Four o nine

We went here for a birthday dinner last week. The atmosphere was lovely and intimate, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and the service was very proficient but still relaxed.

We started off with the cocktail of the weekend - the Pornstar Martini, which was delicious. At £10 each it wasn't cheap but definitely worth it for a special occasion.

The cornish white crab starter was absolutely delicious. The foie gras with crostini toast was ok, the toast was extremely dry and the flavour of the dish was a bit overpowering.

For mains I had the poussin and my partner had the lamb. Both were cooked perfectly and very tasty. Note: mains don't come with much in the way of veggies so you need to order sides.

For dessert the raspberry pannacotta was just delicious and the trio of icecreams were excellent.

This is definitely a hidden treasure in Clapham, and with the special deal menu you can have a lovely meal without paying an arm an a leg! Will definitely be back.
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9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, August 01, 2011

Had a very nice Sunday lunch here today to celebrate a friend's birthday. I opted for the roast beef and all the trimmings, and strawberry mille feulle (spelling), which included pistaschio and black pepper. Both were very nice. Service was good, and good value. BUT, apart from my party of 6, it was empty which did not help the atmosphere. don't understand why it was empty because I thoroughly enjoyed it. With wine worked out to £55 per head, which I think was perfectly acceptable.
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Jean - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 8
Sunday, May 29, 2011

Agree with comment below re service -was pretty surly service from our waitress throughout. We also went for 50% off menu which wasn't such a bargain when initial prices are so high. I won't be going back in a hurry when there are so many other options nearby. On the up-side the ambience was good and my friends' meals were fine. Also this is the second time I have eaten there (first time was about a year ago) and my first experience was much better.
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4 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 4
Thursday, April 15, 2010

Five slices of under done steak for seventeen pounds with over mayonnaised salad was not my choice of food speciality for the evening. Service left a lot to be desired then service was already included and we could see why. Lovely secret venue hidden away which gives a great sense of mystery thou after being given the all clear to enter the front passage door there was a great odour as you go up the stairs to the front door. Thought or hoped it was just passing but had to walk through it again as we exited.

Had been once before on not a 50% off night and the food was much better, flavour and cooked and even the service was a LOT more friendly, thou the food is not worth paying full price for unless money is no worry and food as common as a cup of tea.

The mystery was great but the food and service left a lot to be desired tonight sadly.
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Dee
4 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 4
Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I dined here on Friday with several friends, both of whom recommended it. I was not disappointed.

From the moment we entered the restaurant, we experienced a level of service and attention that is missing in the majority of establishments. Some of the more 'in restaurants could learn that a courteous and attentive welcome, coupled with informative waiting staff and a relatively short yet well rounded menu are the keys to a loyal clientbase and highly enjoyable evening.
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Patrick Craig
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, February 15, 2010

We found this very disappointing, given the great reviews it got. We were forgotten from the time we sat down for the entire evening until coffee when one of our party's cup was removed before he was finished. The canape's if you could call them that were tiny and the cheese ball was just fat. Entree was nothing special. Mains of pheasant and steak were very nice, although the fish gurnard was overcooked and quite full of bones. Dessert was also very good, however it was having to get up twice to find waiters to take our orders which really spoiled the evening.
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T Cooper
3 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Monday, November 30, 2009

four o nine is what I would consider the ideal neighbourhood eaterie. Its not the cheapest place you could find, but the food is consistently excellent: fresh, tasty and unusual. The service is welcoming and I have always felt I am a valued customer. I had my 30th birthday in their private room this weekend and all the staff involved seemed completely focussed on making sure my guests and I had the perfect evening. We were also greeted with a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival which was a lovely touch. In terms of South West London restaurants, I would say it is most similar to the lovely Lamberts in Balham but possibly a bit more buzzy. Try it!
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Isabel Hopkins
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, July 26, 2009

Have eaten here three times now, which I guess means I enjoy it, but I have to say I am increasingly disappointed with each visit. The menu does not change very much - foie gras parfait/belly pork and sea bass/rib-eye/rump of lamb as they have had for years. They are nice dishes - I've had them all - but not so great that they demand permanent fixture status.

The restaurant itself looks great, but service can be slow to the point of frustration. I'm going again at the weekend and will be interested to see if they have picked up their game.
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Pete
7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, April 22, 2009