Arturo

I have been to this sleek and chic restaurant four times for lunch over the past few years. My first visit was excellent: helpful staff, a welcome fixed price menu and appetising food. However, my second visit proved disappointing in that my pasta was cold - very cold - on arrival. But, regrettably, I was too inhibited to register this with the staff as I did not want to embarrass my lunch companion. Foolish and short-sighted.

My third visit proved equally disappointing, in that my risotto was barely cooked. There's al dente - and there's al dente! My two lunch guests were not impressed by their fixed menu dishes, and we agreed that we would not revisit the venue.

Despite this assertion, I returned there recently with a guest who has lunched with me on all four occasions. We were most apprehensive, given our last visit. In this instance, we had no quibbles with the first dish (mine was a delicious mozzarello salad, well-presented) but my raviolo filled- mushrooms (although essentially very appetising) was drowned in a mountain of salt. I have rarely if ever tasted so much salt when lunching/dining out.

On this occasion, and since my guest's pasta with tiger prawns was also over-salted, we told the waiter of our concerns. He said that we should have immediately told him once we started to eat, and he would have brought us fresh plates. And perhaps we should have done.

There were only 2 other lunch clients in the restaurant, which made for something of a barren ambience. We lingered over tea and coffee and at 3.10 p.m., it was quite clear to us that the staff wanted us to vacate the venue. This was irksome and the maitre d' should be aware of the waiters' impatience.

Would we go there again? Perhaps, but ARTURO appears bedevilled by erratic cooking and by a chef who overdoses on salt, despite the Government pleas that we should cut down on the latter.

Perhaps dinner is more consistent? I may never know as I am sceptical I will return, despite the fact that ARTURO is my local neighbourhood restaurant.
Comment on this reader review

Jenny
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Thursday, May 17, 2007

I headed to Arturo with a friend a couple of weeks ago and came away a very satisfied customer. The overall ambience was relaxed and the waiter/waitresses were extremely attentive without making you feel rushed. I started with the a delicious cheese and aubergine grilled salad followed by the seafood risotto which was divine - cooked perfectly and not too stodgy which often seems to be the case. My friend opted for the carpaccio of beef followed by the lamb and we shared a desert. The portions were generous without being overbearing but would suggest that sides are probably not necessary as both mains came with plenty of greenery. We chose a heavenly red wine (on the recommendation of the waiter - who was incredibly helpful with the wine options) and then were given a delicious desert wine at the compliments of the chef (which considering we were not regulars I was really impressed with). On the whole a really super chilled out evening, would definitely return.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, March 28, 2007

This is an unpretentious classy restaurant that lets the food do the talking. A sensibly limited menu is a well balnced mix bewteen traditional Italian dishes like Veal Saltimbocca and more modern variants. Portions are generous and at £30 - £40 per head not overpriced. A pleasant residential street where parking is available just minutes from the Marble Arch crowds, adds to its charm.
Comment on this reader review

Michael
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Friday, December 22, 2006

After reading so many good thing about Arturo, I walked into a sleek, modern restaurant at lunchtime with high hopes and was very pleasantly greeted. My waiter served very courteously throughout; my water, for instance, was replaced without asking. I like lunchtime service to be a bit snappier than in the evening. Service here was not exactly slow, but not quick either. Sadly, apart from the delicious home-made tomato bread, the food did not equal the restaurant's promising appearance. I ordered from the very reasonable set menu (two courses 12.95) with triangles of salmon-filled pasta in an asparagus sauce to start. I didn't fancy meatballs as a main course and wanted something a bit more inspirational than pan fried cod with new potatoes. With some misgivings I opted for aubergine filled with tagliatelle, tomato sauce and ricotta.

I like pasta with a bite to it but I thought the triangles were more than comfortably al dente around the outside and the whole dish was barely warm. The waiter was chatting somewhere invisible, and I was hungry, but I mentioned it to him when he came to clear and he was very apologetic. With the arrival of the main course he said to be sure to tell him if there was anything wrong, and he came back to check. The aubergine had cold, encrusted cheese on the top and did not have that "just cooked" look. It was a bit warmer than the starter, but was nothing like piping hot and far from being a culinary delight. Portions were fine. I thought I would mortify the waiter if I said anything more and, realising the time, I went to find him to pay. The bill came to 14.95, which included something, but I was in too much of a hurry to notice if this was service or a cover charge. I was the only diner during the time I was there between about a quarter past twelve and quarter past one. Disappointing.
Comment on this reader review

Felicity
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Friday, July 21, 2006

A really nice place to eat. The ambience is smart but welcoming - all dark browns and creams, with funky jazz playing quietly. The service was professional, quick without being oppressive, and very friendly. We ate from both the a la carte and prix fixe menus - there was no difference in portion size like you often get with prix fixe, everything was freshly cooked with quality ingredients and excellent value. The house white was of a gooid quality, but not terribly interesting - a good wine with food. We'll definitely be returning.
Comment on this reader review

AliceT - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, July 12, 2006

I have been to this restaurant for dinner twice in the past month and the experience was great both times. Very high quality food and good service, although the waitress was a bit rushed on our last outing. Good value as well. They also have a non-smoking area which is VERY welcome in this town!
Comment on this reader review

RA
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 27, 2006