Latest reviews for Restaurants in London, United Kingdom

Mandalay Burmese Restaurant - On the Edgware Road to Mandalay . . . by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:38:15 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7258 3696

Website: http://www.mandalayway.com/restaurant

A miserable rainy day on a miserable part of Edgware Road is where I stood and contemplated in front of this miserable looking restaurant.

The chance to sample my first ever Burmese tuck soon dispelled any uncertainty. The dÃ©cor was like time stood still (1970s) and the dining room was more like a greasy spoon cafÃ©. Once settled the friendly young waitress suggested I go for the Burmese national dish of Ohn-No Khaukswe (noodles in coconut gravy). Wow, what a recommendation, this is a dish that is not too dissimilar to the Malaysian laksa and it was also one of the best noodle dishes Iâ¬"ve had this year. It was tasty and delicately seasoned and an appropriate introduction to this cuisine. Equally enlightening was an additional side order of A-Kyaw-Sone (assorted fritters); this was akin to a spiced-up version of the Japanese tempura, but less refined in presentation.

The only minor quibble I have with Mandalay is the portions of the mains tend to err towards the small side.

I thus proclaim this little idiosyncratic or should I say quaint place instead, with an absolute thumbs-up recommendation.
A miserable rainy day on a miserable part of Edgware Road is where I stood and contemplated in front of this miserable looking restaurant.

The chance to sample my first ever Burmese tuck soon dispelled any uncertainty. The dÃ©cor was like time stood still (1970s) and the dining room was more like a greasy spoon cafÃ©. Once settled the friendly young waitress suggested I go for the Burmese national dish of Ohn-No Khaukswe (noodles in coconut gravy). Wow, what a recommendation, this is a dish that is not too dissimilar to the Malaysian laksa and it was also one of the best noodle dishes Iâ¬"ve had this year. It was tasty and delicately seasoned and an appropriate introduction to this cuisine. Equally enlightening was an additional side order of A-Kyaw-Sone (assorted fritters); this was akin to a spiced-up version of the Japanese tempura, but less refined in presentation.

The only minor quibble I have with Mandalay is the portions of the mains tend to err towards the small side.

I thus proclaim this little idiosyncratic or should I say quaint place instead, with an absolute thumbs-up recommendation.

The Ledbury - Smart yet friendly by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:29:02 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7792 9090

Website: http://www.theledbury.com/

Tags: romantic, expensive, french

As a Michelin-starred restaurant expect this modern British (whatever that means) restaurant with French influences to be good, and it doesn't disappoint. The room is elegant and the service impeccable. So you might be expecting this to be stuffy but it isn't at all - it is friendly, and the staff polite yet casual. There is not just a good wine list but a good sommelier, and the menu offers sophisticated starters, main courses, and desserts. It might be a little formal for a date - depends on you I guess - but is a great place for a treat, or as a respite from some of the areas other restaurants which are almost all loud and buzzy. It isn't cheap but it isn't overpriced, either.As a Michelin-starred restaurant expect this modern British (whatever that means) restaurant with French influences to be good, and it doesn't disappoint. The room is elegant and the service impeccable. So you might be expecting this to be stuffy but it isn't at all - it is friendly, and the staff polite yet casual. There is not just a good wine list but a good sommelier, and the menu offers sophisticated starters, main courses, and desserts. It might be a little formal for a date - depends on you I guess - but is a great place for a treat, or as a respite from some of the areas other restaurants which are almost all loud and buzzy. It isn't cheap but it isn't overpriced, either.

Yun Hua - Fabulous! by qc2

qc2 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:06:12 +0000

Review by qc2

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7622 2322

Tags: chinese, good value, vegetarian dishes

Chinese food the way it should be! No fusion - no badly made supposedly Thai or Japanese dishes. Just Chinese food and done very well!

Food tastes great and not loaded with salt + MSG like most places. Service is excellent and delivery service is usually on time.

You have to try their curry, Singapore Noodles and Singapore Fried Rice... it's amazing!Chinese food the way it should be! No fusion - no badly made supposedly Thai or Japanese dishes. Just Chinese food and done very well!

Food tastes great and not loaded with salt + MSG like most places. Service is excellent and delivery service is usually on time.

You have to try their curry, Singapore Noodles and Singapore Fried Rice... it's amazing!

