L'Accento

We visited L’Accento recently. I have often walked past the place and wondered what it was like; it usually seems deserted on weekday evenings (a warning sign that I shouldn’t have ignored).

In contrast to some of the other reviews here, we found the service to be utterly charming but the food to be disappointing, especially at the prices charged. Tough steak and a lamb shank that needed more cooking were fairly unsatisfactory at £14 to £16. At up to around a tenner they’re taking the mickey with the starters as well.

For two people at £80 for 2 courses with wine, I can think of any number of restaurants in London offering more accomplished cooking at this price level.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The food at L'Accento is almost on a level with the River Cafe at a fraction of the price; undobtedly the best value in London. The restaurant is simple and amiable and in our experience the service has always been excellent. The Padrone is one of the great characters of London Restaurants. The wine list contains some very interesting bottles none of which is overpriced.
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Robert Slotover
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 19, 2007

went there for dinner on a friday in feb, it was our first time there. We thought the atomsphere was very charming, small little restaurant with wooden tables. the restaurant was buzzing with constant flow of customers in and out, its also non-smoking, which was great. the owner greeted us, and he was smiley and friendly. the waiter was not smiley or friendly but the service was spot on. dishes were clear at the right time, drinks were brough promptly etc. food was pretty delicious, starters were little expensive, but the 2 coures meal at £15.5 was a fairly good deal. the owner would greet his friends and talking in italian every now and then, which we thought really added to the italian atmospher. it was also family friendly as there were 2 babies there, and they were both nice and quiet the whole time. I would recommend it if you want a nice dinner out that is not too fancy pancy!
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pea
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, February 03, 2007

went there for dinner on a friday in feb, it was our first time there. We thought the atomsphere was very charming, small little restaurant with wooden tables. the restaurant was buzzing with constant flow of customers in and out, its also non-smoking, which was great. the owner greeted us, and he was smiley and friendly. the waiter was not smiley or friendly but the service was spot on. dishes were clear at the right time, drinks were brough promptly etc. food was pretty delicious, starters are little expensive, but the 2 coures meal at £15.5 was a fairly good deal. the owner would greet his friends and talking in italian every now and then, which we though really added to the italian atmospher. it was also family friendly as there were 2 babies there, and they were both nice and quiet the whole time. I would recommend it if you want a nice dinner out that is not too fancy pancy!
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pea
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, February 03, 2007

Service was absolutely horrific. Owner was rude to my girlfriend and told overtly sexist jokes to his friend sitting at the next table - in front of the customers! Food was mediocre and over-cooked. We were very close to leaving in the middle of the meal, and frankly I regret we didn't do that. Our worst restaurant experience in London to date. Will never, ever go again.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 2
Saturday, October 21, 2006

We visited L'Accento on Sept 18 and while the food was good, the owner/managers behaviour was totally out of order! He spent all his time talking loudly in Italian/Sicilian to his pals at one table and left the one waiter to deal with all the other tables. He left his pals alone a couple of times only to yell loudly in Italian/Sicilian to his kitchen staff and the poor waiter. When we wanted to pay, the waiter wasn't allowed to take our credit card so he and us had to wait until the manager/owner had finished his lengthy story for his pals before he could deal with our bill.

As mentioned, the food was good, and the price was ok too, but having that loudmouth yelling constantly spoiled otherwise pleasent evening and we certainly won't go back!
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, September 27, 2006

My husband and I went there last week end for dinner. We had alreday been there a couple of times and know it was quite busy and ...very noisy, which is still the case! Although the food was good I have a few comments to make: the starters and deserts are portions for macrobiotics and do not come cheap! i.e. the ice cream is charged 5£ for a single cup. starters reach easily 8/9£ and my aubergine roll was really really small...Food is good but not excpetional; wines are of a good selection - only italians - but quite expensive (with not many below 20£ and uptil 25£). Service was just OK, although we had to pour ourselves our wine, had to ask for more bread, etc...so not very attentioned overall.

Overall, not a bad experience but not very good value for money. We probably won't go back. Att he same price you can expect much better at the bottom of Portobello Road with a bunch of good italians such as Esenza and Mediteraneo...
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Anne-Sophie
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Monday, November 28, 2005