The Gate Vegetarian Restaurant

Entering from the street is like going to a Quakers meeting. Straight off the street into a courtyard and up a flight of stairs. The restaurant has a gorgeous high ceiling and although setting is close itś more cosy than anything else. Food was great. We had 2 carnivores, 1 vegan and 1 veggie in our group. All left with full bellies. The desserts were fab. Main courses very beautifully presented. What was really nice was there were vegan options on the main dishes and where you get the starter mezze you can specify a vegan plate. Staff were happy to oblige.

It is worth it for an unrushed meal as a treat.
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, March 25, 2011

I loved this restaurant!

Went on a Saturday night at the start of the month and the restaurant was very busy for the 2 hours that we were there yet the food was served quickly and the waiting staff were very attentive and friendly. The food is delicious and even my partner who is a big meat eater thought it was fantastic. The dishes look brilliant and there is a really good choice. It is a little pricey but I think it's definitely worth it. Will definitely be going back!
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Nicki
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The best vegetarian food I've ever tasted. Highlights were the meze to start and aubergine teriaki.

The prices are quite steep but then the dishes were very labour intensive so not surprising really.

The room itself is pretty and unusual with a double height glass ceiling and artwork on the walls but there were a couple of downsides. The tables are too small and sooo close together that it rather spoiles the atmosphere. Lastly I have to mention the ladies toilet - scruffy and in need of a good clean.
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HollyBerry
8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, March 21, 2011

Once again I have been astounded by the food at this veggie, high class eatery.

The flavours are unusual and adventurous.

The low point remains the service which is a bit miserable, sorry but there is just no excuse for that.
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angie mac
7 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, February 10, 2011

We went there after a lot of searching and reading reviews for vegetarian restaurants in London. I am a vegetarian so obviously I will not complain about no meat there. We went on a busy evening and the staff looked like overworked without smile. I have been to other restaurants and London so I am not unfamiliar with London prices. We sat indoors and the sitting area I guess is overcrowded as well and gave me a feeling of eating in a college canteen.

The food was okay but I feel it is extremely overpriced for the quantities they serve. I have a normal diet and I was a bit hungry aftrewards. Usually after starters I feel full but here even after main course I could do with some more. If you have lots of money than definitely you can go and try the food.

but I would go somewhere nice when I am paying so much for dinner.
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3 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Sunday, September 05, 2010

The ambiance was warm and inviting.

Each dish was absolutely delectable. This sort of food could convert even the most passionate carnivore. The dessert platter hit the sweet spot and was great to share for four.

The prices seemed a bit high considering it was vegetarian.

Service was nothing to brag about.
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TDP - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, March 24, 2010

My girlfriend and I visited the Gate today for a Valentines set menu. We entered and were greeted almost unpleasantly as it was almost 5 minutes before our 6pm booking.

We were the first in and seated at a table for two. The restaurant was very cold and luckily my girlfriend was sitting in front of the radiator which was cold when we arrived and actually came on for less than 10 minutes. The first waiter 'muscles' with rolled up sleeves was moody and made very little eye contact. In fact he was the first person we saw and we actually spoke first as he stared at us in shock! He came to our table and I asked if they served any other alcohol such as whiskey as it was very cold and we needed to warm up quickly. He looked at me amazed that I would ask such a question! Well they didn't so we ordered some Jasmine tea, oh no wait! the Mediterranean/ Asian restaurant didn't have any so we settled for green tea.

The cutlery was dirty (spoon and fork) and I'm sure I wasn't the only one as I saw the waitress collect cutlery for another couple. If the cutlery is dirty what's the kitchen like?!! So not a great start at all.

The Amuse Bouche was tantalising and butterbean soup was very ok. For me it lacked flavour but combined with the bread it was fine. The starters of carciofini and stilton and chestnut terrine was very flavoursome.

The mains, Shitake won-ton and pumpkin laksa was surprisingly delicious however the aubergine schnitzel was less adventurous and likened to something basic I could cook at home. The sauce was nice though. After our mains the waiting staff took at least 10 minutes to clear our plates which was 8 minutes too long in my opinion. I wouldn't want to stare at our plates for a second longer and neither would our dining neighbours. Poor.