Notting Hill Brasserie - Expensive by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:59:33 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7229 4481

Tags: live music, expensive, bar

The Notting Hill Brasserie is expensive, classic, and very good. It is what used to be called "International" in cuisine - they might call it "modern British" but I don't really know what that means - so a mixed classic menu with an extensive and expensive wine list with meat and potatoes however nicely put together forming the bedrock of the main courses. It is the preferred restaurant of the American hedge fund set, so the other diners are slightly older, well-dressed, and discreet. Nowhere in W11 requires a jacket but if they did, this would be the place. The food is excellently prepared rather than exciting per se, and the atmosphere so hushly understated it veers towards being slightly sterile - this is a place for that important business dinner; the reunion with old friends where one objective is to impress; or for celebrations where formality is what is required.The Notting Hill Brasserie is expensive, classic, and very good. It is what used to be called "International" in cuisine - they might call it "modern British" but I don't really know what that means - so a mixed classic menu with an extensive and expensive wine list with meat and potatoes however nicely put together forming the bedrock of the main courses. It is the preferred restaurant of the American hedge fund set, so the other diners are slightly older, well-dressed, and discreet. Nowhere in W11 requires a jacket but if they did, this would be the place. The food is excellently prepared rather than exciting per se, and the atmosphere so hushly understated it veers towards being slightly sterile - this is a place for that important business dinner; the reunion with old friends where one objective is to impress; or for celebrations where formality is what is required.

Osteria Basilico - Great Italian by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:50:26 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7727 9957

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

Osteria has been in Notting Hill forever and is the top end of the three restaurants in this group (the others are Mediterraneo and Essenza) with a classic Italian menu, and slightly surprisingly, a sideline in pizza including takeaway. I would avoid the pizza - it's not as good as Luna Rossa's across the street - and frankly if you come to a place like Osteria and have pizza you are wasting the opportunity to eat rather better. The wine list is great and the downstairs seats are particularly cozy in winter. It is definitely pone for romantic get-together. Like all the Italian restaurants in Notting Hill service is probably not why you come here.Osteria has been in Notting Hill forever and is the top end of the three restaurants in this group (the others are Mediterraneo and Essenza) with a classic Italian menu, and slightly surprisingly, a sideline in pizza including takeaway. I would avoid the pizza - it's not as good as Luna Rossa's across the street - and frankly if you come to a place like Osteria and have pizza you are wasting the opportunity to eat rather better. The wine list is great and the downstairs seats are particularly cozy in winter. It is definitely pone for romantic get-together. Like all the Italian restaurants in Notting Hill service is probably not why you come here.

Mediterraneo - Not as good as Osteria Basilico by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:42:57 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7792 3131

Tags: italian, crowded, vegetarian dishes

As the blurb says this is the sister restaurant to Osteria Basilico down the street. The menu is pretty similar but if there is a focus I'd say it is more fish and especially steaks like swordfish and tuna which are well done. The room is sparser though, and it can be too hot in summer and too drafty in the winter. Service too can be a little on the haughty side. In short, unless you live for fish steaks, put Osteria in your speed-dial and if they're full come to Mediterraneo as an adequate substitute, but a subsitute nonetheless.As the blurb says this is the sister restaurant to Osteria Basilico down the street. The menu is pretty similar but if there is a focus I'd say it is more fish and especially steaks like swordfish and tuna which are well done. The room is sparser though, and it can be too hot in summer and too drafty in the winter. Service too can be a little on the haughty side. In short, unless you live for fish steaks, put Osteria in your speed-dial and if they're full come to Mediterraneo as an adequate substitute, but a subsitute nonetheless.

Luna Rossa - Unrivalled Pizza by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:37:44 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7229 0482

Tags: italian, lively, comfortable

The good is very good; you won't find better pizza in London. And I don't mean some American stuff - this is the kind of pizza you don't get outside Naples. But the pasta dishes are good too - the Vongole is particularly good. Wines are cheap and drinkable and for W11, it's pretty good value. Although part of a group, a good sign is that real Italians don't just work here, but eat here - with their families. So yes it can be a bit chaotic, a bit noisy, and the service sometimes has a touch of Naples about it too. But in a funny way that just makes the Naples comparisons all the more apt, and it works. For what it is, it is the best.The good is very good; you won't find better pizza in London. And I don't mean some American stuff - this is the kind of pizza you don't get outside Naples. But the pasta dishes are good too - the Vongole is particularly good. Wines are cheap and drinkable and for W11, it's pretty good value. Although part of a group, a good sign is that real Italians don't just work here, but eat here - with their families. So yes it can be a bit chaotic, a bit noisy, and the service sometimes has a touch of Naples about it too. But in a funny way that just makes the Naples comparisons all the more apt, and it works. For what it is, it is the best.

