Garbo's

We sat out with great expectations but very really quite disappointed. The restaurant itself was not really very cosy, too bright ahend too much like sitting in a corridor. The menu looked great but the food was rather disappointing. Our starters were both good but didn't require too much preparation by the kitchen which was probably why. We had the herring platter and the Garbo's Selection which was two different types of salmon and prawns - both good. We had the veal and the Beef Rydberg for our mains but both of those were simply presented, prepared with way too much fat and simply not very tasty. Another thing we didn't like (but that's obviously a personal preference) is that our food was served way too quickly. We hardly had a chance to breathe between the starters and the mains which made us feel like we were being rushed. As a Swede I had expected a big more but since my English husband simply loves pickled herring it was worth going just for that but in the future I'll buy some myself and we'll simply stay at home since this restaurant is simply not worth the trip.
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Sanna and Richard
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Sunday, September 07, 2008

Yes I agree, seems odd to have Thai cooks. The meatballs are very bland. Pea soup was a little bland too. The worst was the Swedish cheesecake, if thats the way it is in Sweden that they should tell you !!

My friends dishes seemed better except the cheesecake !
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Chris
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Saturday, May 31, 2008

Being Swedish myself, but having lived in England for more than 17 yrs I was so looking forward to going to this Swedish restaurant as it had fabulous reviews.

We went an early Saturday evening at 1830 hrs, the restaurant was empty as it was so early and freezing!

My friends and I had, prawn and avocado, pea soup and Janssons frestelse for starters.

The prawns were ok the sauce tasted like something f rom a bottle though, very tangy tomatoe taste, pea soup fine just like the tins you can buy next door in the Swedish shop.

My Jansson, a huge disappointment, potatoes almost raw and had not blended with the cream and anchovies as it should so not a good start.

For mains we had kalvrullader, meatballs and kaldolmar.

Kalvrullader was not bad, the meatballs were nothing like the Swedish meatballs I have ever had or would make them like, apparently they are a mixture of pork and meat mince??? since when are Swedish meatballs made with pork, there were far too much pork and bland, terrible. The kaldolmar cabbage overcooked, the mine and rice inside completely tasteless.

Also some dishes came with sides and some did not be sure to ask.

The two chefs are both from Thailand, I asked so maybe they need to employ people that can cook Swedish, the cookies at the end were bought in Ikea the waitress kindly informed us, the points are just because the redhaired Swedish waitress was very very nice. Will I return?! absolutely not!!!!!! Will I recommend it NO!
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Anna Johnsson - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Monday, April 07, 2008

I visited the above restaurant with a Swedish friend for her birthday on Saturday. The propritor and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely delicious. We all had differnt things. I chose Gravadlax for my starter which I love and stewed elk with a lovely mushroom sauce and perfectly cooked fresh vegetables and a herby Swedish cucumber salad. Then for dessert I had mixed fresh berries. Several other people had fish with and without sauce and two people had savoury pankakes. The traditionalist among us had Swedish meatballs. All pronounced their food delectable. Prices were reasonable and I am looking for an excuse to return. Also easy access from Baker st station. I understand they do a special Sunday Smorgesbord which I must try.

Anna Hellmann
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Anna Hellmann
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 10, 2008

If you like Swedish food, this is the place to come. Authentic Swedish food made to perfection, with all the right condiments. It's like visiting someone's home in Sweden. Friendly and down to earth staff. I will definitely be back.
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Mona
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, December 15, 2006

Been to Garbo's quite a few times and have NEVER had a bad meal, always delicious. The staff are cheery and welcoming. Their lunch buffet (smorgasbord) cannot beat price-wise £12.95 per head. Cannot wait for lunch to their Christmas buffet which I have heard so much about.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, December 15, 2006

It concentrates on a small number of extremely well presented dishes.

The service is understated, efficient and comes with the minimum of fuss. Relaxing environment.

No chance of leaving hungry. Always a pleasure to dine there.
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Stephen
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, November 16, 2006

Was our first time, was our wedding anniversary, we choose it because we went on our honeymoon to Sweden some years ago.

The food was exceptional, authentically Swedish cuisine. For starter we had sea food, that was fresh and tasted brilliant, main course we had elk and scallops, the elk was to die for melted in the mouth and tasted divine. The scallops were fresh and well cooked. For desert we had home made ice cream, Swedish cheese cake and cocktails, the ice cream were amazing, each mouth full was a different experience, the cheese cake was different from any cheese cake I ever tasted, however was lovely the warm strawberry sauce made it a very special experience with every mouth full. The cocktail was a great finish to this wonderful meal made from aquavit had a different and refreshing taste.

The atmosphere was cosy and relaxed. Highly recommended.
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Alice Brough
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Sunday, August 20, 2006

It was like returning home. My eyes were filled with the blue and yellow flag of the motherland and I joked with the other Swedes frequenting Garbo's about how bad the English of the English was. It's a big joke back home!

The food is so much better than all the junk that is served within the shops around London.

Unfortunately, I'd filled up on Monster Munch and dairylea before I ventured to the restaurant so couldn't eat much of the delicious cuisine.
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Anders
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, March 07, 2006

I love this place. Honestly I really, really love this place. This place makes you want to love it. The food is lovely, the service is great and the atmosphere is electric (but not dangerous). I particularly like the Swedish sausage dipped in cream sauce. My girlfriend always goes for the meatballs and she literally gobbles them up. This is the place to go with that someone special or maybe for an informal business lunch. Go along and raise a glass of ice cold aquavit to this perfect little place.
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Lerob Dastani
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, February 28, 2006