Buona Sera at the Jam

Excellent food, with a really quirky vibe.

The restaurant had a really good vibe, and the food was great for the price, particularly for this area of town.

I will definitely be visiting again.
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Visited Buona Sera at the Jam for the first time Saturday-- busy lunchtime! Amazing quirky place-- intimate with 2 tier booths made from scaffold poles and planks!

Service prompt and efficient , food authentic Italian and very acceptable ! wine list brief but very well priced and some good bargains. The Cesare Pinot Grigio and Chiaretto di Bardolino Rose outstanding!

Certainly worth a visit! Booking recommended
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ALLAN CHEESMAN
10 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, November 27, 2011

This is probably the most incredible restaurants I have ever eaten at. We took a while looking for somewhere to eat on a Sunday night that wasn't too expensive (for London) and we came across this place, and as soon as we asked for a table, the waitress was more than happy to accommodate us. We were put in one of the upstairs booths- why has no one thought of this bunk-stlye seating before, it's awesome!!! Anyway, I found it exceedingly hard to choose from the vast range of options on the menu, but went for the mushroom and gorgonzola pasta which was fantastic, and obviously freshly prepared. Neither me or anyone else I ate with wished they had gone for a different meal which is always a good sign given how hard the decision on food was. Service was very prompt and efficient without being sterile, and I found all of the staff happy to be there and very helpful. We were offered a pudding menu and were originally going to share 2 desserts but ended up with 3 and a coffee because they all looked so good. Incidentally, when going to the bathroom I walked past the kitchen and they obviously make all of the food freshly because the chef was in the process of creating tiramisu (which I had for pudding and it was the best tiramisu I have ever had, and I've had it in Italy). After paying (£61 for four of us, two courses and drinks, with an OPTIONAL gratuity fee, contrary to the review from the person who gave them only one star) we were offered a round of free shots as it was my sister's birthday, which was not only generous but also a more personal touch. The atmosphere was lovely- busy but not over-crowded- and I was consistently amazed at the seating system and by the efficiency of the staff given how busy it was. You wouldn't be able to find a more unique and fun restaurant in London with such good quality in everything, I would be willing to bet. Couldn't recommend this place enough, easily one of the best restaurants I've had the luck to eat at.
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ALW
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, October 24, 2011

Absolutely brilliant place, possibly the best restaurant I've ever dined in, stumbled upon it in search for food with 3 friends, and upon seeing the unusual bunkbed style seating and prices we (skint students) could just about handle (as a treat you understand) we thought it must be worth a shot. We weren't disappointed in the slightest!

The food and service were perfect, they were very quick, polite and friendly. Incredibly quick service actually, didn't have to wait more than a few minutes. For me (vegetarian) they were even nice enough to provide gnocchi (available on menu with meat sauce) with a sauce available for one of their other dishes, very accommodating.

THE PUDDINGS ARE TO DIE FOR.

They chuck on a tip on the end of the bill as standard (disapprove) but when prompted made clear it was optional and that they were keen for feedback.

Very very enjoyable experience.
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da5nsy - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, October 23, 2011

we love the Jam...the food is great....and even more so since they have a new chef...the whole atmosphere is made even more fun with the staff...love the manager Jimmy..can't believe he's from Barnsley..more like a cross between from Italy and Thailand...he has recommended us some fab food over the years...and made our experience wholly a memorable one..Maya and Tony are also so wonderful as managers...they just make you feel that you are special and are with family...yes there are hiccups but they are all so professional...you will not notice....the whole restaurant screams individuality...from the set up to the staff...food is affordable...great wines.....a fun day/evening...visit this restaurant if you get a chance..
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sukie salimian
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, March 26, 2011

Went there last weekend and was very apprehensive about all the mixed reviews around terrible service and mediocre food, however, i was still intrigued by the tree-house like tables so i simply warned my boyfriend in advance that the service may not be great but at least the tables would entertain us..

The service was really good, taking advice from other reviewers i book a table in advance.. Earlier in the day i called to move the booking to one hour earlier, after a little thought, i called again to move the booking back to the original time, the man on the phone was more than helpful and we even had a little chuckle on the phone at how i had called back so soon. The service was a bit dis-organised when we arrived and the waitresses were discussing where to seat us but as promised we got a high table. The waitresses were very friendly and helpful. At one stage one of them even advised us that we were ordering what seemed like a lot of food for two people. She suggested we order only the necessary and can order the extra dish if we felt like doing so after we had seen the size of the starters. We took her advice and then ordered the ribs a few minutes later (the ribs not actually that nice and microwaved so much they stuck to the plate).

The starters and mains were very nice and we were both very happy with our selection.. None of those 'Damn, why didnt i order what they got' thoughts.

All in all, from my experience there, a nice restaurant, good and helpful service, very nice food, very well priced and interesting quirkiness with the tables. I'd recommend!!
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9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Went to the restaurant for lunch yesterday (4th time of going) and again had a superb experience. The restaurant was half full at 2pm and the atmosphere was jovial. Great selection of food and wine and couldn't fault the starters, mains or puddings which were all of a good size and quality. Great music (70s/80s) music playing with the manager adding his own vocals which was rather hilarious. Love the quirky seating arrangement and the toilets need to be seen to be believed; never thought you could fit so much in such a small space!!!

For those who comment about the 12.5% service charge that has been added to the bill, this is the norm for ALL restaurants in London and at all times OPTIONAL, not COMPULSORY.

Will continue to recommend this restaurant to all my friends and family as overall the layout of the restaurant is unusual, the food and wine is excellent and the service a hell of a lot better than many other restaurants I have been to.

FYI - for the person who claimed the Manager was a foreigner and he not...........he's born and bought up in Barnsley!!!!
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9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 15, 2010

I cannot even tell you how much I loved it. went with three of my girl friends, shared a bottle of wine, each got a main dish (try the penne gorgonzola, it was amazing) and a dessert. Even with the service charge, it was only £19 each. We had an upper table, and the setting was great. Watch out though, we had to practically roll back to the ground, we were so full. If I'm ever in London again, I will absolutely go back here.
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Beth Mueller
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, January 19, 2010