Electric Brasserie - Great Fun by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:09:48 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7908 9696

Website: http://www.electricbrasserie.com

Tags: lively, brasserie, good value

A Notting Hill secret is that the Brasserie is better than the Electric Restaurant. The room is great - you move from the narrow crowded bar (at its best serving coffee on the pavement in the morning) past the open kitchen into a large slightly sunken space. It is buzzy, loud, and lots of fun. The menu is - being a brasserie - varied and changes often but offers choices from market-fresh fish to burgers and sandwiches to steaks to oysters. Service is efficient and while there is better food out there that's not why you come here: you come here to have fun, and you will. Prices are at the upper end of reasonable.A Notting Hill secret is that the Brasserie is better than the Electric Restaurant. The room is great - you move from the narrow crowded bar (at its best serving coffee on the pavement in the morning) past the open kitchen into a large slightly sunken space. It is buzzy, loud, and lots of fun. The menu is - being a brasserie - varied and changes often but offers choices from market-fresh fish to burgers and sandwiches to steaks to oysters. Service is efficient and while there is better food out there that's not why you come here: you come here to have fun, and you will. Prices are at the upper end of reasonable.

E & O - Brilliant by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:02:59 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7229 5454

Website: http://www.rickerrestaurants.com

Tags: cool, trendy, expensive

E & O is one of the best restaurants in London and certainly the best in Notting Hill. It is hard to categorise but lies between dim sum and Asian fusion, with Japanese influences and a menu heavy on seafood. The blackened cod is unbelievable - Nobu's is good but this is better. The rest of the menu changes quite frequently. The cocktail bar is lively and the staff very professional; the restaurant is buzzy and suitable for business dinners with people you already know; it is neither discreet nor quiet. The wine list is not extensive but the wines they have complement the food well. E & O is expensive but you get what you pay for.E & O is one of the best restaurants in London and certainly the best in Notting Hill. It is hard to categorise but lies between dim sum and Asian fusion, with Japanese influences and a menu heavy on seafood. The blackened cod is unbelievable - Nobu's is good but this is better. The rest of the menu changes quite frequently. The cocktail bar is lively and the staff very professional; the restaurant is buzzy and suitable for business dinners with people you already know; it is neither discreet nor quiet. The wine list is not extensive but the wines they have complement the food well. E & O is expensive but you get what you pay for.

Magdalen - Sweet breads of delight by jmohring

jmohring — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:30:16 +0000

Review by jmohring

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7403 1342

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

Tags: british, good value, business

We've spent 2 happy evenings at Magdalen and are delighted to have such a great restaurant on our doorstep.
The atmosphere at Magdalen is discreet, grown up and classy and the food is even better.
On our first visit we started with a rabbit terrine and potted shrimp before moving on to dishes of venison and sea bream. The terrine was chunky and studded with pistachios, the shrimp buttery and rich. Our main courses didn't disappoint and the high point for dessert was a molten centred chocolate pudding.
The occasion was a birthday treat and the whole evening was perfect, the waiter attentive the wines well recommended and priced and the service unhurried but never slack.
Our second visit with friends after a few too many cocktails at the Hide bar was another fine Bermondsey evening. Our initial impression on being seated was that we were the only people in the place having a good time as every one else seemed to be whispering or eating in silence. They may have just been enjoying their meals I suppose but we soon realised that it would be fine for us to add to the atmosphere with a little less sotto voce conversation. Our food did shut us up: starters included braised pigs cheeks, rich and savoury and fried lambs brains which were described as perfect. For the main course both skate wings and sweet breads were stand out dishes. The sweetbreads a fondly remembered childhood treat, just as silky smooth and more ish as I recalled.
My only caveat with Magdalen is its somewhat sober air, the restaurant lacks buzz at times which is a shame because the food, service and wine is great and good value for this quality of experience. I would recommend this place for romantic dinners, business lunches and food lovers who bring their own buzz with them!We've spent 2 happy evenings at Magdalen and are delighted to have such a great restaurant on our doorstep.
The atmosphere at Magdalen is discreet, grown up and classy and the food is even better.
On our first visit we started with a rabbit terrine and potted shrimp before moving on to dishes of venison and sea bream. The terrine was chunky and studded with pistachios, the shrimp buttery and rich. Our main courses didn't disappoint and the high point for dessert was a molten centred chocolate pudding.
The occasion was a birthday treat and the whole evening was perfect, the waiter attentive the wines well recommended and priced and the service unhurried but never slack.
Our second visit with friends after a few too many cocktails at the Hide bar was another fine Bermondsey evening. Our initial impression on being seated was that we were the only people in the place having a good time as every one else seemed to be whispering or eating in silence. They may have just been enjoying their meals I suppose but we soon realised that it would be fine for us to add to the atmosphere with a little less sotto voce conversation. Our food did shut us up: starters included braised pigs cheeks, rich and savoury and fried lambs brains which were described as perfect. For the main course both skate wings and sweet breads were stand out dishes. The sweetbreads a fondly remembered childhood treat, just as silky smooth and more ish as I recalled.
My only caveat with Magdalen is its somewhat sober air, the restaurant lacks buzz at times which is a shame because the food, service and wine is great and good value for this quality of experience. I would recommend this place for romantic dinners, business lunches and food lovers who bring their own buzz with them!

