All reader reviews by Anonymous

L'Osteria 57

I've recently discovered this place and find it a quite delightful little restaurant. I'm going to get my one criticism out of the way; the pizza bases, of a very nice dough, were very soft and hadn't really crisped up. This is often the way I find, but I prefer a firmer texture.

However, the ingredients and flavour of the pizza were wonderful - properly seasoned (so often a fault with pizzas) - with excellent, fresh toppings. I chose bresaola and asparagus, and there was a wonderful covering of proper, fresh Parmesan (also in generous measure over my rocket salad).

Breads were good, as was the £15 Chotes-du-Rhone - the latter excellent in fact, with woody, earthy tannins and body. My date's mixed side-salad was also of pleasing quality and freshness - and well presented.

Service was outstanding; charming, friendly staff, and the atmosphere was warm with few spare tables and the kitchen buzzing.

The menu is appetising and I look forward to trying the fresh gnocchi and ravioli dishes, among others.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

Babur Empire

Good, traditional (in terms of UK curry houses), reliable Indian food. Plenty of butter, hearty, satisfying.

I tend to order from Babur when I want something big and bold, and use Tiffin Tin for something a little more modern and exciting perhaps.

Good value, with nice staff.

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

La Brocca

Amazed by the negative reviews. I guess any place with more than one chef, a big menu, and lots of covers, can slip up, but I'm surprised even so. Like many places in WH, it is occasionally inconsistent, but in general I've enjoyed good food there, often great food.

I've had a quite wonderful plate of antipasti; downplayed by its menu description, what transpired was varied, delicious, generous, and of high quality. The gnocchi was satisfying.

I've had ravioli dishes which have been great on most occasions, a touch dry once. And I did have a disappointing deep-fried seafood dish - overdone and not substantial.

The last two pizzas I've had in La Brocca have been marvellous. Properly seasoned; remarkably flavoursome in fact (some pizzas can simply turn out bland), with properly-cooked bases and fresh ingredients. Friends have been impressed with the mackerel pate currently on the bruschetta menu - while I've been pleased with bar snacks upstairs and quality of side salads.

They've recently hired a 3rd chef; the barman Adam told me he's added another dimension. And on my last restaurant visit the service was wonderful.

Overall I find the menu and food full of character and interest and I love the place. They've recently revamped the menu and website, so if there was any complacency creeping in, perhaps they were aware of it.

And get upstairs in the wine bar on jazz nights - the atmosphere is fantastic and you can order food from the bar menu.

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6

Hardy's

My first visit to Hardy's was a mixed affair, but I'm certainly keen to go back..

Let's get the main issue out of the way, my mother ordered lamb and received pork. We went with it, but having politely informed the waiter later on, I was surprised to not get any discount or reduction on the included service charge.

Aside from the above gripe, service was impeccable, and friendly. We chose to sit in the informal brasserie area; it was busy but not too noisy, and the vibe was charming and warm. We both agreed the atmosphere was just 'right' in there.

I started with the leek, parmesan and almond tart - absolutely stunning. Wonderful contrast of textures, with a crisped top and soft, unctuous centre and satisfying base. This was a gem of a starter, utterly lovely.

My main of salmon fishcakes with a poached egg, spinach and hollandaise (I added new potatoes as a side) was good - pleasing fishcakes, runny egg. Spinach a touch watery on the plate and I thought the hollandaise had a dash too much lemon. But, an enjoyable dish. My mother's pork was apparently excellent.

For dessert I had the chocolate brownie with ice cream - nice - and my mother went for an interesting looking gooseberry jelly which she said was a little too sharp.

Superb wine list. We went with a lower-end Valpolicella (about £22) which was great.

All in all a mixed affair, yet thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to a follow-up trip.

Saturday, August 28, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6

Sarracino

I decided to eat in at Sarracino despite a very disappointing pizza delivery (cold, and ridiculously sparse toppings), and came away disappointed, whilst not necessarily doubting the restaurant altogether.

