Latest reviews for Restaurants in London, United Kingdom

Lambourne Bar & Grill - I didn't realise men suffer from PMT too! by Dianabr

Dianabr — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:43:44 +0000

Review by Dianabr

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8545 8661

Website: http://www.lambournebarandgrill.com/

A group of 11 of us went to the Lambourne for a hen night on Saturday 28/11/09. We had a deal for 30% off the price of the food as we had also booked tickets for comedy at the Watershed a couple of doors down. Unfortunately the manager refused to honour the agreement despite someone from the Watershed coming to the restaurant to confirm that we had booked tickets with them. What made matters worse was the rude way we were treated by the manager, he even threatened to call the police! We weren't a drunk bunch of chav hens (not that this should make any difference), but a quiet group who simply wanted the discount to which we were entitled. Mr PMT wouldn't back down or offer any kind of alternative, he wasn't at all concerned by our unhappiness. Sadly we had no option but to pay the full price minus the tip that the waiting staff deserved. And now for the review that I wouldn't have bothered to give were it not for the appalling way we were treated. We waited 45 minutes for our distinctly average starters (there were no other diners when we ordered) which were followed by our average mains. Nothing about this place stands out beyond the rudeness of the manager. If you want a good meal in the area I suggest La Nonna or Confucius which both have excellent food and good customer service! The only good thing about this restaurant was the Assistant Manager who seemed mortified by his managerâ¬"s behaviour and did his best to make up for the unpleasantness.A group of 11 of us went to the Lambourne for a hen night on Saturday 28/11/09. We had a deal for 30% off the price of the food as we had also booked tickets for comedy at the Watershed a couple of doors down. Unfortunately the manager refused to honour the agreement despite someone from the Watershed coming to the restaurant to confirm that we had booked tickets with them. What made matters worse was the rude way we were treated by the manager, he even threatened to call the police! We weren't a drunk bunch of chav hens (not that this should make any difference), but a quiet group who simply wanted the discount to which we were entitled. Mr PMT wouldn't back down or offer any kind of alternative, he wasn't at all concerned by our unhappiness. Sadly we had no option but to pay the full price minus the tip that the waiting staff deserved. And now for the review that I wouldn't have bothered to give were it not for the appalling way we were treated. We waited 45 minutes for our distinctly average starters (there were no other diners when we ordered) which were followed by our average mains. Nothing about this place stands out beyond the rudeness of the manager. If you want a good meal in the area I suggest La Nonna or Confucius which both have excellent food and good customer service! The only good thing about this restaurant was the Assistant Manager who seemed mortified by his managerâ¬"s behaviour and did his best to make up for the unpleasantness.

Spago - Spago is now Da Spago!!! by Angelo82

Angelo82 — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:43:33 +0000

Review by Angelo82

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7225 2407

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

I am a typical Italian guy who loves his food and I recently discovered Da Spago restaurant on Glendower Place in south kensington and what I can tell you about this place is that it is simply one of the best Italian trattoria restaurants in London. I watched a Milan game there recently and my friends ordered the metro pizza.... yum yum!! the quality of the food is amazing and the atmosphere is simply electric. You know when an italian restaurant is good when there are more italians than locals. This is one of those places. Trust me guys, you need to check this place out!!! Ciao AngeloI am a typical Italian guy who loves his food and I recently discovered Da Spago restaurant on Glendower Place in south kensington and what I can tell you about this place is that it is simply one of the best Italian trattoria restaurants in London. I watched a Milan game there recently and my friends ordered the metro pizza.... yum yum!! the quality of the food is amazing and the atmosphere is simply electric. You know when an italian restaurant is good when there are more italians than locals. This is one of those places. Trust me guys, you need to check this place out!!! Ciao Angelo

Best Mangal III - Best Mangal score a "hat-trick"! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:02:52 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 02076100009

Website: www.bestmangal.com

Tags: turkish

I have been dining in and more often taking out from the two Best Mangals both located on North End Road for quite a few years now.
In my experience they are the best ocakbasi restaurants I have found and their grilled meats and Yaprak Doner put them in my top 5 kebab houses in London.

This newly opened branch on the Fulham Road upholds their high standards.

