Cristini

Awful service, horrible food, cold and overpriced. I've never felt the need to write a review of a place where I've eaten, but I really feel I ought to warn people about this one. It looks cosy and inviting from the outside, but inside it is freezing cold because they leave the door open. There is a £7 cover charge for a few bits of old bread and some olives. You have to ask them to bring a tiny amount of olive oil. They brought starters we didn't order and then wanted to charge us for them. The manager came over – a man who has the chilly formality of a palace functionary, and none of the charm – and argued with us about it. Then £15 buys you a main course ravioli consisting of six thin envelopes of cheese, with no trace of the advertised parma ham. At the end, they put a 12.5% service charge on the bill and then argued with us again. No wonder the place is almost empty on a Friday night.
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Christopher
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Saturday, November 12, 2011

enjoyed the meal but they instructed me that they would e-mail the bill, this really is not good enough. I have since returned to Ireland and am waiting on my bill, which I need for my expenses through work !
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Eamonn
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Monday, October 18, 2010

We've come to Cristini's quite a few times since 2007 (often Valentines Day and some meals with family and friends), and have always been impressed by the warm welcome, atmospheric buzz and cosiness, without being claustrophobic. The artwork changes often, but the warm welcome of the staff always makes me feel like I'm coming home.

We asked for olives and garlic bread on arrival. The latter arrived in the form of a light and well-spun pizza dough, just how I like it, with a crisp, bubbled rim and softer centre. Normally this quantity between two would be too much before the starter, but it was so thin as to almost dissolve and was not splattered with butter and cheap dried herbs as is often the way.

I selected the pure Cabernet Sauvignon for a palate challenge. I'm embarrassed to say I've forgotten what it was, but the separation between the soft start and loooong finish was huge, a real surprise. The wine engaged us all the way through the meal, without dominating any of the more subtle flavours we encountered. I thought it was pretty good for the price (£23).

The food is as excellent as I have eaten as far as Italian food is concerned, each dish prepared with care, and advice given warmly without condescension. My carpaccio of beef was finely sliced with a good portion size, and, for a dish which can so often look two dimensional, stood off the plate with a delightful pile of piquant rocket, delicately sprinked with a light mustard dressing.

Clare's open ravioli with lobster bisque was a delight - sea-fresh, but possibly a little too salty (always nagging people for a bite of theirs). I'm in doubt as to whether there was quite enough lobster to justify a £14.50 price, but it was wholesome and flavourful. My spinach garganelli were al dente and well-filled, scattered with soft grilled chicken breast, requiring only a little pepper to bring it out of itself. Portions were very acceptable in size.

We shared dessert as I was full. This slightly cheeky request met with no concern whatsoever. The tiramisu, served in a tall glass, was more than large enough for two but was an excellent way to round off the meal, not being heavy or too rich, with definite variation in the layers.

Before we left, Mr Cristini poured us each a shot of Limoncello which whilst clashing like mad with the wine was really refreshing, and not something I would have thought to order.

The bill was about £85 inclusive of service and £23 for the wine. We felt that was fine for a treat. We'd like to keep the place to ourselves, really, but I thought I'd do them the justice of a fair review and wish them well. Give it a try.

What a great way to spend Valentine's evening!
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James Valentine
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, February 15, 2010