Latest reviews for Restaurants in London, United Kingdom

Takari - dinner by rachel1bt

rachel1bt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:17:09 +0000

Review by rachel1bt

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 1628

Tags: indian, good value, family & home feel

Takari was a really good find. It has a great location at the foot of the theatre land, and a really cosy atmosphere.The service was very attentive and helpful and the food was excellent, especially the Jungle Curry. I normally prefer Vindaloo but in this case the quality and lightness of the rice made me enjoy the Jungle Curry and maki even more, and the fish was extremely fresh as I would have expected. All in all a really good place to go for quality Indian food!Takari was a really good find. It has a great location at the foot of the theatre land, and a really cosy atmosphere.The service was very attentive and helpful and the food was excellent, especially the Jungle Curry. I normally prefer Vindaloo but in this case the quality and lightness of the rice made me enjoy the Jungle Curry and maki even more, and the fish was extremely fresh as I would have expected. All in all a really good place to go for quality Indian food!

Silks & Spice - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:07:25 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0871 200 0999

Website: http://www.silksandspice.com

Tags: thai, vegetarian dishes

CLOSED DOWN!

Now a good Thai restaurant called 'Boys'.CLOSED DOWN!

Now a good Thai restaurant called 'Boys'.

Budsara - This "Bud's" for YOU! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:04:46 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8995 5774

Tags: thai, good value, cheap eat

'Budsara' have two branches, one in Fulham Road and one on Chiswick High Road. I have never eaten in this branch but have had food delivered a number of times.

Firstly, it is a few doors away from another good Thai restaurant called 'Boys' - which I rate slightly higher overall than 'Budsara'.
If you were going in and getting a takeaway (I am too lazy and usually just have it delivered!) the SMART option may be to get a couple of dishes from each place as they both do certain things better and have some variance in the menu.

The Fish Cakes served here are good compared to the rubbery ones at 'Boys'.
The "Phad Kra-Praow" is a nice spicy dish I usually have with Chicken.
The Green Curry is certainly good but always seems lacking in sauce and does not have the depth of flavour I crave.
The "Phad Mhee" - stir-fried egg noodles with beanspouts are done better here than in most of the chinese restaurants in the area.

Service has always been fine on the phone, from the delivery person and on the one occasion I went in for a takeaway.

RECOMMENDED!'Budsara' have two branches, one in Fulham Road and one on Chiswick High Road. I have never eaten in this branch but have had food delivered a number of times.

Firstly, it is a few doors away from another good Thai restaurant called 'Boys' - which I rate slightly higher overall than 'Budsara'.
If you were going in and getting a takeaway (I am too lazy and usually just have it delivered!) the SMART option may be to get a couple of dishes from each place as they both do certain things better and have some variance in the menu.

The Fish Cakes served here are good compared to the rubbery ones at 'Boys'.
The "Phad Kra-Praow" is a nice spicy dish I usually have with Chicken.
The Green Curry is certainly good but always seems lacking in sauce and does not have the depth of flavour I crave.
The "Phad Mhee" - stir-fried egg noodles with beanspouts are done better here than in most of the chinese restaurants in the area.

Service has always been fine on the phone, from the delivery person and on the one occasion I went in for a takeaway.

RECOMMENDED!

Boys - "Boys, Boys, Boys - are looking for a good thai!" by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:35:49 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8995 7991

Tags: thai

I had avoided 'Boys' for a while mainly due to the silly name that sadly evokes British homosexual paedofile's visiting Thailand for nefarious purposes.

When I did finally try the food I found SOME of their dishes to be of a high standard and authentically made.

The menu is not that varied, with a lot of dishes being similar to each other so I miss some foods you can get elsewhere. However, there are some excellent versions here.

The "Keng Kiew Wan" or Thai Green Curry is easily the best I have thus far had in Chiswick and is among my top 5 versions of the dish I have had anywhere, here & abroad.

"Pad Kee Mau" is another standout at 'Boys'. Spicy rice noodles fried up with a choice of meats OR two vegetarian options including Tofu. They always ask how hot I want it on a scale of 1-10.

The vegetable spring rolls are always lovely & crisp - you can tell they are fresh.
The "Tod Man Pla" or spicy fishcakes are NOT quite right, it must be said. They taste like rubber.

Service is always great, both to eat in and when I phone and have it delivered.
Overall 'Boys' is the better choice over 'Budsara' which is only a few doors away, although BOTH do certain dishes better than their competition.

RECOMMENDED!I had avoided 'Boys' for a while mainly due to the silly name that sadly evokes British homosexual paedofile's visiting Thailand for nefarious purposes.

