Strada (Highgate)

I have just returned from Strada and had a very good experience.

The service was very attentive and not pushy or surly at all. We were even allowed to choose our table! Hopefully we didn't come across as fussy! The food came out within about 10 minutes of us ordering it and what arrived was excellent. I've only dropped a couple of points for service because we saw several changes of staff, which was a bit disorientating. I prefer it when one has one waiter or waitress for the entire evening. However, the changes were well-handled and everyone seemed friendly and even humourous.

We had a voucher, which we had forgotten about. What really won me over was that the staff reminded us about it when the bill was requested. They could have easily not done so and we would have been none the wiser. Very impressed.

I can see how the decor could divide opinion, but I really liked it. It is very modern with clean lines, but very nice use of space and colours. I found it very calming and pleasant to be in. However, it does bounce the sound around quite a lot!

Prices are as one would expect in Strada. Not necessarily cheap, but not deal-breaking either. Given the whole package, it's probably about right. Nice restaurant in a nice area. Parking can be a bit challenging, but not impossible. I look forward to returning.
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Alan Ingham - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, November 11, 2011

The food was good but the front of house let the kitchen down terribly. One main course arrived almost ten minutes later than the other three. It was a steak and it was blue rather than medium rare. Clearly they had forgotten to cook it. They failed to realise that one person was without food and only when we were able to get their attention did they start to cook it. Naturally it had to go back.

The manageress was unhelpful, and a waiter spilt a glass of wine over one of the party. The waiters managed to look right through us when we needed service. As a dining experience it is not to be recommended.
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Charles Stewart
4 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Went 02/03/09 Foods ok, confit of duck bland tasteless probably ready made. Weird middle part of the restaurant that seems to be used as a make shift staff room which doesnt add to the ambience, listening to general staff gossip.

Strange service as well two girls serving, one all smiles and professional the other surly ,grunting social skills, dropping glasses. pity you get a mandatory 12.5 service charge thats probbaly why.
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3 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Monday, March 02, 2009