Banana Tree (Angel)

Went to Banana Tree on the back of a cracking review in TIme Out. It started well: the spring rolls were absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, after that, it nose-dived spectacularly. My friend's five-spice chicken was like KFC popcorn chicken and my pad thai was a law unto itself. I struggle with how so many restaurants can bastardise this simple dish - and Banana Tree was a classic example. Gone was the SIGNATURE tanginess (from lime and tamarind) and in its place... some kind of weird smoky BBQ chicken thing. Horrendous. I tried to console myself with some corn cakes. This was an error. With about three pieces of corn per cake and an overload of flour, these, too, were so far off the mark I couldn't finish them... which for me is, frankly, a rarity. So, if you're after Asian chain food, stick to Busaba Eathai.
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Wendy
5 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Monday, October 03, 2011

Been coming here since we (four flatmates) moved across the street earlier this year. We often come as a group from our flat and the atmosphere is fresh and relaxed and the big tables easily take a whole lot of us for our regular Saturday brunch. Food is a spot on and service always pleasant. They have an excellent express lunch menu but I come here mainly for their creamy Laksa. Yummmm. Look out for the Italian hunk, don't know what he is doing in an oriental eatery, but who's complaining........definitely not me. Highly recommended!
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Janine Prowse
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, August 25, 2011

Pleasant enough layout and atmosphere and okay service.

Food doesn'tmatch up. Started with dumplings (lukewarm) and chicken satay (ordinary). Mains - green curry (pleasant) and stir-fried lamb (tough). All in all about the same sort of standard that you'd get from mid-priced supermarket ready meals.
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Rex - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Dropped by ahead of our treat at Sadlers Wells, yesterday. This is an establishment trying to emulate Busaba/Wagamama and fairing very badly. The starters tasted refried and there was a general 'sauce from a packet' feel to our main courses. The price is cheap but I would prefer to pay more for better quality, than be fooled. Decor was stale and basic. Service was odd, no orientals here and our waitress struggled with basic english. Wont be back, needless to say. Recession is good for wiping the slate of eateries like these. Thankfully the show saved the day.
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Jim of Essex
2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Thursday, June 30, 2011

I eat here usually around once a month - never been disappointed by any aspect of the place. The food is tasty, good value, always comes to the table hot and arrives quickly. It very much is what it is – not fancy – but clean, efficient and with friendly staff. When thinking about a where to go for a pleasant meal before the cinema or a night out – this place is usually top of the list.
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MOB
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Stumbled upon this fantastic restaurant on route to Sadlers Wells and had such a great time that I thought I'll write as it is a good choice for anyone visiting the theatre. We were in a hurry as we had less than an hour before the show started having spent longer than expeted coming down from Hertfordshire, and we were debating whether to have a post or pre-theatre but finally deciding on the former as we didn't fancy having rumbling tummys throughout the show. The service was swift and polite and when we told them that we were in a hurry, they assure us that we needn't worry as their wok chef were lightning fast!!! Sure enough we managed to get our two courses in and had ten minutes to spare. All an all a wonderful time was had by all, althought we would have like to have stayed for desserts. The food was great and the service enchanting. Will definitely come back when we next visit this area.
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Katie Harper
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, October 21, 2010

Not sure what Gourmet Chick is rambling on about. The menu is hardly ambitious - maybe she should stick to McDonalds in future? Anyhow, the main business here is to talk about the food. Tasty, plentiful, well presented, colourful - and cheap!! 3 of us ate there this evening and were very happy. Try the Banana Tree Platter, which has a mix of salad, sticky rice, corn fritters, crackers and your choice of curry/meat dish. Very tasty and satisfying. 3 courses each plus wine came to just over £70, which was a real bargain for what we got.
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Neil
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Sunday, October 18, 2009