maybe Derby, depending on which side you say, "Ay up me duck." We must confess that we have not dined here for some years. Shall we say the 'slate days'. The Lunch Menu 2 courses 45.00 3 courses 58.00 With a choice of four dishes per course. First up are two different little snacks. 'Fish & Chip'. Yes, it's a mouthful of a delicious chippy tee in one bite. Forget the lunch. Just bring a bowl of them. Can't remember what the other was. After that, you are served a nice slice of sourdough bread with butter that's been on the table since being seated. Which is a bit strange,but hey, ho. Starters Hand dived Orkney scallop,macadamia, quinoa, lime. *big and succulent. Pork belly, piccalilli, cauliflower. *served just right. Mains Beef & Oysters', dashi,mustard thermidor. *Now, this was a dish to remember. It's topped with the tastiest oyster ever. Halibut, trout, shrimp,bouillabaisse, saffron. *Two pieces of excellent fish. With the generous portions, we skipped desserts and had coffees. Which are served with a choice of choccies. The service was very good.

This is a wonderful restaurant just off the M1. I decided to break a long journey for South to North with lunch here, and it was one of the best decisions I have made I years. The two complementary snacks were wonderful and the two courses fantastic cooking for just £25, it is amazing I was able to book a table. If you are in any doubt about going here, go. If I were to have a slight niggle, advice on wine to match my food choice could have been better, but this is a very minor point.