El Vergel

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

I love El Vergel. The staff are great and the food is always wonderful, fresh and good value for money. I was a little nervous that the relocation from Lant Street would be tough for them, but the bigger set up on Webber Street works brilliantly. I've taken numerous friends here who always love it and want to return. I wanted to write this review as I'm slightly sad that others have had a less pleasant time here. It's a great place to try, I really do recommend it!
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 09, 2010

Apart form a couple of coloured fabrics hung on the bare concrete walls there is nothing South American about the place despite the website boasts a rich cultural background. Food quality is ok although in remarkably small portions. Service seemed decent at first but when we presented our debit card we were told that "cards are not accepted". When we pointed out that there is no sign anywhere in the restaurant stating this we were arrogantly told that is written in small prints at the back of the menu. The closest cash point is 15 mins walk. No apologies were given for this inconvenience.

Although food was not bad overall experience rather negative. Would not recommend. Plenty of better places within 10 mins walk distance.
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Edoardo
3 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Friday, February 12, 2010