Aurora

Four of us had a late dinner here last night. We just opted for starters, olives and bread, and a bottle of wine. We had the mackeral, the goat's cheese and beetroot salad, and a chicken salad. All were delicious and quite a good portion as well.

The service was faultless and the restaurant had a great atmosphere. The total bill came to £62 which isn't bad value for the area. I would certainly return again - I would like to try the main meals as they sound delicious too!
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, July 13, 2012

I went here with my wife as the place looked charming. The service was very good in a friendly casual way and the design and ambience is lovely. We we'ren't offered a table outside although there were spaces available, (we were perfectly happy inside though).

My wife had a steak with mediterranean vegetables and I had a piece of sea bass on a pile of assorted vegetables. We shared a cheesecake for desert.

There was nothing wrong with steak, although it was a little overcooked from the medium rare we'd asked for. My wife likes her steak a little more cooked than I do and the honest waiter said that 'if you want medium, better to ask for medium rare as the steaks are quite thin'. We did and they were.

My fish was nice but also just a little overcooked, it was served with so many different vegetables that I lost track of what I was eating, the main flavours were asparagus (which I love) and coriander (which I also love). Putting those two flavours together seemed to me to show a worrying lack of understanding about what ingredients work together. Not well conceived.

The cheesecake was very good and the highlight of the meal.

I'm deeply suspicious of the string of straight 10 reviews on this page. There are only a handful of places in the west end the deserve 'perfect' status and this place is a long way off that. I'd advise looking up critic Jay Rayner's review for a more accurate idea.

Mediocre food and very over-priced.

Avoid.
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5 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2
Saturday, July 07, 2012

Absolutely love this place! I've been several times with a various friends and each of them complimented the decor, the customer service and of course the food.

There is an outdoor eating area at the back which is perfect for intimate dining.

The menu changes monthly and every time I have dined here the food has been outstanding.

The staff are extremely attentive and friendly - there is no pressure to order quickly and in my experience have been more than happy to have a casual chat when it is a little quiet.

If you haven't been here yet, you simply must go!! I can guarantee you won't regret it!! At least, I certainly never have!!!
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Donna Oliveiro
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, June 29, 2012

My partner took me here for a meal a few weeks ago. I really cannot fault this restaurant. The ambience was simply delightful and encourages a relaxed and comfortable demeanour. The service was that wonderful balance of attentive without intrusion. The food was excellent, clearly using high quality ingredients. I would highly commend this restaurant and we will definately be returning taking more friends with us.
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Gerard McGrath
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, February 25, 2012

My friend and I ate at this beautiful restaurant last night. The food was excellent and the staff were polite and helpful. I was celebrating my 60th birthday and we were given a complimentary glass of bubbly by the manager. We will certainly be returning the next time we are in London.
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, October 23, 2011

I loved this restaurant. My boyfriend and I went in for our anniversary and had the most romantic meal in their enclosed courtyard - fantastic atmosphere. The food was excellent and the staff were very friendly.
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Jennifer
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Having read many good reviews about Aurora, I had lunch there on Sunday with friends. It turns out they recently started doing Sunday roast there and at £12.50 a head, it was excellent value for money. I did have a look at their normal menu, it all sounded very tempting too. The weather was nice so we sat in the garden at the back. The food was great - the roast lamb was tender and the trimmings were delicious. We got great service and a great time so I'll definitely be going back! I highly recommend it.
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Jane
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 28, 2011

Have eaten here a few times over the past year and have never been disappointed. The monthly changing menu is a nice touch and means that the produce is always in season. Excellent wine list, reasonable prices and friendly, relaxed staff. Most definitely a restaurant I would recommend, and one I will be coming back to.
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Marc
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Sadly somewhere which was a good find for interesting modern cuisine, has lost its way.

Having dined there 5-6 times over the past year, I felt I had found a reliable and welcome place to dine with friends. After tonights dinner I will not bother.

Firstly the woman who seated us at our table seemed obsessed with trying to drag any posessions from us, which was delivered in a rather annoying tone. When questioned over the zealous tact scorn was directed at my friend and I.

The starters came which were partially refrigirated and partly tepid in temperature, mine claimed to have Chorizo as part of its ingredients which I believe has flavour but not in this dish, instead a bland slither of coloured plastic with overly chilled beetroot, rocket & such a whisper of pear that was nearly undetected.

Main course Squid with Chilli Polenta and more ice cold rocket, sadly even more disappointing as the squid looked like it had been shown the heat for a few seconds and tasted barely above room temperature, which made me concerned and so I left it. the chilli seemed to have gotten into everything rather than just in the polenta.

Our waiter did not bother to ask how the meal was at any point even when clearing the plates. However they did manage to add a large service charge to the bill-interesting that!

I like to recommend good places to eat and sadly I think Aurora is just not good in lots of ways.

Ideally I would like to direct my displeasure to the owner of Aurora interestingly their website has no email address to send such a message which I find rather telling.

My recommendation:- Spend your money elsewhere!
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Darren
1 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Thursday, November 25, 2010

Took my girlfriend to Aurora for her birthday on Saturday night.Atmosphere was perfect and very romantic.Menu was small but everythng we ordered was excellent and well presented.Ordered a bottle of Viogner to accompany which was nicely chilled and and served by our waiter throughout our meal without being over fussy.Service was appropriately attentive and humorous without being intrusive.I was a chef for 27 years in London and would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for an intimate dinner for two in a central lively location with good service and wine with value for money.
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Brian Phillips
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, August 23, 2010