Trader Vic's

I think only lazy people staying in the Hilton or people obsessed with theme restaurants should ever consider dining here. While our experience was reasonable enough, there was nothing in any way above acceptable in this rather faded, dark, uninspiring den.

Food: We did a deal for 3 courses for £20. All dishes were pleasant but nothing in any way interesting - really nothing to say about them other than every dish was as described, warm, filled me up- nothing worth thinking or talking about. If paying the normal price of dishes here, I would have complained bitterly for such nonsense.

Drinks: Some of the most average and expensive cocktails I have ever tasted. Most seemed rather like the sort of cocktails one can make at home, bit of orange juice, bit of pineapple juice, bit of rum, cocktail glass- bam. Could probably get better in a Wetherspoons (if they do such a thing) - no finesse.

Service: Very bizarre, mostly pathetic, lazy and disinterested, but then when food or drinks came a frenzy of attention, obsequiousness and care. Not sure what was going on but was mainly distracting and uncomforting. Added both a service charge of 15% and cover charge, which is a little rude.

Ambience: Rainforest cafe with less money spent on decor but more moneyed clients. Some will like- for me, a bit themey. Have no idea why they aim for silver service and why people would dress up smart for some kind of chain theme restaurant feel.

Overall: Nothing worth bothering to complain about, nothing to celebrate - I have no idea why such a place exists, it's just lame and hopeless.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Thursday, July 03, 2008

Celebrated a trendy Norwegian lady's 70th birthday by going to Trader Vics with her and her husband whilst they were here on a mini-break. We enjoyed ourselves even though the table was probably booked a little early on a Sunday evening as the restaurant was virtually empty when we arrived. We found the waiters were very helpful and friendly and have no complaints with the service. Although the others enjoyed their meal unfortunately my main dish had to be sent back as it was virtually cold when it arrived which you don't expect when it was priced at £26.95. Would say the variety of dishes offered is good but think they are overpriced for what they are and have eaten better elsewhere. Doubt whether we would go back.
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Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, April 01, 2008

We used to get there on Saturday night and we really loved the atmosphere and drinks!

Since a couple of months something has changed, all the staff doesn't seem so happy and friendly as before and apparently they are cutting here and there to save money: last Saturday the resident musician was not there and a waitress told me he was left home that night!!! We left too! He was one of the good reasons we kept going there.

It is sad to see a wounderful place falling into misery like all other places in London! You don't feel being in that special place as it used to be over the years...

Shame!!!
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Omar
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

We won't be going back. The ambience is lovely and the tables are comfortable. The wine waiter was efficient, but he was the only one. The menu has two "starter" sections (finger food/bites etc. and traditional starters) and also two or three mains subsections (Traditional European, Wok, and Oven). We both took something from the Wok section and found it average quality (calling the chicken rubbery would be a little harsh, but it wasn't super tender either) but the prices are not average. Perhaps it's because it's a hotel restaurant, but £28 should get a good mean not something that was only as good as a neds noodle box for £7. In addition, I think it's a liberty to charge £6 for a bottle of Perrier (we were shocked to see £12 on the bill for our couple of bottles). In addition they add cover charges of £1.50 each (even though we didn't take any bread) and then a 15% gratuity at the end. All in all, it's very expensive for what it is.
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Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Thursday, January 24, 2008

I have been going to Trader Vics for 30 years, and every time has been a memorable experience, until the last time. The Maitre D' was not at all helpful, and as a result the entire service was not good. I had some international clients and though they liked the ambience, the cocktails and the food, the thought the services was very bad.

I have written to Trader Vics but have had no response yet,

Not sure whether I will go back.
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Resham Dhillon
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

my parents and grandparents used 2 go 2 trader vics before i was born. my dad and my mum wanted 2 take my brother nd i there to show us what it was like. i really enjoyed the meal and my pinercolarda (?) viewing the menu before eating our cosmo tidbits!! i thought it was one of the best meals i have ever had and i have been to many restaurants in my life even though i am only 15. when we were there we even saw euri gellar!!(?)
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Sally
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Very bad experience. Had a table booked at 9pm, we ordered our starters. Cheeseballs were over fried and calamari had no taste. Our main dishes took over 1 hour and a half to arrive even though it only takes 45 minutes to cook. The waiter was very very rude and he kept forgetting the things we ordered. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.. I've been to Trader Vic's many times and it used to be excellent, last night was just appalling..
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BH
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 0
Saturday, January 06, 2007

We went @ Trader vic's on a Friday night and we were offered a list of fantastic drinks and snacks, in the bar area there was a singer/guitarist that played latin music and the atmosphere was fantastic, by the time the light went on and a waitress told us they were closing it was 3am! Time really flies there, drinks are really delicious and we well definately go back as soon as possible!
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sandra
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, October 22, 2006

Dined at Trader Vic's London many times. Keep telling myself never to return.. The restaurant unfortunately is stuck in a bit of a time warp somewhere in the 80's. I am reliably informed by a colleague the menu has not changed since then either! with dishes such as crepe suzette quite believeable. On my last visit, tried the bongo bong soup - rather impressive, large portion based on spinich I believe. Following this was the Fillet mignon which was as described and fairly unremarkable, but overpriced at £25. Didn't feel like the crepe suzette performance so missed dessert. Overall the restaurant is functional but going upstairs to windows restaurant is far better value. The only two reasons I seem to return is late opening and I happen to like Trader Vic's Bar.
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GF
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Wednesday, July 05, 2006

In my opinion, the best way to enjoy Trader Vic's is to concentrate on their wonderful cocktails, starters and desserts.

Although the main courses at Trader's sound exotic and luscious, they don't really do it for me. However, their 'Tid Bits' selection is paradise.

Those Spare Ribs are probably the best anywhere - succulent, meaty, sweet but not over-sweet. Enjoy these along with Crab Rangoon, Butterfly Prawns, Chicken Livers and Jalapeno Balls and you'll have no room for much else.

As you clean up with steaming hot towels and toothpicks, you may wish to consider which sexy dessert to indulge in.

The menu at this restaurant is unique and has remained largely unchanged since the late 60's. Quite right. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

For me, Trader Vic's is a great three-times-a-year place.
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Mitch Murray
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, March 14, 2006