La Cave

Having read the reviews from James & Harriet it was with some trepidation we went to meet my daughter, son-in-law, and her in-laws for a meal at La Cave. But I have to totally disagree with them both. The food was to die for and the service could not be faulted. The only thing letting down the whole evening was the state of the toilets, although clean they could do with a good tidy up.
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Jane
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, October 25, 2007

I have to agree with Harriett. My partner and I went there for something to eat around 6pm on a Friday and there were plenty of free tables outside. We went to sit in the corner but were told by a waitress we couldn't as it was a table for four. We pointed out that it was in fact two tables of two pushed together and as there was plenty of space still surely we could sit there. But the waitress was absolutely unmoved and TOLD us to go to a different table. Quite shocked, we went back to the other table, only to get a waiter slap a "reserved" sign on it as we went to sit down. We told them their service left a lot to be desired and won't be back again!
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James
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, August 31, 2007

I have to agree with Harriet (Aug 16)!! I went there with my partner early August with plans to eat rather than just have a drink. This was at about 6pm. We went to sit at a table in the corner outside but were told by a waitress that it was part of a table for four (even though it was just two tables pushed together and there was lots of space elsewhere) and we could not sit there. We pointed out that there was plenty of space elsewhere but the waitress was absolutely adamant and refused to allow us to sit down. She told us to go to a table closer to the door. Just as we reluctantly did, a waiter came out and slapped a "reserved" notice on it. Talk about adding insult to injury! We suggested their service left a lot to be desired and left. We found some very nice establishments further along the river front towards City Hall. We will NOT be going back to La Cave again on the strength of our experience with rude staff there.
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James
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 1
Thursday, August 30, 2007

I am extremely surprised to read such positive reviews for a restaurant I can only describe as having the rudest staff I have ever come across. I went to La Cave with 3 friends for wine and nibbles on a very wet evening and as it was relatively busy in the bar area we asked if we could sit at the bar - 4 bar stools available - but were told that we would get in the way and so we asked a couple if we could join them at their table and they were more than happy with this arrangement. The waiter who had already told us we couldn't sit at the bar came over and said that we could not share a table with someone else because they had a rule that it was one bill per table. We suggested that we buy our drinks at the bar but he point blank refused and told us that we would not be served. We suggested a table in the restaurant area because it was pretty empty but this was rejected. We asked to speak to the manager who was just as inflexible. With such a good choice of bars and restaurants in this area, I would strongly recommend bypassing this one at all costs!! When I suggested that I write to Top Table the manager suddenly became more accommodating, too little, too late.
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Harriet
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Thursday, August 16, 2007

La Cave is a very convivial restaurant with a pretty decoration recalling the voutes of a wine cellar. the menu is varied. The chef proposed very fine dishes to us. We were four,we taste our dishes and each one was divine. "C'est de la grande cuisine Française !" In fact very fine dishes are worth the price of a higher quality with fresh products. We will return with great pleasure . I will recommend this restaurant to all my friends. The service is very professional there. the desserts were pure a delight…. See you soon have try
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dave
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, June 25, 2007

My friends and I tried this restaurant on a whim recently and were pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious, the champagne was better than most options in the area, and the atmosphere was pleasant.

The fondant de chocolat was to die for! I would definitely return just for that.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, June 25, 2007

What a dreadful experience. I wish I actually had a chance to review the food but unfortunately the bizarre attitude of the French manager Emerick prevents me from doing so. After myself and three friends had settled ourselves on a table in the courtyard we then proceeded to order a decent bottle of white wine and a selection of tapas. 5 minutes later the waiter returned rather sheepishly to say that the manager wanted us to move to another table without a table cloth as the one we were sitting at was reserved for patrons who ate proper meals rather than 'snacks'. A very strange request to say the least but even more absurd as the courtyard tables were empty and it was gone 2pm so unlikely to fill up all of a sudden. We therefore asked to speak to the manager himself who came and told us rudely and in no uncertain terms that this was his ruling and in spite of the fact that we were likely to spend approx £150 there that afternoon, we would either have to move tables or leave. After a subsequent frank exchange of views we left, never to return.
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Scott Keithdan
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, June 24, 2007

awful - wish we had either (a) gone to pizza express next door or (b) got up and gone when the people on the table next to us did on basis of slow service. Slow service, cramped seating and overpriced and underwhelming food.

the ravioli starter was watery, the polenta salad bland, and the duck main course was over-cooked. At £85 for two courses and wine it was astoundingly bad value for money. i've had better food at half the price at cafe rouge.

the wine was the one redeeming feature, but even that was pricey for what it was.
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Eleanor
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Thursday, June 07, 2007

La Cave is fantastic restaurant with friendly staff and the food is great Amazing quality of food variety choice’s great wine list.

I will recommend this place to anyone nice and romantic.

try it
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hazel
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, May 17, 2007

This is a very nice location and the wine was great but that said the food was disappointing. For a meal where you pay between £15 and £20 for a main you expect quality but sadly it was rather bland and the portions were small - not that I mind small portions on occasion but they need to be exquisitely cooked to be able to get away with it. Shame, but I'd go back for the wine and just eat elsewhere.
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Simon - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Sunday, April 29, 2007