Giaconda Dining Room - Welcome back to London Mr Merrony by gastro1

gastro1 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:39:25 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 3334

Tags: french, good value, british

This is a great restaurant that serves very good food made from excellent well chosen and sourced ingredients.

The restaurant has about 32 covers and is likely to expand into some unused space at the rear.

It is clear that Paul Merrony the chef and co owner has a very specific food philosophy and has not only had a top (cooking) education that includes Le Gavroche London, La Tour d'Argent in Paris and top restaurants down under but has chosen to apply his superb technique to serving Franco/Italian bourgeois/home cooking with the addition of the odd British classic.

I plan to eat my way through the menu over the next few weeks.

But based on my first meal I was thoroughly impressed.

Artichoke vinegrette was perfectly cooked , served and presented.

The simply grilled rib eye steak served with some sliced tomatoes that actually had taste was excellent.

I also tasted a good pork chop ( probably Gloucester old spot or Tamworth) and a remarkable pigs trotter starter.

The wine list is mainly French , Italian and Spanish with for London minimal mark ups ( a bit like Andrew Edmonds)

My guest had a prune compote with creme anglaise and ice cream that was stunning whilst I had a very good Stilton from Neal's Yard

Negatives for me were the bread - Ciabatta and the chips. I expected the latter to be had cut real chips but the restaurant had either run out or always serve Brake Bros or even McCains. I appreciate the restaurant staffed by one front of house and Paul + an apprentice in the kitchen cannot do everything but if you are going to buy in bread than I would recommend something a bit more crusty form say Baker & Spice (wholesale). As for chips no excuses !

This is exceptional cooking at very good value.

This is a great restaurant that serves very good food made from excellent well chosen and sourced ingredients.

The restaurant has about 32 covers and is likely to expand into some unused space at the rear.

It is clear that Paul Merrony the chef and co owner has a very specific food philosophy and has not only had a top (cooking) education that includes Le Gavroche London, La Tour d'Argent in Paris and top restaurants down under but has chosen to apply his superb technique to serving Franco/Italian bourgeois/home cooking with the addition of the odd British classic.

I plan to eat my way through the menu over the next few weeks.

But based on my first meal I was thoroughly impressed.

Artichoke vinegrette was perfectly cooked , served and presented.

The simply grilled rib eye steak served with some sliced tomatoes that actually had taste was excellent.

I also tasted a good pork chop ( probably Gloucester old spot or Tamworth) and a remarkable pigs trotter starter.

The wine list is mainly French , Italian and Spanish with for London minimal mark ups ( a bit like Andrew Edmonds)

My guest had a prune compote with creme anglaise and ice cream that was stunning whilst I had a very good Stilton from Neal's Yard

Negatives for me were the bread - Ciabatta and the chips. I expected the latter to be had cut real chips but the restaurant had either run out or always serve Brake Bros or even McCains. I appreciate the restaurant staffed by one front of house and Paul + an apprentice in the kitchen cannot do everything but if you are going to buy in bread than I would recommend something a bit more crusty form say Baker & Spice (wholesale). As for chips no excuses !

