Al Casbah

Both the starters and the desserts were so miniscule that they looked like leftovers rather than servings. The baclava was dried up and unpleasant. The main courses of those around us (piles of couscous) would have ensured that you wouldn't leave hungry - but only if you wanted to eat mainly couscous. My wife ordered a chicken tagine that was supposed to have been cooked with preserved lemons. It had no taste of lemon at all and no sign of any lemon in what was basically boiled chicken and potatoes with some olives thrown in. My grilled meats were all right but lacking in flavour (what happened to all those lovely spices?) and served with...well nothing at all.

And though the ambience was interesting - full of North African objects - this pleasant impression was opposed by the sense of stickiness that pervaded the place. Our table was sticky (despite being wiped twice -or maybe because of that) - the side of my chair was sticky and so I had to go and wash my hands. The toilets were too dark to judge for cleanliness but their smell certainly pervaded what is described as the Bedouin Lounge - an airless basement which had no one in it when we visited the restaurant.

They told me that I would have to pay by cash as their machine wasn't working. I told them that they could send me the bill at home and miraculously the machine started to function again.

Oh and I should mention the beer - lovely - called Casablanca. Unbelievably though (we visited mid-evening on a Saturday) they gave us two bottles but then ran out.

Overall I wouldn't recommend as the food was disappointing, the service was quick but not attentive, the hygiene was far from impeccable and I so wanted another beer.
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Paul
3 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Friday, August 06, 2010

Nice place with wonderull menu. We did my girlfriend and I enjoy the belly dancer and we have been served by a professional. I shall return soon with friend for an Hampstead experience. Merci.
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7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Sunday, December 27, 2009

Well, to get to the point, what would you pay for four smallish scoops of falafel, thinly scraped hummus ( approx. 2 tablespoons spread over a huge plate to make it look a lot), some ordinary lettuce sprinkled with feta cheese, and four slices of Moroccan bread? These ingredients are basically what one would expect for a falafel wrap at maximum three to four quid. Here, at al Casbah it is a starter for two persons (called Mezza something for two) at a price of almost 17 pounds (!!!) we ordered extra bread, and extra hummus to not leave the place totally frustrated, which added another 3 and 5 pound to our bill respectively. Al casbah, pull your socks up
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gouteur - View all reviews by this user
3 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 0
Thursday, September 10, 2009

Well, to get to the point, what would you pay for four smallish scoops of falafel, thinly scraped hummus ( approx. 2 tablespoons spread over a huge plate to make it look a lot), some ordinary lettuce sprinkled with feta cheese, and four slices of Moroccan bread? These ingredients are basically what one would expect for a falafel wrap at maximum three to four quid. Here, at al Casbah it is a starter for two persons (called Mezza something for two) at a price of almost 17 pounds (!!!) we ordered extra bread, and extra hummus to not leave the place totally frustrated, which added another 3 and 5 pound to our bill respectively. Al casbah, pull your socks up
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gouteur
4 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Thursday, September 10, 2009