THE PLACE
Since its establishment in 1996, Napoleons in Owlerton has been a cornerstone of entertainment in Sheffield. Situated on Penistone Road, the venue isn’t just about gaming; it’s also a preferred destination for gourmet dining at unbeatable value.
The ‘Dine in Style’ package is particularly popular, offering an exceptional deal for punters: a welcome drink, a three-course meal and a £5 gaming chip, all from just £30 per person. Upon arrival on a Thursday evening, we were promptly guided to the stylish dining area, where we were warmly welcomed and seated before drinks orders were promptly taken.
The dinner menu offers a wide range of dishes that blend classic British fare with international influences. You can expect to find options like rich, hearty steaks and burgers, fresh seafood and vibrant vegetarian dishes.
THE FOOD
For starters, two of our group of four were tempted by the Smoked Haddock & Onion Bhaji – two chunks of breaded smoky haddock served inside a crispy bhaji with spiced Korma-scented hollandaise sauce. A poached egg added richness, while poppadom shards and coriander oil were a nice Indian-inspired touch bringing crunchy, fresh contrasts.
Also ordered was the Whipped Chicken & Duck Liver Parfait – a rich, silky spread served on brioche toast, nicely paired with crunchy chorizo crumbs and caramelised oranges cutting through the savoury with sweet, citrusy burst. The final of the four – and eventually declared winner – were the Goats Cheese & Pesto Bon Bons: three arancini-style balls bursting with creamy cheese and paired with a tangy rustic tomato sauce.
Taste buds considerably sharpened, we progressed to the mains. Napoleons has long-been known for good steak, and the 8oz Ribeye continued its winning streak: generously marbled, juicy and tender in texture, and accompanied by mammoth crispy onion rings, moreish Parmesan truffle fries and a luxurious peppercorn sauce.
Victoria Greensmith Photography
You may not, however, have the venue pegged as a place that specialises in risotto, but the Wild Mushroom Risotto was a comforting dish with earthy mushrooms, roasted asparagus, rich black garlic dressing and a crunchy finish from Italian cheese crisps – nicely balanced with a winning umami taste.
The Slow Cooked Beef Brisket was another example of comfort food done well. The tender, flavorsome brisket was complemented by smoky mashed potatoes, sweet, charred shallots, beef fat-glazed carrots and a mini Yorkshire pudding adding a classic touch.
The final dish, and the most impressive in my opinion, was the Herb Roasted Chicken Supreme. Juicy confit chicken legs with crispy skin were perfectly paired with exceptional truffle croquettes. Finished with a velvety chicken butter sauce, sweetcorn purée, and tender baby leeks, it offered a delightful blend of textures and flavours.
Although fit to burst, we managed to round things off by sharing two excellent deserts. The Chocolate & Hazelnut Delice offered decadent blend of smooth chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, balanced by refreshing mango sorbet and gel, while the Burnt Basque Vanilla Cheesecake combined creamy, caramelised vanilla with a tangy summer berry compote and crisp honey tuile for a sweet end to the evening.
THE VERDICT
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just seeking a quality meal at a great price, Napoleons exceeds expectations, making it a top choice for dining and a night out in the Steel City. Our top tip? Their recent offers include an extended steak and cocktail menu where you can enjoy a pairing for £20 (Mon-Weds) or two cocktails for £10 between 6-8pm daily.
