Cafe Wanda

I had the pleasure of my first visit to this little gem of a restaurant last night. After reading reviews that indicated they were sometimes hesitant to seat people I made sure to book in advance.

On arrival (7pm) it wasn't an issue; we were given our choice of any of the numerous free tables without any fuss at all.

We avoided the "traditional" Polish dishes - bolognese, fish & chips, etc - and "limited" ourselves to the Polish Speciality section of the menu.

We weren't disappointed with our choices; the shared Polish Platter to start, meat wrapped in cabbage and the Gipsy Pancake for main.

All of the food was well presented and tasted fabulous. No complaints at all. I can't wait for an excuse to go back and try more from the menu!

We did see a couple arrive at about 8:30pm, and get the hesitant seating treatment.

It would also be nice if they changed the CD once in a while ... Annoying Love Songs To Play In Your Restaurant gets a bit irksome the third time through. It was probably still on repeat from the day before (Valentine's)!

Overall a great place and well worth visiting.
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Chisel Wright
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Saturday, February 16, 2008

we (2 people) went here around 7 pm on a sunday night. when we got in the hostess was hesitant to seat us and told us she was closing soon. we asked when and she said 9. she sat us anyway (i guess i should have checked what time they closed. she probably just wanted to go home early as there was no one in the restaurant). because she wanted to go home early, the service wasn't that great and the food came very quickly. we were in and out within a half hour. i'm sure the service is better when she's not trying to close down but that was just my experience.

the food was good. nothing amazing but decent value--our meal for two dishes came out to about 20 pounds. I had the stuffed cabbage. it came with tomato sauce which was overwhelming. would be really nice without so much sauce and maybe some creme fraiche or soured cream.

Like I said, nothing amazing but not bad. will definitely try it again on a better night as the price was reasonable and atmosphere was cosy--cheesy christmas deco but i like it! made it all the more personable!
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Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Sunday, December 23, 2007

Went here for a late breakfast last Saturday.

A really excellent place to eat. They manage to serve up a tasty full english without a trace of greasiness and they were even polite enough to ask if we would mind having hash browns with it (as they were not mentioned on the menu but apparently someone had complained that they didn't want them when they were added without asking!?). I can't remember what the others had, but they were very good as well. The coffees and teas were excellent too.

Excellent service with a bit of humour and personality, but not OTTP. I don't know why people moan about the decor.... they had the Christmas trimmings up when we went and it looked great.

We'll go again.
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Dave Sumpner
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, December 20, 2007

My sister and I were fortunate enough to find this restaurant last night. The food was excellent qaulity and very reasonably priced. The service was attentive but not overpowering and the desserts were to die for. If you are fed up of Hamburgers and Chips then give your tastebuds a treat and make a date with Cafe Wanda. You will not be disappointed.
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Anne Stern
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, October 21, 2007

everything is very good:)
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katarzyna czyzyk
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, September 19, 2007

More of a cafe than a restaurant...

The decor is dated...

The paintings are dreadful....

However I go here every month because the staff are great, the food is excellent and the polish cheesecake and homemade chocolates are to die for........

On Saturday morning it serves a great brunch whether it's a fry up you're after or blueberry pancakes. In the evenings the staff always get it right whether you've popped in for a bite or you want to stay all night - nothing is a problem. A lot of restaurants should send their staff here for training - Cafe Wandas' staff know that they are in a service industry. Don't be superficial and let the decor deter you, go in and you'll become a regular.
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Mrs K
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, September 07, 2007

Cafe Wanda is my favourite place to eat. I love all of the Polish dishes, the Polish Cheesecake it to die for!!!! The service is friendly and efficient. They always seem to judge the speed of service correctly and allow you to eat quickly or stay and enjoy a long evening soaking up the atmosphere if you prefer.
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Ellie Prestwich
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, July 12, 2007

My boyfriend and I are also regulars at this fabulous establishment, with a continental cafe flavour to its decor. There has got to be something for everyone on this menu, which has some of the most interesting vegetarian options I've yet to see anywhere. The Polish dishes are divine. Mixed stuffed perogi, meatballs in a mushroom sauce, crepe filled with ham and cheese or spinach - perfect winter, warming stuff. The staff are friendly, professional and polite and don't rush if you're in the mood for an extended chat or reading the paper. The cocktails are spot on and big (try the cosmos)! And the dessert case with an extensive array of cakes and a huge selection of truffles is the perfect treat mid-afternoon or at the end of the meal (if you've still got room!). Unquestionably, the most interesting restaurant on the high street. Go, go, go!!!
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Ashley Brown
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, December 13, 2006

I loved everything about this restaurant! the food was both hearty and delicate, the portions generous and the menu varied. Some friends played safe and opted for pasta dishes but then spent the rest of the evening enviously eyeing up our Polish dishes. I had the mixed dumplings and will definitely have them again once I have worked through the rest of the menu. Waiting staff were enthusiastic and attentive. We rounded off a very satisfying meal with a few vodkas, expertly guided through our selections by the waiter.

Much better than all those Gourmet Burgers etc. o the rest of the High Street.
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Kate
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, December 06, 2006

My wife and I have become regulars at Cafe Wanda. The menu is varied and the food is excellent. The portions generous and the service is attentive without being intrusive.

The menu has several delicious Polish specialities. The Pierogi dumplings are delicious, as is the Hunters Stew, the Klopsy (pork balls in mushroom sauce). I could go on - as we've enjoyed everything we've tried there. There are also a large number of non-Polish dishes for those wanting something a little more mainstream.

I think that this place is quite under-rated and deserves a hell of a lot more business than it appears to get. I consider Cafe Wanda to be among my best restaurant discoveries in London. If you're on Clapham High Street give it a go, I assure you that you won't be disappointed.
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bigmontag - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, October 23, 2006