Sarastro

Yes, the atmosphere was fantastic but food and service were disappointing. Did not expect that. Chairs were not comfortable to sit for a long time.
Comment on this reader review

Shadha
4 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I'm surprised by the many poor reviews, as I've dined at Sarastro many times over the years and have had nothing but friendly service. The food quality has improved from mediocre to quite good (for a medium-priced restaurant) as of Spring 2011, when there was evidently a revamp of the menu/kitchen/chefs. My only complaint is that for some dishes potatoes don't come with it. And baklava is no longer available for dessert.

But the best thing about the place is the fabulous decor -- the atmosphere is so unique you just have to see it! This makes it one of London's most special venues.
Comment on this reader review

Everett - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, June 24, 2012

Poor service, average food, colourful venue, great location.

Would not go again, complete lack of service on a weekday night.

It was embarrassing to keep asking for someone to keep coming to our table to assist us.
Comment on this reader review

Gary H
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Went there once and was amazed with the level of service...the fantastic food and the entertainment...we were seated for 5 hours and was not urged to leave as other restaurants tend to do...ten out of ten for originality and class!! will be coming again soon.
View/Add comments (2)

Suzanee Blundell Bsc Hons MISMA
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, August 28, 2011

What has happened to this restaurant??!!! we have been going for years when visiting london which we do once or twice a year, we went on 13/8/11 service was dreadull, food disgusting and the staff were not interested ,if this continues this will be another london restaurant to close, we will not be visiting again
Comment on this reader review

sue boots
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Monday, August 15, 2011

Well, I'm surprised by the very negative reviews. The reason for visiting this restaurant is the decor and ambience and the live music. You can't pay £20-25 for two courses in Covent Garden and expect Michelin star quality.

We found the food to be nice - not the best but very far from the worst and good value. The way the restaurant has been designed though is pretty unique, and from the upper tables you get a great view across the restaurant.

They advertised that the musicians play at 630 and 930, but they were already playing when we got there at 8:45 and were gone by 9pm, so this was a bit of a disappointment.

Unlike a previous commenter, we found the gaps between courses quite long (15 minutes) but if you're in a nice restaurant with friends, it's nice not to feel rushed.

The service was friendly but not very attentive - we got used to having to wave a waiter over as they didn't check on us very often.

Overall though, it's a special place, very romantic (ok, bordering on kitschy!) and I'll definitely be going back.
Comment on this reader review

milhouse - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Sunday, June 12, 2011

Just terrible. Absolutely appalling on all levels. The staff were rude and unhelpful right from the start of the evening. Claimed we didn't have a reservation, despite us calling the day before and even providing credit card details. They brought food to the table (and refused to remove it) before we'd even seen a menu, ordered drinks and before even all our party had arrived! Drink orders were missed, wrong and then forgotten (juice was watered down squash). To say the food was bland would be a compliment, it was worse than bad pub food, with grey vegetables and reconstituted potato...just really bad. Table setting was sloppy and non-existent with things just thrown on the table randomly. The table clothes and napkins were tired, worn, and dirty (and crushed-velvet napkins, weird). Decor is interesting certainly, and really could have been fun, if the reality of it wasn't that you are squished in tables unable to move, sitting on uncomfortable benches. For a restaurant with a decent price tag associated with it, it was absolutely a let-down and I would advise people to AVOID. Hands down my worst dining experience of 3 years in London.
View/Add comments (2)

1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Monday, May 23, 2011

I went here on a Sat night with a party of 10 people. The evening as a whole was enjoyable. The atmosphere was good, the food was from a set menu which was decent enough but nothing to write home about. The service was slow, the only item brought to our table pronto was the bill! The only real complaint I have about the evening was the band, their music was fairly enjoyable until the old man with the tambourine starts perstering each table for money and was quite happy to hang around the table if he wasn't paid what he thought they deserved. That to be fair ruined the dining experience. Would go back but only when the band won't be playing.
Comment on this reader review

Ted Roach
7 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Took my friend here on a quiet Tue evening , The place is to say the least unusually decorated and quite entertaining . The food is not bad though I would have to say if you are A: hungry or B: have a big appetite don't go . The portions are quite small and definately not worth what you pay for them , tasty yes filling no . Pity really as if they were I'd go reg as they are well cooked and presented but very very overpriced .
Comment on this reader review

quenya
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 1
Saturday, October 16, 2010