Buddha Bar

Been to buddha bar a few times last year and quite enjoyed it each time. Thought I would go again last week as I heard they have a new female head chef. There seemed to be a lot of problems with the food that night and even with some other close by tables. I think buddhas time has been and gone.
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d.k
1 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Overpriced! i don't mind paying high prices for food that warrants it, but i do object to paying high prices for food which is no better than average. i ate at buddha bar with 2 friends, and i'd say only one of the 3 starters justified the price. the mains were barely average, and the noodles looked and tasted no better than i presume you'd find in a 'eat all you like' chinese restaurant! i would summarise as all style and no substance - and at a price!
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3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Friday, December 04, 2009

Over rated, over priced and under lit.

It's reputation might precede it but if you are looking to eat go somewhere else. If you fancy some over priced cocktails I am sure it is fine as long as you aren't planning on reading anything like the bill. It is so dark that at one point all eight people round our table had their phones out to provide enough light to read a menu. Fortunately, one member of our group just happened to have a maglite with them which the waitress had to borrow to check the label on a wine bottle.

The food was nothing out of the ordinary and I can't comment on presentation because I couldn't see it.

This is one of the places that tries to ensure exclusivity through pricing. We went midweek using a 50% off food deal and it still wasn’t worth the money.

A note to managers of this and similar establishments - I am not five years old or an octogenarian with alzheimer’s. I do not need an assistant in the toilet to work a soap dispenser, pass me a paper towel and expect a tip for services rendered.

I will not be going back unless it's with some ugly rich friends that I don't want to look at.
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SG
4 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, September 02, 2009

I booked a table online at this restaurant for my girlfriends birthday. On the day I received a phone call from the place to confirm my reservation and to tell them that I was bringing my girlfriend to celebrate her birthday. They were more than happy to create a special birthday message on her cake at short notice.

The décor is just amazing when you walk in. The giant Buddha overlooking the place is great. I had heard a lot about the 2 hour window that each table has before you get kicked out but this was certainly not the case as we never felt rushed with anything.

The starters we ordered were pretty good but nothing extraordinary but we thoroughly enjoyed the main course and desserts.

Also, the bill was less than half of what I was expecting to pay!!
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PC
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, July 07, 2009

We ate at the Buddha Bar last Friday evening taking advantage of the 50% special offer. The service was superb but the food was average. I would have been very disappointed if I was paying full price.

The interior design is very gimmicky and dark. Definitely a place for a romantic meal.

All staff were very friendly. Our waitress was particularly helpful.

Probably won't go back.
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Ewok
6 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Monday, June 22, 2009

Went here for a business dinner, group of 12. Cocktails were amazing, although I was glad none of us were paying at £12 a pop. Had a fantastic night service was superb, food was amazing. Had the same feel as Buddha Bar in Dubai, was just as packed. It was really nice not to feel rushed either, for a change there was no 2 hour slot that you got packed up and shipped out when your time was up.
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Amelia
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 27, 2009

Totally agree with the review of Mrs P.. Saturday saw the place packed out, with both diners and party-goers; darkness definitely adds to the ambience; opulent surroundings - as good as anything Ive seen in London or NYC; ushers made you feel very welcome; service very good until the main course arrived and then very poor after that (dessert and coffee took over an hour to order and serve); sashami was as good as any place Ive tried (yellow tail jalapeno exceptional); cocktails were very good but pricey as one would expect; desserts heavenly (creme brulee is a must!); great date place but he/she needs to be worth it.

One small issue - the music was sub-standard. Didnt think Moroccan music suited the overall theme of the place. Hopefully it was a one-off.

Definitely going back but only after I pay off the heavy bill.
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Rich H
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 06, 2009

Went to the Buddha Bar on a Thursday night for a friend's leaving dinner. First impression was very impressive - a huge interesting space, very dark, great atmosphere. We had cocktails in the bar upstairs first, which were delicious, as were the prawn crackers. Drinks were expensive, as we expected (e.g mojito £12)

Food was really good. Took ages to order as we liked the sound of everything, recommend the chicken salad starter, but everything we had was lovely. My main - black cod - was sublime. £22 a serving, which I thought was great value as it was a large portion. Would order again and again!

Had read negative reviews about the music but didn't think it was too loud at all and added to the ambience. Fitted the place perfectly. We certainly didn't need to shout / raise voices to talk to each other.

Service was good to begin with, but we felt ignored for the last hour, and had to call staff over to order desserts, ask for bill, etc. But we were not rushed and had the table for 3 hours.

It is so dark everywhere, we couldn't even find the toilets and got lost behind a curtain but it all added to the night and atmosphere.

Overall, a VERY expensive night, but would go again for special occasion! Would also recommend for a date - v cosy!
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Mrs P - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, February 10, 2009