Rimini Restaurant

We went for lunch on Saturday the 14th April to Rimini restaurant to celebrate the christening of my daughter. The food was fantastic, the staff could not have made us more welcomed even thought we were quite early and the tables were not ready yet (our fault). We completely put ourselves in the owner's hand in the choice of appetiser and main courses and were very happy with what we had, guests appreciated it and one of them (the owner of a famous restaurant in Italy) was very surprised with the quality of the food as she has eaten in other italians restaurants in London but the quality was not good. To impress her more we went back again on Sunday night and had the same treatment and quality again!!!! If you really want to know what Italian food is all about it Rimini restaurant is the one for you.
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Antida
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 19, 2012

Went to the new Rimini last week hoping for an improved experience from the old restaurant, but what I got was much the same, but now with glossier surroundings. Arrived with my mom and daughter about 6:30pm, and maybe 5 tables were full. It took far too long to be acknowledged given the number of idle waitstaff and empty tables, and I was shocked to be told we could not eat because they were fully booked! After some toing and froing it turned out most of the reservations were for 8pm and we were given a very stern warning that if they sat up we had to be done by then. We knew we'd be done, so took the table, but were left with a bad taste in our mouths. Rather than being welcoming and accommodating the waitress acted as if she was doing us a huge favour by allowing us in the front door! I had experienced this air of superiority from one of the owners at the previous premises, must be something he encourages in his staff. I ordered a glass of wine, and was disappointed that it came to me half-full and dripping from the bottom. Someone had either poured it badly or sloshed it about as it was delivered to the table. The pizza, however, is the redeeming factor, as it was still very good.

That being said, Rimini does not stand up to Sole de Oro on the Palmers Green triangle; go there for stellar, authentic Italian (they import many ingredients), a better menu, excellent service without pretense. And they deliver!
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Kate
6 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Friday, April 13, 2012

I also rate the new Rimini extremely highly. If anything I think the food in the re-opened restaurant is even better - as previously I found some of the dishes a trifle too salty and the portions a bit too large even for my large appetite..

Rimini is also to be congratulated on the excellent quality of its house red wine, served up at the right temperature and at a very reasonable price.

I agree it is a shame the re-loacted kitchen means the roasted garlic smell no longer wafts tantalisingly down Green Lanes - but the garlic pizza bread is as divine as ever it was.

At Rimini the welcome is always warm and genuine. One waitress always takes the trouble to ask how my teenage daughters are doing - and their busy social lives mean I've only taken them to Rimini a handful of times.

Cracking performance, Rimini - keep it up !
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Simon Oldfield
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Been to the New Rimini twice since it reopened opposite the Fox Pub in Palmers Green.

Both times have been a joy. It's good that the boys (Fabio and Fransesco) are back in business and doing what they do best. Simple, decent, quality Italian food served promptly that always meets or exceeds expectation.

The place has been very busy, then again having new premises and launching via local paper campaigns and word of mouth means that it should be. The menu is still nearly the same as at the previous premises. When asked the boys mentioned that the move was the big project, and that although they will being offering new delights they will adapt the menu over time rather than run a risk of dropping signature dishes and feel the wrath of hundred of regulars.

A sensible approach.

The restaurant, kitchen and all areas have been rebuilt, this is not a simple paint and signage refurbishment. It is leaps and bounds nicer than the old place, and my only complaint is that since the ovens are now to the rear bar area there is no longer the delicious smell of roasting garlic as you stroll along Green Lanes.

I was sorry to read a review complaining about the queues and general busy nature of the restaurant. As someone who as used Rimini for 15 years plus I would have simply had a chat with the boys, used the Fox for a pre dinner tipple and awaited a mobile call for when the table was ready.

Like any new restaurant, the machines need to be soak tested (used) and the general new setup will always have a minor teething issue here or there, maybe we have been lucky and not experienced the same problems as the poor reviewer did.

If I had I would have given the boys the benefit of the doubt, certainly I would not wish to deny my taste buds the gastro experience that Rimini offers.
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Chris McMahon - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Went for re-opening of Riminis...seem to have employed children as waiting staff and forgot obvious things such as side plates for sharing starters, poured prosecco all over the table, were ignored for 20 minutes while trying to pay our bill with a card.

Excused the above as it was their first night and put it down to nerves etc...went back with 5 people 3 days later and stood in the doorway for 10 minutes observed by every member of staff of which none came over to acknowledge us. Yes they were very busy but I found this unacceptable and we had to ask someone for a table who was extremely unhelpful. We ended up eating at Giovanni's which is one of our firm favourites, great food, reasonably priced, excellent service, top notch customer service skills and relaxed atmosphere.

In my opinion, Rimini has sold out on it's original cosy appeal and runs the risk of being too cocky too soon. Disappointing as we had looked forward to it's return. We however, shall not be returning.
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2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Rimini is moving up the road to larger premises and we can't wait until it opens in a couple of weeks - we're missing the atmosphere and friendly faces of the staff and of course the great Italian cuisine - delicious and wonderful value - suitable for all friends, family and couples
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Gil Elsden
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 20, 2012

This is certainly my favourite restaurant in the area, I have tried others but keep going back to Rimini. It is family run and provides the ideal alternative to the increasing number of chain restaurants.

On my first visit I was treated as if I was a longstanding customer and that welcome has remained over the 10 years that I have been going now. I have also taken many friends and family there and everyone has liked it so much so that if anyone is staying for the weekend then they always request that we go for a meal to Rimini’s.

The menu has a varied and extensive range of freshly made Italian food and I have always found the quality of the food to be excellent. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, they are also knowledgeable about what they are serving and will adapt items on the menu to suit individual taste or dietary requirements. They have a good wine list and a well-stocked bar but the main attraction is always the food.

I have a list of favourites from their menu, too many to list here but make sure you try the pate for starter, it is homemade chicken liver with orange and pistachio & it is divine – but don’t take my word for it just go & find out for yourselves. I can’t recommend it too highly.
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Tim
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, January 16, 2012

Visited this restaurant for Lunch on Saturday 8th October, the service was great as was the food, looking forward to visiting again.
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, October 09, 2011

I love love love this place! Brilliant family run Italian place! Just what Palmers Green needed! Excellent! Two thumbs up from me!
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Priya
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, September 09, 2011

Calamari was absolutely awful, they didn't bring me back £10 change they just assume I'm leaving it as a tip . Just awful, I will never set my foot in there again
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- View all reviews by this user
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, September 04, 2011