All reader reviews by Leah

Pied a Terre

My boyfriend took me here for my birthday dinner and it was smashing!

The service and staff were amazing throughout and were really friendly. The sommelier was great, taking on board what we were looking for and recommending a delicious wine.

We sat by the window onto the street and it was lovely - although we did arrive for a 7pm seating and it was a tad quiet with no music and we were one of only 3 tables in the area. Some music might have made it less formal - although they did turn it on later.

We opted for the tasting menu at my instigation which was wonderful - carefully presented, sumptuous flavours and waiters who were excellent at explaining exactly what everything was. Delicious! I particularly liked the seared tuna, sea bass and lamb. Everything was very delicate and small but tasted amazingly fresh and distinct.

I really enjoyed it here and felt it was a memorable experience. My only slight annoyance was that as we had to give the table back at 9pm - it was suggested to us that we might enjoy our coffee and petit fours more comfortably at the bar upstairs which was fine, but if you opt for the tasting menu and they want the table back - perhaps they should just serve you faster or give you a slightly longer window. That said the food was delicious.

Next time I would opt for the a la carte - as the tasting menu is quite expensive and combined with £8 each for a gin and tonic - the bill did mount up.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6

Mosaica @ The Factory

I have recently moved to the Wood Green area with my boyfriend who used to live here a while ago. Whenever we think of going out in the area we always seem to plump for Turkish food in Green Lanes or head up to Muswell Hill for a nice relaxing dinner.

Until now! Its an absolute delight to find a fantastic restaurant on your doorstep and I was surprised to find one as good as Mosaica on mine. I've been back since our first time here and was really pleased to find it even better than my first visit. The atmosphere is superb - fairy lights, mis-matched antique armchairs, really friendly waiters and impressive food. The menu was different this time around - but I wasn't disappointed. My lamb fell of the bone as it was so tender and was a delicious follow-up to my 70's style prawn cocktail which was delicious and only had the plumpest of prawns!

Puddings are delicious and the wine list is affordable and varied - a difficult thing to pull off! The bar is relaxing and we weren't rushed out. In fact - even though we arrived at 7.30pm and decided to relax sipping gins till 11.30pm - the staff couldn't have been nicer.

I love this restaurant and will be going back for my 3rd visit very soon - the perfect place for birthdays, romantic dinners, meeting up with mates or just a quiet dinner. Its my kind of place - affordable, but with great style!!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9