Al Parco (Highgate)

Pretty dreadful.

Six adults and one child booked for the pizza restaurant but were moved next door to the Turkish part. Not a problem as both menus are available in both venues.

Mixed meze starters were average, luke warm and small servings. The hummus tasted of nothing at all and there was only one small strip of pitta bread per person to go with it.

Mains were passable, risotto managed to be stodgy and watery at the same time. One of the pizzas was missing a topping [there were only 4 to get right]. The Turkish specialities were the most successfully executed but surprisingly bland for such a rich cultural cuisine.

Service was patchy and we had to ask for a number of items twice.

It served its purpose as a place to meet and it wasn't too expensive but we'll be reluctant to return.
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cut2quick - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Monday, November 21, 2011

Even after having eaten here, I'm not entirely sure what this place is called. Is it Al Parco? Or is it Bistro Laz? As I sit here, typing this review, I have two business cards in front of me, both for the same company address. I've been to a couple of places that seem to think there's some advantage to be gained by inexplicably confusing the clientele, but I personally find it neither big nor clever.

That aside, the restaurant itself is actually quite charming and the food is enough to impress. It's also lucky enough to have a reasonably good spot although you probably need a car to get to it.

The service was a bit lacklustre, but they got the right things to the table. There was little customer-waiter/ess interaction. This is not strictly necessary, but it does add a nice edge to an evening.

I went to this restaurant as a concerted effort, with a table booking, etc. However, I feel this is really aiming at those who have just stumbled off Hampstead Heath and need an easy meal before moving on.

It's middle-of-the-road, but seems to harbour aspirations to be much more. You should go and form your own conclusions by all means!
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Alan Ingham - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, May 24, 2010