Restaurant 109 (Richmond)

Following a recommendation from a professional colleague who lives near the restaurant, we decided to give it a try - mainly to celebrate a significant joint birthday event.

My booking was made via email and courteously confirmed within 24 hours.

We were greeted in a most friendly and "homely" manner by the resident hostesses when we arrived on Tuesday night. Apart from ourselves there was another fairly large party of 12-14 people - so it was pleasantly lively but not noisy. Later on, some more quite amusing and animated cutomers arrived. Most entertaining.

Following a leisurely browse of the menu over a G&T (my friend had a Kir) we placed our orders.

There were a couple of "special" requirements to our choices. These were carried out willingly and the results most satisfying.

The starters were served in about 15 minutes from ordering and were veritable works of art when they arrived, tasting equally good.

I believe this restaurant is as good as Hibiscus (Maddox Street) - and nowhere near as expensive. The main courses followed and you could tell they were freshly cooked, with excellent ingredients. (If any of it was pre- frozen - then I want to know their secret!)

Desserts were fabulous too - even though my Banoffee 109 was a meal in itself! Here you have two very satisfied customers - who will indeed return from the wilds of Ealing once again.

As for that 2 star November 2007 review - well - don't take any notice...grumpy old women (or even men....or was I right first time?)

Go, indulge thyself....
Comment on this reader review

Alan Martin
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

A fantastic little place! Thats the best way to describe this restaurant. We went here on Friday night after reading the glowing reviews on here and weren't dissappointed. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and the food was of an excellent quality, starter of white pudding with a poached egg followed by confit of duck was perfect. Great choice on the menu complimented by a good wine list. Will definitely be going back here and highly recommend it.
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Alan
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, April 13, 2008

A fantastic place... great atmosphere for lunch before rugby internationals at Twickenham... or for something more sedate... or if you want to impress somewhere which is not totally on the beaten track!

In fact I'm there for lunch today and tactically avoided breakfast!
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Nicolas Stevenson
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, March 08, 2008

Enjoyed an excellent family lunch. One of the best quality, best value meals the family and I have had in a long time. Service was on the slow side but very pleasant and accommodating (eg, no problem ordering off the set menu for a more child-friendly starter). Two of us had the roast beef for main and two of us the tagliatelle: all quite superb. We'll be back.
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CPB
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 03, 2008

Have to disagree with the 11th Nov review.

I visited the restaurant on the 20th of Dec

To start I had the asparagus and smoked salmon with lemon mayonnaise it was perfect. . For my main course I had the Corn chicken wrapped in parma ham it was simply cooked to perfection and delicious.

I followed all of this with the cheese selection. I couldn’t have asked for any better.

Throughout my meal I was asked if I was enjoying my food. The Staff are truly lovely and the whole atmosphere of the restaurant is wonderful. I am sure I will be returning very soon.

Thank you 109
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Mrs J
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, December 21, 2007

We have been going to 109 since 2003 and the food and service are always excellent! highly recommended! The art on sale gives it a pleasant alternative feeling.
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G&M Lewis, Richmond
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, December 16, 2007

had a great time here after the barbarian match at twickenham. Have been to 109 a number of times and the atmosphere was great as usual. Have to disagree with the review below; my experiences have always been brilliant. My table was looked after attentively - wine reguarly topped up and each course checked for our satisfaction. I had the thai Fish cake- was a good portion size and full of flavour, followed by B.E. of lamb was top quality and was cooked to almost melt in the mouth! Cheap if you stick to set menu but a la carte menu is at Richmond rates. we'll be back, great local!
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, December 02, 2007

Really quite disappointed, given the reviews already here.

Quails eggs overdone and spinach overcooked made for a poor starter ; acid test though was the roast chicken which appeared to be a breast and a leg (and a wing !) from the supermarket and the similarly provenanced potatoes which come parboiled and are finished in the oven. This was then followed by an espresso that was a small black filter coffee. When you leave most of your food and aren't even asked why, something's wrong. Staff are entirely pleasant, but just came away with the impression this was amateur hour.
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M Smith
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Sunday, November 11, 2007

I first visited restaurant 109 during its initial week in Richmond, it was of an extremely high standard even then and when my office hours relent and allow for my unsystematic return to England I make it a definite priority to visit again to see it grow from strength to strength.

The chef provides an extensive array of different dishes which are consistently produced to a very high standard and appeal to the pallets of even the most pedantic of eaters, including myself. Furthermore the staff conducts themselves in an exceptionally amiable manner without loosing a professional high standard of service, a must desination for a pleasant family night out or a romantic retreat. – I do hope Barry White is still played on occasion.

I can’t wait to return, do they still offer Borstal-Bay Bugs? If so I recommend you indulge your self if you get the chance.

Mr. MacCoimnhaoil
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Mr.MacCoinmhaoil
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 12, 2007

I love love love this restaurant - the food here is the best - highly recommended! Everything tastes gorgeous, me and my husband have been going to 109 for the last 5 years, as a couple and with larger family groups - the standard is always fantasticand the staff are lovely, so polite and friendly. Some people might find it a little quiet in atmosphere maybe, but you will not be disappointed with the food and service. The prices are resonable aswell, and the wine list is chosen with care.
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Amy
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, October 10, 2007