All reader reviews by Davey

Ciao Bella

Reading my previous comments and other reviews I felt my comments may have been a bit harsh. As I had said I would visit again I did so with some friends nine months after my first visit. The service was reasonable enough but the staff had an air of tiredness and boredom – a sort of been there, done that, got the tee-shirt. Last time we had the feeling the usual chef might not have been on duty. The food was better this time but for the money nothing special. The restaurant does seem to have potential but seems to need an injection of life and energy. If John Major ran a restaurant I think it would be like this. There are better restaurants near by so I will give this one a miss in the future.

Friday, July 11, 2008
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4

Tartufo Trattoria

There are not enough superlatives to describe this restaurant! I visited for the first time in January after a business meeting. The three of us were made most welcome. Because of time constraints we only had time for two courses and had to skip dessert and coffee. The food was fantastic – freshly prepared and full of flavour. And for central London the bill was not unreasonable. We went back for an evening meal four weeks later. This time we met the chef. He is enthusiastic about cooking, food and flavours. It tells as every course was immaculately prepared and presented. The flavours are both simple and fantastic – how true Italian food should be. I have been back a number of times and it never disappoints – be it pasta, or meat or fish. Combined with the brilliant service it is potentially one of the best restaurants in London!

Friday, July 11, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

Northcliffe House Restaurant and Bar

This restaurant closed over a year ago. By the door is a Valentines Day menu and a long dead rose. I have no idea why it closed. Early last year I went there with a group of friends and the arrogance and rudeness of the headwaiter was such that we left before ordering! Marks are therefore estimates.

Thursday, July 10, 2008
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 3

Fryer's Delight

Christmas seemed to drag on for ages but I had to go down to London for a meeting in those dreary days at the end of the second week. As I did not finish until 7:30 I decided I would get a bite to eat before joining the bargain hunters and day trippers on the train home (and maybe avoid them!). It was not as easy as I thought as many places seemed to be closed until the 6th. Yet again I found pubs advertising ‘Food – All Day – Every Day’ bar today, not after 5:00, etc. Totally frustrating. I then saw bright lights shining from the Fryer’s Delight.

It was busy and I had to wait a short while to for a place (shared tables when busy). Once sat down my ordered was quickly taken. My mug of proper tea was brought virtually immediately. A few minutes later my supper was in front of me. The chips were fantastic; chunky, well cooked and not greasy. The cod was also excellent – a thick white piece of fish, beautifully cooked and covered in a ‘moreish’ batter. It was the best ‘Fish and Chip’ supper I have had it a while.

The next week I decided to write a review. When I looked at the comments I thought I had the wrong place (no pun intended). I decided it would be best to check it out the next time I was in the area. There had been no mistake! A colleague was with me and he thought the same as I. The gherkins one (pickled cucumber) had looked delicious when I was there last time so I decided to try one. They serve them on a separate plate – ready sliced for you. The texture was wonderful unlike the awful soggy ones served by most take-ways. I cannot recommend Fryer’s delight enough.

Thursday, January 24, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10