Pappagallo

Having eaten at this restaurant on a couple of company events before, I decided to book the private dining room upstairs due to the decent food and lovely atmosphere for my wife's birthday dinner.

The dinner went well, with guests enjoying the food, atmosphere and company. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the service. My guests were in agreement that the waitress attending our table was unfriendly and bordering rude. I left it at that, as I'm of the opinion that so long as the food is good, I can overlook the poor service. After all, this one waitress could be a bad apple.

After settling the bill, I discovered that the waitress had thrown away what was at least half the birthday cake. I was rather upset with this but decided not to take it up with the management that evening and spoil what was a lovely dinner.

So, the next day, I called the manager to complain. He promised to check with the waitress and to call me back. The following day, there was no phone call. Two days after, I called back and was told that the waitress claimed that there was only a quarter of the cake left and the bit which was left was in a mess. Hence why she took the liberty to chuck the cake away. According to her version of events anyway.

Firstly, there was definitely more than a quarter of the cake left. The cake was meant for 15 people. There were 17 of us, but I specifically told the waitress to serve SMALL pieces as we've all had dessert. So, there has to be leftovers, enough for us to take home.

Secondly, quarter, half or three quarters would be her words against mine, BUT the waitress has absolutely no right whatsoever to throw away what was left of the cake without first asking me. It is just NOT done.

Thirdly, when I complained to the manager, he was bent on blaming me rather than trying to resolve the situation. There was no apology nor an offer for compensation. What I got instead was a curt, “So what do you want?”. I explained that the least that he could have offered was an apology. He did in the end, which by then was too little too late.

Lastly and what really ticked me off about the whole episode was, why was I made to feel like I was lying? In fact, if the manager had thought it through carefully, he would have realised that there was no motivation for me to lie.

I guess the hedge funds lining the nearby streets must be doing well since this restaurant can afford to alienate their guests in this market conditions. Would I go back to a restaurant with poor service and a manager who implied that I am a liar? Certainly not, and I doubt you would too.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, June 05, 2009

I went to Pappagallo last Friday for dinner with a german lady and it's been a very good experience. The staff was friendly, the service quick and the atmosphere quite soft. I had soup of the day for starter and veil steak vith potatoes while my friend took a mixed salad and tuna steak. The food was excellent and we both enjoyed it. The bill was reasonable, if you think we're talking of a restaurant in Mayfair.
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Silvano
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, June 09, 2008

Went here last week for the first time, it was a nice surprise! Great little restaurant, fresh tasty food, I had Scallops for my starter which were superb and a fish main also nice.
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sharon - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, October 19, 2007

I've been to Pappagallo recenlty and I was very pleased. The service is excellent and the food is outstanding. I had a light lunch so didn't chose anything complicated but all I've ordered was absolutely fantastic. Try their Zucchini fritti because they're really a special taste of Italian cousine. The staff is very kind and the classy Italian speaking metre makes all Italians feel at ease and makes anyone feel like they actually are in Italy...it's not cheap but you pay for what you get.
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Isabella
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, August 08, 2007

I ate here with some friends the other evening and we had a great time. I should have paid more attention to the food but the ambience was excellent, the staff faultless and the environment conducive to an experience to remember. Please get my table ready for the next visit!
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Rowen Atkinson
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, July 14, 2007

Excellent!

My wife and I went for dinner a few nights ago and loved it. Friendly staff, and great food. This restaurant now ranks as one of our favourites in London.

Cheers
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Jason Acton
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, May 08, 2007

I went to pappagallo for the first time yesterday for lunch and had an excellent meal.

The gnocchi with tomatoes, broad beans, and ricotta salata (a salted ricotta grated on top) were not only amazingly light, but probably the best I had in London so far.

My secondo though really did it for me: a pork fillet wrapped in herbs that was superb (accompanied by a v delicate corn flan). I highly advise you try it if you go there.

Finally a v good (real) Italian restaurant that does not break the bank. About time! The staff told me they have a new chef, and I really hope they are able to keep this level up. Complimenti.
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Edoardo
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 03, 2007