All reader reviews by -K-

Pitt Cue Co

Having enjoyed their van-based offerings on Southbank this summer, we dropped in before the official opening to try out their new (permanent) home just off Carnaby Street. It's a tiny corner site with just enough room for a bar and waiting area upstairs and a 30-seater dining room below. They don't take bookings - it's just too small for that. The drinks list is heavy on beer and bourbon, with cocktails (served in small on-trend tumblers) coming in at £6.

The food we tried was good and tasty, no more no less, but it's early days. Scratchings were ok but we loved the crispy pickled shitake mushrooms - bitesized earthy morsels with a hot vinegary kick. Beef ribs had a great flavour and char but were a little chewy. The brisket was better, moist and tender. Pulled pork had good flavour and wasn't over-sauced, but it seemed a little mushy - too soft for my taste. Great slaw and pickles though. The burnt ends mash was good, very smooth and creamy with a meaty tang, but we found the beans a little dry.

Save room for dessert. The bourbon-laced sticky toffee pudding was deliciously light and served with good ice-cream.

We left feeling like we wouldn't rush back, but it's nice to have a BBQ option in W1 and I'm sure they'll do very well. It will be interesting to see how the food develops over the next few months once they've settled in.

Thursday, January 19, 2012
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Meat Liquor

I can't understand some of the criticisms directed at MEAT Liquor. Obviously if you don't like dim lighting, loud (but excellent) music, and a bit of a queue, then it might not be the place for you. Similarly, if you're expecting the second coming - understandable given all the hype - then you might like to remember that IT'S JUST A BURGER, but a damn good one at that.

I fell in love with the meat when it was still served from a wagon so I guess I'm just grateful to be able to sit down (inside!) and have a few of their potent cocktails while I wait for my grease feast. I like the burgers and the messy Philly cheese steak but the menu's unsung hero has to be the buffalo chicken burger - a winning combo of crispy fried chicken, doused in hot sauce, and slammed in a bun with a bit of creamy slaw. If you can eat it without ending up with Hot Sauce Face, I salute you.

Don't leave without trying the Crack Pie - their take on the Momofuku classic. Their boozy ice-cream is great too. Service can be a little scatty, with waitresses seemingly hired for cool factor rather than experience, but I've never waited too long for my food and they're always friendly. I love the dark artwork and the dive bar vibe and have taken guests aged 21-55 who have all been equally impressed. SO glad to finally have somewhere to eat near Bond Street.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

VyNam Cafe

Lovely low-key Vietnamese close to Finchley Central. Ideal for lunch but smart enough for supper. We've been several times and have never been disappointed by the friendly staff or the fresh, fragrant Viet dishes. Favourites include the banh xeo and the clay pot chicken with a wonderfully aromatic lemongrass sauce. Looking forward to trying their pho and seafood dishes. Highly recommended if you're local.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

Joe's

We had a great night at this stripped-back bar opposite the Roundhouse. The place was packed but the staff were on the ball and recommended some really good cocktails. Loved the DJ who played old school rock and roll until the early hours and the unpretentious, no-attitude vibe. If you're hungry, they do hot dogs which looked good but position yourself away from the grill behind the bar if you don't want to smell like one. A good pre- or post-Barfly option.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Made in Camden

We arrived here with high expectations having heard nothing but praise for the place but sadly left feeling underwhelmed. The small plates were good, if not great, with at least one element of each dish tasting a bit wrong or out of place. For example, we liked the slow braised beef cheek and the zingy apple salad it came with, but the jus was so over reduced it was sticky and almost bitter. Pickled mushrooms were much better, with a tasty little cheese croquette, and I really enjoyed the crisp calamari with sweet potato puree, slithers of red chilli and pumpkin seeds.

Unfortunately, the service was a let-down. Our inattentive and cocky waiter assured us that he didn't need to write our order down and then, as expected, forgot a dish. (A cold rillette dish that we ended up eating after our hot dishes). No apology was offered. We asked for the dessert menu and he brought the bill, so we took the hint and left, making sure the undeserved service charge was knocked off on our way out. Still no apology. A shame really, as we enjoyed most of the food and probably would have stayed for dessert and more drinks. As it stands, I doubt we will return.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Ci Vediamo Li

A hidden gem in the wilds of zone 5. It's a small restaurant on a rather unattractive street but inside it's warm and welcoming, almost charming in the candlelight. I'm told there is a garden out back where you can dine in good weather. The staff are friendly and generous, although service was a little slow towards the end of our meal.

I believe the owner is from Tuscany so there are some interesting Florentine dishes on offer like the spaghetti al vino rosso and 'peposo', a peppery beef and red wine stew. We liked the hot little coccoli (bitesize puffed breads) but needed a few more to go with the soft stracchino cheese and excellent (imported) Parma ham. Three simple pasta dishes took a while to come out but were obviously made fresh with the best of the lot being a light, cream-free carbonara. Our only worry is that the short menu is a bit limited if you are local and visiting often. Perhaps a couple of daily specials could be introduced for variety.

All in all, a wonderful neighbourhood restaurant that we will definitely return to. The place was almost full on a very wet Wednesday evening, so it seems Ci Vediamo Li is already a hit with the locals.