Opting for swordfish steak, I naturally hoped it wouldn't be overdone. The dish arrived, and the fish was clearly nice and fresh. The outer areas were good; just done, very fleshy, the steak as a whole not seasoned much and not very hot - but off to a reasonable start overall. However, the inner areas were underdone quite severely. Swordfish - as far as I could judge (and a bit of Googling confirmed when I got back) - should not be treated how one can do tuna, i.e. seared and still quite pink in the middle. This was bordering on raw, with that gelatinous texture you might get in a fish element of sushi. The accompaniment, of slices of marinated yellow and red peppers, was of a slimy texture, which accentuated the issue. The balsamic I could have done without (personal preference - I don't quite get the obsession with balsamic), the sauteed potatoes were nice (non-greasy) though some were undercooked. I asked for tomato sauce and received the juice from a tin of plum tomatoes in a bowl - I was sure this was misunderstanding - but surprising anyway. I should have asked for "ketchup" and then fair enough if an Italian restaurant wouldn't provide this.

Side of rocket, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan was generous, and fine - and the bread which was provided at the start - was delicious - chewy, wonderful crust.

Wine by the glass - only one option per red and white - but the red, a Merlot, was delicious.

Service was prompt and polite, though the waitress seemed surly and offish - however without wishing to sound rude I think this was just her character and nothing ill-meaning.

Overall - the special on that day implied a restaurant of some quality - but if preparing something like swordfish the skill-level should be pretty much spot-on. On this occasion it wasn't, and I came away dissatisfied and with a lighter wallet.

Friend's pizza was OK, though a little soggy centered, but his chocolate pastry tart was excellent.

I might try again, but not for a while.

Sunday, July 25, 2010
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6

Banana Tree (West Hampstead)

I recently ate here for the 2nd time, and as with the 1st visit, the food was excellent. An interesting, appetising menu including well thought-out starters, lots of powerful flavours, good service and tables outside in the warm weather.

Enjoyed a refreshing, vibrant starter of salad with herbs and lightly battered fish fillet - splendid, then a savoury, satisfying main with king prawns in a dark, soy-based sauce. Prawns are often a good tester of quality, and these were fresh, fleshy, and perfectly (lightly) cooked.

A healthy fruit & veg juice blend and a pleasing Pinot Grigio added to the fun, and I look forward to my next trip as there are many options on the menu I am keen to try.

This place is always busy and it's easy to see why.

Nice one, Banana Tree!

Sunday, July 11, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

The Ambassador

Thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to The Ambassador. First thing to impress us, was the waitress understanding chilled reds and suggesting they might have a Beaujolais. In the end it was an Aussie Pinot Noir but chilled it was, and lovely ("it's what the owners drink" - and we believe her).

To kick off proceedings, I opted for sardines & panzanella - superb. Bold flavours, fleshy, delicate sardines.

My main was fillet of stone bass with sweet roasted peppers and pleasingly garlicky salt cod - again delicious. Perfectly cooked fish, and the toast which the salt cod was served on added crunch. Again, depth of flavour.

Friend similarly enjoyed his starter of burrata and minted peas (it was excellent - I'd not tried this before) and his lamb main dish.

Yes - bang on. Look forward to another visit.

Friday, July 09, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Drummond Villa

Rather startled by the bad reviews, as I had a very good experience at Drummond Villa. I ordered a king prawn balti, and was certainly impressed. Firstly, the naan was very good. Secondly, the king prawns were soft, seemed fresh, and delicately cooked - very nicely done indeed. The balti was delicious, very full flavoured with ginger, garlic & tomato - a tangy, satisfying sauce. If you go for a curry you want big flavours, and this dish did well. House red and side order of 'dry' vegetables were OK, and my friend enjoyed her prawn jalfrezi. Service was politle and friendly. Overall, I'd be happy to go back, as if a curry house gets prawns right, that always earns points in my book.

Saturday, May 08, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Gulshan Tandoori

I've twice been to Gulshan and both times enjoyed it very much. First impressions were slightly worrying as the wine list is so basic; very generic descriptions e.g. Shiraz, Beaujolais etc. However, the wines turn out to be good and apparently well-chosen.

The food; easy to sum up - nicely cooked and full of flavour. When out for a curry you want vibrant, exciting flavours, and clearly the chefs at Gulshan know what they're doing.

