Negozio Classica

I totally disagree with the review for this place. Wines by the glass are overpriced and so small it is funny. The staff are totally intimidating, I mistook my "large" glass of wine for a small and the waiter actually scoffed at me. I live locally and meet friends here sometimes and unfortunately the service does not improve with frequent visits. The food is fresh although do not go here thinking this is a restaurant, the food plates are small and simple which does compliment the wine. Good outside tables for people watching but if you are a non-smoker forget it as everyone outside smokes and the tables are very close together. Overall this place is very overpriced for the quality of wine it sells but if you're into being ignored and told off of by pretentious staff then you will love this place.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Thursday, August 07, 2008

Negozio Classica is the place to be if you want to enjoy niche and unspoilt Italian wines and eat true regional Italian treats. I think it is great that you can try top Brunello or Barolo without having to buy a bottle and this is the only place I know where such wines are offered by the glass. When I go there with friends, we tend to choose a bottle from the tens and tens that are available to take away and we always end up enjoying it in being the corkage fee ridicolously cheap, the atmosphere relaxing and the staff super-friendly. The most amazing thing is that a place on the Portobello Road is packed every night with locals and regulars and the staff and the customers are all in first name terms!
Comment on this reader review

Laura N
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, June 16, 2008

Negozio Classica is the best place for wine in London, the staff really know their wine, the selection off the shelf is unique. Great value for money, most of the similar bars in London charge over £10 to drink in - a bottle of wine here is £6.50.

The food is simple but well done, I learned that they buy all the cheeses and cold cuts directly in Italy, you can really taste the difference (try the fig end culatello ham with a drizzle of chestnut honey). Tip: check their grappa selection - it is the best outside of Italy.
Comment on this reader review

Mark
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 12, 2008

If you are looking for an overpriced glass of wine and patronizing service head here... while sitting outside you may be bowled over by watching the events of portobello road unfold, once inside however the pleasantries end unfortunately, The food is mediocre, there is no kitchen and even the cakes are shop bought and sold at 10 times the price as the local bakery (where they are brought from) however this is not where this bar disappoints, the staff are rude and unhlepful. A small man in glasses who appeared to be the manager has very little knowledge of wines and was most unhelpful and dismissive, having studied in Milan i speak italian and unbeknown to the stafff could understand what they were saying as they consistently made fun of their customers, even commenting that one of the larger ladies 'should not be eating that' ... i think most people that frequent this bar are friends of the staff and unless u are in the 'click' i would not bother spending your money with these people....
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

we were out walking this afternoon/early eve and came across this trendy looking wine bar. there weren't many tables but we were able to sit at the counter. they have about 5 wines by the glass - the one i wanted wasn't available which seems odd for a wine bar to run out before 7pm on a saturday, so i sampled two others before deciding. the staff were pleasant enough but didn't seem to really care if you enjoyed your wine or not. they also were on the snobby side - which is disappointing whne you're sitting at the counter. i probably wouldn't go back. it was reasonably priced and a nice location, but with only 5 wines by the glass and such a snobby attitude, i'd rather try one of the many other wine bars in the area. i'd rather not give my money to someone who truly doesn't seem to appreciate my custom.
Comment on this reader review

J - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, September 23, 2007

I almost hate to recommend this Negozio as it is already hard to get a table; however, it is absolutely the best. The staff is attentive, has a great knowledge of wine, the location is brilliant and the food is good. Whether you are sitting out on a summer's evening watching the parade on Portobello or snuggling by the fire on a winter's eve, you end up just wanting to stay and stay. Please do not tell too many people about this place. It is just brilliant.
Comment on this reader review

rob
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, November 10, 2006

This is charming place, with a very knowledgeable staff and an excellent wine list which is interesting for wine geeks and accessible to casual sippers. Bar meals are of the highest quality, however seating is very limited. For an quiet evening out, the tab for this level of quality is quite modest.

The occassional dinners with matched wines are wonderful and worth the price. Watch for them!
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, December 30, 2005

If you look for an amazing experience, this is the place, only one table with fire place a wine library you fill at home. Very good value for many. At heart of Notthing Hill, is a dream.

Great place for small private party
Comment on this reader review

Laura
Friday, October 21, 2005