Riba Cafe

Having worked passed the impressive building on numerous occasions I then found out that not only was it open to the public, but has a bar, cafe and restaurant. When you walk inside you understand that this is truly the home of architects; it has a wow factor and the more you look the more you find!

I dined with two business colleagues, who are both fussy in their love of food.

The menu was full of seasonal dishes in the modern European style. There was even an offer for those in a hurry of two courses in 45 minutes, which we thought a good touch.

We found the food to be extremely competently cooked and well presented and the service both polite and friendly. I have since been using the restaurant on a regular basis to entertain clients and would recommend it to any one, as one of the hidden gems of London.
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Alison Broadhead
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, February 08, 2008

I ate at the RIBA restaurant last week and was amazed at how good the food and service experience was - and I'm a difficult diner to cater for. I travel to many European cities and most Institute/Museum dining experiences are not in line with the quality of the surroundings or environment - this however is!!

I wouldn't hesitate to return here for lunch to entertain clients again.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, September 21, 2007

The RIBA restaurant is on the first floor of the beautiful 1930s building that is the headquarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The space is gorgeous and there is an outside terrace (smokers, note). Unfortunately the food is very ordinary, as if cooked by someone who doesn't really like food very much. It looks nice on ther plate, thoiugh.

The service -- apart from the maitre d' -- is pretty offhand, even rude. How hard is it to understand an order for one bottle of one wine plus one glass each of two other wines plus glasses of water all around? Apparently a major intellectual, or perhaps linguistic, feat: it took two different waiters, with some reminders from the table and help from the maitre d' approximately 5 trips to sort this one out.. Then there seemed to be something wrong with the fish that one of us had but seemingly the customer is always wrong -- the plate was taken away with scornful laughter. 'Hey lady, how's your fish?' the waiter asked another on of us having the same fish. It's just style all the way down.

Seemingly, the space can be booked for private parties -- could be a good idea as really the setting is lovely. But bring your own cook and waiters.
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, August 21, 2007