Il Bordello

This is one to go back to.

The positive reviews on here are definitely on the money. I've never had any issues with the food here at all. And I've enjoyed their seafood risotto several times. If I had to find any fault, the portions are quite generous. So I struggle to finish. Obviously this isn't mandatory, but I like to leave a clean plate so the kitchen know I enjoyed it.

Service is always on the ball, but can get a bit stretched at busy times.

The decor is quite original, I find. But the lack of soft surfaces creates a bit of a din, which is a problem for me. I do like the look of it, though.

I wasn't sure how to rate the value. On one hand, this is a great restaurant, and you get what you pay for. But on the other hand, I did feel some things were a bit on the pricey side.

Getting there is easy enough. Just turn left out of Wapping station and walk along the road. Or the 100 bus from Liverpool Street. It's also possible to walk from Tower Hill station. Parking is also possible in the area after 6:30pm. It's clearly a local favourite, however, since it's almost full on most days of the week. Booking is recommended.
Comment on this reader review

Alan Ingham - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, October 14, 2011

This is without a doubt the best Itallian restuarant in London. The food is fresh, the bread, choux pastry are all made fresh in-house. We had a garlic bread with tomato to share and the dough was cooked to perfection. The main was a seafood risotto, the squid was soft and the whole meal was gorgeous. And finally, the profiteroles, well amazing, the spoon just glided through. The cost was extremely reasonable and I'll certainly return as soon as I can! Go don't miss out!
Comment on this reader review

10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Il Bordello's is brilliant all round. It is always my first choice restaurant since first eating in there 4 years ago. Excellent food, very friendly and welcoming staff, quick service. Food is fresh and at a great price. I have also visited the sister restaurant, La Fida at Limehouse, food was as great, service was professional but impersonal. Much more warm and relaxed in Wapping. It is great for any occassion, I have been there on birthdays, dates with my partner, and taken friends and family - have visited a lot! The service, staff and food has never faltered! I will be returning for as long as I am in London. Top quality.
Comment on this reader review

Vicky
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, September 28, 2011

It's busy (with good reason), it's 'family', it's friendly, it has great specials and above all, it offers great service. This is a professional restaurant run with great style and flair - informal, traditional and nothing seems to be too much trouble. 'Mi casa, su casa' in action! Oh, and the 'Fegato' is perfect!
Comment on this reader review

Tony H
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Il Bordello isn't the best place around this area that you can spend your money in.

I thought I'd take my girlfriend for her birthday - had it not been her birthday (and would have cared less about causing a scene) I would have walked out after the way the head waiter spoke to me.

I booked a month in advance to secure a table (as it is pretty busy with business bookings) - and got stuck at a little table by the toilets where you could smell the toilet cleaner. I requested we sat somewhere nicer (ie by the window) and got told "you didn't ask for a window table when you booked". Given I'd never been to the place before, quite how I'd know to do this is beyond me! Having booked so far in advance (and making a point it was for a birthday) I'd expect to have been given the best table in the house, not have to argue for it once we arrived.

Once we finally got a nicer table and the head waiter had finished his little strop, we noticed it was decorated slightly bizarrely - with PVC plastic table covers, much like you'd expect to find in a greasy spoon. Cheap to clean yes, but not exactly nice when they stick to your girlfriend's legs due to the heat ourside.

On to the fact that it's primarily dominated by business bookings - this seems to be how this place stays afloat and gets away with charging as much as it does for mediocre food. Also, it means that the atmosphere is very "business dinner" - most certainly not a bustling local restaurant as you would expect it to be in Wapping.

For main I ordered Turbot from the special menu, and slightly to my surprise was served as a complete fish, head and tail attached. However, if you're able to ignore that it was cooked nicely with reasonable seasoning. The vegetables that came with it would have been more at home sat next to a roast beef dinner (roast potatoes with white fish - what!?), they certainly weren't "seasonal". It wasn't bad, but I've had nicer fish dishes for less than the £30 asking price.

My girlfriend ordered "Meat and Spinach Cannelloni" - which was more reasonably priced (about £12 I think), but wasn't much better than I've cooked at home myself.

We shared a bottle of Gavi di Gavi wine, a lovely bottle of Italian white, but again, overpriced at £30.

We shared Tiramisu for dessert. I thought the Italians were supposed to be the kings of making Tiramisu, but this one arrived sloppy and absolutely swimming in single cream. Not great, and not worth the asking price.

In summary - not bad food, not great food, but certainly not worth the asking price. If you're looking for somewhere nice to go in the area, head to Limehouse and go to the Narrow - nicer staff, tastier food, a view of the Thames and more reasonably priced.
Comment on this reader review

David Stephens
4 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I have been going to II Bordello for so. Any many years , I always find an excuse or occasion to go there.

It's rammed 7 nights a week , so make sure you book well in advance.

The mixed appetisers are amazing , the meats such as the Parma ham are so fresh and tasty!

The main that I always have is the veil in White wine sauce with pressed Palma ham and rosemary is to die for!

The desserts where a little limited on this occasion, but my 2 favourite waiters came and sang happy birthday to me, so it made up for it.

I love the buzzy atmosphere in this II bordelo it's totally fab. Great value for money and big portions.

We are yet to try their other restaurant in narrow street.
Comment on this reader review

Lucy
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, May 15, 2011

Have been a couple of times for dinner. It's always absolutely rammed, with a brisk but friendly service. Food is excellent, atmosphere great, and prices very reasonable. I definitely recommend the tiramisu.
Comment on this reader review

Jess
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, April 08, 2011

Living nearby in docklands, we eat at Il Bordello about once a month. The food is always outstanding, not had a bad dish yet in almost a year. Look out for the specials, there's some really good seafood pasta dishes on there.

The portion sizes are quite large which is great if you're starving or a big bloke . If not, you can always ask for a half size portion or a doggy bag to take away.

The old Italian guys who wait on tables are a pleasure compared to the young grumblers we're used to elsewhere. They are always super busy though, especially on a Thu, Fri or Sat, so expect efficient (but not pushy)service.

It isn't expensive given the quality of ingredients and size of portion. House wine is a bit iffy but aren't they all?! Overall, I couldn't recommend this highly enough.
Comment on this reader review

Butterfly44
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, April 04, 2011

We live in Canary Wharf and reguarly visit Il Bordello. It is one of my favourite restaurants in London. Delicious food, excellent service, great atmosphere, and very reasonably priced. I recently took my 3 year old grandson for his first visit, and he ate a whole pizza followed by chocolate ice cream. The staff made a big fuss of him and I felt very proud!

We would recommend this wonderful restaurant to anyone.
Comment on this reader review

Ab - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, March 20, 2011

Very nice mellow food, fun atmosphere, excellent personal service and great for family parties (kids really welcome) they do the birthday cake thing with sparkly candles too! Essential to book.
Comment on this reader review

Bilanjikov Polanski - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, January 12, 2011