All reader reviews by Anonymous

Super Star

This is my choice for a late night restaurant in the West End. The service is excellent! We always order the same wine....but it's a good one at 16.00 pounds or so...so we can't complain. The squid with chill and pepper is always great! It's open very late and I really can't find fault with it. Thank you for being open past 1am! Thank you for such great food and wonderful service....we'll keep coming back!!!!

Monday, November 28, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

SUDA Thai Cafe & Restaurant

...oh dear...another restaurant trying to decide on being a nightclub...very loud music!!! Who wants to dine with such noise in the background.

The wine is really expensive for poor vintages...just dreadful!

The food was equally as bad...one dish was sent back for being undercooked and also being the wrong dish.

Even with the opening offer of 20% off I will never return.

It's been a long time since I had such dreadful food.

The service was fine.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1

Roussillon

This was an excellent choice after going to the Tate for a few hours in the morning.

We decided to have the lunch menu which was very good value. I loved the fact that you can choose between 8 different wines and enjoy a half bottle each(different ones if you fancy). I enjoyed a wonderful Chardonnay (Vondeling) and my friend had the Pinot Rose.This is the first restaurant in ages that offers so many choices of wine for the lunch special of 3 courses and a half bottle for 35.00 pounds each!

My starter of cornish mackerel was light and refreshing as it was served with a lime and fennel salad. My main of roast loin and shoulder of suckling pig was excellent!!! A divine coconut mousse and lime jelly finished off this outstanding lunch.

Great service and a calm and relaxing atmosphere. I'll return!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

Opera Tavern

The Opera Tavern is very close to where I live...and they do have lovely food.I've been about five times now and each time the music gets louder and louder...This isn't the first restaurant to trying to decide to be "more buzzing" (quote of staff)in order to attract a younger crowd. I'm not opposed to this BUT I don't wish to dine at a nightclub...I guess I'm just too old...

anyway...top dishes include the mini Iberico pork and fois gras burger(amazing)and the top quality lamb they serve.

The wine list is divine...so many choices. Excellent.

...if only the music wasn't so loud (this is coming from somebody who owns a music shop!!!) they would get my custom 3x per week.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 6

The Lonsdale

Excellent! We were waiting for some guests to arrive at our holiday flat and decided as this place is on the same street we thought we would try it...in short the service was excellent..and I mean really really good. I had made a request for the music to be turned down and without any issue being made this was done for us.

The wine was outstanding and the steaks were cooked to perfection.

The cocktail list looked wonderful...will have to go back over the next few months when I next venture from the West End

Saturday, August 06, 2011
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Sushi 54

This lovely little place further down the Lower Richmond Road appeared very inviting from the outside.

However, the food was just OK...nothing amazing and really expensive.

The service was bordering on both rude and servers that simply didn't care about their paying customers...no smiles....no thank you...please come again...

Shame as a good sushi restaurant in this part of Putney is needed...

Perhaps they'll improve their standards....or just rely upon their home delivery(which was really busy...)

Thursday, June 23, 2011
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3

St John Hotel

I would rather dine in an NHS waiting room than ever pass through the doors of this newly opened establishment again. The overall feeling is very cold both in terms of the welcome of the waiting staff and the actual temperature.

I think this is a case of the waiting staff really doing more damage than good as the rolling of the eyes (which I did catch) was very unprofessional.

The food...the liitle I had was fine.

Waiting staff (and this seems to happen more so in the West End) seem to think that they're more important than the paying customers...if you think you're above this and belong on the stage please spare the customers of your drama.

This is a prime spot and the West End and no doubt it will be successful but the service needs to be improved.

Sunday, June 05, 2011
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

We enjoyed a lovely meal here. The bottle of Condrieu Les Cassines at just over 100 pounds was worth every sip...outstanding! The portions are small but the dishes tend to be on the rich side so this really does suit the portions. There's plenty to choose from and I do wonder why I don't go here more often...very good indeed!

Friday, April 15, 2011
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Tapas Brindisa (Soho)

...enjoyed a good late night snack here..nothing too formal and the service was good.

...delightful little bites of Spanish Tapas and a rather good wine list...

...the boquerones were lovely as was the prawns and garlic...

