Rubino Kitchen in Maldon

It was great to be back at Rubino Kitchen which is now in it’s fabulous new location of Inworth , Colchester. The accessibility is the first improvement as it’s only a short five minute drive from junction 23 on the A12. Secondly if our lunch on saturday was anything to go by then the food and service has definitely been raised to the next level from their days at Chigborough Farm in Maldon.We arrived on saturday in the small village of Inworth where since February is now the new home of Rubino. It’s situated next to the Red Dog Cafe on Kelvedon Road. On entering the restaurant we received a delightful welcome from manager Lexi before being seated at our table just in front of the bar. It was then we could take a look around at the layout where the reception desk is as you enter. The seating is set out in two rows with a larger table in the corner and the bar situated on the right hand side. They also will be opening a conservatory area for extra tables or private functions. There is also a great outside space which will be ideal in the summer.Now to continue with our visit which started with a lovely surprise when chef / owner Rob who said he would be willing to cook us dishes from the February and new March Tasting Menu’s. This was a fantastic gesture and so therefore delightfully accepted. This just left us to look at each menu to decide which one of us would be having what dish as we moved down the menu’s.We started off first with some delicious Mushroom Arancini followed by Bread and Olive Oil. This led us onto our first courses a Salmon Gravlax with pickled cucumber & dill creme fraiche along with the Beetroot with goat’s cheese & sticky walnuts. These were two delightful dishes and already we could see how the standard in the food had been raised.Now on to our second course. A Tunworth Croquette with romesco , almonds & rosemary this was accompanied with the Squid with chick pea , chilli & soy. Once again the flavours of each dish worked together perfectly. We then moved to our next course and the quality was improving all the time. I enjoyed a fabulous Leek Risotto with homemade ricotta & candied hazelnuts. My wife had one of her favourites a Spiced Aubergine in a vol au vent with pomegranate & creme fraiche which didn’t disappoint in any way.Our waitress Kye who along with Lexi were very friendly and looked after us all afternoon asked if we would like a little break before our next course. This was to be the fish courses. You could see the delight in my wife’s face because the Cod came with a fish finger , mussel tartar & potato. For myself I had the Lobster & Prawn Tagliatelle with tomato , chilli , basil & lemon that I thoroughly enjoyed. This would now lead us to the fifth course being the main event. For this we had the Guinea Fowl with breaded hen’s egg & green beans along with the perfectly cooked and heavenly Braised Beef Cheek with parmesan and truffle chips & kale.Now it was time for the sweet stuff in the form of desserts. This started with a little Lime Posset pre dessert. Then from the tasting menu’s we had a Yoghurt Pannacotta with passion fruit and one of the best Lemon Tart’s with blackberry sorbet. We also ordered an extra dessert which was a Honey Parfait , bee pollen & honeycomb. These were three fabulous desserts that rounded of a fantastic lunch.We finished with a coffee to bring to an end a truly delightful afternoon. If you were a fan of Rubino Kitchen before then you will love it even more now. The location is a massive improvement. The food by Rob and his team as I said earlier has definitely been raised to the next level. The service from Lexi & Kye was excellent. So yes I would highly recommend a visit and I’m definitely looking for to returning soon to try their Sunday Roast as Rob has always raved about it. Before we left it was nice of Rob to come out for a chat and you could clearly see that his passion had returned which we easily witnessed with today’s lunch. He was also telling us about his exciting plans for the future which was also great to hear.

Sunday 19th I went for Lunch to Rubinos at 2.30pm, pre-booked. This was my 3rd visit and my second Lunch. First 2 visits amazing, last Sunday a bitter disappointment. What was wrong? Everything. Sat at a Table near side Door and was freezing. Couple after me were given the choice to pick their Table, not me. When I asked if the Heater could be turned up I was told that is not possible because it would create a short.Lunch was the greatest disappointment. 2 small pieces of Beef with 3 small pieces of Roast Potatoes, veg again in small portions. I did request extra Potatoes and was given 2 Pieces each. On the previous Lunch some month ago it was more then double the amount. Dessert also disappointing. A cold piece of Brownie supposedly Cherry Brownie with a little whipped cream on the side. Not a hint of Decorations, like maybe a cherry on the top or half a Strawberry to make it look a little colourful and presentable. My own conclusion is that 2 bookings were taken the day before as I spoke to the Guests and as Supply was ordered they had to make it go further and stretch it out. I will not be going again, shame but not willing to risk it again.Gilda Sebastian

Sunday lunch fallen short the last couple of visits. Beef quite tough and not enough veg, such a shame as used to be top notch.

Had an excellent evening meal with my husband. Menu is small but well thought out using seasonal, local produce. Service is excellent (we were served by Kye), she couldn't do enough for us! Wine was gorgeous too! Pricing is reasonable & you definitely get a feed!!!..we had Prawn tagliatelle & rabbit and pistachio terrine. Guinea fowl & cod. Chocolate fondant. Bottle of Rubino primitivo...£82. Will definitely be returning 😀

We came here for a lunch on Saturday at midday. What a charming and lovely little restaurant. Very small capacity (think about 14) but still managed to put good distance between the guests which made me feel comfortable. Food was extremely tasty and enjoyable. My wife said it was some of the best food shed ever eaten. Thoroughly great meal and looking forward to taking our parents when permitted.

I have literally just got home from the best lunch I've had in a very long time!Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Food ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Ambiance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐There is nothing to fault about Rubino's, apart from they don't sell their chill and tomato jam 😭 (it's to die for).Thank you again guys for such a wonderful experience we are definitely coming back.

Delicious food, lovely menu. Cannot wait to book again.

Very different restaurant because they only have a few tables which gives a very personal experience. Food was exceptional. We had the Sunday roast and the beef was perfectly cooked and very tender.A must visit.

What a gem! I booked this place as it looked small... Only has a couple of tables!Very personable, was greeted by the chief and made to feel at home. I was on my own, but probably better suited for couples or small groups.Food was varied, full of flavours and nicely presented. Beautiful location as well.

What a gem of a restaurant hidden away, not being from the area we was unsure what to expect. The food was outstanding and the service was exceptional. Great value for money too. Will be back.