When I did finally try the food I found SOME of their dishes to be of a high standard and authentically made.

The menu is not that varied, with a lot of dishes being similar to each other so I miss some foods you can get elsewhere. However, there are some excellent versions here.

The "Keng Kiew Wan" or Thai Green Curry is easily the best I have thus far had in Chiswick and is among my top 5 versions of the dish I have had anywhere, here & abroad.

"Pad Kee Mau" is another standout at 'Boys'. Spicy rice noodles fried up with a choice of meats OR two vegetarian options including Tofu. They always ask how hot I want it on a scale of 1-10.

The vegetable spring rolls are always lovely & crisp - you can tell they are fresh.
The "Tod Man Pla" or spicy fishcakes are NOT quite right, it must be said. They taste like rubber.

Service is always great, both to eat in and when I phone and have it delivered.
Overall 'Boys' is the better choice over 'Budsara' which is only a few doors away, although BOTH do certain dishes better than their competition.

RECOMMENDED!

Ariana - by Limehouse_Larry

Limehouse_Larry — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:57:47 +0000

Review by Limehouse_Larry

Rating: 4.00

Tags: good value, middle eastern, cheap eat

I visited Ariana on the weekend with family and was pleasantly surprised. We had seen the menu before going and it although it seems slightly basic, try not to be put off by it, we tried a sharing platter to start, which also accommodated a vegetarian. They cook the bread on a large hot plate on the premises which is extremely tasty, and although we weren't sure exactly what we were eating, the waiter was happy to explain the dishes. The main courses are plentiful and everything seems to be handled with a a bit of care and attention. Very relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, bring your own alcohol and a heated patio to enjoy hookah pipes. Well recommended and we'll certainly visit Ariana again.I visited Ariana on the weekend with family and was pleasantly surprised. We had seen the menu before going and it although it seems slightly basic, try not to be put off by it, we tried a sharing platter to start, which also accommodated a vegetarian. They cook the bread on a large hot plate on the premises which is extremely tasty, and although we weren't sure exactly what we were eating, the waiter was happy to explain the dishes. The main courses are plentiful and everything seems to be handled with a a bit of care and attention. Very relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, bring your own alcohol and a heated patio to enjoy hookah pipes. Well recommended and we'll certainly visit Ariana again.

Tootsies - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:28:20 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8747 1869

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

Tags: american, lively, crowded

CLOSED DOWN!CLOSED DOWN!

Gourmet Burger Kitchen - GBK: Good but NOT great! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:27:43 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8995 4548

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

Tags: lively, burgers, good value

I have been to a few GBK's in London and the Chiswick one is large & lively.

The Burgers are obviously good quality but NOT the best I have ever eaten. If I point out one flaw it would be they lack the succulence of some the very best burgers I have had in London.

'Ground' on Chiswick High Road is very similar but ever so slightly better to my tastes.
GBK's chips are BIG and chunky, if you like them that way they are good.

There is a variety of sauces available to put on the burger but they mostly seem to be very COLD which is not a good mix for the hot burger. A little less chilled or preferably room temprature sauces wouls go a long way to improving my opinion of GBK's sandwiches.

Overall this a nice addition to the High Street and well worth at least one visit to check it out.I have been to a few GBK's in London and the Chiswick one is large & lively.

The Burgers are obviously good quality but NOT the best I have ever eaten. If I point out one flaw it would be they lack the succulence of some the very best burgers I have had in London.

'Ground' on Chiswick High Road is very similar but ever so slightly better to my tastes.
GBK's chips are BIG and chunky, if you like them that way they are good.

There is a variety of sauces available to put on the burger but they mostly seem to be very COLD which is not a good mix for the hot burger. A little less chilled or preferably room temprature sauces wouls go a long way to improving my opinion of GBK's sandwiches.

Overall this a nice addition to the High Street and well worth at least one visit to check it out.

Eat 17 - perfect image for local food, but snobby serivce by shecanta

shecanta — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:41:52 +0000

Review by shecanta

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8521 5279

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

Tags: lively, british, good value

I would have to agree with comments on he arrogance of the staff, very unfriendly unless you like you have Â£Â£Â£ to spare.

I found the food fair and relatively good for the area, but then I pay for a meal as a whole package, and I have to say some staff members + even shockling managers were far too snobby + judgmental for my taste.I would have to agree with comments on he arrogance of the staff, very unfriendly unless you like you have Â£Â£Â£ to spare.

I found the food fair and relatively good for the area, but then I pay for a meal as a whole package, and I have to say some staff members + even shockling managers were far too snobby + judgmental for my taste.