On my first visit I opted for a Chicken Doner, as this old favourite which USED to be available from the second branch has been missing for a couple of years.
It actually had a spicier marinade then I recall but was lovely.
It was slightly superior to the Chicken Doners I have recently tried from 'Cyprus Mangal', 'Woody Grill', 'Tad Mangal' & '696 Mangal - though ALL three of them were very good'.

The mixed hot starter I had was a "mixed" affair. The beef sausage was yummy, the spinach & cheese BÃ¶rek was fine but the Falafel was lacking somehow - it did not hold together properly and tasted "wrong".

Service wise the familiar faces from the other branches are fine but some of the newer staff need to relax a little.
The manager/head waiter on the night I went in particular seemed to be tense and there were only five tables with people on them in the whole restaurant!

It is strange they have opened this third branch close to the end of North End Road; I feel the owners are missing an opportunity to expand to an area that has NOT experienced their fine Turkish fare.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!I have been dining in and more often taking out from the two Best Mangals both located on North End Road for quite a few years now.
In my experience they are the best ocakbasi restaurants I have found and their grilled meats and Yaprak Doner put them in my top 5 kebab houses in London.

This newly opened branch on the Fulham Road upholds their high standards.

On my first visit I opted for a Chicken Doner, as this old favourite which USED to be available from the second branch has been missing for a couple of years.
It actually had a spicier marinade then I recall but was lovely.
It was slightly superior to the Chicken Doners I have recently tried from 'Cyprus Mangal', 'Woody Grill', 'Tad Mangal' & '696 Mangal - though ALL three of them were very good'.

The mixed hot starter I had was a "mixed" affair. The beef sausage was yummy, the spinach & cheese BÃ¶rek was fine but the Falafel was lacking somehow - it did not hold together properly and tasted "wrong".

Service wise the familiar faces from the other branches are fine but some of the newer staff need to relax a little.
The manager/head waiter on the night I went in particular seemed to be tense and there were only five tables with people on them in the whole restaurant!

It is strange they have opened this third branch close to the end of North End Road; I feel the owners are missing an opportunity to expand to an area that has NOT experienced their fine Turkish fare.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Modern Pantry - Best to book by ari_ane

ari_ane — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:47:44 +0000

Review by ari_ane

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7250 0833

Tags: good value, lively, family & home feel

Fab for a weekend brunch, The Modern Pantry ticks all the boxes. Really pleasant, helpful staff; fast service; tasty, well put together food and a good choice of drinks. Coupled with a bright and airy space, it's somewhere I'd go back to again and again - and definitely my top choice if I ever had to take the parents somewhere I know they'd instantly approve of.

There's a very 'brunch' vibe to the place in the daytime (I've never been in the evening) - lots of young professionals and yummy mummies catching up over coffee and eggs benedict. And fantastically there's never that deep seated food envy when your order never seems to match up to the plates your companions get - I can honestly say this place has never disappointed. I particularly like the poached eggs and a variety of accompaniments (especially the chorizo and plantain) and the potato and beer waffle with maple syrup is very good. Anywhere that serves fresh mint tea is always a winner.

I'd definitely recommend booking here as, even though it's a little off the beaten track (i.e. not bang outside the tube) it's always very busy. There's quite a high turnover but at no point do you feel pushed to free up space and the fact that people are happy to queue to be seated shows that there's probably a high level of repeat business.

Overall, a big thumbs up.Fab for a weekend brunch, The Modern Pantry ticks all the boxes. Really pleasant, helpful staff; fast service; tasty, well put together food and a good choice of drinks. Coupled with a bright and airy space, it's somewhere I'd go back to again and again - and definitely my top choice if I ever had to take the parents somewhere I know they'd instantly approve of.

There's a very 'brunch' vibe to the place in the daytime (I've never been in the evening) - lots of young professionals and yummy mummies catching up over coffee and eggs benedict. And fantastically there's never that deep seated food envy when your order never seems to match up to the plates your companions get - I can honestly say this place has never disappointed. I particularly like the poached eggs and a variety of accompaniments (especially the chorizo and plantain) and the potato and beer waffle with maple syrup is very good. Anywhere that serves fresh mint tea is always a winner.

