The 13th Note Café/Bar

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

An institution among music fans due to its intimate basement venue and eclectic jukebox, the 13th Note proves a popular choice for meat-free meals – whatever your musical taste. Everything is free of genetically modified products, with light meals, including veggie burgers and falafel kebabs, served in the main bar area from noon to 5pm. Later on, a wider selection is offered in the rear dining space, where décor is a bright combination of exhibitions by local artists pinned up on the ochre walls, alongside dark blue fabric and wooden tables. Dishes display a mixture of influences, from Middle Eastern-style stuffed grape leaves to crunchy polenta, potato and mozzarella croquettes, given a spicy kick by a fiery, chunky salsa rosso. Main courses can be substantial. The lasagne is a multi-storey dish with layers of pasta, roasted herbs and spinach. It is served with buttery garlic bread with a crispy crust. A sturdy vegan cheesecake retains a creamy texture, and although the chocolate orange cake is a little on the powdery side, it is gluten-free and comes with a rich chocolate sauce.

• High point: Diverse food and music
• Low point: Service could be more focused at busy times