Chimis, a new Argentinean Parrilla restaurant, is now open on Southwark Bridge Road, providing a cheerful antidote to the grey wintry days.
The 44-cover space has a simple design with an open grill, paired down bench seating, exposed piping and industrial lamps. A statement neon ‘Chimis’ sign offsets the slate coloured walls.
This is the first restaurant from Head Chef Nicolas Modad and Federico Fugazza. The pair became friends while working at Borough Market where Federico founded Porteña, an Argentinian street food stall and Nico was Head Chef at Brindisa. Mijal Lasus, meanwhile, helps to manage the restaurant.
With a focus on the Parrilla (grill) method of cooking, naturally, charcoal grilled meat and fish feature heavily on the menu. Signature dishes include Argentinean rib eye and sirloin steak, Chorizo pan with fries and Pulpo asado (grilled octopus with stuffed polenta, served with smoked paprika and salsa criolla).
Elsewhere, there’s Mollejas (sweetbreads with chimi lemon sauce) and blissfully soft pillows of homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli with silky mushroom sauce.