Ristorante Topo Gigio

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

Myself and my family went here for my sister’s birthday last week. Just go there! Its a terrific place and I will be returning for as long as it stands.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Saturday, July 14, 2007

Most people seem to visit this restaurant for a trip down memory lane to a time when it probably was a decent restaurant. However, these days it is definitely stuck in a time warp with awful food from an old fashioned menu. I would not recommend this to anyone. There are much better Italian restaurants in the West End.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Sunday, February 25, 2007

I have been going to this restaurant for over 20 years now since the age of 0, my parents held their wedding reception there, i had my christening meal there and I have to say the staff, food and service continue to be the best and most authentic Italian in London that I have experienced.

Myself being Italian it is a pleasure to find somewhere that tastes just as good as the real deal in Napoli.
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Fabio Tramontano
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, January 26, 2007