...I'll drop by again when next in the area

Thursday, March 03, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6

Wright Brothers Soho

Waiting for a film to start...a few hours to go...we decided to try somewhere new. The place is situated just behind Liberty...so well placed. It was dead quiet (it was a Sunday afternoon)and we were limited to selecting from the cold menu only.

We started with a lovely bottle of Berry Bros Cremant...and at 30.00 pounds per bottle we thought...we'll take two...no...just the one...they also do Billecart Salmon Rose at 78.00 pounds...and for Central London that's a good deal.

We enjoyed 3 of each oyster...and they have five to choose from....Duchy Native ,Colchester,Maldon,Carlingford and the Claire ones from France....excellent all round and I loved the little shells with the name of the oysters on them...great idea.

The razor clams were a miss...far too grainy...and just didn't taste that good...very small as well...I doubt they were native to this country....shame...

The whelks, winkles,mussles and atlantic prawns were all good. The smoked mackeral pate was divine...I was alway disappointed when JS took it off their menu....

The service from the waitress was excellent.

The room itself was lovely...I can imagine in the evenings...this place is totallly packed.

We'll return...

It almost gives my favourite haunt of JS some competition in the West End.

Thursday, February 03, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Paramount

...another room with a view...BUT the view from the 32nd floor is wonderful! We booked for a meal...had drinks with a friend on the viewing gallery...almost tripped down the dark steps...even before having a drink...

...the meal was very good...most enjoyable....enjoyed the scallops, loved the venison...the maple pecan dessert was OK.

I wouldn't rush back as the place is very loud...but the food was excellent and that view is worth one visit at least.

Thursday, February 03, 2011
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7

Vanilla Black

...I forgot to post a review for this place...it's been awhile so I can just say that overall it was very good. I remember the staff as being excellent and the room has a rather calm feel to it.

I'll go back and try it again.

Thursday, February 03, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

The Foundry

....please not modern Jazz...I own a rock and roll shop...NOT JAZZ...I said as I was taken to see a band and eat...OK...I've been before...but it was upstairs so the noise of the music wasn't too bad...and the food was good

This time around I sat downstairs (at a smallish table) and I thought that again the food was quite good. I really enjoyed the lobster pasta (handmade on the premises) and the portion of greens with garlic was also good. The starter of tuna carpaccio was somewhat too much of a summer dish...but still nice.

They offer a great choice of gelati and some wonderful flavours! We had a really good waiter who was able to recommend an excellent Italian white (Rapitala 2006) and the Kir Royales were the best size that I've enjoyed in London (well done for such a generous measure!)

A great venue and nice staff...no comment about the jazz...

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

Hix Restaurant & Champagne Bar (Selfridges)

This place suits the now brashness that is Selfridges...It's not bad...just not to my taste in terms of of the atmosphere. The bar/restaurant is rather small and one can't help feeling that you're in some mall restaurant in Dubai..

The service was OK...but the staff weren't professional at all...they would have been better suited for a night bar. They didn't know the menu that well.

Anyway ,for the starter we had the pork cracking (excellent), some Maldon Rocks (presented with flair...nice to see)

We also had the sprouting broccoli and Montgomery Cheedar shavings...this was OK.

The Hix cured salmon really lacked the smoked flavour...shame...

The desserts were Ok. They had an interesting choice. The shot of Hix Fix jelly was excellent.

The champagne was excellent...

I would go back for some oysters and champagne and pass on the main menu.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 5

Gauthier Soho

I really enjoyed the meal at Gauthier. The interior had changed that much since the days of LH...perhaps somewhat more understated in terms of the decor..The room was quiet whith no music (always a plus).

We sat upstairs overlooking Romilly St...whilst we enjoyed our long excellent meal with good service.

You can choose between the small plates(really a create your own tasting menu) and their seected tasting menu.We decide on the small plates...as you can order 3-5 if you desire....we went for the five...

I loved the crayfish veloute with chicken liver and truffle.This was followed by the cepes risotto with a chicken jus reduction and brown butter...a really great dish.The fish course was an incredible crisp Dover Sole with a beed-orange jus. I selected the Salt Marsh lamb for the meat course..this was cooked to perfection. Great selection of wines to boot.

Expect to pay about 200.00 plus for two but it's worth it.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

Dishoom

I enjoyed our meal here. The service was excellent. The food was good...not outstanding but i still think this place could be worth a second visit.

