Caraffini

This place is a pathetic attempt at Italian food. I think all the positive reviews are coming from the mainly 60+ yr old patrons who've lost most of their taste buds. I had the minestrone which was more like vegetable soup and the linguine with clam sauce which I would describe as pasta just tossed in oil with a couple of clams on top. On top of that my bill came with a cover charge! That wasn't a service charge but just a charge I'm assuming for the terrible olives they gave me to start off with. I could have done without them and the charge on my bill.
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Sam I
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Monday, March 24, 2008

I've been coming here for years, and the restaurant has never failed to impress. The food is always delicious, and the service first class. Nothing is ever too much trouble and the attention to detail is what makes me want to return time and again. I've celebrated some very special moments at Caraffini, including dinner the night before my wedding, and if I didn't now live 5 hours away from London I would be back more often!

Nowhere is perfect, and one man's pleasure is another man's pain, but I have always thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of visits to Caraffini and would always recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal in the centre of London. The atmosphere is buzzy and the staff great fun and enthusiastic. Go and enjoy!
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Bella R
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

It is my favourite. Francisco and his staff are consistently the best and most friendly in London. The food is always equally as good.
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Kevin Swales
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 19, 2007

I cannot understand anyone having not had a good time and food at Carraffini. I have been so many times I cannot recall the number and NEVER had bad service at lunch or dinner and the food the very best and price. Whenever I come to London with my children it is always their FIRST Choice when asked where they wish to eat out.
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Emma Cobb
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, July 12, 2007

What a disappointment! I went there last week with my boyfriend's mother. We walked in at 6.30, the head waiter escorted us to our table and told us 'i'll be back to take your order in 20 mins because the staff have not finished eating yet!' We told him we were in a bit of a hurry because we were off to the theatre. He then told us, ok then i'll see what i can do. His attitude left much to be desired..he was arrogant, rude and very condescending..even though he had no reason to be. The food was very nice, but the head waiter just ruined our evening. When we asked him to get us a taxi to take us to Victoria he said rudely that we should walk because it's not far. We would have done that had it not been pouring with rain. Eventually we got a taxi and left the restaurant. I would definitely not go there again!
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Ylenia Darmanin
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Thursday, April 05, 2007

Following a reccommendation from friends we tried this last night with two other people. First class was our concerted opinion at the end fo the evening. One thing that impressed was the air conditioning, an inconsiderate couple lit up on the adjoining table and whilst one could not escape the noxious fumes and trite excuse for smoking the air conditioning carried it away as swiftly as they left! Food was in the good to excellent class, service impeccable, wines (from Italy) well priced and a great selection.
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Chris Hine
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, April 01, 2007

I have had lunch at caraffini many times and it is great. The food is always high quality and the service is always quick and reliable, and there is always a good atmosphere. A must visit for tourists and londoners.
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Charlie Rosier
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, October 15, 2006

I had lunch at Caraffini the other day, food was good but I found the service slightly confused and after a mix up with some wine (by admission their own error), I had to endure being insulted by the owner. I won't be going back.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Friday, August 04, 2006

Went on a Saturday evening. Terrific atmosphere and friendly genuine service. Very promising outside terrace on a nice quiet road. Food on the whole good. Spaghetti with 3 sauces cooked perfectly. Risotto a little sloppy for my taste and the superb lemon brulee was spoiled by hasty attempt at caramelising under a grill resulting in patchily charred sugar rather than crackly caramel. However, would definitely go again and ask them to hand torch the same dessert.
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Adrian
Saturday, October 08, 2005

Having done a huge amount of research, I chose Caraffini for its excellent write up and food critique. However, I was very disappointed. Although service was attentive, you felt slightly rushed and hurried into making a decision. The wine was offered and then taken away not to be refilled and when the food arrived, it was not completely cooked through. Desserts were delicious, but for a special occasion as it was, I was just slightly underwhelmed which was a huge shame. Maybe we went on an off night as can happen, but I wanted it to be perfect and it wasn't.
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Wednesday, September 07, 2005