All reader reviews by Anonymous

Dehesa

It's absolutely fantastic. I've been twice now; once when fairly inebriated with a friend who considers it a local, and once this weekend with my girlfriend for lunch. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and the quality of ingredients exceptional. The wine list is also exemplary. I've not been to Barrafina or Tierra Brindisa, but my girlfriend has, and said she thought this was better; mainly I think because at the former, you have people queuing around you which can be off-putting. Anyway, i recommend it!

Monday, April 20, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7

Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room

Went here on Friday night as it's close to my house, and we have been watching the refurb for what seems like an eternity now. We didn't book, but arrived around 2130 with the place almost full. We were seated immediately.

The Good: - The space: a sort of refectory; small and intimate, but not too close to the table next to you. A very pleasant environment overall!

- The food: I had lamb, and my partner had Sea Bream. Both were cooked to perfection, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality, having not heard anything previously

- The Discount: During their 'soft' opening they are offering a 20% discount. I've no idea how long this promotion runs, and i don't recall seeing it advertised from the outside, so worth phoning to find out.

The Bad: - Our waiter was a little surly, and kept making slightly sarcastic comments under his breath, which we found more amusing than annoying, but still a little bizarre

- The Price: While not outrageous, given the area it's in, it's on the expensive side, with mains ranging from £14-£17. 2 mains, 1 desert, 1 side, 1 beer, 1 VSL came to £48 with the 20% discount. A 3 course with wine could easily be £100 for 2, I’d suggest. Again, the food was very good, so it's not as if it's not worth it.

- Maybe i was just tired, but the food did seem to take an absolute age to arrive; especially given they probably only have 30 covers.

I'll probably go again, especially when they sort out a lunch menu. I'm hoping they end up being a sort of Canteen, so we can head there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Maybe reduce the price a bit, and cater for the local market, and not just the gallery visitors and it will be a big success.

Monday, April 20, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6