Tucked away on a quiet street in Southwark, just a stone’s throw from London Bridge, Sollip is the kind of place that feels like discovering a secret. As you step inside, the bustling energy of London fades into an atmosphere of understated sophistication. The restaurant’s name, Sollip – meaning “pine needle” in Korean – sets the tone for an experience steeped in thoughtful details, natural beauty, and quiet harmony.
This is not your typical fusion restaurant. It’s a love letter to Korean tradition and European culinary craftsmanship, penned by the husband-and-wife duo Woongchul Park and Bomee Ki. Both are classically trained chefs – Woongchul in savoury cuisine and Bomee in pastry – and their collaboration is truly exquisite.
A Minimalist Sanctuary
Sollip opened its doors in 2020 and has been turning heads ever since. By 2022, this intimate gem had earned itself a Michelin star – a feat that speaks volumes about the husband-and-wife duo’s talent and vision.
Woongchul and Bomee’s story began at London’s famed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, where their passion for gastronomy – and each other – ignited. They honed their skills in some of the city’s most celebrated kitchens, including The Ledbury, Koffmann’s, and The Arts Club London. Their journey even took them to Jeju Island, where they helped launch Milieu, the island’s first fine-dining destination. Today, Sollip is not just a neighbourhood treasure but a recognised name on the global stage.
Sollip’s décor mirrors its menu: elegant, refined, and warm. Soft, neutral tones and clean lines create a serene backdrop that lets the food take centre stage. Every detail, from the handcrafted pottery to the playlist humming softly in the background, is curated to perfection.
The Menu: A Culinary Journey
Sollip offers a single tasting menu, a deliberate choice that allows the chefs to craft a coherent and immersive narrative. Each course is a revelation, a moment of quiet contemplation followed by a burst of delight as familiar flavours are reimagined in surprising ways.
Take the Daikon Tarte Tatin, for example. Park’s playful take on the classic tarte Tatin flips tradition on its head. Instead of apples or onions, the star of this dish is the humble daikon radish, transformed into a caramelised masterpiece. Slowly roasted until it’s sweet, buttery, and downright irresistible, the radish is then brushed with a glossy barley glaze that gives it a stunning finish. This is comfort food, Sollip-style: unexpected, elevated, and utterly unforgettable.
The Monkfish, cooked to perfection, is another standout. Accompanied by red cabbage, onion caper and passion fruit, it is both meaty and delicate. The star of the show is, undoubtedly, the Strip Loin. Pink in the middle with a subtle bark, this is the dish to mark an official end to Veganuary.
Desserts to Remember
Sollips’ version of Mont Blanc made with chestnut, pine nuts, praline and tonka beans, is simply divine. It’s a dessert that dances on the palate, a fitting finale to a symphonic meal. Finally, a delicious Kugelhopf Madeline accompanied by an espresso from nearby Monmouth Coffee Roasters marks the end to an unforgettable experience.
The Wine Pairings: A Match Made in Heaven
Sollip’s wine list is a carefully curated selection, designed to complement the menu’s intricate flavours. Collaborating with experts, the restaurant has assembled pairings that enhance without overshadowing. From crisp whites that elevate seafood courses to bold reds that bring out the richness of umami, the pairings are as thoughtful as the dishes themselves.
Service: Warmth and Precision
What truly sets Sollip apart is its hospitality. The staff are knowledgeable without being overbearing, balancing professionalism with genuine warmth. Ana, in particular, is a star in her own right. Each dish is presented with care and a brief explanation, adding depth to the dining experience without feeling rehearsed or overly formal.
The Verdict: A True Original
Sollip isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an experience, a quiet meditation on the meeting of two culinary worlds. It’s a place where every detail, from the food to the ambiance, feels deeply personal yet universally inviting. For those seeking more than a meal, for those yearning for a story told through taste, Sollip delivers something unforgettable.
So, if you find yourself wandering Southwark’s streets, searching for an escape from the ordinary, let Sollip’s pine-needle path guide you. You’ll leave not just satisfied but inspired, reminded that the most remarkable things in life are often found where cultures and creativity collide.
Unit 1, 8 Melior St, London SE1 3QP