It's great that it's open all day...and the portions are a decent size. I loved the cafe crisps.

The bottle of Cotes Du Rhone Blanc was excellent value and went well with the dishes...grilled masala prawns, vegetable biryani and the calamari.

The atmosphere of the place works and would be a great venue for large groups.

Friday, October 22, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

Kyoto

I've been here twice...each time somewhat pressed for time....it is by far the best Japanese food I've had in ages. I've eaten at Nobu ,Zuma etc and this little place just off Greek St in Soho is wonderful.

The sushi and sashimi was excellent. The presentation was lovely.

I also have to highly rate them on some other items that can often be overlooked ,the bathrooms just had all those extra touches, the lighting in the restaurant was perfect....and for once a place that has the music down to a tee...just light real jazz (not musak) in the background.

I'm looking foward to my next visit...with more time on my side!

Sunday, October 17, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8

Les Deux Salons

I'm not sure it's a good idea to venture to a restaurant on its first week...Les Deux Salons has a great location in Covent Garden...and I can see this place being packed most nights. It had a bustling atmosphere throughout the evening.Given the fact they only just opened I was pleased with the service.

The menu has a good choice of starters and mains. I enjoyed the warm salt cod with young squid with a parsley sauce. The dish was excellent. The main was a saddle of rabbit which was also very good. I was pleased to see their side salad was a good portion. I enjoyed the Rum Baba for dessert.

The wine prices are reasonable(having said that I selected the 2008 Rully at 48.00...but worth it) I still really like the fact that they offer ALL of the wines in bottles,carafes or by the single glass!

I can't really find too much fault with this place...and I'm looking foward to the upstairs room opening. I'm already thinking of going back this evening...

Friday, October 15, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

Landseer British Kitchen

I've eaten here three or four times and with the 50% offer it's rather good value. However ,the service needs a vast improvement...at times it felt that the staff didn't have a clue about being a waitress or waiter...nor did they care.

The food is OK. It's a bar above what you'll find in other hotel restaurants. The trio of seafood is execellent..

The room...in the basement is rather dark and clinical but it's still acceptable.

They do have a decent wine list....the only issue is that the first choice always seems to be out of stock...

Not bad....not great...just OK.

Thursday, September 16, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7

Benito's Hat (Covent Garden)

The vast amount of building work that has taken place on New Row has resulted in several new additions to the street. Benito's Hat is a fast food version of Mexican that will prove to be very popular with the locals and the many tourists of Covent Garden.

The interior is clean and relaxing and the place was packed. I ordered a takeway and I have to say the service was excellent!!!

You can build your own burritos or tacos and there are additional sides as well.

If they can keep up the excellent friendly service and very good food this place will do well.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9

Ciao Bella

It's always the way on a Bank Holiday Monday...the majority of restaurants decide to close...or do some light decorating work...after walking around the various chains in Covent Garden...we decided to walk to Bloomsbury.

We've been here before and it was OK...just.

We were given a table outside.This is one of the main reasons to eat here.We ordered the bruschetta as a starter and the bread was so hard one feared for our teeth.Not good.

The main course of spaghetti vongola was too salty.

The bottle of white wine(Laguna) was excellent.

This place will continue to thrive...the service is rushed...almost rude at times...but their location on Lamb's Conduit St is ideal...and it's not expensive.

People go for the pleasure of dining with friends outside as the food alone isn't enough.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6

Enoteca Turi

This is one of a handful of restaurants in Putney that is worth a visit. I always look foward to dining here.The wine list is excellent...with the emphasis on Italian wines...and some excellent ones from small producers. I was pleased to see the same staff after so many years.Their knowledge of the menu/wines shows and the service was very good throughout.

Starters were a deep fried mozzarella in a herb crust,roasted pumpkin and a balsamic dressing.The portion was a decent size.The dish was good...not amazing but I still enjoyed it.My friend enjoyed the smoked haddock.

We had the middle course of the pasta(had to try it) I loved the chesnut and ricotta ravioli with a butter and sage sauce.The pasta here is excellent. They offer the middle course at a reduced price/or two pounds more if you take it as a main.

The main dish was the fillet of sea bass with fennel and a cod cheek ravioli.It was good.