I'd definitely recommend booking here as, even though it's a little off the beaten track (i.e. not bang outside the tube) it's always very busy. There's quite a high turnover but at no point do you feel pushed to free up space and the fact that people are happy to queue to be seated shows that there's probably a high level of repeat business.

Overall, a big thumbs up.

Yauatcha - by pwax

pwax — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:44:43 +0000

Review by pwax

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Tags: chinese, lively, expensive

love it!love it!

Gourmet Oriental Chinese Thai - by BexHolt

BexHolt — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:54:22 +0000

Review by BexHolt

Rating: 1.00The worst service I have ever experienced. When selecting a delivery time of between 8pm and half 8pm, we were a little concerned when nothing had arrived and we hadn't heard anything by 8.45pm. A phone call to a rude, abrupt, woman (who frankly should be fired for the way she spoke to me) resolved nothing as they had only just started to cook our food. Apparently she had no manager, and said that the timing selection online didn't mean anything.
We will never be using this again and will be posting these comments on every website we can find.The worst service I have ever experienced. When selecting a delivery time of between 8pm and half 8pm, we were a little concerned when nothing had arrived and we hadn't heard anything by 8.45pm. A phone call to a rude, abrupt, woman (who frankly should be fired for the way she spoke to me) resolved nothing as they had only just started to cook our food. Apparently she had no manager, and said that the timing selection online didn't mean anything.
We will never be using this again and will be posting these comments on every website we can find.

Clos Maggiore - A Gem by DaveKaren1

DaveKaren1 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:00:02 +0000

Review by DaveKaren1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7379 9696

Website: http://www.closmaggiore.com/

Tags: romantic, french, expensive

6 of us enjoyed a day in London (21st November 09), capped of by what was a superb meal at this restaurant. It was my daughter's 21st birthday and nothing was too much trouble. We found the place from web recommendation and were not disappointed. Food was deserving of Michelin recognition whilst the set meal was fantastic value. The staff were so professional and attentive, and we will be back.6 of us enjoyed a day in London (21st November 09), capped of by what was a superb meal at this restaurant. It was my daughter's 21st birthday and nothing was too much trouble. We found the place from web recommendation and were not disappointed. Food was deserving of Michelin recognition whilst the set meal was fantastic value. The staff were so professional and attentive, and we will be back.

Tortilla - Great burrito by Gavin83

Gavin83 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:27:37 +0000

Review by Gavin83

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7833 3103

Website: http://www.tortilla.co.uk/

Tags: good value, lively, cheap eat

Scrumptious , freshly prepared authentic Mexican food in a simple setting. Such a shame that guacamole costs an extra 50 p, but it's definitely worth it. Nice atmosphere with friendly staff , cool beers and crunchy tortilla chips - enjoy!Scrumptious , freshly prepared authentic Mexican food in a simple setting. Such a shame that guacamole costs an extra 50 p, but it's definitely worth it. Nice atmosphere with friendly staff , cool beers and crunchy tortilla chips - enjoy!

Tortilla - Tortilla by Bomon

Bomon — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:49:56 +0000

Review by Bomon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7620 0285

Website: http://www.tortilla.co.uk/

Tags: cheap eat, lively, takeaway

Every time I recall my childhood I think about my granny and her exceptional burrito, made of soft tortillas , with tender pork and fresh guacamole.. When I came to London i didn't expect I could find anything close to that taste.

Obviously, I was wrong.

I went to Tortilla two weeks ago, actually I was just on my way to Tate Modern (just few minutes away) when I saw their sign. I've tried few different places already but none of them met my expectations.

To start with, I was welcome by very friendly staff who took my order in just few minutes and wrapped a huge burrito in front of me. What a smell.. I took lime rice with corriander some black beans and of course PORK.. i'm pretty sure my granny would love it too - so so tender and the taste - just delicious!

First time since I'm here I felt a bit like home.. thank you so much you really made my day.

Place itself looks really nice, very spacious so you can easily start your evening with bunch of friends. They serve mexican beers and mrgarita and prices are not too expensive - medium burrito with guacamole costed me 5.10 and beer was around 3 quid.

