Yauatcha

Maybe my expectations were high given the previous reviews but I was very disappointed by this restaurant.

We had been looking forward to visiting for Chinese new year. Our welcome was luke warm and our waiter was okay but seemed fairly stressed which made him come across as a little unfriendly and unhelpful. We were completely ignored by the sommelier which was a shame as I had been looking forward to drinking some nice wines. We had to ask for almost everything and no one offered to top up our waters or to get us any more drinks.

Service was a bit disorganised and haphazard – I have had better service by far in Wagamama and other places which are half the price. I wouldn’t mind as much anywhere else but in a Michelin star restaurant I expected much better. The staff didn’t seem happy to be here, the friendliest face we met was the doorman on the way out who offered to get us a taxi who also seemed quite depressed.

The food was alright but nothing special and definitely not worth the price. We asked our waiter to suggest a couple of our dishes which were ok but nothing different or worth visiting for. Perhaps we just ordered badly or was comparing the food to what we had in Hunan or in other good Chinese restaurants, but I was disappointed.

Perhaps the restaurant was just having an off night but I will definitely not be returning or recommending it.
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Annie - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I went to Yauatcha last night for my mum's birthday and as you do I took a cake with me. I was then told at reception upstairs by a very rude member of staff that I will be charged a fee for the cake. Turns out I get charged £5 per slice cut which is the equivalent of their dessert. I was surprised i wasn't charged for using the toilets. At any other occasion i would not have minded but the member of staff was rude, patronising and unwelcoming. Then we ordered and the food was average and they brought everything together (starters and main) as if to rush us out for the next booking...I was unimpressed and will not be going back....
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2 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 1
Friday, February 11, 2011

I am quite regular customer in Yauatcha.... Last year went 4th round afternoon tea.. and occasionally the best dim sum in central london... with unique taste and flavour.. Not other regular chinese dim sum. I agree with other customer reviews slightly on the expensive side, I am really sad that the afternoon tea is not going to have in this posh place.. Shame really.. I will love if they bring it back.. Now is recession period, so i have not been this place for 8 months now.!!.
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enjoyfoodlady - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Saturday, November 13, 2010

Went to Yauatcha on a Friday, on arrival a group of receptionist are around a small desk, you have the feeling that you are bothering them...And when they checked for our booking one asked us to "move along" the maccarons counter.

The service was delicate, the waiter very professional, the wine was always poored on time, and a manager came to check if everything was fine ! The food was just lovely as expected, recommend the sesame prawn toast and mushrooms chung fun!

One of the receptionist - manager I suppose because she didn't wear uniform, came to the nearest table to shout at a waiter while he was talking to some guests! This in unacceptable to see a manager talking that way to a staff morever in front of customers!

Restaurant recommended for the food and service but the reception is definitly not trained as it should be for a michelin star restaurant.
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8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, September 09, 2010

The food was good. The place itself is nice but too crowded. The waiters continuously bumped into me or my chair which is a bit inconvenient when you are trying to enjoy your meal.
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- View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Friday, August 06, 2010

I absolutely loved this place! The food was incredible, the cocktails were great, the venue was beautiful (the fish tank is amazing!!) and the service was not to be faulted. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Yauatcha and I cannot believe I'd never heard of it before! Highly recommended!
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, July 31, 2010

They must have either changed the staff or given them customer service lessons, because they were extremely friendly during my visit to Yauatcha last Wednesday. Waiters magically appeared whenever you needed them, without being obtrusive, and the experience was totally different to what people have described in earlier reviews.

The food itself was exquisite. This is proper chinese cooking, not the slop you get down on Gerrard Street. The only other places I know that can compare to this are the (good) Royal China on Baker St and Angeles in Kilburn.

However, unlike those two restaurants Yauatcha is very expensive. Expect to pay £35-£40 a head before you've even ordered wine. The tea comes in at a minimum of £4 a pot (for tea comparable to a £1 pot in other places) which is just crazy for what is essentially a spoonful of loose leaves.

In summary, Yauatcha is great for an upmarket dinner, but if you just fancy some authentic chinese cooking without the prestige then there are comparable places out there which won't hit your wallet quite as hard.
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Steve R
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 6
Monday, June 07, 2010

Had lunch there today, my first visit.....not very busy therefore a bit lacking in atmosphere (downstairs). But the place is very pretty and the food is excellent - we had dim sum then shared a couple of the main courses, and I couldn't really fault it.

Service was slightly over-efficient - barely a sip of drink was taken before our glasses were refilled (which can become quite irritating), but the staff weren't rude or patronising.

All in all - an enjoyable time was had.
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FG
7 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, March 24, 2010

i've been there a few times. the dim sum is really good. the vibe is nice and the staff inside are all ok.. the staff on the door can be a bit up themselves .. but hey this is london folks. the downside of the place is that each time i go the push to turn your table feels greater and greater.. last night i was up for a nice languid evening but felt nudged on and on.. by too speedy table clearing etc.. time to move on me thinks..
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Bryn Jones
6 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Dim Sum was very good, the best I have had in London so far. For an acceptable price.

However, this was completely offset by a rude welcome, a bad service. After pretending to explain to me what dim sum is, the waitress at the entrance did not even say thanks when I left. Maybe next time I should show my business card when I come in? Mmmmm.... or maybe that's so Patrick Bateman...
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6 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, December 10, 2009