This is exceptional cooking at very good value.

Cay Tre - Well Done! by gunners4life

gunners4life — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:06:18 +0000

Review by gunners4life

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 8662

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

Tags: vietnamese, lively, good value

I have been here a few times and even though there may be some critisicm I think that the restaurant is pretty good, I think that the food is a bit on the small side in portions but mayvbe that is just me. Probably ones of the worst things about this restaurant is the waiting time, food usually takes much less in other restuarants but rightly so they deserve to be a bit behind due to their popularity

Overall a very good restaurant if you can bare the waiting times and word of warning make sure that you call to reserve a seat before you go.I have been here a few times and even though there may be some critisicm I think that the restaurant is pretty good, I think that the food is a bit on the small side in portions but mayvbe that is just me. Probably ones of the worst things about this restaurant is the waiting time, food usually takes much less in other restuarants but rightly so they deserve to be a bit behind due to their popularity

Overall a very good restaurant if you can bare the waiting times and word of warning make sure that you call to reserve a seat before you go.

Fitzrovia Restaurant - Relaxed eating by CPaskell

CPaskell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:39:28 +0000

Review by CPaskell

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7636 2744

Tags: italian, crowded, cheap eat

I have been here for both large parties and romantic dinners - this tiny restaurant was suited to both occasions. There are only about 8 tables upstairs so it does get crowded and can feel like you are eating inside a shoe box - you can hear everyone else's conversations very clearly, although since this place seems frequented by actors, artists and phd students more than anything else (I know from listening to their converations!) this adds to the atmosphere and makes it a relaxed and entertaining place to eat. The menu is quite basic and not a great range of choice (pizza, calzone and pasta are the core dishes) but the food is very cheap and decent - about Â£4 a dish. The staff are friendly and always laughing and watching football on a small telly like true Italians - if you join in the banter and good humour as a customer you are well rewarded: the staff rearranged the whole restaurant layout for our large birthday party even though we hadn't made a reservation and we even got extra pizza and coffee for the special occasion! I prefer the pizza to the pasta, which tastes more homemade and fresher, whilst the pasta can sometimes be a little over-cooked for my own al-dente tastes, but if you are looking for somewhere cheap and unpretentious, come here.I have been here for both large parties and romantic dinners - this tiny restaurant was suited to both occasions. There are only about 8 tables upstairs so it does get crowded and can feel like you are eating inside a shoe box - you can hear everyone else's conversations very clearly, although since this place seems frequented by actors, artists and phd students more than anything else (I know from listening to their converations!) this adds to the atmosphere and makes it a relaxed and entertaining place to eat. The menu is quite basic and not a great range of choice (pizza, calzone and pasta are the core dishes) but the food is very cheap and decent - about Â£4 a dish. The staff are friendly and always laughing and watching football on a small telly like true Italians - if you join in the banter and good humour as a customer you are well rewarded: the staff rearranged the whole restaurant layout for our large birthday party even though we hadn't made a reservation and we even got extra pizza and coffee for the special occasion! I prefer the pizza to the pasta, which tastes more homemade and fresher, whilst the pasta can sometimes be a little over-cooked for my own al-dente tastes, but if you are looking for somewhere cheap and unpretentious, come here.

Food For Thought - Tasty, healthy vegetarian food at Food for Thought by hellyphant

hellyphant — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:42:17 +0000

Review by hellyphant

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 0239

Tags: vegetarian, crowded, good value

Food for Thought is a small vegetarian cafe on Neal street in Covent Garden, and my favourite lunch-time haunt. It's incredibely popular with local office and shop workers and has many regulars.

On ground level there is a take away counter, behind which you can see staff cooking up fresh pots of lentil curries and spinnach soup and all other kinds of healthy dishes. Every day they serve a mixed salad which I would totally recommend - it normally comes with couscous, pasta, or potatoes so is quite filling. Fresh homemade bread is also available and is often still warm, tasting like it's just come out of the oven.

Prices are good value, especially for central london. A mixed salad and large chunk of fresh bread costs about Â£3.70.

Downstairs there are tables where you can eat in, although I never have myself. It always looks very crowded and claustrophic.

Also, bear in mind that queues can be long during the lunch hour - often spreading some way down Neal street, so it's best not to go there if you're in a rush. It's alot quieter before 12.30 or after 2pm.

