Papageno Restaurant review by Kylie
I read the various reviews with interest. Sure, if you're looking for a 5 star dining experience this ain't your restaurant, but it's also not 5 star prices.
I had previously been to and loved the 'sister' restaurant, Sarastro which is a great experience, but considerably more expensive. Several years ago I was unable to get a table there and they recommended Papageno - I went there with friends and I've been back many times since over the years.
From the outside it looks great and once you're inside the quirky decor is lots of fun - Morocco meets the opera. Very colourful, lots of interesting things to look at - perhaps a tad on the tacky side but it creates a great atmosphere. OK, perhaps you'd want to leave the kids at home (or not let them use the loos) but the pictures in the loos add to the quirkiness of the place (it's more graphic at Sarastro!)
I've always found the waiting staff very friendly, English ain't their strong point, but find me a restaurant who doesn't have students/foreigners waiting tables! Crisp british accents would certainly be out of place in a middle eastern style restaurant anyway. They certainly make up for any language challenges with friendliness and I've had several long and interesting chats with waiters.
As for the menu, I've never gone past the delicious Lamb Shank where the meat virtually falls off the bone. The crudites - which are perfectly OK, contrary to other reviews - with a tomato salsa like dip, are quite filling and tasty. Sometimes when it's very busy service is a little slower, but unless you're rushing off somewhere, you've got a drink and a snack to relax and enjoy yourself! I seem to remember the set menu has ice cream or fruit salad for dessert which was a nice end to a meal with a turkish coffee. The wine is perfectly OK - each time we've enjoyed the house wine. Most occasions I've been there a free glass of wine or coffee was thrown in.
My favourite part is that I have always been made to feel welcome and never rushed out of the place so someone else can take my table (all too common in central London restaurants).
In all, I've taken several friends there and we've enjoyed the atmosphere and food which is reasonably priced. Give it a go for a casual night out that's a bit different to your usual bland dining experience - or a big birthday party with a difference!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
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