Odette's

We went to Oddete's on Tuesday 4th September for our wedding anniversary.

The room itself is high camp, thought the subdued lighting softened it somewhat.

Service was pleasant and not at all stuffy, just right for a local eatery with higher aspirations.

Foodwise the starters of ceviche of scallop and ballotine of pigs head and black pudding were good, thought the pig head could have taken more seasoning.

Mains of duck breast and roast saddle of rabbit were excellent, especially the little shepherds pie of rabbit leg that came as a side.

The cheese selection, whilst nothing out of the ordinary, was served at the right temperature and with no fuss. who wants grapes , wlanuts etc. etc.

The wine list is smallish, but has a good selection and price range. The 2004 Domaine Combier Clos des Grive Croze Hermitage we had was fabulous.

All in all a top notch local restaurant, well worth the extra on the bill.
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David Jenkins - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, September 06, 2007

We chose Odette's for a very special lunch date on July 28th, and wish to clear up any confusion by the mixed reviews on this site. The food and service far surpassed our hope for a civilized setting that delivered food to deserve the cost. It was a marvelous experience. The much-discussed mirrors were not within our view -- we were seated in the first room where we had the benefit of fresh air within the rain droplets -- but the decor was very pleasing. The choices on the menu were all intriguing, as if to tell you this is only the beginning of a steady relationship. I had lamb, which turned out to be lamb x 3 (three different cuts). The two men in our party ordered the traditional English pig's head starter and enjoyed this rare opportunity -- something to talk about for years to come. Two members of the staff came out afterward at our request to explain preparations for some of the dishes we were most curious about. Extraordinary. Don't hesitate. And I recommend Saturday lunch for a first time. It's easier to pay attention to the palate when you are not tired, the lights are not dimmed, and you have not had too much alcohol ahead of time.
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Karen Dahood
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, August 21, 2007

We looked forward to our return to Odette's under new management having been regular diners until the original owner departed.

We had lunch there in April and had an enjoyable meal.We returned two weeks ago for lunch.The food lacked 'sparkle' and the portions appear to have shrunk further.

The wine list is very overpriced. On each visit we asked for tap water and on each occasion the waiter arrived with a jug containing a small amount of tepid water.We felt that this was not a subtle way of showing that staff would prefer us to ask for 'designer' water.

We had planned to take friends there for a special occasion but have now decided against this.
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Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Saturday, August 18, 2007

We booked for my Dad's birthday and were well looked after all night. The food was faultless and the service was very good - we weren't in any rush, otherwise it may have been a tad annoying. Afterwards the chef came and chatted to all the tables including us - very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I had 2 of the dishes from the GB menu TV show (turbot & oxtail, then the strawberry dessert) and would happily recommend them to everyone. The welsh whisky was an eye-opener too. Eat here if you like your food.
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CNI - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, August 03, 2007

I booked for two on Tuesday afternoon for that evening at 8.30 and accepted 8.45. We arrived slightly late but were seated promptly down the half-stairs at the back by friendly and attentive staff. I've been wanting to go for years, just because of the name which suggested intimacy and trysts full of hopeless longing and it's true, my female dinner partner flirted with and would have taken home the young sommelier given the chance. Sadly, I have to say that if this is a romantic restaurant it's in the style of an updated Acorn Antiques with dishes to match. From the two-course £35 menu we had the foie gras which was fair and a dull salad followed by very fatty strips of pork on a minuscule bed of spinach, I think. Of course we had a glass of champagne and a nice bottle of wine from the good, very expensive list but not much else apart from a few pieces of bread and a bottle of water and left over two hundred pounds lighter. They smile as they take your money but in the end I'm afraid I was disappointed with the food. And the decor.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Saturday, July 07, 2007

We ate in Odette's shortly after it reopened in November and although the food was good, the service was terrible and we left feeling very disappointed. However, we returned again last night to find that the service was markedly improved and the food was excellent. The curried scallops were delicious and the lamb (in 2 ways, roasted and braised) was superb. The desserts were good but not as good as the starters and mains. The amuse bouche was also wonderful. Bryn popped by our table for a chat which was a nice touch. All in all, it was a lovely evening and we are looking forward to a return visit again very soon.
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Majella
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, April 29, 2007

My friends and I while visiting London over the weekend dined at Odette's on Friday evening.We were really impressed we had a fantastic meal.The food was excellent,nice atmosphere and the service was friendly and attentive with good value for money.Highly recommended.
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Alice
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, April 16, 2007

Have been twice and it is consistently excellent. Superb ingredients respectfully prepared and intelligently presented. Cooking of the highest standard. The set lunch is particularly good value. The welcome was genuine and the service had a nice blend of accuracy and customer rapport. Very highly recommended.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, January 22, 2007

My girlfriend and I went to Odette's last night and were really impressed. We had the tasting menu and thought the food was fabulous.

Contrary to the Times review I thought the Halibut with vanilla was a great combination, the Venison was superb and the Tuna excellent.

The service was also excellent, attentive and friendly.

Perhaps our sense of taste is way off, the menu has been tweaked or the Times reviewer was just sore that he lived in South London and his girlfriend wont swallow (apparantly), however we shall certainly return very soon - it's rare a meal makes me smile.
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Graham
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Saturday, January 20, 2007

Went to Odette's Last Night(17th Jan 07)

Myself and four Chef Friends.Read the reviews before Hand and was a little confused,Because some were great but two of the reviews were really bad,But the reviews in April were those of the previous owners.We all had a Fantastic meal, The food was Excellent the service was ok,Good value for money.Would definatley Recommend
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Paul Hill
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 17, 2007