El Vergel

Had lunch here with a group of colleagues today and not impressed. We have eaten here reasonably regularly but usually go for the specials.

Today we had good food, poor service, over charged, abused by manager (not once but twice).

Yes, the food is on the whole cheap and nicely made, but the atmosphere is non-existent, the prices for juice are ridiculous for what you get (small tumbler that was more froth than juice), and the manager was so rude (and obviously dosnt understand the concept of (a) not flogging a dead horse and (b) being POLITE to customers).
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AussieFoodie - View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Thursday, May 03, 2012

I'm surprised to read about the negative reviews of El Vergel ,in particular the comments about the relaxed attitude of the staff - that is kind of the point, it isn't a place to stand on ceremony, people just walk in and make themselves at home!

I've been coming here on and off for nearly ten years, since way back before it outgrew its cosy venue in Lant Street. I always have the same thing, the amazing churrasco queso, despite always looking droolingly at some of the other diners plates - its all really appeallng, fresh and authentic. And quick, making it a fantastic place to stop for lunch if time is tight. I no longer live in London but its always a treat that I look forward to when I'm in this part of town.

Only gripe is minimum spend on credit cards which is annoying! Otherwise highly recommended.
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Richard
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, January 13, 2012

Great place, food is fantastic. Took friends there and they loved it. The cheesecake is a must-try... LOL @ the guy who walked 15 mins to a cashpoint, the costcutter had one for me and my friends.
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Jaime
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Nice location and very well decorated, great way to establish the concept, really liked the space: when we arrived (about 11 am) almost no customers but we wait at the door for a while before anybody notice us, at the table the waitress did'nt give any information about soup of the day or any specials and looks like didn't have much idea about the menu items, nice smile but we could order for more food to enjoy different flavors but she said that two of the specialities and one salad will be enough for two, flavours were great, simply, fresh and the salsa sauce that we got at the table was very authentic, when we finished the food we try to ask for something else but no attention from the waitresses, I understand that we were in the time that they have to get ready for lunch time but still provide somebody that take care of the customers, was dificult to get the atention from anybody and when finally somebody got to us, was a nice girl that didn't have much idea about what was going on, we ask for the chicken avocado sandwich - was ok, cold bread (artisan) and got very soggy very soon. chocolate mousse homemade very good and good colombian coffee but a little bit on the cold side.

In conclusion could be great but was just one more place with affortable street food, don't understand owners opening a restaurant, preparing very creative or authentic food and failing dramatically on the customer side, would be great have waiters/tresses who have good idea about the menu and can serve chef and owners artistic creation in a professional way. Won't recommend - won't return back, sorry.....
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RUBEN SAMPEDRO
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, July 27, 2010