Elephant Royale

Lunch on Saturday for me and my daughter....

Only two tables in use; so we asked to sit on one of the other three tables by the window - we were told they "were all reserved".... We should have called it quits and left then.

When finally seated - the table we were given was dirty.

Noodles arrived in what tasted like a jar of supermarket ketchup - a sickly sweet tomato sauce.... Squid had an air of MSG and a greying appearance.....Rice was passable.

We made our excuses and left......

Such a shame because they have a great location - but without a deep clean, better service and a change of approach to their food they don't deserve to stay in business. Sorry.
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2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Saturday, November 12, 2011

I live walking distance to this place and I’ve been there a couple of times, however the last time was enough: Preheated lamb with a sort of “tesco” curry sauce, overcooked and chewy king prawns, and the coconut rice…. OMG the coconut rice… had to go back to the kitchen! Service not very friendly, atmosphere just there, the food overpriced. For proper Thai food I would recommend other restaurants in the area which are much better.
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3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Sunday, June 12, 2011

This was my first evening visit to the Elephant (after a couple of lunches outside in the sun).

The atmosphere was superb. A lady playing the piano and serenading the customers, she was quite good. I was given a table for too facing out the window on to the river, lovely view and the restaurant surroundings were just as good. Worth the visit just for the location and decor.

The food was excellent and definitely high quality Thai. We also had some fruit cocktails which were superb.

Service although a little brusque she was trying very hard and I liked the fact that she was trying and that they were happy to leave you alone when you wanted.

Price was good drinks and 2 mains, coffees for £40, they did add the tip without asking but I thought it was worth it.

I would highly recommend the Elephant and I will be going back again soon.
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Mick T
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, August 15, 2010

I've been going to Elephant Royale for about a year now and I have been 8 or 9 times.

The food is simply devine. The service....well the best thing I can say is that they don't interfere. The staff are perfectly polite but there is very little interaction between them and the customers.

The service is exemplary if you want speed and curtesy but sometimes the food is just put on the table without so much as a smile or even eye-contact.

HOWEVER.... the food is the best Thai I've ever had. We travel by train and then DLR to get to this restaurant which is a bit of a trek but always, always worth it. And the cocktails are luscious. We always start with a Rum-cup for 2. It's like a gold-fish bowl but soooo delicious!

I've never managed a dessert because I've never managed to finish my meal as the portions are more than generous.

Try it and see. The Lamb Massaman is fabulous! If you chat to the waiting staff they will reply and some are more chatty than others, but don't expect to hear their life history!
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nath - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, December 21, 2009

Food is fantastic. However, staff are expect their 12.5% tip regardless of the service they provide. I have been three times for the food and on all three occasions staff were equally as indifferent and extremely non attentive. Our main was only cleared when our dessert was places on the table. I actually had to go to the bar area to order our drinks, desserts and bill. It is laughable that the waitress didn't seem to happy when I asked for the 12.5 % service charge to be removed and we leave are own tip. She told me that this was wrong. I reminded her that it was complimentary afterall. A second waitress then ignored our leaving of the restaurant when I said Goodnight. Go for the food. The chefs deserve all the praise in the World, the waiting staff sadly let them down in a big way.
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M Close
3 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

My girlfriend and I went to the Elephant Royale recently on a Wednesday to celebrate her birthday. Overall a good experience, food, service, decor ...but the most memorable thing was the live music played by the singer/pianist called Eric. He played some of the most beautiful songs ever in a very charming and passionate way. We had a chat with him at the end of our meal for a drink at the bar at stayed around the piano till he had to leave!
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Eugene
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, February 22, 2009

I am a chef myself and i am very picky with food, because i understand flavour and presentation.

The Elephant Royal is one of the best restaurants i have been to so far in london

i highly recommend this restaurant to any thai lover.

The quality of the food, cocktails and service are very high.

I would recomend this restaurant to anyone.
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Latoya
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, February 09, 2009