All reader reviews by Paul

Number 22

I find some of the reviews that complain about the prices at Number 22 really odd. For the quality of the ingredients and inventiveness of the tapas, I think it's really well priced. The wine list also has some real gems that would cost significantly more elsewhere.

I'm pleased to have Number 22 as a (relatively) local restaurant. It's cosy in winter, and has nice patio seating for warmer nights. Service is always friendly and knowledgeable. The menu changes a lot, but the seared tuna and lamb cutlets were stand-outs on my last visit. Lovely stuff.

Thursday, April 19, 2012
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Cantina Laredo

Some of the positive reviews of this place are hilarious! It may well be that a few are by people who have never eaten Mexican (or indeed half decent) food before, but the majority are clearly part of a PR campaign.

My meal at Cantina Laredo has to go down as one of the least enjoyable dining experiences I've had in London. Not because anything went wrong; there were no tell-tale signs of an 'off night'. It's just that the food is pretty awful, and the prices crazily high. The place also feels like a soulless hotel lobby.

As others have said, Wahaca is a short walk away if you fancy Mexican food - it's cheaper and substantially better. Failing that, dig out some West End gems like Yalla Yalla who provide real value for money. Just don't go here!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0

Yak & Yeti (Crystal Palace)

Since moving further towards Crystal Palace, this has become a bit of a regular haunt. A very casual and friendly place, with some absolutely lovely dishes, Yak & Yeti is superb value for money (especially if you can get some kind of offer, which they have on frequently). Try the momo, the salmon ashwain and the seafood mismas. Feel very lucky to have this place to nip into/order from!

Thursday, March 17, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9

Metro Garden Restaurant

I attended Metro Clapham recently on a Friday night in a large-ish group, and must say that I was incredibly disappointed.

The restaurant space - both in the front building and the back 'garden' restaurant - is lovely, but that's where the positives end.

My starter consisted of massively overcooked scallops and greasy noodles, with a no-more-than-average piece of duck to follow. One of our party ordered medium rare steak, which arrived ridiculously overcooked. When he pointed this out, the waiter looked at him like dirt, before returning and saying the chef had disagreed that it was overcooked. When sent back again, he then came back to say that it was the last bit of steak in the place, and so my friend had to grudgingly have it back, cooked even more to warm it up! Another member of the party then got a very snappy response from another member of staff when asking for a spoon, who then failed to deliver items we'd ordered. When the bill arrived, we were staggered by how much this place was charging for badly cooked food served by badly trained and moody staff.

There's a fair bit of choice round Clapham; avoid this restaurant if like anything approaching a half-decent dining experience.

Thursday, March 17, 2011
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3