Thursday, July 21, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

GRAB Thai Street Kitchen

An excellent new Old Street lunch option! The green and red curries are pretty authentic, tasty and nicely spicy, with lots of fresh veg swimming about and your choice of white or brown rice. You can choose from a civilised small pot (3.95) or a very generous 'regular' pot/bucket (6.95). A pot of Pad Thai noodles was a little dry from having sat around but it was easy to jazz up with chilli and lime and very filling. They also do skewers, salads and soups (tom yum or tom kha, with or without noodles) and congee for breakfast. It's great for takeaway but you can also sit in at the shared tables. Lovely sweet staff too. A welcome change from City Road's Eat / Pret / Subway monotony.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

The Red Lion & Sun

Easily my favourite pub in Highgate. Inside is smart and cosy and there's a suntrap of a garden to the rear but if the weather's nice we like to sit out front and check out the local celebs. The place is run by a lovely New Zealander who really knows his whisky and the pub has a standard North London gastropub menu which is pretty good and changes daily. The pub is sometimes visited by London street food vans like ChocStar, the Meatwagon and Big Apple Hot Dogs. They also do a cracking hog roast. Highly recommended.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Eat Me Drink Me Lick Me

This new-ish cafe / ice-cream parlour was doing a roaring trade on a sunny Saturday. It's bright and clean inside with their gelato on display and little tables and colouring supplies for kids. We shared the three-scoop sundae which felt a little pricey at £6.50, given that the (exquisite) sticky toffee sundae at Hawksmoor is only a fiver. That said, the gelato was good quality and we liked the strawberry cheesecake flavour a lot. (The stracciatella and Oreo flavours were good but needed more 'bits' in them). All in all, a nice place to grab a milkshake or some ice-cream if you're in the area.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

da Polpo

We had a quick meal here during the soft opening period. If you've been to Polpo, you'll know the drill. We dined early but I imagine the place would have the same candlelit buzz as the rest of the empire after dark.

Food all good, no surprises. Much of the menu is familiar but there is a heavier emphasis on meatballs and pizzette, which is a good thing. Complimentary focaccia with whipped ricotta was nice enough and provided a much needed dip for the deftly fried arancini and potato and parmesan crochetta. Pizzette are thin and crisp, ranging from the classic Bianca (always delicious) to the new pork shoulder and pickled pepper option. Order cautiously - we didn't need the spaghettini -and- the meatball smash; portions were more than generous and rather filling. We appreciated being given a choice of balls and both dishes were tasty and comforting.

Service, provided by Norman's favoured brand of oh-so-cool Shoreditch types, was fine but tailed off as the place filled up. We would have ordered dessert but after sitting with our half-finished mains in front of us for 20 mins, we gave up and got the bill. Reasonable with the soft opening discount but at full price your bill quickly adds up.

Guaranteed to be busy so it's best to reserve or dine off-peak. In that area, I'm not sure it would tempt me away from Opera Tavern but it's nice to have another option in WC2. Handy for the pre-theatre crowd, obviously.

Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

The Riding House Cafe

We had a lovely evening at this W1 newcomer. The place looks great - stylish but not over-done. Lots of smart wood flooring, comfy banquettes and quirky squirrel light fittings. Every seat at the bar was taken which might explain why our cocktails took a while to arrive, but when they did they were excellent.

The menu is a nice mix of reasonably priced sharing plates and full size mains and everything we tried was tasty, if not spectacular. Of the small plates, the highlight was the pork belly - great crackling, beautifully tender meat and a deliciously sticky jus. (Shame our waiter whipped the plate away before we could mop it up with our bread). Veal and pork sausages were small but tasty with some garlicky lentils beneath but the chermoula poussin (which turned out to be a sort of chicken skewer) had a fair bit of inedible skin / stringy bits - a shame because it was nicely spiced and we liked the herby chilli-flecked quinoa (?) it came with.

Chorizo hash browns with poached eggs and spinach was a generous portion but maybe better suited to brunch - it was a little heavy for dinner. My sea trout was beautifully cooked and the accompanying crab and leeks were lovely, though I couldn't taste much lemon in the vinaigrette. Of our puds, the ultra-light creme caramel was the winner. (My sundae proved hard work and overly sweet - not a patch on the sticky toffee sundae at Hawksmoor).

Service was a little slow but our waiter was great - very friendly, clued-up and attentive. (Impressive given that the place has only been open a few days. The place had a nice buzz to it and It was good value with the soft opening offer. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7

Yoisho

Yoisho is a lovely authentic Japanese izakaya on Goodge Street. As other reviewers have noted, Japanese diners outnumber Westerners and the staff speak better Japanese than they do English. We sat at the bar on the tiny (not very comfortable) stools and feasted on gyoza, freshly grilled yakitori and deliciously crisp tempura, washed down with excellent sake. It's not cheap but we would definitely return for a light meal, rather than a full on dinner. It felt authentic and all the food that went past us looked great. Recommended.

Monday, April 04, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7

The Bull & Last

Finally visited this famous north London gastropub last year. On our first visit, we sat downstairs in the busy bar area and had an excellent meal. The short-haired lady who looked after us was wonderful - very friendly and knew the menu inside out. My fish dish was beautifully cooked and my partner declared his steak 'as good as Hawksmoor, and for half the price'. (Praise indeed!)

We returned in the same week and sat upstairs in the slightly more formal dining room, which has a hunting lodge theme complete with antler light-fittings and some taxidermy. The food was, again, excellent with the vension and a starter of intensely flavoured fish soup amongst the highlights. A dish that was sent back was changed quickly and without any fuss.

Be prepared for restaurant, rather than pub grub, prices. This is no cheap thrill. However, we left - on both occasions - feeling that it was worth every penny. Looking forward to trying their famed Sunday lunch, if we can ever squeeze in amongst the locals.

Monday, March 07, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Opera Tavern

As fans of both Salt Yard and Dehesa, we were always going to love Opera Tavern. From the gorgeous exterior to the buzzing bar and dimly lit upstairs dining room; it is a delight. (We particularly like the smart pigs' trotter door handles). Staff are friendly and clued-up on both the menu and the excellent wine list.