I give it 10/10.
Every time I recall my childhood I think about my granny and her exceptional burrito, made of soft tortillas , with tender pork and fresh guacamole.. When I came to London i didn't expect I could find anything close to that taste.

Obviously, I was wrong.

I went to Tortilla two weeks ago, actually I was just on my way to Tate Modern (just few minutes away) when I saw their sign. I've tried few different places already but none of them met my expectations.

To start with, I was welcome by very friendly staff who took my order in just few minutes and wrapped a huge burrito in front of me. What a smell.. I took lime rice with corriander some black beans and of course PORK.. i'm pretty sure my granny would love it too - so so tender and the taste - just delicious!

First time since I'm here I felt a bit like home.. thank you so much you really made my day.

Place itself looks really nice, very spacious so you can easily start your evening with bunch of friends. They serve mexican beers and mrgarita and prices are not too expensive - medium burrito with guacamole costed me 5.10 and beer was around 3 quid.

I give it 10/10.

Cyprus Mangal - Top Kebab House behind Victoria station! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:17:10 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7828 5940

Tags: turkish, crowded, lively

'Cyprus Mangal' is a couple of blocks behind Victoria station and is a good choice as opposed to the fast food junk that is available in and around the station itself.

It was packed on a cold November Friday noon both in the seated areas AND the front where they do take-aways. I opted for the Mixed Donner to save time as the Ocakbasi was completely full of other customers tasty looking meats already!

The Lamb Donner was "Yaprak" style and was perhaps the most spiced version I have ever tasted. It was almost like an Indian curry. It was fattier than some of the other places who make Yaprak Doner but still good.
The Chicken Donner was overshadowed by the strong flavoured lamb but was nice.

The Chilli sauce was spicy hot. The Garlic sauce was fine. Salad & Village Bread wrap were both fresh.

Value wise the Mixed Donner was Â£6, which is Â£1.50 more than you would pay at 'Tad Mangal' for a slightly better Kebab. Having said that, there is no competition in this area so for the quality the price seems worth it.

Service was fast & efficient despite the busy lunch time. I asked my server if they had a small printed take away menu he said "No", then smiled pointed to the board and joked "take a picture".

Cyprus Mangal is a top class outlet for kebabs and I will definitely return next time I am Victoria bound to try their other dishes.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!'Cyprus Mangal' is a couple of blocks behind Victoria station and is a good choice as opposed to the fast food junk that is available in and around the station itself.

It was packed on a cold November Friday noon both in the seated areas AND the front where they do take-aways. I opted for the Mixed Donner to save time as the Ocakbasi was completely full of other customers tasty looking meats already!

The Lamb Donner was "Yaprak" style and was perhaps the most spiced version I have ever tasted. It was almost like an Indian curry. It was fattier than some of the other places who make Yaprak Doner but still good.
The Chicken Donner was overshadowed by the strong flavoured lamb but was nice.

The Chilli sauce was spicy hot. The Garlic sauce was fine. Salad & Village Bread wrap were both fresh.

Value wise the Mixed Donner was Â£6, which is Â£1.50 more than you would pay at 'Tad Mangal' for a slightly better Kebab. Having said that, there is no competition in this area so for the quality the price seems worth it.

Service was fast & efficient despite the busy lunch time. I asked my server if they had a small printed take away menu he said "No", then smiled pointed to the board and joked "take a picture".

Cyprus Mangal is a top class outlet for kebabs and I will definitely return next time I am Victoria bound to try their other dishes.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

