Refettorio

I've been there a couple of times recently, casing the joint for our company's Christmas party (75 of us now booked there for dinner in mid-Dec.), and I think it's great. The slow roast rump of lamb is as nice as any meat dish in London. It's a big space, but very well presented in tasteful muted shades and shows how pleasant non-radical modern design can be.

The manager refused to take any payment at all for our first visit, and only under duress for our second and even then the drinks were on the house. OK they knew why we were there, but it was done with good grace and no embarrassment.

Full on London hotel prices though.
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Robin Joy
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Monday, November 16, 2009

We love Refettorio. I have been there for lunch with business contacts several times and tried it with my family recently (2 children 4 and 8 grandma and grandpa). They all loved it and my children since refer to it as "their favourite restaurant".
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, November 14, 2008

I called Refettorio to book a table and I mentioned that it was my boyfriend's birthday, so when I got there we had a really nice table.

The food was smashing, the selection of meat and cheeses was very good following by the amazing homemade fresh pasta seafood and fillet of beef with Marsala sauce.

Staff was smiley, friendly and not intrusive.

I would definitely go to Refettorio again and recommend the restaurant to friends.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, November 06, 2008

The service was polite. The food was a poor, and overpriced. Pasta with rabbit with no sauce, dry meat in huge lumps. Roast potatoes pre-cooked then overcooked so that they were a rock solid shell with no potato inside. Dessert of the day was dreadful - lemon cheesecake without lemon and a base so crunchy we needed a knife. Even the coffee was bad.

Wouldn't go back and definitely wouldn't recommend it.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Sunday, April 27, 2008

Was lucky enough to be hosted for a business lunch here earlier this month. Not having given the hotel (a Crowne Plaza) a second look before, I was extremely impressed by its contemporary feel which contrasted with the building's traditional British exterior. The restaurant itself was a very welcome surprise - a bustling lunchtime atmosphere, yet not overbearingly loud and stylish mahogany-focused decor.

We started with a selection of incredible cheeses, meats and breads to share, as recommended by our lovely waiter. Who says it's rude to eat with your hands? It would've been rude not to! For mains my oxtail and orange homemade pasta was incredibly tasty yet not too rich, ensuring I didn't feel the need for an afternoon kip, while my colleague thoroughly enjoyed her pumpkin risotto. I definitely recommend leaving room for the puddings though as they rounded off a refreshingly pleasant lunchtime experience.

Would definitely recommend this as a fantastic venue for simple yet elegant dining, either for lunch or dinner and was so impressed have already made plans to go back next week.
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Paulina Talamanca
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, May 22, 2007