Frankie’s at Criterion

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

Went to Frankie's at Criterion on Saturday 29th April '06 for a pre-theatre meal booked with holiday extras. The venue is stunning, the service was ok, the food was passable, the quantities were minimal. Wish we had eaten elswhere.

Mama Mia made up for it though.
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Carol
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, May 09, 2006

We had the unfortunate experience of dining at Frankie’s on April 8th, pre-theatre. A beautiful venue, and one that I have been to many times, pre-Frankie’s.

First course was smoked salmon and capers. Could it have been any colder without ice forming? Obviously taken straight from the fridge. My husband had carpaccio which he said was “tasteless.”

I chose Penne with gorgonzola for my main course. This was undoubtedly the most tasteless pasta dish I have ever eaten. A thin bland white sauce, not even a hint of gorgonzola (did they just waft a chunk over the top of the pan and hope for the best?) and some thickly chopped red cabbage on the top. My husband had the sea bass which he said was “nice.”

I did complain to the waitress. Whilst my husband was sending back his stone cold cappuccino, three people on the next table were complaining to the manager that they had had a dreadful meal. We got talking to them and the manager was obviously unhappy that we were comparing notes. The staff were pleasant, service was good but I got the impression that the manager, who was helpful, was fed up of the poor standard of food coming out of the kitchen.

Awful.
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H Bailey
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Monday, April 10, 2006

We went to Frankie's initially for a drink and found the bar delightul, the drinks excellent and the bar staff friendly and attentive. The menu looked good but, wow, were things different in the restuarant. Our waiter could not be bothered, our starters were tepid and mediocre, our Frankie burgers slab like and tasteless and the accompanying vegetables awful. The cost was ridiculous for such poor fare. The Criterion is a delightful space - go for drink but choose somewhere else to eat.
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Guy Tipper
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, March 28, 2006

25 March 2006. Not good. "Frankies' is a rip off. The grand ambience of the interior remains but the menu is dull and poor value for money. We had soup (which was cold) and lobster pasta (with a distinct lack of lobster) for starters. The main course of veal was an unimpressive pre-packed affair and the pizza a leathery nonsense with scant topping. This restaurant was recently an enjoyable establishment that has thrown its credibility into the bin (though one marked with two celebrity names). The staff suffer most, I suspect. They are the same smart, efficient and professional French waitstaff as before, but now reduced to the embarassment of serving rubbish food to inevitably dissatisfied customers.

For the avoidance of doubt, these matters were raised with the restaurant directly.
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Andrew Bailey
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 0
Saturday, March 25, 2006

I went to the Criterion last Saturday with a friend for pre-theatre dinner. I must say, I disagree with most of the comments on this site. Both myself and my friend thought the staff were friendly and helpful, the food was gorgeous and, even though we didn't choose from the very good value pre-theatre menu, our meal was very reasonably priced. In fact I am looking forward to a return visit! By the way abismal/abissmal(sic) has a "y" not an "i" (abysmal) for those that thought it was abysmal!
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W & S
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, March 10, 2006

I went for a family lunch for four here on Saunday 5 March 2006. We had the option to order from the £15.50 set lunch for two courses or the (slightly) more expensive a la carte menu. I won't bore you with the specifics of each course - this is Italian pizza, pasta and grill fare with which we're all familiar. Overall the food was okay - perfect Sunday lunch stuff. Special mention to the pizza bases which were light and crisp. Service was erratic with a whiff of "upselling". The room is great but can seem empty if not full because of its size. The magician is a nice touch. This would be a great place to take a first date if you were 21 - the food is uncomplicated and good value and the room would impress.
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Lawrence Evans
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Monday, March 06, 2006

We had a very disappointing family lunch today,the pizza's were cold and grossly overpriced and the desserts very average.

Worst of all was the terrible attitude of the grumpy French head waitress,she would be better suited for a job at some customs border post.

We will never set foot again even for free.
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Ed
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Sunday, February 19, 2006

Just back from lunch at Frankies and I have to say that I was totally disappointed. The service was really poor and we were left sitting for a long time before our order was take. Other tables that came in after us had their food before we'd even given our order! We were not given any bread, nor offered any and when asked the waiter seemed taken a back and then barked what kind of bread did we want. We said just normal bread, but he only offered the expensive bread off the menu. Food was very standard and I have to admit to getting far better pizza in Pizza Hut! Would reccommend the restaurant purely for the interior, but defintely not the food or the service.
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N Kivlehan
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Thursday, February 16, 2006