The dessert I had was a somewhat disappointing chocolate pasta...yes,chocolate pasta..I should have known better....an interesting dish,but really really heavy.

Overall, a pleasant meal...with good service.

Saturday, January 16, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Hix Soho

I'm not quite sure where to start...hmmm...I was so looking foward to dining here...so let's start with the very positives...the food is very good...excellent in fact.I was pleased to see such good quality produce on the menu.We enjoyed some wonderful Maldon Natives and a few Cumbrae Rocks...they could have been presented somewhat better..but none the less...excellent! We had asked for a shellfish soup to share...and of course it came in one bowl...they did eventually deliver it in two...of course it was a rather small portion.,.it was OK...

The main was a red mullet (WHOLE)...although being told it wasn't before we ordered...I was somewhat disappointed to have to deal with its bones...in fact we were both served two...so the quanity was good...side were chips (triple cooked???) they were ok, and a side of broccoli...

The general service lets this place down...very much so..as there's not one person looking after your table...so it was somewhat hit and miss...the wine was outstanding...buy at 120 for a Pulingny-Montracet 1st Cru...I would expect that at least...so this was a great advised choice....the bar staff were excellent and this showed...but at 250 for two I would expect better service and some passion from the waiting staff... and I mean passion...show some interest in what you do..even if it's over the top....the majority just didn't seem interested...I've always said if you don't want to put away books...don't work in a library...the same with restaurants...

The overall look of the place isn't to my taste...I would prefer tablecloths...but that's just me...maybe a Hirst tablecloth...no..but it's abit stark...but perhaps, that's what people want for a Soho restaurant???

It's only been open for a few weeks...and no doubt its location is excellent...and I really wanted to say it was an amazing experience...but it wasn't...I felt somewhat let down...having said that I'll probably return once they're more settled...for at least some oysters...

Sunday, October 25, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 5

Cigala

I before E....except...this doesn't apply here...but anyhow...our local...I guess it is..we can walk to it...still trying to find some comfort in Bloomsbury...one would think it's easy..almost pillowlesque.....BLOOMSBURY....ok...the restaurant...it was ok...ham...very very dry....chicken liver...quite good...grilled sardines...ok...red cabbage and pear salad...a missed chance...lacked seasoning....but was almost there...salt fitters...again...not amazing...lamb with tomato sauce...was ok...the afters...a rather good chilled rice pudding and an average almond tart with van cream...will we return.?..yes...the service was very good...it's local...it's independent...so another visit ? yes...we enjoyed a great evening!

Friday, October 16, 2009
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7

Yming

Is it a bad thing to recieve a Christmas card every year for the last 14 years...from the staff at a restaurant? No,it's a nice thought...I can't believe I've never reviewed my favourite Chinese restaurant in London. I love this place...I guess I take it for granted but if you want an outstanding Chinese meal Yming is a must visit!

Last night we enjoyed their sea bass with a side of sugar snap peas and aspargus...with some steamed rice.It was a simple but an excellent meal.We enjoyed an excellent Swiss white wine...full bodied...rare to see this on any menu...let alone in a Chinese restuarant!

I also rate their silken tofu,Tibetan garlic lamb, aubgergine chips(pure bliss),fresh scallops...lamb with lemon zest....

The owner (Christine) is often in the restaurant and is always wonderful with her guest as is William(main waiter)...

Fantastic every single time!

Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Clos Maggiore

I was looking foward to having a relaxing dinner with a new business client and booked into my favourite Covent Garden restaurant...knowing we would do the tasting menu...I could almost taste the lamb...my guest then informs me that she's a vegetarian! A Vegetarian...in a French restaurant...oh god help me!

We ordered the "vegetarian tasting menu" and it was fabulous!!! We enjoyed a vissychoise soup, a caponata with aubergine which had the most wonderful flavours.

The matching wines with each course were well selected and presented with the bottle so we could see the label and have it poured in front of us...always a plus with a tasting menu...I'm always amazed when wine pairings are just brough to the table and the guests have to look at the menu to find out what they're drinking with each course...I'm pleased this didn't happen here.

This was followed by a seasonal pumpkin lasagne.The next course of potato gnocchi was also very good.The last main was an outstanding tagiatelle with mushrooms.

