All reader reviews by Azem William

The Hill

I hadn't read any of the reviews here before visiting The Hill. I went with a friend who lives local and wanted to try it out.

It was nice and relaxed and the service was friendly. I had a steak and L.P. had salmon. The portions were very big for small eaters like us but it was so delicious that we both cleared out plates.

We both had a great time and it is a nice place to go as a treat and to catch up with friends.

Saturday, March 11, 2006
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5

La Forchetta Pizzeria & Restaurant

I am normally not too keen on waiters pulling punters off the street, but S.B. and I were looking for a nice place to eat pasta on Upper Street and the £4.90 for any pizza or pasta dish offer sounded great so we went in.

The restaurant is not very big, but a nice size and the staff are friendly. It was fairly quiet when we got there but it soon filled up and by the time we left there were people waiting for tables.

We both had a pizza with spicy chicken, which was lovely and crisp. The bill came to about 25 quid for the both of us but that was mainly because of the wine. I'm not often in the mood for pizza or pasta but I would definitely go again.

I recommend arriving early or booking ahead if you are planning to go with more than 3-4 people as the space is small and tables fill up quickly.

Saturday, March 11, 2006
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9

Au Lac

i went here with a group of friends on a tuesday night.

the staff were really friendly and nice.

the menu is quite large and everything sounds yummy which makes it difficult to choose.

there were six of us and we ordered a selection of starters to share.

the prawns and squid in salt & pepper were very juicy and spicey. the steamed prawns in lemon grass was an unusual flavour but very nice. we also had quail which i'd never eaten before. the waitress explained to us how to use the garnish of salt and lemon on the quail. it was delicious and juicy and i could certainly recommend it.

as a main course i had a bowl of rice noodles and salad with chicken in lemon grass. it tasted very light and healthy and i'd definitely have it again.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

Bistrotheque

I've only been here for brunch at weekends, but I am planning to go back for dinner sometime.

as a local, I am a big fan of Bistrotheque because there isn't anything like it in Hackney.

the food is prepared to high standard, the service is good and the staff not pretentious or arrogant. it is not as cheap as we are used in the eastend, but i am happy to pay a bit more for a special treat.

For brunch I have had lovely thick toast with jam, and i have also been here for roast dinner which was a huge plate ful with a crispy yorkshire pudding. yummy !

Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Melati (Peter Street)

Melati is one of my favourite restaurants in London. The Indonesian/Malaysian dishes are absolutely delicious and definitely the best i have tasted in London. I recommend trying the satay. Melati is one of the few places in London that serves beef satay, and does it well. the meat is thouroughly marinated and very tender. the flavours are a combination of hot and sweet. I can recommend the noodle dishes, especially the istemewa dishes which come with both satay and beef rendang (beef braised in coconut and sweet soy), which is a real delicacy if prepared right. i could eat here every day.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Le Mercury

i have been here a couple of times and it was very busy both times. i recommend booking in advance if you want to go on a friday night or at weekends.

the food is really good value for money and very tasty too. the service was very good even though all tables were full.

the menu is not very big so i won't go there too often, but i would definitely go again.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8