Most recently I had tandoori king prawn, which was delicious, with good quality prawns. The sides were good too, and the overall experience was pleasing and satisfying. A decent restaurant and one I will return to.

Saturday, March 27, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

North London Tavern

I enjoyed my recent outing at the NLT. The pub gets off to a good start with its interior and atmosphere, which nicely blends old with new; pleasing old leather upholstery, a screen with a live match on, and chalkboards displaying wines.

Of the wines, there seemed to be plenty, and the Temranillo which appeared to be the house offering, was enjoyable.

A main course of grilled plaice, served with green beans and new potatoes, was clearly prepared in the hands of a good chef. The fish was delicate, cooked to perfection, and the whole dish was very well seasoned.

Rocket and Parmesan salad was just that, and perhaps could have benefited from a dressing, even if just a dash of oil.

Dessert of treacle tart with crème fraiche was nice, and although I’m not sure the pastry base was quite as intended, its sturdiness did work well with the soft textures on top.

The food was quite pricey, with a clear gastropub ethic which means the quality must be present. It was certainly good enough that I will be going back.

Service was good; the lady bringing our food located us outside on a cigarette break, when she found our seats empty. Decent, friendly bar staff rounded off a very nice evening, in a pub which was quite lively on a cold Sunday evening.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6

Little Bay (Farringdon Rd)

Amazed by some of the negative reviews in 2009; maybe they changed staff or underestimated their 'pay what you like' offer, or simply had a blip.

I visited this branch for the 2nd time recently (having also enjoyed the Kilburn one in 2009) and it was magnificent. Service was outstanding from start to finish, perfect judgement of how much attention required, and the atmosphere and whole experience was wonderful.

Starting off with vegetable soup off the specials board, with bread already provided, I was pleased with the big, fresh hit of celery, strong flavours, and perfect seasoning. Very nice start to the meal.

I then had pan-fried salmon with crushed potatoes, a delicate avocado salsa, and a pleasing tomato sauce which enhanced the salmon without being too strong for it. I was also delighted with the very strong hit of garlic in the dish - it's personal preference but for me, the more the better. The dish was delicious; possibly the salmon could have been cooked a fraction less, but certainly nicely done with a crisped skin too.

Dessert was a hot apple cake with ice cream - enjoyable - and wine was a 2008 Bordeaux from the specials board.

All in all a great night out for bill half what one might expect - impressive and uplifting.

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

Bengal Spice

My first visit to Bengal Spice was a somewhat mixed bag. Arriving at 10.15pm, I was denied a table by the window as it was a table for four, but to me it seemed unlikely the place would fill up before close. After all, if a couple had then come in and no small tables left, they'd hardly be turned away.

There was only one red by the glass, which wasn't a great start, and only in 125ml measures, but it turned out to be a pleasing wine, if not particularly robust, (of something French I think), with the glasses being filled above the 125 level - appreciated. This happened for all three that I ordered.

Food: I often judge a curry house by its king prawns, and these varied from OK to quite good, but nowhere near the same standard I enjoyed in my previous local, or indeed from The Tiffin Tin on Mill Lane. They should be soft, delicately cooked, succulent; not stored for too long once bought in. I ordered garlic king prawn, and the sauce though, was magnificent, absolutely superb. Plenty of heat, and an explosion of flavours.

Side dish of mixed vegetable was rather finely chopped (personal taste though) and had gone a bit tepid.

My Peshwari naan was off excellent quality, a lovely consistency and freshness, but was completely missing the sultanas - not impressive on that score.

Overall enjoyable, and decent value, with attentive service. But given Bengal Spice claims to be the best in NW London (as many of them do of course), I would have expected something up a level.

Friday, December 11, 2009
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7

Small & Beautiful

I decided to try this restaurant as it is local to me and I'd heard good things about it.