A large chocolate marcroon was served for desert...it was ok.

This was an excellent meal,fantastic service...and I would return again and again(even with a vegetarian dining companion!)

Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

1 Lombard Street (Restaurant)

A collegue and I took advantage of the Times offer...I always seem to clip them when they come out...and always seem to forget to actually use them! So this this I remembered...but couldn't find a list of the restaurants taking part...1 Lombard St was one of few that I remembered...

We had been on a Dr Johnson walk...so we knew we would be in the area...

The atmosphere was buzzing in both the brasserie and in the restaurant...I'm pleased they gave us a table in the restaurant as the room was very nice...

Three course for 20.00 pounds was outstanding value! Yes, we could have ordered a less expensive bottle of wine...but for 60.00 we really enjoyed the reccomended Puligny Montrachet.

The chilled gazpacho was good. The main of sear stone sea bass with provencal vegetables and bail mash was a lovely dish.

We finished off with the selection of cheese(at no extra supp) and the choice and presentation was just perfect.I know it's not always possible but I love being given the chance of looking at the cheese trolley or tray...always a treat.The labels for the cheese was also a good idea.Well done!

I'm out of my area for this place but it was a good meal with good service...so no complaints!

Sunday, September 27, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10

Le Pont de la Tour

This is without a doubt a room with a view ! Their position on the river is just stunning...and for a mere 200.00 pounds this "view" could be yours for two hours. However, the price does include some poorly cooked and presented food.The evening started fine,receptionist was very welcoming and we waited at the bar and this is probably where we should have stayed...we ordered a bottle of Crement de Loire and just as we finished the first glass the table was ready...

We were so looking foward to Le Pont's Fruit de Mer..sadly the waiter forgot to inform us they weren't on the menu that day...we then asked them to make up some form of platter...request was refused due to no fresh shellfish arriving that day! Ok, it was a Monday but still it would have been ok if we were informed.

We had lamb and veal for our mains...the sauce for the veal had crusted over..and the lamb was just ok.the wait between courses seemed an eternity and we were so glad to pay and leave...never to return

Dreadful!

Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1

Clos Maggiore

We decided to have an evening out on Bank Holiday Monday...although we found quite a few places closed...we managed to get a table in the front part of this charming restaurant and the food was outstanding!

The pea/mint soup had sold out but they offered me a gazpacho soup which really was the best one I've tasted.The presentation on this particular dish was just stunning...even my rather finicky friend was impressed.It was perfect in taste as well.I hope they keep this on the menu as I want to try it again.

We decided to share the lamb for two...and again we were both very impressed by the flavour of this dish.It's presented tableside in a tangine and the aroma of the dish was incredible.The lamb was then taken back to the kitchen and a few moments later we were able to enjoy it.Very good!

We both had the same desert...should have selected two different choices though...the Eton Mess was fine...more wild strawberries would have been nice/but the merigue was great.

One of the best restaurants in the West End!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

The Swan & Edgar

Goodness me...this place was very hard to find. We were fortunate enough to run into some locals who walked us to the door. The pub itself is tiny...with room for just a few tables. The overall look was good though as they decided on a literary theme (the bar being made off old paperbacks). They are planning on opening upstairs and the courtyard garden so this will help...as I suspect it will become a popular pub.

The food was ok...nothing outstanding but at ten pounds per head one can hardly complain too much. We just enjoyed the Sunday Roast...not the greatest quality of meat...and given the area they could charge more and find a better supplier. The portion was vast for the money.The homemade scoth egg was a delight. We had the crumble for desserts...improvement needed there as it tasted as though it had been put in the microwave. This will be worth trying again once they're a bit more settled...they've only been open for a short time.

Monday, May 18, 2009
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7

Corrigan's Mayfair

I was looking foward to dining here...managed to secure a booking at the last moment...the room itself is vast but rather cosy. I had heard that the sound echoes but that wasn't true at all. The seating was very comfortable.It was wonderful to see Mr Corrigan at the Oyster bar! This is a restaurant where one can either have a casual meal or make it more of a special event.The fish was of top quality and they offer some unsual choices....grilled Gurnard looked very tempting...played it safe and had the plaice in an almond crumb. I'll return soon!