Taste Of India - JJ - Taste of India Covent Garden by Jacquij

Jacquij — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:35:04 +0000

Review by Jacquij

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 6591

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes

This restaurant is a rip off! They advertise a 3 course meal and the third course is tea or coffee! Chicken wings starter came as 4 miniscule pieces of what was no bigger than a quails wing, then to add insult to injury they tried to charge Â£5.99 instead of Â£3.95 which was still a rip off what I was given. All portions are tiny and not worth the money. The staff are abrupt and rush you through the meal. This place is a tourist trap and not for the seasoned diner. I would not recommend this place. An after theatre dinner which then wiped out the joy of the theatre with it's shoddy food and terrible service. This was the worst dinning experience I have encountered.This restaurant is a rip off! They advertise a 3 course meal and the third course is tea or coffee! Chicken wings starter came as 4 miniscule pieces of what was no bigger than a quails wing, then to add insult to injury they tried to charge Â£5.99 instead of Â£3.95 which was still a rip off what I was given. All portions are tiny and not worth the money. The staff are abrupt and rush you through the meal. This place is a tourist trap and not for the seasoned diner. I would not recommend this place. An after theatre dinner which then wiped out the joy of the theatre with it's shoddy food and terrible service. This was the worst dinning experience I have encountered.

Sariyer Balik - by gecko

gecko — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:27:05 +0000

Review by gecko

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7275 7681

Tags: turkish, takeaway, family & home feel

VERY BADDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!VERY BADDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Franco's Ristorante Pizzeria - Frozen pizza's and sleazy waiters by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:18:41 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 9415

Tags: italian, expensive, crowded

My girlfriend and I first went to 'Franco's Ristorante' about 8 months ago when it was called 'Biagio's'. The food was at an OK standard, which made us not worry too much about the waiters bad service.
Since the restaurant under the name of 'Biagio's' received so many bad reviews they decided to change the name. We thought we'd try the place again, and what a mistake that was. The pizza's were not fresh, and were nearly cold when they came to our plate. The waiters kept touching my girlfriend, and make sleazy remarks. At the end of the meal I told the waiter we were not happy with the meal, and he was rude, and decided to ignore us. It took up 15 minutes to get the bill.
This truly is a horrid restaurant, and I warn you not to eat here, there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants in the area!My girlfriend and I first went to 'Franco's Ristorante' about 8 months ago when it was called 'Biagio's'. The food was at an OK standard, which made us not worry too much about the waiters bad service.
Since the restaurant under the name of 'Biagio's' received so many bad reviews they decided to change the name. We thought we'd try the place again, and what a mistake that was. The pizza's were not fresh, and were nearly cold when they came to our plate. The waiters kept touching my girlfriend, and make sleazy remarks. At the end of the meal I told the waiter we were not happy with the meal, and he was rude, and decided to ignore us. It took up 15 minutes to get the bill.
This truly is a horrid restaurant, and I warn you not to eat here, there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants in the area!

The Fat Delicatessen - by RoniD

RoniD — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:10:34 +0000

Review by RoniD

Rating: 5.00Best beacon butty in balham...Best beacon butty in balham...

Mexican Cantina - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:07:28 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00I have only eaten here once, preferring to go to a branch of 'Chiquito' or my TexMex faves - 'Texas Embassy Cantina' for this kind of food.

However, I can say the atmosphere had a nice relaxed intimacy on the occasion I visited and the service was informal but good.

The Ribs are fine, but not as good as some of the more dedicated BBQ chain's in London such as 'Bodean's'.
The Burritos, Chimichangas & Fajitas are all as they should be and available in various options.

I have NOT used their (3rd party) delivery service myself as I have heard more than one report the food arrived late and cold. This is a shame as I wish there was somewhere in London that delivered a PROPER Burrito to my home when I am in the mood. This is NOT a criticism of the restaurant itself as they are not handling the deliveries.

This is, so far, the best Mexican restaurant I have found in West London.
RECOMMENDED!I have only eaten here once, preferring to go to a branch of 'Chiquito' or my TexMex faves - 'Texas Embassy Cantina' for this kind of food.

However, I can say the atmosphere had a nice relaxed intimacy on the occasion I visited and the service was informal but good.

The Ribs are fine, but not as good as some of the more dedicated BBQ chain's in London such as 'Bodean's'.
The Burritos, Chimichangas & Fajitas are all as they should be and available in various options.

I have NOT used their (3rd party) delivery service myself as I have heard more than one report the food arrived late and cold. This is a shame as I wish there was somewhere in London that delivered a PROPER Burrito to my home when I am in the mood. This is NOT a criticism of the restaurant itself as they are not handling the deliveries.

