Abracadabra Restaurant

After being told so much about the place from work collegues i had to come and check it out for myself. I may say WOW - i dine out alot in and around London and all over the world. I am 1 for travelling. I must say i have never seen anything like it. It has got to be one of the most exquisite places i have ever dine in,well that and the peppermill in Las Vegas,both very flamboyant,lots of colour and very very eccentric. The food was wonderful and very filing by the size of the dishes. My starters the mushroom Julienne was the perfect dish for me to have,followed by homemade russian meat balls and rice,with a break in between and then dessert honey cake. One place that you should visit while in London for sure and take it for yourself. You wont be disappointed.
Comment on this reader review

Sarah
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 24, 2009

Went here last night with 4 friends. The food was ok but overpriced in our opinions, even allowing for the fact that it's central London. The menu wasn't particularly Russian either, a few dishes but quite a few that aren't (we were looking for Russian food) - specials included a full English breakfast. We were given a free salad which was pickles which were nice (although we only ate the gherkins) and the lamb casserole was tasty (if small).

Drinks were quite pricey, Stella is the only beer available & is £3.50 for a small glass. That's not too bad for central London. However, soft drinks weren't listed on the menu with a price & we had 4 lemonades between us. These were also small & cost £3.50 each - almost twice what I'd expect! I'd recommend tap water if you don't want alcohol.

Staff were friendly enough, no complaints on service. It was a karaoke night in the club downstairs & only 4 people had turned up so the host came over to invite us along about 4 times (including hovering whilst we ate & running over as we tried to leave). I don't know if he was part of the restaurant staff & whilst I can't blame him for wanting to double his numbers, we had said no each time so this was a bit irritating. When the karaoke was in full swing we were the only diners so the atmosphere was quite lacking.

The decor is something else. There's an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme according to one leaflet, although with a lot of other stuff thrown in, I think. Lots of random mismatched statues & art, very colourful floors & walls, curtains on the private booths... although I've never been to one it felt like a brothel. The darkness downstairs & fliers for 'private women-only nights' didn't help this. The toilets are downstairs & if you use the ladies make sure you look in every cubicle - they all have a different theme & it's amazing how much can be fitted into a small space! Not overly practical for using them though.

It's an experience. I don't regret going because the place is so outrageous that I can tell people about it. I won't go again though. In summary, one for tourists or hen parties.
Comment on this reader review

5 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 4
Friday, August 14, 2009