Randall & Aubin

I've reviewed R&A previously, but having been there again tonight - I feel the need to do so again. I honestly don't understand the negative reviews. This and one other place, are my favourite restaurants on earth. I have been to R&A several times - and the food, service, and ambience have been nothing short of wonderful (and I just love the decor; although some tables seem to have gone, which is a shame - I liked the crammed in effect). I completely agree with another reviewer who says that the staff are to the point, and not fawning, but are nothing less than efficient. I have always found them friendly, and really quite charming. I have always felt with the staff at R&A, that if you show respect - you get it back; and if you engage, you get warmth back. If you don't - don't expect either to be forthcoming. Quite right. Tonight, I went there on my own - because I missed the place, and had the urge to return; and had a lovely time. I don't, though, agree with the same (I think) reviewer that this is a drop-in place for comfort place; I think it's more exquisite and special than that (without being pretentious/formal). Tonight I had half a grilled lobster, which was quite simply delicious - as were the pommes frites (always the best of anywhere), and even the salad garnish. I followed it up with my usual lemon and raspberry tart - which is to die for. And - bizarre as it may sound - R&A have the best butter (served with the bread and olives - I always thought this was a lovely touch); and I don't even like butter! I really like the seating too, which is counter-like - and communal. That's not to say you don't get any privacy, if you want it. This place has a very special place in my heart.
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- View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, October 18, 2012

I had lunch here with friends 2 days ago. The waitress was really rude and stoney faced..... whilst the other staff tried to make up for it, it rather ruined our lunch and the experience. Demonstrates a lack of management to have staff this rude to people...... food was ok, but nothing like friendly service.... go elsewhere......
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dnw
1 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, June 04, 2012

I'm amazed at the amount of negative comments as I've always had great experiences at Randall & Aubin. The service is consistently friendly and efficient and the food always exceeds my expectations, especially for the reasonable price. I have recommended this restaurant to a number of my friends and often get great feedback from them. I am and will always be a fan. Top rating for sure!!!! Tip for anyone who decides to go, try the lamb wrap (best I've ever had) and make sure you get a portion of oysters!!
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ja24 - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 27, 2011

My husband & I were in Soho and happened upon Randall & Aubin. It’s a wonderful looking restaurant & immediately caught my eye. It turns out to have been an old butcher shop from the early 1900’s & the current owners kept most of the fixtures and fittings. The walls are filled with great mementos of its previous incarnation such as a fabulous framed invoice for Winston Churchill.

The vibe is electric & we instantly loved the place. We were greeted by an incredibly sweet staff member & luckily got a seat by the window facing the street – we arrived at just the right moment because it filled up quickly & a queue started to form. It was also fun & quirky for the waiter had to step outside & service us from the pavement.

We ordered a lower priced white wine & it was delicious. We had a starter of half a dozen oysters & they were truly divine. I went on to have the scallops, which can so easily go wrong & be overdone. I’m happy to report that they were perfect in every way. My husband had the fish & chips with mushy peas and gave a glowing report. We opted to have another bottle of wine in lieu of dessert and simply soak in the fun and festive atmosphere and watch Soho walk by our table. A perfect find & wonderful evening!
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Helen Maddison
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

I had dinner last Friday at Randall & Aubin with my wife and was very disappointed about the quality of the food. I had the fish platter, it came half of the size compare to a few month ago, the presentation was horrible as well as the taste. In fact my plate was just full of oil with 2 shrimps, one piece of fish and 2 mussels...tasted awful.

My wife took the whelks, several of them were not fresh.

It looks like the kitchen staff completely change and the level just dropped. So will not come back as long as the kitchen staff remains the same.
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SRey
3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

I was there with the bunch of friends on Friday night. It was buzzy as always but I must say we were very disappointed with extremely small portions of food considering the prices. Plates were greasy and food badly presented. The ladies toilets had no light inside and to our surprise the general manager didn't seem to care even after we complained about it. In fact he was rude. We still managed to have fun but don't think we will go back in a rush. All that queing for overly priced average food, rude manager and not very nice toilet with no light. No thanks.
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3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 1
Monday, April 18, 2011

Very mediocre. I went for brunch on a Sunday midday. The place was virtually empty yet it took ages to be served. I ordered an assiette de fruits de mer which was very mediocre - and expensive. Cover charge for some bread and olives was a bit naughty, considering the price of the seafood. Finger bowl was only brought after I'd finished my meal. Annoying loud Shakira playing in background. Better elsewhere.
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Gabrielle Koonin
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 4
Monday, April 11, 2011

Why do so many people just not get it? Randall & Aubin is a drop-in stalwart for the young party-going Soho funsters who frequent it, not for a quiet destination dining experience on a rare trip to the West End. Get things in perspective, folks! Come here for fun, loud music, the buzz and a bit of reasonably priced comfort food with an aquatic bent. All seating is up high to make it feel like the casual diner that it is - not a formal restaurant. I judge a dinner/restaurant on the laughter and mood of fellow diners as well as food, wine and service. Everyone here always seem to be enjoying themselves - me included.

The waiters have attitude because that's what suits the place and that's what Soho is about. With that sassiness comes efficiency and professionalism too. These guys are not for fawning. I love it for what it gets right and also for its imperfections. And long may it reign.
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Sean - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 04, 2011

Get rid of the rude waiters who think that they are too cool to serve you. What happened to this place and staff that use to be friendly and fun?? Avoid.
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Dissapointed regulars, Paul and Dean
4 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

WORST dining experience in my life!

first of all, what kind of seafood restaurant is it when you dont have any fish besides tuna. they had no prawns, crabs, lobsters etc.. should have told us BEFORE we sat down. Ordered a glass of white wine which took ages to come. Fish soup was good. ordered 12 oysters which were surprisingly meatless! the staff was rude. I wasn't impressed with the oysters and asked them to take them away. I will never go back there again!
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3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Monday, October 11, 2010