For a place that positions itself as a fine dining modern European restaurant, Absolute Haven falls way short of its lofty aspirations. Its main flaw lies in its food quality. The service was fine, as the wait staff were quick and friendly. But we visited on a quiet weekday afternoon—so we don’t see why the chefs failed to do better. Our starter of pancetta and salmon platter—miniscule smoked salmon and pancetta ham wrapped with arugula, was downright disappointing. The whole dish was paltry and lacked any real taste. Our mains of seafood risotto rice and organic tofu and mushroom lasagna fared better—but just marginally. While not the best, the risotto came at least with decent portions of prawns and squid, although it lacked flavor and aroma. The lasagna was like those we’ve had at café chains. The set lunch, which came with a soup of the day, coffee or tea, and dessert—was real value-for-money. But the main course—sautéed gambas calarmic pasta toss with baby spinach, was so average that none of us finished it. We seriously hope that this place steps up if it hopes to survive in the competitive dining scene.
