Frankie’s at Criterion

I have been many times and always have a wonderful experience. The food is always tasty and great value, the ambience just right for a romantic or intimate meal. It is one of my favourite haunts and I will travel from Kent happily knowing that it is my destination.
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jane
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 05, 2007

I went for an evening meal with my boyfriend on Valentine's day and we had a great evening. Was slightly worried we wouldn't get in initially as for some reason, even though I had booked beforehand, we were not on the list.

The interior was beautiful, wonderful mosaic ceiling and marble walls and the quiet atmosphere (we were seated on the stage which wasn't crowded) suited us perfectly.

The staff were attentive but not intrusive and the food and drinks were served promptly. We ate from the set Valentine's menu since that was the only menu on offer, but there were a good selection of both meat and vegetarian dishes available for us to chose from.

The portions were fair and attractive and we left the restaurant satisfied. Finally, the facilities were well maintained and attractive.
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Dawn
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Thursday, February 15, 2007

I love eating there as the set menu is typically french brasserie style and very good vallue for money...the service is laid-back,friendly,fair and attentive.I usually go there 3 to 4 times a year as I love the room,the grand space and the fact you can trully relax after a spot of shopping as Bond street and Jermyn street are near by.....

Amicalement votre!!
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Philippe Maurio-Pradere
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 12, 2007

Unfortunatley we had a rather bad experience at the Criterion just before Christmas, for a restuarant that I thought had a good reputation we were sadly disappointed. The pre dinner drinks took forever to arrive, the table which was for six we were seated on the stage only to find we were by ourselves and the temperature was less than warm. We requested an alternative table downstairs and admittedly we were moved, why we could'nt have been seated there in the first place I do not know.

The meal I am afraid was poor the waitress got one our starters wrong she obviously misheard the order, the main course in my oipinion was a disgrace and perhaps in hindsight it should have been sent back.

These comments are not meant for any gain or gratis on my part but simply that we felt so strongly about the evening that it had to be mentioned. For a restuarant that we had eaten on a number of occasions before we felt embarrassed for our guests.
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David Garstang
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Friday, January 05, 2007

I'm surprised at the mixed ratings that this restaurant has received. I ate here this summer and also booked mamma mia theatre break with holiday extras. My boyfriend and I had a lovely meal, the atmosphere in the restaurant was fantastic, the food was great (I lived for a year in France so I know good food!) and the service was outstanding. I'd definately recommend it - plus I think we only paid £12 each with our theatre deal - great value and a fabulous evening!
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Liz
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, November 22, 2006

My husband and I ate here a few weeks ago, before theatre next-door, and I'm really surprised at the comments from other diners below. Our experience was great, with very helpful staff and nice food, at not too expensive a price for London. In fact, we're planning on taking my parents there this weekend.
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Naomi
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Although the setting at Criterion is stunning the quality of the food and service was dissapointing. The service was extremely bad, we felt completely ignored for the majority of our meal and the food was to a very low standard not to mention that both my partner and I were served luke warm main courses! Overall the only thing Criterion has to offer is the fact that it looks great. For all of those who enjoy great food and attentive service this restaurant will not deliver the goods!
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 2
Monday, October 30, 2006

When restuarants go bad!

Gloomy sdetting, cold and uninteresting food at riduculously high prices, mechanical, disinterested staff.

The sort of place that gives London eating a bad name. Spoilt an otherwise good evening.
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Peter Jay
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Sunday, October 22, 2006

What has happened to the 'wonderful' Criterion!!!! Once my most favourate restaurant in London, I have lived abroad for the last few years and was determined to return to my old haunt at the earliest opportunity.....and so I did. Nothing could be further from the original experiences of this once fabulous restaurant. The food most importantly was really dire, the local small Italian would far outshine it at a 5th of the cost. I was amazed that Marco Pierre-White is still prepared to put his name on it..... and for sure his reputation is the only reason it is still open, as from reading recent reviews it was not just a case of my going on a 'bad night'. Do something about it quick or it will not be around much longer. And do something about those foul tastelss mirrors which ruin the rest of the stunning interior!
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Caroline Greengrow
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Friday, September 22, 2006

I first visited the Criterion for lunch on the 2nd March and thought the whole experience was so fantastic that I returned as soon as I could (16th March). And I intend to go back again as soon as I can get back to London. Yes the service was slow on both occasions, but everyone flashed a lovely smile when they DID serve us. And who cares anyway, the venue is so beautiful I'd be happy to sit there all day.
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Cailli Knievel
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, May 09, 2006