Monday, May 18, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9

J Sheekey

J Skeekey never fails to deliver outstanding food and a top level of service...I have yet to be disappointed. I often show up without a reservation and they always try their best to find room..even if it's at their fabulous new oyster bar area...sometimes I prefer it there.The oyster bar has a different menu to the main restaurant and the dishes are smaller and size but this was a great idea as it works as most people will have the oysters and two smaller dishes or four if you're sharing.

I've tried most of them...fish pie,atlantic prawn cuury,fish stew,crab bisque are all wonderful! The oysters are beautifully presented.

Their wine list for both the oyster bar and the main restaurant is outstanding and we often enjoy a great quality bottle for under 30.00 pounds.

They have a no music policy...which is perfect after a hard day and you just want to enjoy a nice glass of wine and oysters.

The place is always busy and with the great front of house team and food it's easy to see why.

Friday, March 06, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9

Nobu Berkeley

We had the most wonderful food at Nobu on Sunday night.The place was packed...but we were given a great table near the windows.We enjoyed several dishes from the a la carte menu including a lobster tempura salad which was stunning! The sushi and sashmi(several pieces)was of an outstanding quality and the best I've had in London.The main tempura selection had abit too much batter but the selection that one can choose from is very good...and at 1.50 for two big pieces ,it's not that expensive.We had the wagu beef...which was ok..not outstanding...

The service was fine...perhaps just more info when the dishes are brought to you would have helped...we found ourselves having to ask again what the dish was.The room is very noisy...but I expected this.Expensive? It's not too bad actually...it's viewed as being very expensive but one can still enjoy most of the dishes and a bottle of wine for about 75.00 per head.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8

Helene Darroze @ The Connaught

I loved this place! The hotel is beautiful...an amazing refurb.The dining room has a lovely period feel to it...in fact I felt as though we were transported back to 1895 and is was wonderful!

We enjoyed Ms Darroze tasting menu on Christmas Day and it was outstanding...such quality ingredients....jerusalem artichokes and Iberico ham(sliced wafer thin at the table)was incredible!A vast XXL Scottish scallop roasted in it's shell served with Alba truffle was simply outstanding.The John Dory was also very good.

The service was very professional as one would expect at this level.Yes, it's expensive but worth every single pound!

Monday, January 12, 2009
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Zafferano

We both enjoyed a very special meal at this intimate Itlaian restaurant in the heart of Knightbridge.The table service was professional and prompt.

I had a light cured tuna with orange and fennel which was paper thin and refreshing...followed by the best mozerella I've ever tasted.This is a must try dish.We shared the middle pasta course...a wonderful flat spaghetti with lobster and fresh tomato.The meal concluded with hazlenut cream and espresso coffee/probably too late in the evening for this but it was still good.

The only slight problem was the frosty reception we received...this should 99% all of the time...when a restaurant has a seperate reception point...a warm greeting with a smile would have made all the difference...regardless of how busy it is.

I would still return as the food and atmosphere was very good!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8

Salt Yard

I 've been meaning to try this place for quite some time now...but always seem to end up at Pied De Terre for lunch....a quick walk down Charlotte St and onto Goodge St and you'll find this tapas bar.We arrived just as they we're ending their lunch session but we're happy to still serve us.This is always a good sign for me...no bad attidude from any of the staff here...in fact given that this place is probably always packed for lunch and dinner the service was very good.The bar staff even noticed my rose prosecco was somewhat flat and gave me another glass...

We enjoyed some aged serrano ham,a selection of goats cheese with a drizzling of honey,salmon carpaccio,crispy egg(very very good),quails eggs,courgettes stuffed with monte enebro cheese(this dish is excellent)and had a buttermilk pannacotta and chocolate fondant...both incredible!

They have a great wine list with many available by the glass.The bill for two came to about 80.00 to include wine and service...This is a very good restaturant and the staff are great! I'll return for a longer grazing session in the near future.

Saturday, November 22, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

Chez Georges

Several years have passed since opening our music shop in Camden Town...and with that we've seen many restaurants open and close...some deserved to close and the others were just unfortunate with their timing or location not their food or service.

I've been to this wonderful place about ten times now and is without a doubt the best addition to Camden Town in a long time.The restaurant doesn't look great from street level but once you're downstairs it's an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the High St. The lighting is soft,the music just right and the tables are well dressed.

