Sodere

Really disappointing. We ate here last night, and I was pretty excited about trying some authentic Ethiopian cuisine, but the service was terribly slow and the food was lacking meat. Read on if you want the details...

It took a long time for anyone to take a drinks order, at which point we ordered our food too - a spicy chicken dish and a lamb stew. Not all of the drinks came, and it took another 15 minutes or so to get them all. The honey wine tasted like vnegar (I wasn't sure if this was how it's supposed to be but it wasn't good!). The Ethiopian Bati beer was good though.

After over an hour of watching other people come in, order, finish eating mouth wateringly large legs of chicken, pay their bills and leave, we were the only people left in the restaurant. We asked when the food would be ready and were told 10 minutes.

The chicken dish contained ONE very small chicken drumstick (about 10cm long) - the sauce was good, but it was ALL sauce, and the lamb stew had a few very small pieces of lamb. It was all served on a huge pancake type thing, which is a great idea, but this tasted really vinegary.

We were left feeling unwelcome, disappointed and hungry.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Monday, May 07, 2007

This restaurant is fantastic. One thing these reviews have neglected to mention is that it is an absolute bargain!

The food is hearty and authentic with the sharing platters (£12 for two people!) being a good starting point for the novice.

This is the perfect place for a chilled out meal!
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Cameron Brown
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, January 09, 2007

I love the coffee smell mixed with the Ethiopian herbs as you enter the restaurant, but most of all the food.

Me and my family dine here with my guest from over seas, it a real piece of Ethiopia here in west London,

the food is great washed down with Ethiopian beer along with the honey wine.

The prices cannot be beaten with great service, Don’t take my word for it, VISIT IT
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David Clarke
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, August 30, 2006

The food is great, the service is very friendly and in case you are not familiar with ethiopean eating traditions, they are more than happy to explain everything. They import beers, wine and ouzo from ethiopia so you get the real deal.

The decor is not particularly great, however it has a home feel that makes everyone feel comfortable.

After having been there about 4 times I will definatelly return and recomend it to friends. It is great food at great value with a nice comfortable atmosphere.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Sunday, February 26, 2006

One of my best friends grew up in Ethiopia and he considers Sodere the best in town. Having myself visited three different Central London Ethiopian restaurants, I agree. We visit Sodere at least once per month.

Service is top, quality is great. Everyone eats from one large central plate, ideal for a casual meal for large groups.

Unique flavours abound, the Ethiopian butter used in many dishes is magical. Two/three Ethiopian beers available. I've never spent more than £20, usually hovers around £15. Excellent value.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2005