Over two visits, we tried most of the menu, including the delicious Iberico pork and foie gras mini-burger - a bite-sized revelation. We also loved the pork rillions (like crunchy piggy popcorn); the crispy squid; the slow-braised beef short rib; and a wonderful almost-vegetarian dish of gnocchi, Trompette mushrooms, spinach and gooey Taleggio cheese. Our only complaint was with the patatas fritas which are served shoe-string size here, rather than the chunkier version we love at Salt Yard.

Yes, it's not cheap but you can always sit at the bar and enjoy a good glass of wine and some charcuterie without blowing your budget. Fabulous for pre- or post-theatre. Love it.

Monday, March 07, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Salt Yard

Salt Yard remains one of my favourite restaurants in London. We grabbed a last minute table here on Friday and were seated downstairs next to the pass - a great chance to watch the incredible kitchen team at work. (Well oiled machine doesn't even come close.) We love the candlelit buzz here and it's obviously as popular with couples on dates as it is with big groups of friends.

The charcuterie and croquetas were as good as ever and we also tried some great new dishes. The ox cheek was wonderful - flavour-rich meltingly tender meat on creamy Parmesan polenta - and the crispy hake was delicious and deftly fried, though the accompanying aioli could have used more punch. For dessert, the warm chocolate ganache with turron ice-cream (and a cheeky glass of PX) was obscenely good.

Service was slick, friendly and knowledgeable as always, with the exception of one rather abrupt and frosty waitress who we didn't recognise. With so many places to eat in London, we rarely visit places twice but we find ourselves returning to Salt Yard again and again. Go, eat, enjoy.

Monday, March 07, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Bill's Produce Store

We grabbed a quick meal here in December, not long after it had opened. The 'produce store' look is all a bit Disney, quite similar to Jamie's Italian (next door), but we were happy enough in a cosy corner upstairs. (Too many blackboards covered in barely legible handwriting though.)

Staff were friendly and generally on the ball. The food was good, if not great, but reasonably priced for WC2. We enjoyed a generous chorizo starter followed by a nicely cooked risotto and a decent burger. Desserts were a bit underwhelming and a chocolate milkshake was served warm, but the 'hedgerow fizz' aperitif was lovely and a bargain at £3.95.

A good option for breakfast or a quick, cheap meal in Covent Garden.

Monday, March 07, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

Tsuru (Bishopsgate)

This is a recent discovery for me and is fast becoming a lunchtime favourite. I love the canteen-style space with its high stools and origami cranes fluttering over head. The staff are always friendly and helpful and the food is fresh, simple and great to eat-in or take-out. I'm hooked on their katsu curry but the teriyaki and sushi boxes are good too. It's lovely in the evening too - very relaxed and informal - and the menu expands to include crisp tempura prawns, tasty little gyoza, miso aubergine and chicken karaage. Just lovely.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Yum Cha

We had a lovely dim sum supper here recently. There are very few places in North London that serve great dim sum and while the dishes here weren't the best we've had, they were all fresh, delicious and a step above the stuff they serve at chains like Ping Pong, Dim T, etc. Prawn and scallop dumplings were delicately steamed and very tasty, and we loved the fiery Szechuan pork dumplings topped with crushed peanuts, garlic and chilli oil. Service was good throughout, though a little slow to bring the bill. We will definitely return at lunchtime when the dim sum menu is more extensive to try their cheung fun and pork buns.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

The Draft House (Tower Bridge)

While its siblings sit pretty in busy corners of SW London, the third member of the Draft House family seems a little lost. The south side of Tower Bridge Road isn't somewhere you end up by accident so I hope there are enough locals and office types to fill the place up in the evening. Staff are young, foppish types - polite and clued-up, if a little surprised to see us. As you'd expect, it's a handsome space - light and airy with burger-bar banquettes and Formica tables instead of the usual 'mismatched' / vintage gastropub furniture.

The beer list is huge, with everything you could possibly wish for, but the wines have been selected with equal care. The menu is meaty and swings from steaks and burgers to bagels and 'proper' mains in an attempt to please everyone who walks in. Meat-free options are not an afterthought, though. A creamy girolle and broad bean risotto was probably not cooked the day I ate it but was delicious nonetheless. Gnocchi with crispy edges and soft middles arrived with more mushrooms and a rich but not overwhelming Keen's cheddar cream sauce. A shared mini burger was well seasoned and, most importantly, adorable.

They had run out of all the desserts except cheese and crumble, which was a shame as I'm sure they're good. At £50, it was pricier than your average gastropub lunch but we left satisfied and would happily return.

Thursday, October 07, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Delhi Grill

A fantastic find on a rather dreary stretch of Chapel Market. Inside it's bright, welcoming and spotlessly clean with colourful Indian posters on the walls (like a scruffier version of Dishoom). It's run by an enthusiastic young team and the menu is reassuringly concise and impossibly reasonable with few dishes breaking the £6 mark.

We ordered a veritable feast for £30 including punchy grilled lamb chops that arrived still sizzling; succulent and well-spiced chicken tikka; and a wonderfully hot and flavoursome slow-cooked rogan gosht. Freshly made rotis and light, buttery naan was great for mopping up a fragrant tarka dal and tangy beetroot chutney. An uninteresting aloo gobi let the side down but overall, we were impressed by the fresh flavours and judicious use of chilli.

With no room for dessert, we rolled out into the night. We'll definitely be back to try the seekh kebabs and the mattar paneer. Hope they can keep the prices low and the quality as high as it is now. Recommended.