The French fish soup served with croutons and aioli was great.The steak is always amazing as is the dover sole.The wine list is fantastic with some bottles being sold at low prices given their vintage.Incredible really...I could go on about the other dishes(I think I've tried most of them...)but I can't fault any of his dishes.

They offer three courses for 29.50 which is excellent value...and yes this is from their full menu..which includes a drink and a bottle of wine...and if you're not happy with the house wine...order another bottle and just deduct the price(15.95) from whichever bottle you choose.It's such a great deal

This place deserves to survive as the food is great...it's independent...and it's just what Camden needs!

Saturday, November 22, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

The Gun

I seem to select the days when the rain is pouring down to try new restaurants...we decided to take a taxi to the Isle Of Dogs....the alternative journeys seemed too much of a hassle.Don't be put off by the far from centre location as this place was fantastic!

The surroundings were ideal on the damp night...roaring fireplaces/plenty of newspapers to read and excellent bar staff.The wine list was very good.The location on the river was outstanding.

We had a booking for 630 and they were right on time with the menus.The dining area is wonderful.They play light jazz which was fine.They were fully booked.

We started with some Wright Bros oysters....excellent quality.I then had the goats chesse tart which was ok.My partner had the smoked wood pigeon...from a small estate...very good.I enjoyed the vension...again from a small estate....it was incredible.We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of red wine with our meal...

We finished with coffee panacotta which was rather strong but set perfectly.

The service was fantastic.We'll go back in spring/summer and take the boat there.

They deserve their ranking in the top ten!

Saturday, November 15, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8

Stef's

I looked at London Eating list for the top tens..I'm getting around or have tried most of them....some more than once as the food and service was excellent and the value for money was very good.

I tried Stef's last week and it was the worse dining experience I've had in a very long time! Yes,it was a Friday at 830PM and the place was totally packed. We had asked for a good table when the booking was made...a small corner table at the back was available...so far so good...only to find out that they gave us a table right next to a rather loud table of 15...we asked to be moved. There was another table being cleared and we just waited...no offer to bring us the menu or the wine list though.

We were asked if we had a internet booking/special offer....we didn't ,the reservation was made via the phone. Does it make any difference how we made the reservation...maybe they feared a bad review...well their fear was well founded...as the food and service was awful!

We had calamari, four cheese gnocci which tasted so bland we didn't finish it. I had the prawn and lemon risotto and the lemon was so overpowering that it runied the dish. My partner had the veal, that was probably their only saving grace as it was good although a very small portion for a main. They served some drab vegetables on the side which we just left. We didn't have desserts / just an overpriced bill for "suave" service, horrible atmosphere and terrible food!

Sunday, November 09, 2008
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0

Clos Maggiore

Our group of four had a 21:30 booking on a rather dreary Tuesday night. I was expecting the restaurant to be quiet but it was totally packed!

We waited for about twenty minutes for our table.I have to say the staff were excellent as they kept us informed regarding the slight delay with our table.The menus were brought to us and we ordered some drinks and decided what to order.

The four of us decided to have the tasting menu...as we couldn't make up our minds from all the tempting dishes on offer.I've been here before so I convinced them to have that menu.We all really enjoyed it!

I had the seasonal pumpkin soup which was excellent.This was followed by smoked aubergine...again amazing and rather an uplifting dish for the next course.I can't resist the chef's mushroom tagiltelle as it's the best I've ever tasted!

My main course was a tender piece of venison with a sweet potato puree and the most wonderful chocolate sauce which was just perfect!

We all had the most enjoyable evening and I really do think this restaurant is one of the best in the West End.

Saturday, October 18, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10

Galvin

A wonderful meal! Our first dining choice was closed on Sunday so we hopped in a taxi to Baker Street. The room itself is lovely...no music which at times is a very good thing.

The service was excellent..very helpful and keen to point out their own dish recomendations when asked.

The chicken terrine was perfect and looking stunning! The steak tartare was good although just a tiny bit too much ketchup (my taste though) The portion was huge and a 7.50 very good value!

The sea bass with fennel was also very good and again a great portion.I didn't try the veal kidneys but they looked good.

We didn't have time for afters...so will need to return to complete the experience.

This really was a great meal...forgot to mention the wine....amazing.

Monday, September 29, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9