Abetone

Visited the restaurant for the first time on 15th February08, a belated birthday dinner, there was four of us in our group. Initally we couldn't get a booking as the restaurant was fully booked, but the called us back to say they could fit us in. We arrived to a warm and friendly welcome and brought straight to our table, which was on the small size, not much elbow room. Drinks were served very quickly, although the red wine was rather cold. There was a wide choice on the menu and we found the food very good and served on hot plates (very important). Just one thing though, the desserts left a lot to be desired (obviously bought in) maybe a different supplier would help. The ambiance in the restaurant was excellent with live music played throughout the evening and the change to have a little dance at the end was a nice touch also the complimentry sambuca. Being picky larger wine glasses would have been nice. All in all a good evening and would most likely return.
Comment on this reader review

David Campbell
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Sunday, February 17, 2008

Maybe we got them on a bad night. I went four years ago and it was packed with a brilliant atmosphere. However it was the night before New Years Eve and it was empty apart from one other table. No idea if it was bad timing on our part or perhaps bad food being served. The staff were lovely, all smiles and informal and chatty. Being picky I had to ask for a wine list after waiting 15mins. I ordered the scallops to start, lovely & fresh but so gritty it was like they had been dusted in sand which is a shame as the flavor was lovely. My lobster spaghetti was almost passable. Mean with the lobster, sauce was a little thin. Lacked that lovely shellfish headyness it should have had which is simply due to them not bothering to make a decent stock. It seemed pricey for what we had. I think for what was just over £50 per head for two courses inc a couple bottles of decent wine we could have gone to a much nicer higher quality restaurant and come home raving about the food. Intrestingly, I glanced across at the other dinners and could clearly see they were prodding there soggy veg and complaining it wasn't very good so its not just us that were let down that night. We wont be going back....shame!
Comment on this reader review

Emma
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, January 02, 2008

I went to the restaurant for my mother's birthday and was surprised at just how welcoming it was. Never have I felt more at home at a restaurant. The food was beautiful, particularly the steak, and the service even better. Incredibly friendly and attentive waiters, a piano player later in the evening and a generally warm atmosphere helped to make it a birthday to remember.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, May 08, 2007

My husband and I went to Abetone last night for the first time and shall definitely come back. I am really surprised at some reviews criticizing the service or the quality of the food. Last night the service was impeccable, the food delicious, and the atmosphere with lovely watercolors on the walls and low lounge music perfect. I had the sea bass special with green salad and my husband a milanese cutlet with pasta, both of which were perfectly prepared. Our desserts -- panna cotta and cheesecake -- and decaf coffee did not disappoint either. The bill was a little over £50 which included a half-botte of white.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, March 07, 2007

My husband and I went to Abetone a couple of weeks ago. It was our first visit there and I have to say we had a really good time. The food was just excellent, beautiful presentation and the service really professional. We were welcomed and served by a very young lady who actually made our evening. Im writing it because I've visited many restaurants but the service we had in Abetone I had never experienced before. I can really recommend the place.
Comment on this reader review

Jenni
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 12, 2007

My wife and myself have been enjoying eating regulary at Abetone for at least 20 years and can honestly say never during that time have we had a bad meal.

We recently celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary and having obtained quotes from various Hotels, which before you think about a menu, charged between £350 and £500 just for the room,we settled upon Abetone. We had the downstairs room for 5 hours without charge. We had a menue giving our 32 guests a choice of at least 5 starters, 5 main courses, including vegetarian, silver service vegetables and countless deserts to choose from, not to mention a la carte for the children! All for £23.90 per head.

We hired a musician seperatly and a wonderful time was had by all judging by complementary letters of thanks we have received. Abetone any time for us!
Comment on this reader review

Richard McNeill
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 17, 2007

I went to Abetone last week in a large group of 12. Our table was booked for 8pm, we were promptly seated downstairs which has a school canteen feel about it, long tables and very low ceilings. We were served our starters at 8.45, and our main course at 10.30pm, this of course was unacceptable. When I questioned the waiter for an explanation for such a long delay, I was told that all bookings arrived at or around 8pm, which I felt was cheeky, they shouldnt take bookings if they cannot accomodate. To make matters worse the food was sub standard, all the party were very disappointed, I had the crab and shrimp starter, which was no more than mashed potato grilled with a few shrimps thrown in, for main course I ordered lamb shank, which arrived cold, vegetables arrived 15 minutes later! I would never recommend this restaurant. We paid for coffee which never turned up, we paid £36 per person, for awful food and bad service. The place was understaffed with incompetent waiters, and they play very loud music combined with low celings, we couldn't have a conversation. There are so many Italian restaurants in Winchmore Hill, I would rather go to in future.
Comment on this reader review

Georgia Savva
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, December 10, 2006

I have been going to dine at Abetone for almost 20 years. I have always found the food ( particularly the home made Tiramisu ) , service and price very favourable. I eat out several times a week and often lunch in City. I am delighted to report that the owners of Abetone have recently opened another venture in Leadenhall Market which again provides great food service and value for money. Have you guessed I'm a fan !!
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I discovered Abetone's by accident when I first moved to Palmer's Green 9 years ago, and since then I have not only been a regular but have recommended it to friends. I am yet to hear a complaint from them. We took my friend to Abetone's for her 65th birthday and it was LOVELY! The service was top class, we were offered a wine list; when we couldn't make up our minds a (very good!) recommendation was made, the food was excellent and we didn't have to wait too long to be served!

I would certainly continue to recommend them!
Comment on this reader review

Kaie Cozier
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, June 16, 2006

Myself and my fiancee went to Abetone for a romantic meal. The waiter was very friendly, but incomepetent, examples being that he did not offer a wine list and tried to take away unfinished plates. The food was very average with little thought going into the preparation and presentation of the dishes. I wouldn't recommend Abetone to anyone. I make better Italian food at home and Im as Italian as a goodfellas pizza.
Comment on this reader review

Gordon
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Sunday, April 23, 2006