Thursday, September 30, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10

Polpetto

A small but undeniably sexy space above one of Soho's best loved drinking establishments. Don't complain that you can't book for dinner - use the waiting time as an excuse to order a Breton cider before climbing the stairs, squeezing into one of the zinc tables and ordering tumblers of prosecco or carafes of surprisingly good wine served in typically tiny Venetian-style glasses.

What to order? Oh, everything! But definitely the pizzetta bianca (a Polpo classic); the refreshing pea, mint and fennel salad; the feisty chilli and garlic prawns; the addictive zucchini frites; and the polpette, meaty balls of deliciousness in a rich tomato sauce. Save room for waistline-friendly portions of tiramisu, sgroppino or beautifully creamy panna cotta with raspberries.

It's not for everyone, but if you liked Polpo, you'll love it here.

Thursday, August 26, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Dishoom

After a great opening week meal, I returned to Dishoom hoping that standards hadn't slipped. They haven't. The place was buzzing but not packed on a Monday evening and service was as swift and efficient as before. The cocktails are lovely and fairly priced at under £6 and everything we ordered was fresh, hot and delicious. The stand-out dish was the curry of the day - a creamy but flavour-packed chicken curry spiked with tamarind and fresh herbs. Very nice indeed and quickly mopped up, along with the homely house dal, with a papery roomali roti.

Easily one of your best options in Covent Garden, for pre-theatre, pre-pub or breakfast - (bacon naan!). Someone needs to direct the tourists past the Angus Steakhouse to this reasonably priced gem.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

500 Restaurant

Yes, I reviewed this little gem in May, but after a recent visit I'm duty bound to heap more praise on it. 500 is to Archway what Trullo is to Highbury and Zucca is to SE1 - a 'proper' Italian serving up generous platefuls of excellent food. On a Friday evening, the restaurant was packed and a little loud - I think our table was the only one not celebrating a birthday - so maybe eat mid-week if you fancy a quiet dinner.

The food highlights included tender, pink lamb cutlets with roasted aubergine; a special of veal with asparagus sauce; a sinfully creamy saffron and crab risotto; and a scoop of intense pistachio ice-cream. The pasta is always good - this time, the winner was tagliatelle with a rich, slow-cooked sausage and fennel ragu. These are dishes you could probably cook at home but why would you, when you can enjoy them with friends and a good bottle of wine, without any of the washing up.

Easily in my Top 10 favourite restaurants right now. If you live 'up North' and haven't been, you're missing out.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Jamie's Italian (Covent Garden)

Having had a good meal in the Brighton branch, we decided to try out Jamie's latest opening in Covent Garden. It was predictably packed and with no bar / holding pen like the Brighton outpost, we were sent down the road to the pub to wait. 'We'll call' they said. "You didn't" we replied, having returned after a lengthy wait. "We called you lots of times..." Er, no. Anyway, they finally found us a table and no one was injured. Once you're past the door minions, service is good - our American waiter was especially perky and helpful.

The food was good - no more, no less. A shared meat 'plank' was generous, with lots of good salami, Mortadella; some zingy carrot slaw; a little cheese, etc. A sizeable burger was pretty tasty, though a side of polenta chips were more like fluffy little roasties. Pasta was pasta, with good ingredients and a fresh sauce, but nothing you couldn't throw together at home. Maybe that's the point.

We'd go back, but at a quieter time (if such a time exists). It's not overly pricey and the food, for now, is much better than the chains you usually associate with the area. If all else fails, pop next door to Dishoom for cocktails and snacks while you wait. Maybe give two phone numbers to the door minions, just in case.

Thursday, July 15, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

Gauthier Soho

Visited for the soft opening. As expected, portions are bijou but flavours are excellent. Stand-out dishes included a sinfully good wild garlic risotto; asparagus with an intense beef jus; a perfect herb ravioli with broad beans; and a light and creamy Paris Brest. From an impressive bread basket, the bacon and onion, wild garlic and Parmesan, and tomato options were all lovely. Less successful was a dull seabass dish and a slightly sickly Louis XV. The wines, handpicked by the sommelier, were very good and the room (on the first floor) is cosy, if a touch formal. Perfect if you're looking for fine dining in W1 but too pricey for regular visits. Would recommend to fans of tasting menus though, as the menu (divided into 'plats' rather than starters/mains) is very much in that style.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

Jamie's Italian

Didn't plan to eat here but ended up being pleasantly surprised. Bit of a long wait in the bar / holding pen area, but the place was clearly rammed and they slung a bit of salami our way to keep the peace.

Jamie's on to a winner with this chain. The cosy lighting, semi-open kitchen, well-stocked ham bar, etc - all looks great. The staff we encountered were friendly and knowledgeable, recommending dishes they liked without being pushy.

Two drinks, two puds, one pork belly special, and one sausage pappardelle later; we'd spent about £40. Great value (though we are used to London prices) and everything was tasty, if not mindblowing. The chocolate brownie gets a special mention for being ultra-gooey in the middle, laced with booze and accompanied by some excellent ice-cream.

As chains go, we felt it was miles better than the usual suspects (ASK, Carluccios, etc) and expect the Covent Garden branch (opening in June) to be seriously popular.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

The Ginger Dog

Popped in for a quick lunch on a recent trip to Brighton. It had only open for a few days but was clearly already popular - the phone was ringing every few minutes with booking requests. Liked the look, especially the quirky touches like the bowler hat lights above the bar.

Our burgers were pretty good. Good quality meat, proper chunky chips and a tasty red cabbage and onion slaw. We weren't asked how we wanted them cooked and perhaps should have spoken up as they were served far too pink for our taste. To their credit, one of the staff noticed and offered us a drink on the house.

