All reader reviews by Foodie

Auberge (Waterloo)

Ok so we only came here because it was raining and Don Felipe was full but Auberge certainly lost a chance to win us over. The food was sub-standard pub fare at restaurant prices - ersatz half-baked rolls, frozen, reconstituted chips [why in England do you have to go somewhere expensive and gastronomique to get a peeled, sliced potato!?], tired steaks, generic bought-in puddings. The pub tables needed a good clean as did the cutlery and the ambiance was miserable and gloomy. The waitress tried and the Goerges du Beouff beaujolais was nice but for almost £50 a head we expected fresher, better food in this sad, brown pub.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4

Skylon Restaurant

This restaurant is so variable - I have had a perfect steak and wonderful service late night in the elegant grill with fab views of the city lights reflected on the Thames but at a busy pre-theatre time I have had rushed service, burnt, salty food and a view of someone's back. It is a shame that when you most need a restaurant on the South Bank - just after a matinee or before an evening performance - Skylon can be so poor. Lunch times and after 8 pm it can be great, lovely surroundings, slick presentation and yummy food and drink but at £23.00 for a steak, £11.00 for a pretty basic cocktail and £20 -ish for the cheapest wine it ought to be good everytime!

Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6

Vijaya Krishna (Tooting)

Having sampled most restaurants in Tooting and a great many in Southern India, i have to give Vijaya Krisha the best ever dosa award - light, crispy filled with spiced potato and with wonderfully moorish coconut chutneys. Great, thin chappatis too, fat crumbly, delicious parathas. And do try the spinach vadai with its wonderful crunchy split pea texture.

The regular waiters are charming,helpful, quick to provide take out containers if the generous helpings defeat you although at busy times they may be a bit over-stretched. The wine list is quite varied and good quality for a local Indian. The veg excels but the meat dishes are good too. It is a pity that in recent months the food isn't quite as spicey as it once was [ a new chef?] and that some non-authentic additions have been added to appease English guests in the form of the ubquitous chicken tikka masala. I also lament the passing of gulab jamun from the small dessert menu but mango kulfi will do!

The ambiance is nice with linen table cloths and napkins, big wine glasses, Kerelan masks and paintings [ including the strangely knowing child breast feeding which i like!] It is pricier than the bring your own wine canteen style restaurants along Tooting High Road but much more relaxing. I also had the bonus of a wedding invitation from one of the staff and an offer of cricket tickets when I went to Cochin - beat that for personal customer care!

Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Destino

An excellent family run restaurant with a good wine list, great tapas and good value lunch and dinner special offers. The fish and seafood are especially delicious. Freshly prepared food with no sign of a micro-wave, frozen bread or any of the other horrors associated with restaurant chains. Friendly, individual service from staff who remember you and value your custom. It is a great peace for a quiet dinner and conversation or for a family celebration. The restaurant opens early so it's good for after work meetings. Nice loos too!

Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9