Alounak (Russell Gardens)

Unfortunately this great eating place has totally gone to the dogs. On a Tuesday night we waited more than an hour for our food and there was total panic and confusion among the staff about orders and tables. Several tables simply left in rage as they were not being served. The food was good when it finally arrived but it was not worth the wait.....
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7 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I had luch 3 days ago, the rice seemed not cooked or from prevous day as it had not a good taste and I left it . The soup was worse than can soup, and restaurant was messy. The table next to me complain about the rice but the guy was ignorant, the price was too much and the funny thing is you are charged 10 percent for the service that you never see. Even 1 star is too much
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Ali
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, January 24, 2010

Alounak is one of our favourite restaurants in London!

I have to disagree with the previous reviewer about the food quality (although the service has declined a bit in recent years)

the decor is basic but bear in mind that this is a restaurant that is all about the food - anything else can be overlooked

The bread is always fabulous and the meat succulent and tasty - the rice is delicious (and i'm not a big fan of rice) beating Indian and Chinese rice hands-down

The mixed starter followed by the mixed kebab is a great meal for 2. The orange dish in the mixed starter (don't know the name) is my favourite thing on the menu!

well worth a visit - but you will have to book if you go during Ramadhan
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8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, December 04, 2009

I have just returned from dinner at Alounak where we have been going for years. It was one of my favourite restaurants. We used to go regularly for delicious Persian food - delicious meat and excellent salads. Tonight was such a disappointment - I think it must have changed hands. The service was not good - it used to be excellent and the food was bad to average. I think the owners must have sadly sold it - would love to know if they have gone to open another restaurant. My lamb was tough and salty - the bread burnt and the only thing which was still good was the yoghut and garlic, maybe bought in. A very sad end to a wonderful chapter of delicious Persian food. I would highly recommend Fanoos as a good alternative in East Sheen.
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shona pollock
6 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, November 24, 2009