Seems like a welcome addition to the area. Would return for the evening menu to see how the place looks and feels after dark. Final tip: avoid the organic cider, it was warm, flat and vile.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

500 Restaurant

Finally secured a table at this ever-popular restaurant in Archway. We were rewarded for our patience with one of the best meals we've had in North London this year.

Loved the atmosphere as soon as we stepped inside and out of the rain. It's a small space but not cramped or noisy, despite every table being full on a Friday night. Fellow diners were a mix of couples, regulars, and locals who had drifted down the hill from Highgate and Hampstead.

The food was flawless. From vast tagliere platters of meat and cheese to the gorgeous homemade bread, rustic pea and mint soup to a perfectly cooked veal chop with a rich Marsala jus. Pasta was light and flavoursome - we loved the beef ravioli and the gnocchi with its rich fennel-spiked sausage ragu. With a bottle of decent wine and some Peronis thrown in for good measure, we were sadly too full for dessert.

Prices are reasonable and being able to choose smaller portions of pasta is good news for both wallet and waistline. Service was low-key but attentive throughout and we weren't rushed, spending a leisurely couple of hours over some excellent food and wine. Already planning a return visit.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Byron (Islington)

Hurrah! No more trekking into Soho for a Byron fix!

Upper Street has never been great for food. With a few exceptions (like Isarn for Thai), you're usually there for a gig or the bars. There may be other burger joints in N1, but how many actually offer quality beef cooked to a perfect medium? Buns aside, the burgers are tasty and affordable. On opening night, our onion rings were a bit limp but that's a teething problem that can be easily remedied with hotter oil. Shakes are ice-cold and deliciously thick - try the Oreo cookie option.

I think the reviewer below missed the point with the decor. The rough and ready look suits the area and makes this branch different from their others (Soho, for example, is more of a classic diner). Not sure what they were expecting from the menu either - it's a burger bar, there's no tasting menu. We find short menus reassuring. A few things done well is much better than lots of things done badly.

Service was slick and our chatty waiter, Jack, was on the ball throughout. With locals, students and post-work drinkers to cater for, Byron is never going to be empty, and it certainly won't be up for sale any time soon. Looking forward to going back.

Monday, April 26, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Bob Bob Ricard

Visited for drinks recently and, while pricey, these were some of the best cocktails we've had in London recently. The best of the bunch was the Blackberry Lady Bob, but we couldn't fault anything we tried. Will definitely return on a busier night to see the deliciously Art Deco interior in its full glory.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Soho Pizzeria

Popped in for a quick feast at the end of the lunch rush. The place was packed with locals, tourists and families when we arrived so we had to wait a while for our food but our waiter was friendly and efficient throughout. (Even replacing momentarily dropped cutlery despite being very busy).

We both enjoyed the hot, crispy Caterina with generous toppings of onion, mushroom, ham and pepperoni. Bases were good, not too doughy, and it wasn't smothered in cheese. The pizzas are a decent size - not too big, so you can order sides without worrying about leftovers. Prices, for the area, are very reasonable. Lunch for two came to under £20. We will definitely be back. There's no excuse for ending up in the Pizza Express round the corner!

Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

The Old Brewery

We travelled across London to try this newcomer after hearing good things. Maybe we were unlucky as it was their first full weekend service, but we left feeling completely underwhelmed.

After we were seated, we were ignored for about 20 minutes and struggled to get the attention of the staff (who were monosyllabic if not mute throughout). My companion enjoyed his steak but, as he pointed out, it's hard to mess up a decent cut of meat. Chips were twice-cooked but not particularly enjoyable and our side of green beans went cold shortly after its arrival.

My dish of hake with leeks and fennel in a crab broth was the single most tasteless thing I have eaten this year. The fish itself was fine and there was some crab meat in the broth, but as to what gave it the reddish colour, I have no idea. It was underseasoned and almost entirely devoid of flavour.

Desserts of sticky toffee pudding and chocolate fondant were fine, if nothing special. Shame there wasn't anything more creative on offer - I can eat cheaper, better versions of both of those anywhere in London.

I hope it improves because the room itself looks great. We liked the beer bottles snaking across the ceiling and the terrace will certainly be popular in the summer. We wouldn't return but would recommend it to serious beer/ale drinkers rather than foodies.

Thursday, April 01, 2010
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

Siam Central

For a quick Sunday night supper, Siam Central was an excellent choice. There are at least three other Thai restaurants within walking distance but this place had been recommended by several foodies-in-the-know. It's a cute-and-cosy corner site opposite the Charlotte St Hotel and on our visit it was quiet and relaxed, though I imagine it gets busy at lunchtime and mid-week.

The food? Not the best Thai I've ever had but miles better than some of the stuff we've eaten in London. Weeping tiger and a very fresh and fragrant red curry were the highlights, while I chose badly and didn't really rate the stir-fry. Would definitely opt for the curry next time.

Service was polite and efficient throughout and the bill came to about £35 (2 mains, 2 starters, 2 drinks). Great value for that area. Would happily go back as you can easily spend twice that for mediocre fare on the same street.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Yoshino

We had a lovely weekend lunch here after it was recommended to us - we would never have found it otherwise. It's tucked away from the chaos of Piccadilly Circus and was refreshingly quiet and calm. We ate upstairs in a minimalist cafe-style room, but you can also eat downstairs at the sushi bar.

The food was great - tasty, unpretentious Japanese classics. Prawn tempura was excellent. Sweet, sizeable, succulent prawns in a crisp, greaseless batter. Vegetable tempura was less exciting - battered edamame and green beans. Chicken katsu curry was a generous plateful, including some sweet glazed carrots, pickled veg and sesame beans, and didn't taste synthetic or overly sweet as it sometimes can. Everything we ordered was hot, fresh and flavoursome. Don't expect a Roka-style menu - this is simple, everyday Japanese fare.