New Tayyabs - Terrible by sam189

sam189 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:53:58 +0000

Review by sam189

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7247 9543

Website: http://www.tayyabs.co.uk

Tags: indian, crowded, cheap eat

Worst night out I've had in an extremely long time. Tayyabs was once a great restaurant with fantastic food. The service was always average, but overall a well above average place to eat. Now however, I'm afraid the word is out and the place is absolutely horrendous. Rammed no matter what time you arrive, I made the mistake of arranging a night out there for a group of six. We arrived and our pre booked table was no where to be seen, the waiter actually told us to stand out in the rain until it was ready. When our table finally became free after a 20 minute wait (and a lot of persuasion) we finally sat down to some of the rudest service I have ever experienced. As soon as we had sat down we were being hassled to order, before we had even had a chance to look over the menu, we were practically threatened into placing an order, this was after our waiter had tried to order for us, telling us what we were to eat. We made it clear that we weren't yet ready and he was definitely not pleased. Once the food arrived it was not bad, but no where near the standard which gave it the reputation that it no longer deserves. Squeezed round our very small table we were forced to confront a different waiter, when we pointed out that he'd given us several dishes that we didn't order, included lamb filled naan bread given only to our 2 vegetarian friends (suspiciously feeling like sabotage). We were constantly harassed into eating faster and moving on. We were made to feel like a complete inconvenience to both the staff and the restaurant as we were bullied through every aspect of our dining experience. I had been to this restaurant on more than a couple of occasions when it was still a hidden gem, but now, you couldn't drag me back. If you want a great brick lane meal, I'd head for Aladdin's up Brick lane and avoid Tayyabs like the plague.Worst night out I've had in an extremely long time. Tayyabs was once a great restaurant with fantastic food. The service was always average, but overall a well above average place to eat. Now however, I'm afraid the word is out and the place is absolutely horrendous. Rammed no matter what time you arrive, I made the mistake of arranging a night out there for a group of six. We arrived and our pre booked table was no where to be seen, the waiter actually told us to stand out in the rain until it was ready. When our table finally became free after a 20 minute wait (and a lot of persuasion) we finally sat down to some of the rudest service I have ever experienced. As soon as we had sat down we were being hassled to order, before we had even had a chance to look over the menu, we were practically threatened into placing an order, this was after our waiter had tried to order for us, telling us what we were to eat. We made it clear that we weren't yet ready and he was definitely not pleased. Once the food arrived it was not bad, but no where near the standard which gave it the reputation that it no longer deserves. Squeezed round our very small table we were forced to confront a different waiter, when we pointed out that he'd given us several dishes that we didn't order, included lamb filled naan bread given only to our 2 vegetarian friends (suspiciously feeling like sabotage). We were constantly harassed into eating faster and moving on. We were made to feel like a complete inconvenience to both the staff and the restaurant as we were bullied through every aspect of our dining experience. I had been to this restaurant on more than a couple of occasions when it was still a hidden gem, but now, you couldn't drag me back. If you want a great brick lane meal, I'd head for Aladdin's up Brick lane and avoid Tayyabs like the plague.

Goodman - by NickR

NickR — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:00:57 +0000

Review by NickR

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7499 3776

Tags: american, steak, lively

You have to hand it to them, the steaks were fantastic. Dare I say even better than Goucho's! However the atmoshere is not quite there, but the steak and service makes up for it.You have to hand it to them, the steaks were fantastic. Dare I say even better than Goucho's! However the atmoshere is not quite there, but the steak and service makes up for it.

maze - Gordon Ramsay - Wonderful and highly recommended by diwils84

diwils84 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:21:29 +0000

Review by diwils84

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, good value, family & home feel

Fabulous food, fantastic service and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. what a great experience my first visit to a Gordon Ramsay restaurant was.
My wife surprised me with a booking for the Maze Grill for my birthday.
We sat at the 'Butcher's Block' table with eight friends and could see everything that was going on in the kitchen. Seeing the staff at work
was both entertaining, and reassuring - knowing that our food was in the hands of experts.
As one would expect, the service is impeccable and we were made very welcome. No stuffiness or pretention, just good, professional service from
staff that are obviously well trained.
We had the A la carte menu, which has an amazing choice of dishes on it. My main course was a rib eye steak cooked
just the way I requested. The prices aren't too bad and are affordable for the average person who perhaps dines out once a month.
There is an impressive cocktail menu at the bar, which pleased the ladies in our group. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday and now intend to try some of
Gordon's other restaurants.Fabulous food, fantastic service and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. what a great experience my first visit to a Gordon Ramsay restaurant was.
My wife surprised me with a booking for the Maze Grill for my birthday.
We sat at the 'Butcher's Block' table with eight friends and could see everything that was going on in the kitchen. Seeing the staff at work
was both entertaining, and reassuring - knowing that our food was in the hands of experts.
As one would expect, the service is impeccable and we were made very welcome. No stuffiness or pretention, just good, professional service from
staff that are obviously well trained.
We had the A la carte menu, which has an amazing choice of dishes on it. My main course was a rib eye steak cooked
just the way I requested. The prices aren't too bad and are affordable for the average person who perhaps dines out once a month.
There is an impressive cocktail menu at the bar, which pleased the ladies in our group. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday and now intend to try some of
Gordon's other restaurants.

