Ristorante Topo Gigio

We did a reservation at the Topo Gigio Restaurant in Brewer Street Soho. We have frequented this restaurant for more than 20 years, we have recommended this restaurant to people all over the world, as I have been working with international relations, I´ve told colleagues world wide , if you would like to have a really good meal, go to Topo Gigio, excellent food, exellent service.

This time, the food was good, the service did not exist. Having our four chlldren with us for the first time in London, talking about this lovely Italian restaurant, the experience on Friday evening was a big, big, big disapointment. I went out and cried.

We will never go back and we will never recommend this Italian restaurant, no more.
View/Add comments (1)

Christer Anmark Sweden
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, September 28, 2008

I have been going to Topo Gigio since 1970 - in the days when it was in Gt Windmill Street (now the Trocadero site). The food and the service were just addictive - the move to Brewer Street took some of the the old atmosphere away, but the staff and quality of food and service remained the same.

My wife and I always eat there when in London, so imagine the shock a couple of months ago when we went and found the restaurant under refurbishment and...worse still, the old menu had gone, to be replaced with something altogether 'more modern'. Undaunted, we stayed, went on to enjoy the meal, and in chatting with the owner (he was just a lad in 1970) he explained what was happening. The old menu and style was not sustainable. He was very worried about losing his loyal older customers and did everything he could to make our visit welcoming.

We went away and gave it some thought. The food was great - even if the menu was reduced. The atmosphere was wanting - but only because the builders had partitioned off certain areas.

So, two weeks ago, we decided to go back - in force...with a party of five. The builders had not finished so the pre-meal drink upstairs was still not an option but the evening buzzed. The place was quite full (another waiter would have helped) but, I think it is going to work and we will go back again.

One piece of advice to the owner - in the old days, it was always possible to be squeezed in somewhere. I am not so sure that people out for a romantic evening like being 'tagged on' the end of a long table full of 'happy eaters' - especially now the price and style has become more individual.

But, be brave, give it a go and give Topo's a chance. The mouse sign may have been removed from outside, but I have too many happy memories of the place to let an old friend down.
Comment on this reader review

Aidan Thorne
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

We had a wonderful evening at Topo Gigio, the food and wine was excellent, would definately go again and would highly recommend this ristorante to all. We booked online and received 50% off the food bill which made the evening even more enjoyable
Comment on this reader review

David Williams
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, September 20, 2008

Topo Gigio started life in Great Windmill Street back in the 1960s, and I was a regular there before and after it moved to Brewer Street. The food was great, with a basic choice of pasta, fish, beef, veal, or chicken, with an excellent selection of vegetables. Always happy with the house wine, I loved going to “Topo’s”. It was fun: the waiters were slick, professional, and cheerful. Whenever we ate anywhere else I’d say, “it was OK, but I wish we’d gone to Topo Gigio”.

As a publishers editor with considerable purchasing power, I was entertained there – my choice – once or twice a week by printers’ representatives between 1969 and 1976. I lunched my father there one Christmas, and at the next table were four printers’ reps entertaining EACH OTHER, such was the popularity of the place! I was able to eat there less frequently after moving to live and work outside London, but I took a family group there one evening in September last year, and we had a wonderful time.

A fortnight ago I had a surprise. The menu has changed: it’s now rather chichi Nouvelle Cuisine with miniscule helpings and a very limited choice. “Can’t I have whitebait?” I cried. “Only if you have it off the bone, sir”, responded my favourite waiter with a twinkle in his eye. Oh, well. My swordfish steak was delicious, but cost £19.50, and couldn’t have weighed a dram over three ounces. My wife, daughter, and prospective son-in-law seemed delighted with their choices, though perhaps a little critical of the Bardolino (I drank beer). But I had the feeling that the end of an era had been reached – like when a new landlord changes the name of your favourite pub.

I had a word with the owner on the way out. Said I remembered his late father from way back. He told me that a grand refurbishment is under way, and that the menu will be extended when they’re fully up and running again next month. But, with a heavy heart, I have to say that I’m not sure I shall be going again.
Comment on this reader review

pmtw - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Monday, August 18, 2008

went with my girlfriend for the first time, even if the restaurant wasnt too busy the atmosphere was great and make me feel just like i was in italy.

Very polite and professional service togheter with good and genuine food wiil defenitly make me go back in future. Well done!
Comment on this reader review

fabio
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 11, 2008

Went with some visitors to this restaurant on wed.16th july. Very dissapointed with service, and menu very limited. Food cold especially the mash potatoes served with calves liver.

Waiter grumpy and never checked if everything was ok. Usually eat at La Perla down the road but thought we would try somewhere different, BIG MISTAKE. Restaurant was very quiet [wonder why].
Comment on this reader review

Katie
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Saturday, July 19, 2008

I was introduced to this restaurant by a friend 20 years ago and have been going there regularly ever since with girlfriends, my wife and now my children! Very special
Comment on this reader review

Andrew HOLLIS
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 10, 2008

I have been going to Topo Gigio restaurant for five years with my boyfriend and we love the place the food and serivce is brilliant. It's the best Italian restanrant in london.

Happy new year to you all in Topo Gigio see you soon

Christine
Comment on this reader review

Christine Axton
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

I went to Topo Gigio on the recommendation of an Italian chef, whose food I respect, as being the place that Italian chefs go to eat. What a disappointment! I ordered the Topo Gigio veal cutlet (£17.50) and received an escallop which was smothered in cheese and tomato. A rather ordinary and tasteless mess little better than a ready made meal. To my shame I did not complain but did not really have a chance as I was not asked if I enjoyed my meal by the rather surly waiter who rapidly cleared my plate. The other members of staff were polite but perfunctory in their attitude. Maybe it's because I am not an Italian chef but I will certainly not be going back.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Friday, December 21, 2007

I first ate at Topos in 1978 and like many of the other reviewers, cant stop myself from returning - in fact I have to force myself to go elsewhere sometimes, simply because I should! I have taken so many different people there over the years all of whom have agreed it was wonderful. The service is excellent - the politeness and attentiveness of the staff, who have a great sense of humour too. Then there's the food. Authentic Italian dishes, please dont go there for pizzza & chips!

Great food, great wine, great ambience, always a satisfying night out.
Comment on this reader review

Jane (Rickmansworth)
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, December 07, 2007