Service was sweet and attentive throughout and the bill came to £35, including a seemingly bottomless flask of sake. Excellent value for that area. Ideal if you're looking for somewhere to actually have a conversation, as there was no piped-in music. A lovely hidden gem we will certainly return to.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

The Lexington

Sad to read that the reviewer below was disappointed. I would agree that The Lexington's not a destination venue, though it has never claimed to be. It's just the only pub in Kings Cross with a decent jukebox and a huge range of bourbons. Cocktails (from a short list of about 6) are great and the bar staff will sometimes bring them over so you don't have to stand at the bar while they take their time over them.

We visited this week and, funnily enough, also ordered the ribs. While not the best we've had, they were tasty and we didn't find them overly fatty. The burger was pretty good - well seasoned, piping hot and much better than you'd usually get in a pub. It's worth noting that they've just hired a new chef so presumably they're still settling in. Still, with everything under a tenner, I don't think you can go wrong here if you just want to drink, eat and leave. You can certainly pay a lot more for a lot worse in Kings Cross, especially in the over-priced gastro joints closer to the station. Don't go expecting gourmet grub and you won't be disappointed.

Friday, January 08, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Salt Yard

Loved Dehesa so decided to try its sister restaurant recently. Couldn't fault anything - from the food to the extremely helpful staff, it was wonderful. That said, it's not the sort of place I'd do go for a full-on 'fancy' dinner, but it's perfect for relaxed mid-week tapas and drinks.

Charcuterie arrived first - really good manchego with quince, some good ham, toasted bread with deliciously garlicky aioli. Then the fried stuff, which can often go wrong but not here. Salt cod fritters, tasty patata bravas and jamon croquetas - crispy on the outside and wickedly creamy within. Wine was great, though I forget what we chose, and my Cava cocktail was lovely.

It's probably a little dark and noisy for some people, but I'll definitely be back on one of those evenings where you just want small plates done well.

Monday, November 16, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Charlotte Street Blues

Loud, busy blues bar with a decent bourbon list and live music seven nights a week. Music on our visit was amateurish but they seem to have some good stuff on at the weekends. Food looked pretty good (burgers, 'soul food' stuff) but I would probably recommend this place for drinks rather than food. (There are plenty of good eating options on Goodge St and Charlotte St).

Monday, November 16, 2009
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

The Pembroke

Popped in here for a quick drink after a day at Olympia. Ended up staying about six hours because the place is so welcoming. It's smarter than your average 'pub' inside, but there's no attitude - from staff or punters - and the bar prices aren't bad either.

On a Saturday evening, it was buzzing but not packed and they had the football on but not at an offensive volume. Lighting is low so the place feels cosier than it might otherwise. Very comfortable. Full marks for the clued-up, friendly bar staff.

The steak was well received to my left while I tucked into a very good veggie option - pearl barley risotto with butternut squash, red pepper and rocket. Pretty sure it was lifted from a recent Delicious magazine, but either way it was tasty and good value for a generous portion. We ate in the bar but there's a smart dining room to the rear with booths etc for groups.

I don't often find myself in this part of London but I'll definitely be back when I'm next at Earls Court.

Monday, November 16, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Meera's Express (Finchley)

Meera's is an all-vegetarian takeaway but you can also sit inside, albeit at a few basic tables facing a mirror. Cutlery is plastic and it's a self-service affair - you order and pick up food at the counter. This is fine by me but it was hard to get the attention of the staff and we didn't exactly get a warm welcome.

That said, the food is great and very cheap. We ordered far too much, starting with an excellent masala dosa (served with fiery sambhar and a cooling coconut chutney). The dosa is definitely the best I've had close to home and the filling (spiced potatoes and onions) was well spiced and fragrant. It was plenty for two to share and cost £2.99!

The thalis are equally cheap at £3.99 (or £2.99 at lunchtime) and were very fresh. (They were being prepared as we ate our dosa). Already full, we struggled through the delicious lentil dish, some channa masala, raita, and perfectly fluffy rice. The thalis come with your choice of paratha and our stacks of hot aloo paratha was so good we took most of it home.

We might not go back to sit in but would definitely swing by to pick up a dosa or two!

Friday, September 04, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8

Sedap

A quick mid-week meal here was thoroughly enjoyable. Really sweet service and great food. Chicken curry was fragrant and full-flavoured and the crisp rotis were good for mopping up the sauce. Loved the char kway teow, full of fat juicy prawns and with that great smoky flavour.

Would definitely recommend. Looking forward to going back for the (incredibly reasonable) lunch deal!

Sunday, May 03, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Ba Shan

After enjoying an opening week meal at Ba Shan, we decided to go back to see if it was just beginners luck. Thankfully, it wasn't. We ate early at 6pm in the little puppet theatre room and by the time we left the place was packed. Yes, the tables are tiny and the stools aren't exactly comfortable, but given the style of food and the location - do you really need to linger? That said, I still think it would be great for a first date, as long as you can handle chopsticks!

We enjoyed: Xi'an potato slivers (fiery but addictive); 2 portions of the deep-fried prawns; crisp and delicate vegetarian guotie; cute hamburger-like lotus leaf buns with beef; special fried rice; and delicious chicken and mushroom dumplings in spicy garlic sauce. We couldn't fault any of it and left feeling content and full, having paid £50. You can pay a lot more for worse food in Soho and you can save money by skipping the wine list. (The iced teas and fruit drinks we had seemed a much better match to the food anyway).

