Vasco & Piero's Pavilion

Sami

Vastly underwhelming 5th September 2008

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After reading the Time Out reviews, TP reviews and other varied sources we thought we'd come here for dinner - but we were rather let down and much more satisfied by a cheaper, home-ier dinner at Santa Lucia in Chelsea (review to come) than here.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't BAD, per se; but I expected much more from a restaurant that had received so many accolades and banks on its "we change the menu twice a day approach and we have no microwave on the premises." Maybe they should stop doing that as perhaps it would help them perfect the dishes they're serving...

I had a crostino with prosciutto cotto and chicken livers with marinated mushrooms and while it was very good, it's something I could make at home - and I'm no professional chef. My dining partner had a salad of roasted tomatoes and asparagus and mozzarella di bufala; she said it was good, but was dissatisfied with it. Our mains were pan-fried cod, which was very good, and an interesting carpaccio of roasted beef. I don't think I'd order it again. The chocolate cake for dessert was absolutely terrible, but I quite liked my pannacotta.

In a way I almost feel bad complaining about the restaurant, but for the prices and the apparent exceptional quality and friendly staff all of the reviews rave about, I feel let down by our experience there. The waitresses were forgetting easy things, no one came to check on whether we were enjoying our meal, no one came over to pour our wine as should be done in a finer restaurant, and a couple of the staff really could have benefited from a bath.

I'm no food snob and will be the first to tell you about my McDonald's vice, but I really expected something from this restaurant and I feel rather let down. At least they took the crappy chocolate cake off of the bill...

Weeboo

Best kept secret? 29th August 2008

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It really doesn't look like much from the outside...its like a secret known only to those who live and work in Soho. The food is rich, but the combinations have been kept quite simple, so it balances out quite nicely. Last time I was there I had the swordfish and I must admit every mouthful was followed by a delighted "mmmmm" and "this is lovely, you really should try some...", plus much fork-waving *grin*.

The surroundings have this lovely romantic, intimate feel (without the usual Soho-crush). And alot of the staff have thick Italian accents, which just adds to the atmosphere. If you are meeting your other half for dinner after work, I can highly recommend this restaurant.

alexandergreene

Seabass 16th October 2007

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Best Char-grilled Seabass in the world... Also try the Potentino wine (red) so good...