Locale (East Dulwich)

Was here last night with friends celebrating a birthday, everthing we had to eat was cooked to perfection (especially the Risotto, mmmm it was delicious and our compliments to the chef), all of us had 3 courses of which we thoroughly enjoyed, albeit the food menu is slightly limited.

They offer a large selection of beers, wines and spirits all of which are of very good quality.

The atmosphere is nice and relaxed with no pressure to order, which was really nice as we chose to have a few drinks in the bar area prior to being seated at our table.

The staff here are really nice and very accomodating, especially Anna, as nothing was to much trouble for her and she made us feel extremely welcome.

This is not our local restuarant, as a couple of us live in Chislehurst and another couple live in Tooting, however, we think it's worth the journey to meet and eat here. We have visited here a few times now and on each occassion have received good service and food everytime.

We eat out at least 1-2 times every week and are not usually the type to write a review, however, as we had such a nice time here we thought it was worthy of a mention.

We most certainly will return.
Comment on this reader review

Debbie
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Where do I start. My girlfriend and I first visited Locale on a Monday night late last year - the lasagne I had resembled an instant microwave dish. Yet with a couple of drinks and starters it was still £80. For at best average food on a Monday night seemed a bit steep.

We have been back there since, every time sworn not to return.

As we live nearby, we decided to return for the fifth time this evening (we live opposite, we were lazy). Horrendous. The menu is unbelievably confused that it's difficult to choose something, it's like saying yes to the best of a bad bunch - and neither of us are fussy eaters.

The gnocchi resembled something out of a packet and the prawns were without a doubt straight from the freezer. It looked cold and tired. (The Palmerston nearby do a much better version!) The pizzas are a safe-ish bet but very limited and quite bland.

The management are always apologetic but nothing seems to change and we have even witnessed suspect late additions of service charge to be taken at the pin terminal without prior warning, having had the bill removed from the table.

The first question you are likely to be asked upon seating is 'sparkling or still' which is certainly not for the customers benefit despite the protest of the management.

I would recommend avoiding Locale at all costs, especially in East Dulwich as there are numerous eateries nearby that will serve you up some fantastic food for a good price.

The wine list isn't great either. The experience certainly does not resemble anything like Italian. Shame on them.

As a final note, they tend to blame a busy kitchen, but this evening there were about 10 covers.

In short, and from a prolonged, considered and ultimately painful experience, Locale is a pathetic attempt at contemporary dining.
Comment on this reader review

Dan
3 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, October 05, 2011

I must admit I was quite surprised reading all the negative reviews on this page. Every time I go to Locale i have a very enjoyable dining experience. The staff always make sure my friends and I are well looked after, they have a vast drink selection with plenty of cocktails to keep us going and since summer is almost upon us me and my friend are sure to make the most out of the outside dining/drinking area.

If I'm honest, the food could go up a notch or two but this does not detract from the overall experience.

Locale is a lovely little local (excuse the pun!) and I am sure to be a repeat customer.
Comment on this reader review

Teddy Bear
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, May 27, 2011

Visited Saturday. The place was buzzing. We were well looked after and the food was excellent. We haven't been on our own or in the week when probably it is quieter but this is a great place for parties and atmosphere was brilliant.
Comment on this reader review

Cliff
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, May 16, 2011

Our third visit in 6 weeks to Locale. First on our own, then with friends and tonight for a birthday. Great food every time and lovely lovely service with really friendly staff! How refreshing. Thoroughly recommend this restaurant. Just wonder if they could play better music!?
Comment on this reader review

Babs Pembery
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, May 13, 2011

I agree with the previous reviews, Everything about Locale is average or bellow, and over priced.

I won't bother going back there, my advice is stay away.
Comment on this reader review

Brett
3 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Friday, May 13, 2011

I've visited Locale on three occasions, two was very disappointed one I was happy simply because on 241 offer, otherwise its over priced with a slow service, we had to ask for the bill three times, got the drinks order wrong, the pasta dish was well over cooked.

I would not recommend for a full price, there is nothing special about Locale. They are far more better restaurants in Dulwich.

Would I go back the fourth time? Definitely not!
Comment on this reader review

Jess
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Friday, May 13, 2011

I was recently at this restaurant and had a great experience! The food was great and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly! I think this place is perfect for the village and is a great place to take family and friends! You will get great drinks, food and leave happy!!
Comment on this reader review

Nikki
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 05, 2011

Locale restaurant is absolutley horrible! The service is beyond HORRIBLE! The amount of time you sit there waiting to place a drink order you would of been eating dessert somewhere else. The wait staff try to do the best possible and all seem to be ok. Trust me I wouldn't waste my time stepping foot in there!
Comment on this reader review

2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 4
Sunday, May 01, 2011

Locale has been our 'local' for the last few months. One of the things we like best about the place is the layout - cocktail bar and patio up top; restaurant at the back. This means its great to drop in just for a drink, or if you want to make an evening of it you can have drinks in the front part of the establishment before moving to the back for a meal. Almost like being in two different places without ever leaving the building.

The staff is lovely - we've come to know many of them by name (and they us) - and the service attentive and friendly. We always enjoy the food - which runs from pastas and pizzas to chicken/fish/steak dishes. Wine list is decent, and as for cocktails we highly recommend the Bon Bon Martini :)

Great location and atmosphere. The opera nights are a treat. We were there again tonight, and will be back again soon. We have lots of choice in East Dulwich for places to eat and drink, and always find ourselves coming back to Locale.
Comment on this reader review

8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, April 29, 2011