The previous review seems unnecessarily bitter. I don't think anyone eating at Ba Shan last night thought they were any better than the crowds eating in an average Chinatown eatery. Is the food authentic? I don't know, and neither will 90% of Ba Shan's clientele. Be realistic, we're in Soho - not Hunan. I'm sure you will pay less in China for the real deal but, for now, this is as good as it gets in the West End!

Sunday, May 03, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Carluccio's (St Pancras)

The good: If you sit 'outside' (i.e. not in the restaurant but still with the lovely St Pancras roof above you), then the view of the Eurostar platform is quite fun. Good for people watching.

The bad: It's not difficult to make a decent pasta dish, but somehow they never manage it here. The food is competent at best. Bland, serviceable carbs that I actually resent paying for.

The verdict: Only if you're desperate. Feels like a real waste of a great location.

Thursday, April 30, 2009
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5

YO! Sushi (St Pancras)

I've eaten here a few times out of desperation because St Pancras has yet to offer any appealing eateries. (Crepe Affaire, Peyton & Byrne, meh...)

This branch of Yo! Sushi is right in the middle of the Circle so you can become a side show for tourists who have never seen conveyor belt food before. Not a major problem but having someone peering over your shoulder, inches from your chopsticks, can be a bit off-putting.

The food is fine as Yo! Sushi goes - no one is expecting miracles. It's usually quiet so the hot food is cooked fresh out the back and brought to you within minutes. Never had a problem with service either.

Thursday, April 30, 2009
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7

Rasa Sayang

Basic, canteen-style decor with no-nonsense service to match. We shared hot and crispy rotis with a fiery curry sauce and a portion of Hainanese chicken rice. The skin-on, bone-in chicken was very tender and the fluffy rice (which I believe is cooked in chicken stock) was fragrant and tasty. The accompanying broth was warming and wholesome and the various condiments (kecap manis, sambal, and garlic-ginger paste) added fire and spice where necessary.

I can't comment on authenticity but would certainly go back to try out more dishes. (The nasi lemak and huge bowls of laksa looked pretty good). You could eat here cheaply by yourself or with friends at lunch or after work, but I'd avoid busy times if you want to linger over your meal. (Low prices = table turning!)

Thursday, April 30, 2009
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

King William

We ate here on a recent trip to Bath and really enjoyed it. The venue is split into a small, comfortably 'rustic' pub / bar on the ground floor and a cosy first floor dining room. It was totally packed on a Friday night and we were lucky to be squeezed into a candlelit corner table.

The menu is quite heavy on the meat and is definitely a cut above your average pub fare. Our battered hake and chips was enormous and delicious, served with homemade tartare sauce. I would have preferred peas to the salad but that's a minor quibble. For dessert, my chocolate pot with honey ice-cream was well worth the wait. Service was slightly slow throughout because it was so busy and there is only a small team of staff, but the warmth and friendliness of the manager and bar staff made up for any delays.

Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Bath, especially if you're looking for somewhere away from the centre.

Monday, April 06, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Rani

It sounds like this place has been going for years. Who knew a vegetarian Indian restaurant would survive in Finchley? Ok, it's not going to win any style awards and the (delicious) smell of curry does tend to follow you home on your clothes, but it's still a very decent local restaurant. The service is ultra polite too.

The buffet, along with various other discount deals, seems popular but if you're not into competitive eating then the a la carte is your best bet. It's worth noting that the food is authentically spiced so if you're used to bland creamy curries, you might want to order some raita and a lassi to cool things down.

The Rani thali is a nice way of tasting a few different dishes but our favourite is the masala dosa, which is easily the best I've had in North London. (There doesn't seem to be much South Indian food around here unfortunately!). The coconut chutney and sambhar are both really tasty, and Rani's coriander chutney is also worth ordering.

Give it a go - maybe not for a first date, but for a full-on feast.

Monday, February 23, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

dose espresso

The smallest and loveliest place to eat on Long Lane. Soup was amazing - full of flavour - and their sandwiches and filled croissants all looked super-fresh and delicious. My brownie was perfect and I'm definitely going back for one of their hot chocolates. Coffee looked good too - they obviously know their stuff.

The only downside is that there's only a small 'eat-in' space but if you're lucky enough to work nearby, the take-out option is the way to go. If you've ever felt robbed by the sandwich chains up the street, try here - you'll never look back.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

Dehesa

As the reviewer below explains, Dehesa is an oasis of calm on Sundays. (At most other times you can expect a queue and a very busy dining room).

The wine list is wonderful and tap water was brought to the table in a carafe, without any problems. Our Serrano ham, sourdough with aioli, and patatas bravas were all delicious; while other dishes like the scallops with cauliflower puree and roasted squash were nice but nothing special. Soft chocolate cake with ice-cream to finish was rich and sinfully good.

Service was attentive, knowledgeable and polite throughout - a very rare treat in London. I would definitely go back for cheese and charcuterie, or for the Sunday brunch menu.

Monday, February 02, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

Tsunami (West End)

Really lovely. The restaurant is quite small and narrow, but it didn't feel cramped when we visited on a Tuesday evening and the decor is very cute. (It would be an ideal setting for a first date as it's not over-the-top).

Service varied. We were left standing at the door for a while but once seated, our waiter was attentive and unobtrusive.

Everything we ordered was delicious - we only regret not ordering more, as it wasn't always clear from the menu what the portion size might be. I would recommend the chicken gyoza and the black cod tempura with wasabi mayo - both light and very tasty. My pineapple mojito was also excellent.

