All reader reviews by italiastar

Mascalzone

I have to agree - this place is pretty good. I went there with a group of friends and everyone was pleased with the food, service etc. Ok the pizzas aren't as good as ones cooked in a wood oven in Italy, but they are one of the best in London. My starter of Calamari and courgettes was superb and our selection of cheese for the cheesboard was to die for - I'm now a convert of bufello mozzerlella. Not a place for a quiet romantic meal, but otherwise very good. Service was excellent!.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

Marsh Ruby

Since my first visit last September, I have now been here at least once a month, and always managed to miss the prawn curry, although I did catch the minced lamb keema today. I can only describe the curries as splendid, so clean and fresh and no hint of oil. As I'm so positive about this place, I must find some negatives - large curries could do with an extra scoop of rice and 20p for half a pitta bread is a bit high, apart from that, this place is perfection. I also love the sparkling Cranberry drink - hopefully one day they will run out, so I will try something else. Well done, excellent food, sevice and atmosphere !!

Friday, May 30, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Amici

Had my second visit yesterday, this time for our office Christmas lunch. There were 18 of us, normally a recipe for disaster, namely, "office lunch" , "Christmas", "18 people". No problem for Amici - The food was excellent and we were not rushed, having been given exclusive use of their private room for 3 hours! This was excellent value and we all enjoyed it very much - this is very fortunate as we work less than 1 minute away from this place. The set price £12.50 lunchtime 3 course menu ends on Monday, but you can still try Amici's for £5.99 for a pasta dish or pizza plus a glass of wine. Please don let the fact that it looks like a hairdresser's from the outside and decor inside is starting to look dated and tired - I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Friday, December 21, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10

Silks Fusion Cuisine

This is my second visit in the space of a month, having visited it a number of times since it opened about 6 years ago. It is now under a new very enthusiastic manager who, incidentally is related to the person who has owned it since it's inception, so the current manager has a personal interest in the business. That's not to say that there were any particular issues previously.

The selection of very good food from three different cuisines means that diners are not tied to any particular type of food and mix the types between courses. This works very well as each dish is prepared to a high standard. The Monday to Thursday fixed price 2-course menu is excellent value and an opportunity to try Silks - their wine, including house wine in very good quality and value. My meal this evening consisted of an excellent large bowl of mussels in Garlic Sauce followed by a large plate of ribs and potatoes, whilst my wife had beef satay followed by tuna steak on rocket salad with rice. These two excellent meals were on the £10.95 set menu, however we did have to add a portion of vegetable tempura, which should not be missed. This is also a restaurant which offers you a jug of complentary (tap) water with ice rather than expects you to pay for bottled water. Total cost for two was just under £39. Highly recommended.

Thursday, November 29, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10

Emiles (Putney)

I ate at Emiles last Tuesday, yet another fantastic meal.

I discovered Emiles about 8 years ago - and have eaten there about 8 times - I wish it was more. The food is fantastic, almost as good as Emile's ability as a restaurateur. Despite my annual visits, he always remembers my name - my wife even booked the table in my first name this time, but he was not caught out. He knows his menu and wine list inside out and will passionately describe every dish on the menu, before you order. The food is superb and Emile will also give you hints on how to fully enjoy it - advising me to try the end of the King Prawn tails for their crunchiness and flavour - he was right - I can still taste them two days later.

The wine list is superb - no rip-off overpriced plonk here - my £12.50 bottle is available by the case on the internet for £7 a bottle - he's not even marking it up by 100%. No obligatory 10% added to the bill either - service is optional. I just wish I lived on the doorstep...... Highly Recommended.

Thursday, June 01, 2006
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10