All reader reviews by Anonymous

The Giaconda Dining Room

I rarely write reviews but feel compelled to do so for Giaconda because it is so superlative - I have lived in London for nearly eight years, am a dedicated foodie and in my humble opinion Giaconda is the best value-for-money gem of a restaurant in London at present.

The food is spectacularly good. Most recent visit included starters of: Field-mushrooms roasted with garlic and herbs, the most delicate truffle salad, where the truffles are sliced wafer thin and laid on a beautiful bed of greens and the largest, most delicious steamed Globe artichoke. Mains included: Lamb blanquette, tender lamb shoulder cooked in a French style individual pot with white beans, potatoes and creamy herb-laden sauce, a delicious piece of cod offset beautifully with cooked radicchio and a Dover sole cooked with a tangy accompaniment of cauliflower and capers. The portions are generous and it is truly remarkable they turn out food this good, with such high-quality ingredients, at such a reasonable price point. None of us had offal but if it is to your taste, there were a number of interesting choices on the varied menu: calves liver, ox tongue and cooked tripe among them..

The wine list is unpretentious but excellent. The room is tiny - seats 32 - but has a pleasant atmosphere that is comfortable more than elegant, but it suits the experience. The service was excellent - the chef answered several questions and the waitress noticed when my mother was near the "choke" of her artichoke, offered to take it back and have the kitchen prepare the heart which they did in 60 seconds, a nice and thoughtful touch.

It is a great place to have dinner with friends and an excellent choice for pre-theater dinner with a first seating at 6pm.. Cannot recommend this place highly enough!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10