Le Caprice

It was all gong well until it came to beyond 9pm. They do 2 sittings here and starting at 7-10 things went ok. The vegetarian options we chose were disappointing (though the meat eaters were extremely happy). The big problem came after 9.00 where the rush and pressure came. We ate at a normal pace, one dictated by the speed they served us, and we were un-excusably rushed in the last minutes.

The bill arrived during the pudding, and one of our party was not able to finish their cheese, because by this time it was 9.20. They asked if we had finished our course, we said no, and were informed that the next sitting was waiting, and the plate was taken anyway. There were a few faults to that point that would have been excused because it was generally good. However for a restaurant that is appealing to the top end, the treatment to finish the sitting ready for the next was frankly rude, and had no consideration of repeat business.

Book for the second sitting. It is un-excusable to be so rushed when it is £70+ a head.

We will not go back, go to the Ivy for that price, much better. If you want a similar price (but better meal and service) go to La Noissette. If you want to be treated like that go to a tourist revolving door restaurant.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Sunday, August 12, 2007

I have read the reviews in this column and can say that there must have been a drastic change over the last 6 months. I visited Le Caprice for the first time on the advise of a friend. The place was packed...and I did not have a reservation. I asked the maitre'd to see if I could sit at the bar for service when available. He took my name and reserved a place at the bar an hour later. I came back an hour later and the Maitre'd ( Ugo ) made everything happen. I actually moved from the first seat available at the bar to a better one on his advice. The service was spotless. I had a cup of bacon/avacado soup...wonderful, then the scallops with a chili sauce and then the game hen...special of the day. All were very good and the wine list for a single was excellent. I went for a 2000 half bottle of Bordeaux. I had good conversation with other patrons of the bar and Ugo (maitre'd) always checked up to see that my experience was above par. This was my first time to London and I can tell you that the first rate experience at Le Caprice will bring me back. Going back to my opening line.... Ugo and his team started earlier this year... so congrats to whatever happened because Le Caprice is back on top.
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D. Kent Lance, Jr.
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Sunday, July 29, 2007

Welcome to 1985.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

This evening a couple of friends and I visited Le Caprice with the intention of having an evening of fine food, drink and conversation.

We arrived at the restauarant at 7:30 and within two minutes of sitting down were asked for our wine choice.

For starters I had the beetroot and duck broth with horseradish dumplings which was a culinary delight, for main course I chose the haddock with minted peas which for a restauarnt of this reputation showed little inventive flair, and finished with the butterscoth and clotted cream ice cream which was a dish that could have been expected within a Harvester.

Coffee and port was served efficiently, but as we were half way thorugh we were informed that the next sitting was waiting in the bar area.

This was just before 9pm and it shed some significant light on why the service had been so swift.

A restaurant of this repute should treat its guests with the appropriate level of serviced befitting of the expensive nature of the bill, and an hour and a half for three courses, coffee and port is far from ideal.

The restaurant overall lacked atmosphere as the bar was packed with people waiting for seats.

My advice to any potential diners would be to book a table at Smiths of Smithfields. The service, food and ambience is phenomenal and you are given the appropriate time to enjoy your meal rather than feeling like you are dining at a fast food restaurant.
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Martin Shires - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, May 16, 2007

To celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary, I booked a table at Le Caprice for my wife and I. On entering the restaurant, the smiling and polite attendant quickly located our reservation and a waiter ushered us to our table. The table was then pulled from the wall by two of the waiters to allow my wife and I easy access to our seats - a very promising start. Our drinks order was taken within a few moments and delivered to us promptly.

I was advised at the time of booking that we would have the table for 2 hours (7-9pm) and to be fair I think the staff did an excellent job of balancing the need to reclaim the table with the need to ensure a relaxed dining experience for their customers. The service was extremely (but not overly) attentive and our wine and water glasses were frequently topped up. I found all of the waiting staff to be very polite and genuinely interested in ensuring their customers had a pleasant and memorable dining experience. They seemed to communicate well with one another and they appeared to me to operate as a good team.

When ordering, I asked the waiter if a particular dish was vegetarian. He assured me that it was and handed me their vegetarian menu. As he passed this to me, even although my wife had already ordered, he requested that I take my time to review it and left me to do so. I appreciated this gesture. In a similar situation in the OXO Tower restaurant a few weeks ago, the waiter stood over me while he waited for me to choose from the vegetarian menu.