Beyti Restaurant - Great Turkish Restaurant-but don't tell everyone! by Kaya007

Kaya007 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:18:10 +0000

Review by Kaya007

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7704 3165

Tags: turkish, lively, romantic

This restaurant was reccommended by a friend about a year ago and since then I make regular (at least monthly) trips here, taking any friends or family who are visiting, they even have a decent vegetarian choice.

The starters are delicious and I usually go for Borek (light pastries) Kofte (meatballs) Dolma (stuffed vine leaves) and too many more to mention!

A particular reccomandation for main courses are the speciality kebabs, served with layers of meat, bread, yoghurt and sauces ranging from mild to wild!

The service is excellent and I would have no hesitation in announcing this to be the best Turkish Restaurant in Green Lanes!

NB, best to book on Saturday evenings but if you don't mind the wait the staff will come and find you when a table is ready if you go for a drink across the road!

Top marks!

KayaThis restaurant was reccommended by a friend about a year ago and since then I make regular (at least monthly) trips here, taking any friends or family who are visiting, they even have a decent vegetarian choice.

The starters are delicious and I usually go for Borek (light pastries) Kofte (meatballs) Dolma (stuffed vine leaves) and too many more to mention!

A particular reccomandation for main courses are the speciality kebabs, served with layers of meat, bread, yoghurt and sauces ranging from mild to wild!

The service is excellent and I would have no hesitation in announcing this to be the best Turkish Restaurant in Green Lanes!

NB, best to book on Saturday evenings but if you don't mind the wait the staff will come and find you when a table is ready if you go for a drink across the road!

Top marks!

Kaya

Foxtrot Oscar - Fabulous by jogreen

jogreen — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:12:42 +0000

Review by jogreen

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7352 4448

Website: http://www.gordonramsay.com/foxtrotoscar/

Tags: british, romantic, good value

We were visiting my sister in Chelsea and she surprised us with Sunday lunch at Ramsay's restaurant. Foxtrot Oscar is a friendly, relaxed bistro that
specialises in simple food. My wife and I had the whole roast anglais chicken, which was Â£23 for the two of us. It's simple food but cooked beautifully
and worth every penny, the portion sizes are huge, we couldn't eat it all. The service is great and very professional. All in all, the visit to Foxtrot Oscar rounded
off our weekend perfectly.We were visiting my sister in Chelsea and she surprised us with Sunday lunch at Ramsay's restaurant. Foxtrot Oscar is a friendly, relaxed bistro that
specialises in simple food. My wife and I had the whole roast anglais chicken, which was Â£23 for the two of us. It's simple food but cooked beautifully
and worth every penny, the portion sizes are huge, we couldn't eat it all. The service is great and very professional. All in all, the visit to Foxtrot Oscar rounded
off our weekend perfectly.

Kwality Tandoori - The "Tandoori" grills are not Quality! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:12:59 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7589 3663

Tags: indian, takeaway, buffet

I have not been here in years but remember it as being OK, but not up to some of the better Indian restaurants in South Kensington (Khan's of Kensington, Noor Jahan, Mothi Mahal, Little India, & Memories of India are ALL superior) and surrounding areas.

The thing that gets it 2 stars instead of 3 is the fact the actual TANDOORI grilled meats are average, at best.
I think if you have the word "Tandoori" in your title it should be at least slightly above average.

The one time I have eaten in and twice walked in for takewaway the service was polite & effiicent.I have not been here in years but remember it as being OK, but not up to some of the better Indian restaurants in South Kensington (Khan's of Kensington, Noor Jahan, Mothi Mahal, Little India, & Memories of India are ALL superior) and surrounding areas.

