All reader reviews by hungry viking

Le Gavroche

Wow. One of the very best dining experiences i have had. The food was just fantastic and the service was a rare mix of being highly attentive but not obtrusive.

We had the tasting menu with matching wines and I would definitely recommend this - the pairings of the dishes with the wines bringing the best out of both. Foie gras with a Gewurztraminer was a highlight.

It was all great but langoustines with pigs trotters worked brilliantly and some simply treated sea bass showed off the quality of the fish.

I had been looking forward to this for ages and my only concern was that with a fairly formal dress code the atmosphere would be a bit stuffy. Shouldn't have worried. It felt really relaxed and the atmosphere was one of one people enjoying themselves which is not always the case at Michelin starred restaurants.

And if you have the tasting menu, don't go overboard when the bread basket comes round as the 8 courses need a proper appetite!

Not cheap, but will remember this for a long, long time - worth the money. Go.

Friday, December 04, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Hix Soho

Was really looking forward to visiting Hix and left pretty disappointed.

The serving staff and kitchen were unable to cope with the number of tables booked in and having been seated 20 minutes late, it took too much effort to have our orders taken. When the food did come it was a real mixed bag. Good ox tongue but cold fish soup. Mains were more of the same. Steaks and chops were fine but nothing special and side orders of colcannon came out cold.

There was a good buzz in both the restaurant and downstairs bar but overall, the value for money was not good. I like Mark Hix and his menus but won't be hurrying back here unfortunately.

Friday, November 20, 2009
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3