With regards to the food itself, my starter (Tagliatelle with Wild Chervil and Barba di Frate) was excellent and my main course (Risotto Primavera) was good. My wife was a little disappointed with her starter (San Daniele Ham with italian onions and provolone cheese) but really enjoyed her main (Thai-baked Sea Bass with fragrant rice). Both of us thought the desserts were fabulous. Beware though if ordering the Amalfi lemon cheesecake as it is very rich. While I was eating my dessert, the Maitre d' came towards our table and picked up my napkin which, unknown to me, had fallen from my lap. He then disposed of this and brought me a fresh one - nice touch.

I fully agree with some of the other reviewers that the decor is not modern and would benefit from a touch-up. Nevertheless, I think it's part of the appeal of the place - you have the feeling that the restaurant has not changed much over the years - kind of stuck in time. Of course, that may not appeal to some diners.

For 3 courses for 2 people and coffees with a £35 bottle of wine, our bill came to £150 (including the discretionary 12.5% service charge.) We found this excellent value for money.

With regards to celebrities, my wife spotted an actor from the film Four Weddings and a Funeral who I vaguely recognised but that was about it.

In summary, an excellent dining experience, with good food, lively atmosphere and wonderful service !

We can't wait to go back !
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John Charlick
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, May 08, 2007

As part of the Caprice Holding,I was curious about this restaurant. We went here on a Saturday night. From the moment I came into the restaurant, I noticed that this restaurant appealed to a older crowd than expected (average age about 60), although a bit later in the evening, slightly younger folks arrived.

Food was oke although not spectacular. Dinner was served too quickly: within 5 minutes after ordering the food, the starters arrived (while we also got bread and butter prior to this) making the experience feel rushed. Male staff was very friendly, helpful and polite. Waitress was very rushed as well.

I wouldn't recommend if you are looking for a hip restaurant. Prices are decent, but I wouldn't want to pay more either.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 6
Sunday, April 29, 2007

We went to this restaurant on Sunday night April 8 which was Easter Sunday as we have heard so much fame of it. But to our surprise, my husband and I are really disappointed for the foods.

Waiters are nice, tables are not too crammed as Ivy which is also nice.

We had green salad & white asparagus for starters and they were fine but the mains, my husband's fish cake was not crunchy and tasteless; as my grilled squid was too thin and tasteless as well.

I think its because they got too many American customers so that they deliberate make the foods plain to fit their taste.

Very disappointed indeed!
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evon Wang
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, April 10, 2007

I wasn't around when le Caprice was in her hayday, so I don't have the sentimental attachment to the restaurant that I'm sure many have, but this is still a great place for a special dinner. I like a bit of bustle, and Tuesday or not, this place way busy. The lively crowd and live pianist made the atmosphere perfect. The decor is a bit dated perhaps, but charming, nonetheless. So many of these places come and go, it's nice to have a reminder of the past.

I love the menu. Enough variety to please everyone, and enough interest for a bit of a foodie, but not so extensive that you feel the place has lost focus. We ate what I suppose is their classic dinner, so everything should have been good. Everything was. My steak tartare was seasoned and served well, and I really didn't know you could make fishcakes that tastey (please do eat the cake, sauce, and spinach in one bite because it really is perfect). My wife's crispy duck salad was very flavourful and very crispy, and the bearnaise sauce that accompanied the steak was as it should be, but rarely ever is. We skipped pudding, but everything looks quite nice. Her Sautern and my grappa were both delicious, though.

And yes, the service was flawless. There when you needed them, not when you didn't. Discreetly attentive.

A very enjoyable night out.
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Dan
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, March 29, 2007

Last Saturday was our first visit to Le Caprice having been recommended by a friend it certainly wasn't a let down. The restaurant was full and buzzing and after a little wait we were not disappointed. I had the lamb which was superb, my partner had pollock which he described as the best he had ever eaten followed by Scandanavian berries with hot white chocolate which were utterly divine.

The waiters were very helpful, perhaps its time for a change in decor but thats all. I would certainly pay another visit to Le Caprice on my next visit to London. Fab, Fab, Fab
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Llin - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, March 15, 2007

I was impressed that almost everything seemed to be as good as my last visit about 3 years ago. I presume much of Le Caprice's success is due to its consistency. The food is very varied but of a high standard. I am always wary of places that have so many types of food on one menu but I could not fault it. The restaurant was buzzing, the service a little slow but otherwise charming and I had a very good time.
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Rick Brown
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, March 13, 2007