This is, so far, the best Mexican restaurant I have found in West London.
RECOMMENDED!

Robin Hood Eating House - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:50:21 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8748 9560

Tags: toptable

Robin Hood / Zorro is an Anglo TexMex or "English - Mexican Eating House" as they call themselves.

I don't think they are trying to start a new sub-genre of cuisine but whay they provide is standard Fajitas, burgers, steaks & a few blander British dishes.
The quality of food has been fine on both occasions I have been here but nothing has ever really impressed me enough to purposely want to visit.

If I am in the mood for this kind of food I would rather head to 'Texas Embassy Cantina' or 'Chiquito's' who both at least a couple of dishes that I get cravings for.

Robin Hood / Zorro are worth trying out if you fancy some Tex-Mex and are in the Hammersmith area. The atmosphere varies from quiet to quite boisterous with large group bookings(?) and even families with small children.
'Mexican Cantina' is probably a better bet for more regular mexican dishes on the menu though.
RECOMMENDED!Robin Hood / Zorro is an Anglo TexMex or "English - Mexican Eating House" as they call themselves.

I don't think they are trying to start a new sub-genre of cuisine but whay they provide is standard Fajitas, burgers, steaks & a few blander British dishes.
The quality of food has been fine on both occasions I have been here but nothing has ever really impressed me enough to purposely want to visit.

If I am in the mood for this kind of food I would rather head to 'Texas Embassy Cantina' or 'Chiquito's' who both at least a couple of dishes that I get cravings for.

Robin Hood / Zorro are worth trying out if you fancy some Tex-Mex and are in the Hammersmith area. The atmosphere varies from quiet to quite boisterous with large group bookings(?) and even families with small children.
'Mexican Cantina' is probably a better bet for more regular mexican dishes on the menu though.
RECOMMENDED!

Caffe Piccolo - An intimate Italian for chiswick romantics! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:31:13 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8747 9989

Tags: italian, vegetarian dishes

I first went here after a recommendation from a Neapolitan acquaintance. He told me they did good basic Italian fare.

The prices have crept up over the years but the standard has remained the same. Solid but not spectacular pizzas, and similarly their pasta is also good but not great.

Do NOT be misled though. If you want a Carbonara this is one of the few places in the area that have it on their menu. Nearby 'Strada' and 'Carluccio's' don't seem to do one at the moment.

The atmosphere is generally cosy & intimate and you see lots of couples obviously here for a romantic meal.
If the prices were a little lower than this place would get a higher overall score as it IS a perfectly acceptable authentic Italian ristorante.

RECOMMENDED!I first went here after a recommendation from a Neapolitan acquaintance. He told me they did good basic Italian fare.

The prices have crept up over the years but the standard has remained the same. Solid but not spectacular pizzas, and similarly their pasta is also good but not great.

Do NOT be misled though. If you want a Carbonara this is one of the few places in the area that have it on their menu. Nearby 'Strada' and 'Carluccio's' don't seem to do one at the moment.

The atmosphere is generally cosy & intimate and you see lots of couples obviously here for a romantic meal.
If the prices were a little lower than this place would get a higher overall score as it IS a perfectly acceptable authentic Italian ristorante.

RECOMMENDED!

La Mirage Cafe - CLOSED - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:11:10 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8994 1661

Tags: italian, takeaway

Shame this place closed down. The Pepperoni on their pizzas was my favourite version of the sausage.Shame this place closed down. The Pepperoni on their pizzas was my favourite version of the sausage.

Strada - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:07:31 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8995 0004

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

Tags: italian, air conditioning, vegetarian dishes

'Strada' are a decent chain and this Chiswick branch is no exception.
Good pizzas - the spicy "Rossa" is my usual!
The atmosphere ranges from quiet to lively, to "family" with lots of children running around. I guess it depends on when you visit.
I find the pasta menu a little limited and could use more dishes - or at least more diversity in the six recipes they offer.

RECOMMENDED!
'Strada' are a decent chain and this Chiswick branch is no exception.
Good pizzas - the spicy "Rossa" is my usual!
The atmosphere ranges from quiet to lively, to "family" with lots of children running around. I guess it depends on when you visit.
I find the pasta menu a little limited and could use more dishes - or at least more diversity in the six recipes they offer.

RECOMMENDED!

Zizzi - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:20 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8747 9400

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

Tags: italian, lively, good value

'Zizzi' is part of the 'Ask' pizza group. They are the upmarket version in concept. I find the Chiswick branch to be pleasant enough but the food is NOT as great as the design & atmosphere would have you imagine.
On simple taste preferences I enjoy the 'Ask' menus more.

