All reader reviews by Pendar
Babinondas Restaurant
Was a bit dubious about going because of previous uncomplimentary reviews, however after two visits (the second visit was with more people just to make sure the first visit wasn't a fluke) I'd have to say that this is a restaurant well worth visiting.
The meze is a veritable feast (and cheaper than nearby Vrisaki) with no dud dishes. Service on both occasions was efficient and friendly, the house white was good, the atmosphere is good whether full or nearly empty (the difference between a dry Friday night and wet Tuesday night!). Personally I can't wait for the arrival of a summer so that I can sit out front and watch the world go by from under the huge grapevine that adorns the front.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Overall rating 
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
La Vina
An unimpressive visit many years ago and the bad reviews below would make a second visit seem a foolish idea. Contrary to all expectations though, the restaurant excelled this time. They are quite happy to let you just choose from the tapas menu and not indulge in the mains - the tapas menu is not the most extensive but with unusual dishes such as Quails and Squid Stuffed With Prawns there is enough to interest a seasoned tapas devotee. The more regular tapas fare fared pretty well as well.
The layout and (very) low light levels made for an enjoyably intimate atmosphere but unfortunately made it impossible to read the menu without actually taking it outside - some candles on the tables would have helped there methinks (must remember the pocket torch next time).
La Vina passed with flying colours in two general areas of restaurant malcontent: the house white and the toilets (no connection). The intricate Spanish tiling of los servicios revealed an attention to detail that indicate an intention to impress and please on behalf of the owners. Even the tables were large enough to fit all the tapas onto!
Worth a try in my humble opinion.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Overall rating 
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Jamon Jamon
The prices of tapas in Spanish restaurants has been creeping up over recent years, to the point where one has to be quite discerning over which ones to visit. Jamon Jamon still rates as a good visit; the service is friendly (though perhaps too flippant), the portion sizes are reasonable, and the ambience is good regardless of the number of diners. However, the microwaved tapas dishes quickly lost their heat and, on this visit at least, were quite bland. Having worked so hard to establish a good reputation, Jamon Jamon is in danger of losing it through complacency.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Overall rating 
Food 4 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Exquisite
Not located in one of London's more salubrious areas but that only works to the diner's advantage as prices are low and portions are huge. A colourful Mexican styled interior plus a free tequila shot afterwards served by the friendly staff means you can't go far wrong. It's also large enough for them to be able to cope with a large raucous party and romantic couples with equal ease.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Exquisite
Not located in one of London's more salubrious areas but that only works to the diner's advantage as prices are low and portions are huge. A colourful Mexican styled interior plus a free tequila shot afterwards served by the friendly staff means you can't go far wrong. It's also large enough for them to be able to cope with a large raucous party and romantic couples with equal ease.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Cedar
Marvellous restaurant; great food and friendly service. Well worth trekking all the way to the wrong end of London for!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