I think if you were really eating to feel full, the bill might add up but with the special offer it's good value. I will definitely visit again and would recommend it to anyone looking for a low-key dinner before heading into Soho for the night.

Thursday, January 15, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

The Stag

My only complaint is that this pub puts my locals to shame!

The burgers are great; the cheese selection is excellent; cocktails are good and staff are lovely. The garden will be a big hit in warmer weather with its cosy covered booths and nooks. The highlight of my visit was the white chocolate bread and butter pudding - almost indecently good.

Looking forward to going back soon. This is a real gem.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

York & Albany

We had lunch here on a Saturday before Christmas and thought that the food was very good, though not particularly challenging. Staff were well trained but seemed tired and stressed, which is understandable as this place has been booked up since it opened.

My soup to start was excellent and my companion enjoyed the chicory, pear and parma ham salad. Her main of turkey was nice enough but the winning dish was my cod - firm, white and tender in a light curried saffron sauce with mussels. For dessert, chocolate torte was good but needed more of the delicious fromage blance ice-cream. We couldn't really find fault with anything, but nothing stood out as a 'wow factor' dish.

The bar was full of pram-wielding 'yummy mummies' when we arrived but they were replaced by a smarter, younger crowd later in the evening. My Albany Cream (bourbon, maple syrup and ice-cream) was wonderful but my pre-lunch Mojito could have been better. Wine was just ok throughout, but then we did stick to the by-the-glass options so that's understandable.

Overall, it's one of the few places you could take someone for a date in Camden; but also ideal for lunch with your parents. I would go back, but preferably at someone else's expense! It has made me eager to try Murano too.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

The Establishment

We live miles away in Herts but made a special trip here to celebrate my Mum's birthday and it was well worth the journey. On a Sunday lunchtime, it was buzzing with families in the dining room, couples in the bar and well-heeled young locals tucking into huge burgers in the al fresco area. We were greeted by Sal, the lovely front of house lady, and took our seats in the dining area just off the bar.

My parents thoroughly enjoyed the roast Galloway beef, which came with enough vegetables to feed a small army and piping hot gravy. My brother's haddock (with light, crunchy beer batter) and chips was equally well received.

I was disappointed that the pea and broad bean risotto I'd been looking forward to had disappeared from the menu, but luckily it had been replaced with a more seasonal butternut squash and sage version. Deliciously creamy, topped with chunks of sweet roasted squash and pumpkin seeds - it was perfect.

I couldn't resist the sticky toffee pudding with rum butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice-cream for dessert, but I made the mistake of telling everyone how light and moist it was and ended up fending off three invading spoons!

The bill was very reasonable, considering the area and the quality of the food, and our only complaint that day was about the traffic in Chelsea on the way home. I'll certainly be back!

Saturday, September 13, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Raduno Lounge

Drinks are ok, but the food is grim. Everything we ordered, even the chips, were greasy. We could taste it all afternoon - and that's no good thing. Burgers looked ok but there are plenty of pubs in the area serving up much better food so there's really no excuse to find yourself here for lunch.

Monday, August 11, 2008
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3

Hola

When Café Neo closed and we heard that a tapas bar had taken its place, we thought we’d give it a try. It’s a small one-room restaurant on Whetstone High Road, so we weren’t expecting the next Barrafina but we didn’t think it would turn out to be the worst meal we’ve had the displeasure of paying for this year.

From the second we sat down, we knew we’d made a mistake. The owner was behind the bar, criticising the staff in full view of us and the one other table that was occupied. A lovely American waitress brought our drinks and told me it was her first attempt at a Mojito so she hoped it was ok. It was perfect - plenty of crushed ice, fresh mint and juicy lime wedges. Sadly, this was to be the only highlight of the meal.

First, a mute Polish waitress brought us stale bread and then tried to insist it was fresh. We were eventually brought fresh bread, but there’s really no excuse for serving up yesterday’s chewy baguette to anyone. Next came Serrano ham, which was a little greasy but otherwise fine. Garlic mushrooms came swimming in tasteless butter that could have done with a couple more cloves and some black pepper. Edible, but hardly the tasty champiñones al ajillo we make at home.

The three worst offenders were the pimientos de padrón, the Spanish omelette and the patatas bravas. The pimientos were greasy and completely devoid of the rock salt that makes them so delicious. When we asked for some rock salt, we were told to use the salt on the table (no) or the miniscule amount of rock salt that came with the oil and balsamic for the bread. The patatas bravas were clearly roasted, not fried, which is just plain wrong. The sauce arrived separately - something I’ve never encountered before - and it was clearly from a jar and had never seen a fresh tomato, garlic or parsley. It was hot, thin and bright orange. The 'Spanish omelette' was not cooked in the middle so neither of us touched it.

While we’d been struggling to decide which of these dishes we could actually eat, the owner had sat down at the table behind us to re-write a menu and continually made nasty, sarcastic comments to both waitresses. The American girl shrugged them off, but the Polish girl clearly didn’t understand his insults, which made them seem especially cruel. It’s unnecessary to be rude to your staff anyway, but to do so in full view of your customers is completely unacceptable. We only hope that both girls see sense and seek alternative employment elsewhere.

Having eaten very little, we asked for the bill and watched as the owner snarled, 'But they haven't eaten anything!'. He asked for the omelette to be brought to him so he could poke it and discuss it with the waitress in the middle of the restaurant. Very unprofessional. It was taken off the bill but it was still painful to pay the remaining £30.

I can’t see this place lasting long, unless the residents of Whetstone have completely lost their sense of taste. It seems a shame, because a really good tapas bar would make a welcome addition to the area and Hola just fails on so many levels. Definitely one to avoid.

Friday, August 08, 2008
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2