The pizzas here are unquestionably good and larger than the 'Pizza Express' ones but I rarely find myself craving for them, they way I did when 'Eco' had a pizza restaurant in the area.
The pasta is also of a high standard but somehow lacks that indefinable quality that would put 'Zizzi' in the very top London outlets serving Italian pasta.
Service has always been fine on my visits.'Zizzi' is part of the 'Ask' pizza group. They are the upmarket version in concept. I find the Chiswick branch to be pleasant enough but the food is NOT as great as the design & atmosphere would have you imagine.
On simple taste preferences I enjoy the 'Ask' menus more.

The pizzas here are unquestionably good and larger than the 'Pizza Express' ones but I rarely find myself craving for them, they way I did when 'Eco' had a pizza restaurant in the area.
The pasta is also of a high standard but somehow lacks that indefinable quality that would put 'Zizzi' in the very top London outlets serving Italian pasta.
Service has always been fine on my visits.

Hop & Spice - Happy Days by Scoobs

Scoobs — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:22:13 +0000

Review by Scoobs

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8675 3121

Website: http://www.hopandspice.com/

Tags: good value, lively, romantic

I've just had my birthday at Hop & Spice, and I felt I had to comment on what an awesome place this is.

We were so well looked after. We had their set menu (Â£19 each) - which for 20 of us was perfect. They went to the trouble of printing my name on all the menus , and we were greeted with a glass of chilled champage each. You can see where this is going ...

The food started to arrive - mixed starters included their crispy lamb & potato cakes. If you have one thing at Hop & Spice - have these! A taste sensation. 6 amazing curries followed plus their house special - kottu rotti (shredded bread, egg, veg, chilli and lots of other lovely stuff - all in one bowl). Dessert included a delicious sticky chocolate brownie with thick cream & cinnamon.

To wash down this culinary delight. Well, it's not your B'day every day so we worked our way through the beer list. Very drinkable Sri Lankan brew (Lion) to start - the rest is a blur but included Innis & Gun (brewed in whiskey barrels), Old Speckled Hen, and Leffe Blonde. Where else in London can you do that over a delicious curry??

The Hop & Spice staff were fantastic, super efficient and polite - and they even sang me Happy Birthday when my cake came out. Thank you Hop & Spice - we'll be back!I've just had my birthday at Hop & Spice, and I felt I had to comment on what an awesome place this is.

We were so well looked after. We had their set menu (Â£19 each) - which for 20 of us was perfect. They went to the trouble of printing my name on all the menus , and we were greeted with a glass of chilled champage each. You can see where this is going ...

The food started to arrive - mixed starters included their crispy lamb & potato cakes. If you have one thing at Hop & Spice - have these! A taste sensation. 6 amazing curries followed plus their house special - kottu rotti (shredded bread, egg, veg, chilli and lots of other lovely stuff - all in one bowl). Dessert included a delicious sticky chocolate brownie with thick cream & cinnamon.

To wash down this culinary delight. Well, it's not your B'day every day so we worked our way through the beer list. Very drinkable Sri Lankan brew (Lion) to start - the rest is a blur but included Innis & Gun (brewed in whiskey barrels), Old Speckled Hen, and Leffe Blonde. Where else in London can you do that over a delicious curry??

The Hop & Spice staff were fantastic, super efficient and polite - and they even sang me Happy Birthday when my cake came out. Thank you Hop & Spice - we'll be back!

Tortilla - Home of burrito by Rhondes

Rhondes — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:01:32 +0000

Review by Rhondes

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7620 0285

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

Tags: lively, takeaway, cheap eat

Friendly, quick service helps make this counter-service restaurantâ¬which describes itself as "home of burrito"â¬a local favorite. Add guacamole to your meal for just 50p and after 3 to 5 mins(yes, that's how long it takes to prepare a burrito there) grab a seat inside our out. In the evening enjoy 'corona bucket' - 5 coronas for just 12 pounds plus bowl of tortilla chips.

Would I buy it again? Yes , easily. Would I recommend it? Definitely. For just 5 pounds you get a decent , tasy burrito. Could I ask for more?

Friendly, quick service helps make this counter-service restaurantâ¬which describes itself as "home of burrito"â¬a local favorite. Add guacamole to your meal for just 50p and after 3 to 5 mins(yes, that's how long it takes to prepare a burrito there) grab a seat inside our out. In the evening enjoy 'corona bucket' - 5 coronas for just 12 pounds plus bowl of tortilla chips.

Would I buy it again? Yes , easily. Would I recommend it? Definitely. For just 5 pounds you get a decent , tasy burrito. Could I ask for more?