I Tried London's Most-Recommended Cheesecake. Sorry, La Maritxu.
The most brutally honest cheesecake review you can find on the internet.
La Maritxu's Basque cheesecake has lived on my Google Maps list for over two years, propped up by endless recommendations and one headline that kept popping up: "I tried London's viral Basque cheesecake and it's the best I've ever had." I went there last week wanting to agree.
The set-up is perfect: Soho, that burnt top catching the light, a slice that looks like it knows exactly what it's doing. First bite delivers the right cues: warm custardy centre, a clean bake. Then it goes flat. The flavour is safe and creamy, too much Philadelphia cheese, with a sweetness that starts to crowd out the subtle bitterness you want from a great Basque. I kept waiting for the depth to arrive, the caramelised edge to push, a little salt to lift, but the slice stayed boringly polite.
Is it good? Somehow. It's well-executed and easy to like. Is it "best I've ever had"? Not even close! It's the kind of cheesecake that wins on Instagram and by consensus.
No change to the Global Cheesecake Ranking. London still owes us a Basque with a personality!
Verdict: 2/5 worth the calories.
