Refettorio

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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v - View all reviews by this user
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

Been here a couple of times, on both occasions I thought the food was overpriced for what it was. You won't be disappointed with the food, but you'll defintely find better value elsewhere. However, on all other points - service, atmosphere, style - it scores well in my opinion.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Friday, August 18, 2006

We went to Refettorio with a party of 8. It was an absolute disaster! Nobody seemed to take ownership of our table - We had to ask for our wine a number of times. Meals were rather average and our coffee never materialised. Service was just appalling. The decor was nice and the menu was interesting but we will never go back.
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Natalie Knoll
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Thursday, March 30, 2006

I took my wife to Refettorio to celebrate our first wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time. The service was attentive without being over bearing, the food was out of this world, we particularly loved the meats and cheeses to start with – what a great idea - and the risotto and lobster linguine were delicious main courses. The food was truly authentic Italian and the waiters and sommelier were friendly and helpful. Will definitely be visiting again soon…
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Nigel
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, January 30, 2006

We went there last week for lunch and I have to say that I have to say that we love Italy and we go there as much as we can.

The Refettorio is the ultimate Italian experience outside Italy. If you are looking for a genuine Italien experience, this is the place to be.

All the waiters are very friendly, using their Italien charme. And furthermore the food is outstanding.

Can't wait to go back there again!
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Bill - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, January 14, 2006

Had dinner here just before Christmas and it did not disappoint. Enjoyed drinks and some appetizers(the meat & cheese selection with delicious italian bread) at the bar, before sitting down for an excellent dinner. Service attentive, but not over the top. All courses very enjoyable (rib eye steak and perfect risotto). Brilliant wine guy who made excellent recommendations. Will certainly return.
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Dee
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, January 10, 2006

We ate there last week. It was rubbish. Overpriced and the boss rude. All in all one of the worst places I have ever been unfortunate enough to go to. 71 GBP for a poor lunch with no wine - what a rip off !
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Mr Adam
Monday, October 31, 2005

I just want to say thank you for such a magnific experiece, was a very nice lunch and a perfect selection on the menu...transforming the simple food (I loved the Piadina) in something nicer
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Kate C
Saturday, October 29, 2005

Appalling service. Expensive prices. Rubbish atmosphere. Excellent food.
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Friday, October 21, 2005