The thing that gets it 2 stars instead of 3 is the fact the actual TANDOORI grilled meats are average, at best.
I think if you have the word "Tandoori" in your title it should be at least slightly above average.

The one time I have eaten in and twice walked in for takewaway the service was polite & effiicent.

Eat 17 - Completely agree! by strathmore

strathmore — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:34:00 +0000

Review by strathmore

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8521 5279

Website: http://www.eat17.co.uk/

Tags: lively, british, good value

Shocking dude! Me and my mates went there a few weeks back and we were not impressed!!!Shocking dude! Me and my mates went there a few weeks back and we were not impressed!!!

Ariana - Well worth a visit by vivienne_oc

vivienne_oc — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:45:44 +0000

Review by vivienne_oc

Rating: 4.00

Tags: good value, middle eastern, cheap eat

I shared a long lazy afternoon lunch here with a group of 8 friends. We sat out the back patio overlooking Mile End park, very leafy and pleasant view.
The manager was very friendly and helpful with explaining the dishes.
Food was tasty and wholesome and although we all arrived and ordered at different times, the food was served to all at the same time and without too long a wait.
BYO with no corkage was a very nice bonus on top of an all round great dining experience!
A shame to see it's always so quiet. Go, you won't be disappointed.I shared a long lazy afternoon lunch here with a group of 8 friends. We sat out the back patio overlooking Mile End park, very leafy and pleasant view.
The manager was very friendly and helpful with explaining the dishes.
Food was tasty and wholesome and although we all arrived and ordered at different times, the food was served to all at the same time and without too long a wait.
BYO with no corkage was a very nice bonus on top of an all round great dining experience!
A shame to see it's always so quiet. Go, you won't be disappointed.

Rice - Persian Restaurant by SimonZ

SimonZ — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:21:04 +0000

Review by SimonZ

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8994 1661

Tags: turkish, good value, middle eastern

I visited this restaurant yesterday with my mother and sister and we were all very satisfied with its quality. Speaking for myself, the food and drink (Loobila Polo, Mast-o-Khyar and Doogh) were perfect. The service was also very good and the food was served quickly. The prices were more than reasonable. I would highly recommend this restaurant.I visited this restaurant yesterday with my mother and sister and we were all very satisfied with its quality. Speaking for myself, the food and drink (Loobila Polo, Mast-o-Khyar and Doogh) were perfect. The service was also very good and the food was served quickly. The prices were more than reasonable. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Le Pot Lyonnaise - oh dear, id give it a miss! by ggrace

