XO

Disappointed by the so-called pan-asian food ant the slow service. The smoked duck was dry and compares unfavourably to what it is available in Chinatown for a fraction of the price. I go out for dinner quite often and Asian food is a common choice and so far this has been the least exciting experience.
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Carme
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Monday, March 05, 2007

Service lets this restaurant down. We had to phone the restaurant to get the attention of our waiter (not joking). Sort it out and the restaurant is a winner. In the meantime service at McDonalds is more attentive.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Thursday, February 15, 2007

Another link in the Ricker chain, which is increasinly becoming formulaic, and, dare I say it; chain-like. This one looks like a cross between E&O and Eight Over Eight, which given its background is perfectly understandable. the food here was, admittedly, both interesting and often very good. The king crab claws with pepper mayonniase were the best I have ever tasted, I usually find crab is simply not worth the price, but these were succulent, delicate and tasty allatonce. The claypot chicken was another high point, dates and waterchestnuts adding flavour and texture to a dish which was a delight to someone like myself, who usually shuns the fowl in search of more heavy meat and poultry. The foie gras gyoza hit the spot, as did their incredibly rich coffee-like sauce. A miso soup with peeled edamame and poached quails eggs was "interesting", although the stock for the soup was exceptionally rich, the whole dish somehow did not work for me, the edamame even started irritating me halfway through. The chilli salt squid was slightly disappointing, not as good as I remember it being at E&O, and the fresh mint tea was spoilt by skimping on the quantity of mint. Overall though the meal was full of flavour, well designed, cooked and presented. Also it was v. filling. The service was slightly chaotic - just teething pains I think - but very friendly, and we left feeling over-stuffed (our fault), and having enjoyed ourselves.
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Orlando Matkin - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Absolutely outstanding. I have been anxiously waiting for this one to open as it's nearer than the Notting Hill E&O. Food was exceptional. I particularly recommend the chicken and coconut salad, sounds uninteresting but tastes superb. The chilli squid is excellent, also the crispy scallops, pepper tuna, chicken dim sum (also sound dull, but taste was amazing). Prawns tempura was the only dish that was not worth the money, tasted nice, but the squid is far superior. Tried the frozen berries and white chocolate sauce for dessert, fab. Can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. Book in advance though, it's only been open a couple of weeks, and it was fully booked.
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Natalie
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Sunday, January 28, 2007

Excellent food and a wonderful night was had by us all - amazing atmosphere, and great new dishes from the Ricker stable. Scallops were a particualer favourite - they were served as crispy bites beautifully presented and extremely tasty, Sushi and sashimi as always executed perfectly. A welcome and quality addition to an otherwise restaurant free zone.
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Georgie
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Having been a regular at all of the Ricker Restaurants - Eight over Eight, E&O, Great Eastern Dining Room and Cicada I was eagerly awaiting the opening of XO. I went on the first official night of opening (last Thursday) and I was delighted to taste numerous new dishes - alaskan crab, drunken prawns, xo crispy scallops (my favourite), bursting chicken long bau (my second favourite) and clay pot chicken. The bar was bustling with most people enjoying snacks in the seated area whilst others downed delicious cocktails (the mojito is to die for) - for the non-drinkers the non-alcoholic mojito is just as tempting - apparently. The room is chic and sophisticed, with the most beautiful mobile hanging lights. The dining room is, in my opinion, the best out of all the Ricker venues. It feels more spacious with a great double banquette in the middle - perfect for star spotting (both gweneth paltrow and gwen stefani have already been). XO will be another one of my haunts for sure but I am just wondering whether I can fit all the other Ricker Restaurants in?
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, January 15, 2007

Firstly, I view the Will Ricker group of restaurants as somewhat interchangeable and therefore tend to go to whichever one is closest to my desired location. I wouldn't necessarily travel for miles to go to the new Belsize Park venture.

That said, I had a lovely evening out.

Highly recommend the black cod with miso (a Nobu signature dish but nevertheless done well here), and the rock shrimp tempura. Steer clear of the drunken prawns - £16 for what is essentially two largish prawns divided into 5 pieces each does not a main course make! Also enjoyed the lamb shank rendang, the meat was extremely tender and the sauce was thick and rich. Obviously the restaurant is new and there are still a few teething problems. However, I would recommend this restaurant.
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Foodgal
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, January 12, 2007

Part of the Ricker chain, XO in Belsize Lane is sister to his NottingHill stalwart E&O. This new incarnation is larger and finally has some room at the bar. Decor is standard minimal dark horizontal pannelling with interesting mobile (a la Chadwick?) syle lights over the bar. The Restaurant layout is similar again to E&O with plenty of 'see and be seen' opportunities especially at the large banquettes around the edge. The food is Asian inspired, which can be pretty unispiring these days, but with solid dishes like salt and pepper squid, drunken prawn, a beef carpaccio along with sushi rolls with eel and scallops in what is best described as shredded wheat (don't know the technical term) it does deliver. All the tastes and flavours are good with a foie gras dumpling standing out and a very well cooked duck. Prices are okay, but ordering many dishes for the table to try, which is the best way to enjoy this menu, quickly adds up. The wine list wasn't complete when we went for a tasting, but there was at least a white Burgundy, almost mandatory with Asian food, and a new world pinot noir that wasn't too sweet shop, otherwise there is beer and cocktails. If I lived in the area i would be in once a fortnight until my money ran out - but isn't worth travelling past other similar places to get to.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, January 11, 2007