All reader reviews by TDP

Urban Karahi

I love this place. The decor is beautiful, the staff are friendly and attentive, and the food was darn good. The prices were also pretty reasonable with curries at just 3-4 quid. We will definitely return again and again.

Thursday, April 29, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

The Terrace Restaurant & Bar

My friend and I had a nice dining experience here on a Tuesday night.

We shared the onion tart with fried goat cheese as an appetizer. It was delicious!

I had the wild mushroom and rocket linguine which I thought was wonderful. The portion size was just right. My friend ordered the coconut fish curry and she enjoyed it. We shared a side of spinach which was fine.

The prices were a bit high but I think I'll return. The restaurant is in a nice park by the London School of Economics. The surrounding area would be perfect for an after-dinner drink.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5

Bertorelli (Charlotte St)

This was a disappointing experience. A group I'm involved with booked this place for a get-together. We each paid 30 quid for a little champagne (one glass each?) and a three-course meal.

The salad tasted nice but was quite average. Some greens, grilled chicken, a little goat cheese topped by some vinegar dressing.

The main was appalling. The dish was supposed to include clams but what we got was five empty clamshells and one with a small clam in it. I complained to the waitress. She said she'd talk to the chef and then never came back.

Dessert was tiramisu and was delicious. You can never go wrong with tiramisu.

I won't be visiting here again.

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2

Little Italy

My husband and I dined here on a Thursday night. He got the four-cheese pizza which was salty and thin crust. Just the way I like it! I got the gnocci which was unmemorable.

The atmosphere was nice and there were lots of people there. There was only one waitress and a host for everyone though so service could have been better.

NB: the restaurant charges a 1.50 each for olives and bread. The bread was not so nice.

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6

Gourmet Burger Kitchen (Clapham)

I dined here last night and had a pretty good experience. The food was enjoyable (I had the small puy lentil burger, my husband the cheeseburger) and the pricing reasonable. I liked that you could have "regular-sized" or "small" portions as usually the former is too much food. Also, it was wonderful that they had a variety of vegetarian options for those who want to go healthier.

The staff was friendly and service was pretty good. There was a nice skylight in the back which allowed a lot of beautiful sunlight in.

I had hoped to use my "London Dining" card for 2-for-1 dining, but unfortunately this is not possible on Friday or Saturday nights. Since it was so good we will probably return.

Sunday, April 18, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

inSpiral Lounge

I was brought to this restaurant by one of my vegan friends. The atmosphere was very relaxed and casual. I had an appetiser dish of olives and my friend had a bowl of vegan courses (beans, roasted(?) vegetables) and a peanut butter cake. The food seemed pretty good, though a tad expensive for what it was.

Sunday, April 18, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5

Chico Mexico

My husband and I will never return to this establishment again. The food wasn't actually that bad (fajitas and a quesadilla) but the service was abhorrent. The waitress was rude and slow. We asked for second drinks and she never brought them. When my husband asked for sour cream for his meal, she brought it out 15 minutes later after he was almost done with his dinner, and then charged us for it. He barely touched it! To top it off, I had a complaint with my meal and when I mentioned it to the waitress she didn't seem to care, as if that's normal for her customers.

It's too bad the service was so bad because otherwise we might have visited again. They have 2 for 1 mains on Mon - Wed, I think.

Friday, April 16, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4

The Jolly Gardeners

My friends and I participated in a Pub Quiz at this establishment.

My husband had a club sandwich. It was HUGE but he wasn't too impressed with the taste. I had a falafel wrap and it was okay. Our friends loved the chilli puffs. The drink prices were reasonable.

The Quiz Night host wasn't exceedingly friendly so that could have been better.

Thursday, April 01, 2010
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5

Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green

This old home renovated into a restaurant / bar / club had a really nice atmosphere. We arrived around 9pm and enjoyed a couple bottles of wine and a cheese plate. The prices were reasonable.

Into the evening the number of patrons grew and it almost felt like a house party. A DJ played music in the corner and some danced. The music was a bit loud so if you're looking for something more intimate you should probably come earlier.

Thursday, April 01, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7

The Gate (Hammersmith)

The ambiance was warm and inviting.

Each dish was absolutely delectable. This sort of food could convert even the most passionate carnivore. The dessert platter hit the sweet spot and was great to share for four.

The prices seemed a bit high considering it was vegetarian.

Service was nothing to brag about.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 6