Dining with our Universal Wine Glass at Toklas

Located just off the Strand, Toklas is an elegant restaurant celebrating seasonal Mediterranean cooking at its finest. The menu focuses on simple, ingredient-led dishes that showcase exceptional produce, all served within a beautifully minimalist space. You’ll also find the Jancis Robinson x Richard Brendon Wine Glass on every table, the perfect match for their thoughtful and ever-evolving wine list.

We caught up with Agustina Basilico, Head of Beverage at Toklas, to talk all things wine, the art of Mediterranean dining, and the effortless elegance that defines the Toklas way of life.

Discover the Universal Wine Glass. 

Q: For those unfamiliar, what exactly is the traditional Mediterranean diet, and how do you bring its principles to life in your cooking?

A: It’s all about representing produce as it is. Simplicity is key, focusing on great ingredients and executing traditional dishes in a truly classic way.

Q: What’s one secret or quirky fact about the restaurant that you wish more people knew?

A: Toklas was named after Alice B. Toklas, who was the partner of Gertrude Stein. That blend of art, culture, and hospitality is really what makes us unique.

Q: If you had to pick a food and wine pairing from the menu, what would it be and why?

A: There’s a wine on the menu I’ve been obsessed with, Filipa Pato, Dínamica. It’s not overly expensive or complex, but it’s just perfect and pairs beautifully with most of our dishes.

Q: Your wine list offers plenty of choice without being overwhelming. How do you help guests navigate such a wonderful selection?

A: We’re incredibly lucky to have a large number of wines available by the glass. That’s part of the Mediterranean style of eating, trying different wines and experiencing the meal as a journey, with the wine evolving alongside the food.

Q: There are quite a few natural wines on your menu. Could you explain what natural wine is, and why you’ve chosen to include them?

A: Natural wine is really just wine made with minimal intervention, nothing unnecessary added, nothing taken away. It’s all about the winemaker respecting the grapes and letting them speak for themselves.

Q: The Jancis Robinson x Richard Brendon Wine Glass has made its way onto your tables. What makes the Universal Stem feel like the perfect fit for Toklas?

A: It took us a long time to choose our glasses. What we love about the Jancis Robinson glass is the feel, it’s so fine and light, yet humble on the table. Simple but beautifully executed. And the swirl... I’m not even good at swirling, but it just works perfectly.

Q: Choosing the right wines is so crucial. How do you go about curating and testing the wine list, and how often do you hunt for new additions?

A: We’re constantly exploring. We taste regularly and often meet with winemakers who visit us, which helps us stay inspired and keep the list evolving in a thoughtful way.

Q: Richard Brendon’s ethos is “Finer Dining, Every Day.” How does that translate into the philosophy and guest experience at Toklas?

A: It’s about respect, for the ingredients, for the craft, and for the guest. We talk about the produce, visit the farms, and bring that knowledge and care directly to the table through our service.

Q: After a busy service, where’s your favourite spot for a little wind-down drink?

A: In the summer, definitely on the terrace with a glass of wine. It’s one of those truly special moments, simple, relaxed, and just perfect.