ggrace — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:47:52 +0000

Review by ggrace

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7622 2618

Tags: french, expensive, pretentious

I had the gross misfortune of dining here last night in celebration of a family birthday. As we entered and took our seats we turned to oneanother and commented on the coldness of the room. We asked for the heating to be turned up on two occasions, a request which was eventually grudgingly met by the manager. I and three others at the table ordered steak frites (usually my favourite dish) with foie gras for starters. I didnt know where to look when the tiny caramelized portion of foie gras turned up, accompanied by some fairly pretentious dribbles of 'jus' It tasted much as I'd imagine dog food to, with a revolting cloying texture. I was prepared to overlook this at this point, however, but one of our party wrapped the entire thing in a handkerchief to throw away. My brothers onion soup had a broad strata of oil about half an inch deep across the top. The onions in the soup were undercooked and acid tasting. Sugar had clearly been added to counteract this, resulting in a revolting mess.
After the dishes were cleared, we endured a twenty minute wait for the main course. Drinks were delivered painfully slowly too, odd for a restaurant that appeared to only have four tables occupied. The table next to us also sent back a cold steak as we waited for ours.
The main course eventually arrived delivered in a characteristically surly fashion. I tucked in, eagerly anticipating a textured juicy steak with bearnaise sauce. I was met with a texture that resembled cotton wool. It tasted as if the steak had been frozen at some point. After one mouthful, I decided to give the steak a miss. I would say the chips were sub Mc donalds standard, actually grossly unfair, they were sub Mc Cains microwave standard, wooden flavourless, and dry. The steaks went back to the kitchen largely uneaten. The bearnaise sauce tasted like it had come from a sachet, awful. My sisters mussels also remained largely uneaten too, and duly sent back.
By this point we'd made the decision that this establishment was a dead loss, so decided not to dare with dessert or coffee. I made contact with the manager discreetly away from the table and told him in a very measured respectful tone that the food and service was not satisfactory. I didnt want to make a big fuss as this was a family occasion, and it really is not in my nature to complain, but I thought that as the manger he might want to know that his business was not up to scratch in this repect. I was met with a barrage of questioning as to why I didnt enjoy it in a pretty aggressive fashion. I didnt seem to be enough for the manager that no-one at the table enjoyed their food, and I was made to feel as if it was in some way my fault that the food was so poor. The managers attitude was extraordinary, he kept repeating that he has many customers and that the food was fine, so it was essentially my problem.
Eventually he returned to the table, and had subtracted service from the bill along with one steak, despite the plates piled with uneaten food. The bill still came to over 160GBP for the 6 of us.We were made to feel unwelcome and unwanted by the manager. What a relief to be out of there!
All in all, a supremely depressing experience. Lazy, conceited and just embarrassing. This was nothing like any of the fine french restaurants Ive dined in over the last 30 years, more of a parody. It was a pale facsimilie of a restaurant, with no atmosphere, very poor food, dire service and complete disrespect for their customers. If you really hate yourself, I'd highly recommend this place.I had the gross misfortune of dining here last night in celebration of a family birthday. As we entered and took our seats we turned to oneanother and commented on the coldness of the room. We asked for the heating to be turned up on two occasions, a request which was eventually grudgingly met by the manager. I and three others at the table ordered steak frites (usually my favourite dish) with foie gras for starters. I didnt know where to look when the tiny caramelized portion of foie gras turned up, accompanied by some fairly pretentious dribbles of 'jus' It tasted much as I'd imagine dog food to, with a revolting cloying texture. I was prepared to overlook this at this point, however, but one of our party wrapped the entire thing in a handkerchief to throw away. My brothers onion soup had a broad strata of oil about half an inch deep across the top. The onions in the soup were undercooked and acid tasting. Sugar had clearly been added to counteract this, resulting in a revolting mess.
After the dishes were cleared, we endured a twenty minute wait for the main course. Drinks were delivered painfully slowly too, odd for a restaurant that appeared to only have four tables occupied. The table next to us also sent back a cold steak as we waited for ours.
The main course eventually arrived delivered in a characteristically surly fashion. I tucked in, eagerly anticipating a textured juicy steak with bearnaise sauce. I was met with a texture that resembled cotton wool. It tasted as if the steak had been frozen at some point. After one mouthful, I decided to give the steak a miss. I would say the chips were sub Mc donalds standard, actually grossly unfair, they were sub Mc Cains microwave standard, wooden flavourless, and dry. The steaks went back to the kitchen largely uneaten. The bearnaise sauce tasted like it had come from a sachet, awful. My sisters mussels also remained largely uneaten too, and duly sent back.
By this point we'd made the decision that this establishment was a dead loss, so decided not to dare with dessert or coffee. I made contact with the manager discreetly away from the table and told him in a very measured respectful tone that the food and service was not satisfactory. I didnt want to make a big fuss as this was a family occasion, and it really is not in my nature to complain, but I thought that as the manger he might want to know that his business was not up to scratch in this repect. I was met with a barrage of questioning as to why I didnt enjoy it in a pretty aggressive fashion. I didnt seem to be enough for the manager that no-one at the table enjoyed their food, and I was made to feel as if it was in some way my fault that the food was so poor. The managers attitude was extraordinary, he kept repeating that he has many customers and that the food was fine, so it was essentially my problem.
Eventually he returned to the table, and had subtracted service from the bill along with one steak, despite the plates piled with uneaten food. The bill still came to over 160GBP for the 6 of us.We were made to feel unwelcome and unwanted by the manager. What a relief to be out of there!
All in all, a supremely depressing experience. Lazy, conceited and just embarrassing. This was nothing like any of the fine french restaurants Ive dined in over the last 30 years, more of a parody. It was a pale facsimilie of a restaurant, with no atmosphere, very poor food, dire service and complete disrespect for their customers. If you really hate yourself, I'd highly recommend this place.