RSJ Restaurant

Ate here recently before a trip to the National Theatre. Odd location, but the food was imaginative and well executed, the wine list was interesting (an excellent selection of wines from the Loire Valley), and the service and atmosphere were fine, although the main room is undeniably quite echo-y and the attitude of the staff seemed just a touch snooty. Definitely worth knowing, though, as it's very convenient for the NT and other South Bank attractions, and they seem to start serving dinner nice and early, making for a fairly relaxed pre-theatre meal.
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Lucy Penhaligon
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Sunday, July 20, 2008

Today I was taken to RSJ by an old friend whom I had not seen for forty years.She and her husband have been eating here for many years. I shall be returning. and can fully recommend this restaurant. Food, service and price excellent.
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Patricia Betty Baynes
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Having been an irregular but satisfied diner here for well over 15 year I chose to take visiting relatives from Canada to RSJ. It was a mistake. We had a officious, even bullying waitress (is there really any need to ask every person on a table of seven "no starter? in an incredulous voice), some food was not hot and since when has risotto meant long grain rice with a dollop of sauce on top? Charging £10.95 for macaroni cheese seems a bit steep, too, even for London.

We will not be returning - what a shame.
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Judith
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, October 10, 2007

We stumbled upon this place by accident after going to the Hayward Gallery one night. We had to wait 15mins in the lobby area as we had no reservation, but after other tables left we got in - and on balance it was worth the wait.

The food is relatively pricey but there's an excellent prix fixe menu - two courses for £16, I think - which is good value. None of us had any complaints about our food. My starter of Italian bresaola was lovely, as was the main of chicken with pilaf rice. The real highlight, though, was the wine. We had the cheapest wine on the menu - £18, so not that cheap - but it was superb. It's rare to have a bottle of wine in a restaurant that really tastes good, but this did. I see from their website that wines are considered their speciality, and no wonder.

The atmosphere isn't particularly 'special' - the walls are quite white and it's not overly intimate - and we had a few questions about promptness of service, but it's very handy for the South Bank and is perfect if you're looking for more of a treat than Strada, Gourmet Pizza, etc.
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Pete
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Friday, July 27, 2007

I found the food very good here-ingredients are very fresh, seasonal, simply and deliciously prepared. The dishes are not overly contrived as in many places, just high quality, straightforward presentation.

The staff are very accommodating. They are well used to pre-theatre and do it well and in good time. Their desserts (I had berry crumble with licorice ice cream) are wonderful. Also, the wine list is extensive.

My only disappoinment was the decor. Needs an update, pronto! If you can get into the upper room, with windows, great. Otherwise it's the lower level which feels a bit claustrophobic. Still, I would return without hesitation (and I'm picky!)
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Deb McDonnell
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Had a post theatre dinner here last Thursday 5th. Called in to book it on our way to the national, which is very conviently situated about 5 minutes walk away. The person who took our booking seemed a little put out when we asked for a table at 10 pm, therefore I clarified that they did do post theatre dinner and he agreed they did. Still not sure why he looked put out ... maybe because he didnt have any other bookings around that time and wanted an early night !! Anyway when we arrived at about 9.50 there were only 2 other tables occupied. We were given the set menu and the a la carte to peruse. We choose from the set menu andwhilst my friend declared her salmon delicious my gammon was a bit on the thick and tough side! Starters were excellent as was dessert. The wine list consisted of mostly French. The atmosphere was a little strange as we were the only diners from half way through our meal and we were very aware of staff standing close by and setting up for the next day.

Our bill for 3 courses and a bottle of wine including 12.5% service came to 60.00.
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Rita
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 09, 2007

I enjoyed my visit to RSJ. The food was very good, with some interesting combinatons. My Monkfish with bacon potato cake and caramilised onions was excellent while my work associates sea bass and chorizo risotto looked particularly appetising. Overall, there was plenty of interesting dishes to choose from on the menu and the wine list was very comprehensive and not too pricey.

The venue is a little off the beaten track, not especially close to the Royal Festival Hall or any office district. The atmosphere and decour was a bit of a dissapointment. The tables are a little too closely packed together and visualy, it is reminiscent of a museum canteen or restaurant. Not exciting!

However, as I said, I did enjoy eating at RSJ.
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Robert Parker
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, March 28, 2007

We went to the RSJ Brasserie after seeing a play at the National and were really pleased to have found a decent place to eat very close by. Overall I'd say this was good - good food and relatively well priced (an unusual, but welcome, surprise to see a reasonably-priced set menu for dinner at the weekend). Service was OK - took a long time to take our order and the food arrived before the wine did, but they were very friendly about it. Atmosphere was also fairly lacking, but the food was good enough to make this a place worth coming back to - recommended.
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ajp50 - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Friendly staff, reasonably priced and good wine. We ate pre-theatre, and the kitchen was very happy to speed the meal service for us, so that we were able to make the curtain.

For starters I had rabbit terrine, and my friend had the quiche (both were very good - the quiche especially). We both had the roast lamb as a main, and everything was very nice. Limited choice on the daily menu, but I prefer this, as it usually means more care is taken with that day's cooking. It was a very quiet atmosphere, probably not the best for kids or a stag-do!
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Thursday, March 30, 2006

My friend and I enjoyed RSJ very much. The food was lovely (good choice for both vegetarian and meat eaters) and the atmostphere was perfect for catching up with each other's news - without being disturbed or disturbing others. The only negative thing I would say is the wine was on the expensive side. We went mid week in February and only booked a couple of days in advance. It was very handy for Waterloo station so managed to get the last train home.
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Yvette
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, March 06, 2006