A further 15 minutes later the cheesecake and pineapple crumble arrived. Cheesecake had a very rich chocolate topping which we loved. The crumble blended perfectly with the cream although there was about three mouthfuls of it.

I asked for the bill which came fairly promptly. I put my card down and waited another 5 minutes for service until I made eye contact with the waiter who realised and came rushing over. I almost went to the till with my card. Poor again.

The atmosphere was OK. I felt the staff were a bit moody and inattentive half-way through the meal. The young waitress asked how our meal was once after starters and no-one else asked after that. We we not asked if we would like any more drinks either. On top of this they added a 12.5% service charge on top which in all honesty I should have refused to pay. The restaurant was mainly cold and the tables were too close together. Even the waiters kept brushing past my back. The Gate should buy a bigger place or reduce the number of tables by three or four and maybe the waiting staff can handle the amount of sardines packed in the tin. I've had better customer service at pizza hut! That was a one-off though (at pizza hut)!!

Overall I've had a better experience and food in other restaurants in Hammersmith and Chiswick. It wouldn't be fair to start naming other restaurants that serve quality vegetarian food for less than £100 but hey, life isn't fair so...my top three: Indian Zing, Bhudsara, Yupa - brilliant service mainly, food is top notch and the portions are much better.
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Mr F
3 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Sunday, February 14, 2010

14/2/10 A group of us ate there last Thursday night. We all had different things and 3 courses. A complete taste experience of the highest order! The food, service and atmosphere were great.

I eat at The Gate a few times a year, both lunchtime and evenings. Meat eaters have really enjoyed the food and returned for more.

The simplicity of the environment attracts me but I know of others who think it is a bit like a canteen, I don't agree.

The music is a bit funky and not too loud, and the loo has been modernised since my last visit which is good.

I do prefer lunch there because it is a little quieter and also I think the waiting at table is better. A very small downside to the place is the occaisional surly waitressing though I assume it's nothing personal. I still love The Gate.
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michelle
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, February 14, 2010

The food overall here is better than average, but some of the combinations are odd, and on a recent visit spicing was manily indisctinct, rather than clear individual spices and the same applies to the flavours of individual vegetables, often mingling together and becoming muted rather than each flavour singing out. Price for the food was midrange at around £25-30 a head for three courses, but then their food costs must be very low and their location is a bit back of beyond so rents can't be that high. Despite the fact that they must be making more than standard markup on food, the wine list markup was also higher than the already excessive London norm, with most bottles looking to me like they were around 4 times retail.

The space is a nice space with big windows and very high ceilings but tables and chairs are ikea-tastic with no linen etc., so there's not even a high level of comfort to justify the food and drink markups. I think its in some way connected to a church or converted from a church, and the toilets are very church hall, which they shouldn't be at these prices. It is worth noting though that there was a great buzz on a Saturday night and service was very good-helpful and friendly without being intrusive. They didn't mind a massive delay waiting for some friends who didn't show despite having a queue and didn't mind that we left very late. The bottom line is nothing about the food would make me go back with a meat eater, but its a good option when meeting up with a vegetarian whos tired of curry.
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7 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Saturday, December 05, 2009

We visited the Gate last week for the first time. My best friend is vegetarian and we picked the Gate after a long elaboration, purely because as a meat eater I am very sceptical when it comes to food which doesn't contain red and bloody bits. We got there, sat comfortably and ordered with a lovely staff member. Our final pick was potato cake and courgette flower for starters and rosti and teriyaki aubergine for mains. And.... it was delicious. Seriously. We finished the food in a blink of an eye, and still fitted a chocolate fondant for dessert.

Well, what can I say. It was really great, I have decided I will give vegetarian a go more often, especially in The Gate. Nicely presented, delicious veg treats, plus a good choice of drinks definitely will make me come back again.

I can't really find anything to pick on. The atmosphere was great, staff discreet and friendly, finally the food - outstanding. What else do you need? Just go there and enjoy!
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Misha
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, October 26, 2009