Vanilla

We chose Vanilla to use a SmartBox gift and booked for 6pm on a Thursday. We had an excellent evening. Rather than the small cocktail samples and selection of bar snacks we had expected, we found the SmartBox offer provided a Bellini each and a full three course meal. The food was first class throughout and the menu choices, though limited for SmartBox, were more than adequate. We ordered a bottle of wine from a good and reasonably priced wine list. From beginning to end, the service was excellent. We were invited to sit in the bar for our cocktails and moved to the restaurant area at our leisure. The staff were attentive without being intrusive and extremely professional. We enjoyed the atmosphere at Vanilla. The decor is striking and comfortable and, even though a large party gathered in one of the sections, the noise level remained buzzing rather than overwhelming.

Altogether a very good experience and we shall certainly return and take friends.
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Jean Watson
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Yesterday we had to cancel our trip to the Tunisia because of the volcano in Iceland.

I wasn't happy! To cheer up we decided to eat out. When I sent the link of this restaurant to my husband, he wasn't sure about the venue as it was all in pink in the photo (too girlish!), but I insisted as the colour will change my mood.

In fact, when we arrived at 9:30pm, my husband liked the venue at once, the pink colour coming from lights, the restaurant looks like divided into two parts, one is for bar all in white, another is dinner area in black and white, the decoration is very modern, elegant and smart same as the drink and food area in 4 star hotel.

As to the food, crockery and service, all are good standard and very sophisticated. Notable was the spicy beef starter, it was very delicious. It is like a stylish hotel restaurant. The bill was very reasonable as well because we chose the set menu, three courses with two glasses wine including service only £54 for two!

We decided to meet our friends here in May - it is good restaurant suitable any age group.

I cheered up last night, but today I am still unhappy because my holiday has been cancelled!
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dd
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, April 17, 2010

We have been meaning to visit for a while as we live close by but something kept putting us of. Perhaps the intimidating walk downstairs to a basement in a nothing part of Fitzrovia was the reason. Either way, we plucked up courage and were happy to be met by friendly staff and the place half full (nothing worse than going into empty places). Personally I liked the decor although a bit Buck Rogers but it did have a feel of different and cool. On speaking to the manager it would appear that they have done away with the taster menu and have opted for good value a la carte due to the recession. Not a massive menu to choose from but all tempting. Our food was absolutely delicious - Scallops / Gnocchi starters, Duck / Tuna mains were fantastic. Nothing on the dessert list that tempted us but with a nice red and tip the total was less than £90 for the two of us.

Highly recommended and we will be going back with friends or relatives next time they're around. I wouldn't like to go when empty so pick your time well because when you get down the stairs to find it empty, it'll be an awkward u-turn back to street level.
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R Chevalier
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, November 09, 2009

One of the BEST restaurants I have been to in a long time. If you are after an "experience" then Vanilla is a must! The food is pure theatre - a very Heston Blumenthal experience.

We did the 6 course tasting menu - and the portions were perfectly sized. The flavours are so rich and diverse it literally leaves your taste buds tingling.

The staff get 5 stars. With each course a very friendly and knowledgeable waiter explains the dish, the ingredients and how it's cooked. Super friendly and happy to answer all your questions - as no doubt you will have a lot when you sample the sumptuous and often unusual culinary combinations.

Forget Nobu, Jamie Oliver's 15 or Sketch - this is by far one of the coolest dining out experiences I've had. Would love to head back with a group as the food will no doubt be the star of the night and the centre of conversation.
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P Gardner
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, March 12, 2009