Viral £19 Steak at Lebanese Restaurant Swiss Butter - Why Nando's Was a Mistake
There are few dining establishments that inspire the dedication to queue for hours, but Swiss Butter in Holborn might just be the exception. This authentic Lebanese restaurant has taken social media by storm in recent months, and after a personal visit, it's clear why the hype is justified.
The Queue Conundrum and Initial Hesitation
While Brits are famously patient when it comes to queuing, waiting for hours in the rain isn't most people's idea of fun. Yet hundreds have been doing exactly that for Swiss Butter. When I first attempted to visit on a Friday evening, the manager informed me of an hour-plus wait, prompting a retreat to the familiar comfort of Nando's with a friend. Little did I realise the culinary mistake I was making.
Determined to experience what everyone was talking about, I returned on a Tuesday afternoon at 3pm. To my relief, there was no queue outside, but stepping through the door revealed a different story. The restaurant was packed to capacity, buzzing with conversation and laughter as the irresistible aroma of grilled meats filled the air. Clearly, this place maintains its popularity regardless of the time or day.
Atmosphere and Menu Revelation
The interior creates a warm, inviting atmosphere with exposed brick walls, industrial-style pipes, and an open kitchen that allows diners to immerse themselves in the cooking experience. Tables are arranged cosily but with sufficient space to avoid feeling cramped. A waiter promptly explained the menu, highlighting the viral £19.95 deal that includes your choice of protein - steak, salmon, or chicken - served with a generous portion of chips, fresh salad, bread, and their signature Swiss Butter sauce.
Just as I was considering the standard options, the waiter mentioned a special: a 320g boneless Australian ribeye. Without hesitation, I knew this was what I had to try. To prepare my palate, I ordered a Whiskey Smash cocktail, wondering whether the meal would justify its social media fame or prove to be another overrated TikTok trend.
The Main Event: Steak and Secret Sauce
Let me be clear: Swiss Butter delivers on every promise. The ribeye arrived cooked to a perfect medium as recommended by the chef, bursting with flavour that seemed to intensify with each bite. While purists often claim that a good steak needs no sauce, in this case the accompaniment proved to be a welcome bonus. The secret Swiss Butter sauce, reportedly made with 33 different herbs, provided a delightful balance of sweet creaminess and zesty notes.
I appreciated that the sauce came in a separate pot, allowing for controlled dipping rather than having the steak sit in it. Observing neighbouring tables revealed universal satisfaction, with every diner photographing their meals before diving in enthusiastically. The portion of chips deserves special mention - genuinely generous compared to the restrained servings at many other establishments. Dipping both bread and chips into the remaining sauce became a delicious challenge I was happy to undertake.
Unexpected Dessert Delights
With my tray completely cleared, I was contemplating the quality of the meal when waitress Rema approached with a smile, offering dessert. Despite feeling full, her recommendation to try both options proved irresistible. The chocolate molten cake arrived first, perfectly sweet without being overly rich. However, it was the Pain Perdu that truly captivated me.
This French toast variation proved to be an absolute showstopper - fluffy yet dense with sensational flavours that danced on the palate. Served with caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream, this creation made with eggs, milk, and vanilla ranks among the finest desserts I've ever experienced. One tentative bite quickly turned into devouring the entire portion.
Final Verdict and Practical Advice
As I prepared to leave, I realised this was indeed a restaurant worth queuing for. However, I'd recommend visiting during lunch hours or before 5pm to potentially avoid the inevitable queues that form during peak times. Swiss Butter unquestionably delivers on its viral reputation, offering an affordable dining experience at £19.95 for a main course and £9.50 for dessert that leaves you thoroughly satisfied.
The combination of quality ingredients, generous portions, and that remarkable secret sauce creates a dining experience that explains why people willingly queue outside in all weathers. My initial retreat to Nando's now seems like a significant misjudgment - Swiss Butter has set a new standard for affordable, quality dining in central London.
