Based in what was once a Vodka Revoloution on St Anne’s Court in Soho, Rex & Mariano is the latest restaurant from the team behind Burger and Lobster, Goodman and Beast.

It’s a solely seafood offering but what makes this place quite unique is that you order using iPads – which might sound like a gimmick but it’s actually rather clever. The only thing that let it down was being presented with a paper menu too – which seemed a little pointless. The dining room was vast, I’m talking seriously big, with an open kitchen on one side adding a touch of drama.

The fish of the day, a whole Cornish sole served with chips for £12, seemed pretty bargainous. The fish was humungous and cooked to absolute perfection; soft, flakey flesh with a buttery outer crust. The chips were well seasoned and tasted homemade; like the type your Mum might make for you – which is very much a good thing. The only missing accompaniment was a good buttery sauce to dunk it all in.

I also ordered a portion of the Sicilian prawns (£14) which I can quite honestly say were the best prawns I’ve ever eaten. Again, the cooking was spot on and you could taste the sheer excellence in quality. It’s amazing how such a simple plate of food could be so very perfect.

I only popped in for a quick solo lunch but I fell in love with Rex & Mariano. It reminded me of the sort of restaurant you stumble across whilst on holiday where you find the most exquisite seafood. To get that feeling in an alley in Soho is really rather impressive. And the whole iPad thing is clever; the food comes really quick and service (which is super friendly) is only charged at 5%. I left wanting to return the next day for more of those prawns.

9/10