Complimentary bread and olives arrived soon after I sat down, always a nice start, and then I browsed the menu and specials board. I had the vegetarian wellington, with a Greek salad on the side and sautéed potatoes. The wellington's pastry was a little soft (a crêpe around the filling can stop this happening), but it didn't matter, as it still had a nice texture which went well with the slight crunch retained on the diced carrots inside. The thing that impressed me most was the depth of flavour. At first I thought this was all coming from the excellent mushroom sauce (with seemed a proper sauce made with red wine), but I soon realised the vegetable filling was perfectly seasoned with one or two spices too. In short, the wellington was delicious.

Side salad was fine, nice fresh, soft feta cheese and proper olives, and the potatoes were spot-on.

I went for the Aussie Shiraz / Cabernet (Coldridge Estate) - a nice wine indeed - and apple pie to end with, which came with a rather thick, but smooth custard.

Service was excellent, the interior pleasing, prices are indeed low, and I will definitely be going back. And as a restaurant that's the main thing they want to hear.

Friday, October 23, 2009
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

Bombay Spice

This restaurant got off to a good start with a nice feel to the place, and attentive staff, aside form needing to ask for water several times.

There was only one red wine by the glass, and it was pleasant, though I would have liked a heavier, more full-bodied option without buying a bottle.

The food was very nice indeed and delivered in all areas of taste and texture. A curry needs to be full of flavour, and has to be satisfying, with a feeling of comfort from it.

My only gripe was that my king prawn main dish was a little light in terms of quantity of prawn. It wasn't a dreadfully small amount, but less than what I am used to and this would affect my choice next time. However the prawns themselves ticked all the right boxes; fresh, and nicely cooked, remaining soft and delicate.

Sunday, October 11, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

Sirous Tapas Bar & Restaurant

This splendid restaurant is typical of why people like living in West Hampstead. It has a warm, friendly atmosphere, has class without being pretentious, and serves uplifting, cheery, delicious food.

My recent 'lunch' of a vegetarian breakfast was excellent. Included were corn fritters, nicely cooked eggs, pleasing vegetarian sausage, and high-end baked beans!

I've recently enjoyed the pan-fried artichoke hearts, red onion and asparagus, on a rocket salad topped with grilled goats cheese - delightful. The cheese was grilled on the outside, soft underneath, of very high quality; tangy, salty and just lovely with the rest of the dish.

A charming, smiling waitress who clearly cared about us (which was important for me as my mum was with in attendance) added further warmth, and although my sauteed potatoes needed a reminder and were a little late, service was otherwise spot-on.

Nice wines add to the enjoyment, and with such a varied and appetising menu, in a great setting and with happy staff, all I can add is I look forward to my next visit.

Sunday, October 11, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

La Tasca (Regent St)

Unfortunately for me, my partner had a money-off voucher, so I hid my reluctance and joined in the fun for my first ever visit to a La Tasca restaurant. I wasn't expecting much from a chain of this type, and my anticipation proved correct. The location and interior were nice, as was the smiling waitress who guided us to our seat. The walls were adorned with a particularly pleasing and varied selection of prints, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.

On to the food then. Cubes of fried potato were reasonable, not much going on with the sauce, whilst the rice, which seemed very like those packets where you add boiling water and a sachet of MSG, was also edible. Overcooked broad and string beans in very little seasoning arrived, as did sun-dried tomato and olive bread. The latter seemed slightly stale, cheap, and with miniscule bits of tomato and olive. As ever, bread proves a good barometer of a restaurant's food in general. An aubergine in tomato sauce dish, with a little melted cheese, was nice enough, having good flavour and some texture remaining, whilst an 'omelette' was a solid, quiche-type affair which didn't taste of anything but was edible. My 'main' tapas was a mixed, battered seafood plate, which was pretty awful. A couple of very small cubes of dried-up tuna, amazingly salty slithers of something, thin squid rings which were of course rubbery, but not inedible, and a couple of little prawns which had survived their oil bath quite well. Wines were fine, and service excellent; two friendly staff checked on us during the meal, which had been presented by jovial, decent chaps.

Overall, and without meaning to patronize, La Tasca would be fine for families or couples who don't understand or care for proper cuisine, and who think they'll get an idea of Spanish food. It is what it is, and I knew before I visited. Not the worst food I've eaten, but this is chain food at its most generic and uninspiring.

Saturday, April 11, 2009
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4