I'm very glad I disvoered Food for Thought. It offers a tasty, healthy alternative to the monotony of yet another lunchtime sandwich.Food for Thought is a small vegetarian cafe on Neal street in Covent Garden, and my favourite lunch-time haunt. It's incredibely popular with local office and shop workers and has many regulars.

On ground level there is a take away counter, behind which you can see staff cooking up fresh pots of lentil curries and spinnach soup and all other kinds of healthy dishes. Every day they serve a mixed salad which I would totally recommend - it normally comes with couscous, pasta, or potatoes so is quite filling. Fresh homemade bread is also available and is often still warm, tasting like it's just come out of the oven.

Prices are good value, especially for central london. A mixed salad and large chunk of fresh bread costs about Â£3.70.

Downstairs there are tables where you can eat in, although I never have myself. It always looks very crowded and claustrophic.

Also, bear in mind that queues can be long during the lunch hour - often spreading some way down Neal street, so it's best not to go there if you're in a rush. It's alot quieter before 12.30 or after 2pm.

I'm very glad I disvoered Food for Thought. It offers a tasty, healthy alternative to the monotony of yet another lunchtime sandwich.

Tas Firin - by elizaflan

elizaflan — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:34:13 +0000

Review by elizaflan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 6446

Tags: turkish, lively, crowded

my favourite local which blows the late night kebab out of the water.
eat in or takeaway, but make sure you order the rice, which are the plumpest little grains in the worldmy favourite local which blows the late night kebab out of the water.
eat in or takeaway, but make sure you order the rice, which are the plumpest little grains in the world

The Kati Roll Company - Yummy Kati Rolls Hit the Spot- on a Budget! by mangoeater

mangoeater — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:29:36 +0000

Review by mangoeater

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 287 4787

Website: http://www.thekatirollcompany.com

Tags: lively, cheap eat, indian

Love this tiny place!!

This unpretentious but cute eatery (copper colours dominate, w vintage Bollywood posters on the walls) is the new (as of summer 2008) London branch of a wildly popular New York eatery (chosen by TimeOut NY as a favourite restaurant for 2 years running).

They serve about 10 varieties of the same Indian street food treat: kati rolls (a warm paratha bread wrapped around various fillings, with delicious sauces).

It's perfect for lunch, after-pub snack, or dinner on a budget- when you're in the Oxford Circus area. There are tables to sit at, but when it's busy, expect to wait and take away. Hint: go early in the evening before pub crowds hit.

I've never been disappointed by the food or the price. This place is easy to miss, but well worth the trip!!Love this tiny place!!

This unpretentious but cute eatery (copper colours dominate, w vintage Bollywood posters on the walls) is the new (as of summer 2008) London branch of a wildly popular New York eatery (chosen by TimeOut NY as a favourite restaurant for 2 years running).

They serve about 10 varieties of the same Indian street food treat: kati rolls (a warm paratha bread wrapped around various fillings, with delicious sauces).

It's perfect for lunch, after-pub snack, or dinner on a budget- when you're in the Oxford Circus area. There are tables to sit at, but when it's busy, expect to wait and take away. Hint: go early in the evening before pub crowds hit.

I've never been disappointed by the food or the price. This place is easy to miss, but well worth the trip!!

Rochelle Canteen - by elizaflan

elizaflan — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:27:41 +0000

Review by elizaflan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 5677

Website: http://www.arnoldandhenderson.com/index.php?section=5

Tags: good value lunch weekday artists simple

love the buzzer to enter. secret squirrel doorway into a peaceful courtyard that you wish was your backyard.
food is scrummy too, service charmed.love the buzzer to enter. secret squirrel doorway into a peaceful courtyard that you wish was your backyard.
food is scrummy too, service charmed.

Crispy Duck - Tasty authentic Chinese by CPaskell

CPaskell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:03:21 +0000

Review by CPaskell

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 6578

Tags: chinese, good value, cheap eat

In Soho's China Town, this is one of the better Chinese restaurants to try. They have an amazing menu, packed full of traditional congee and stews, to more popular stir fries and the obvious crispy duck! Turn to the back of the menu and there is a separate section of rice and noodle dishes for Â£5, which for that price include the main meal and the rice or noodles - I normally have the fried pork chops with chilli and salt with rice. Portions are large and you will leave full. The staff are friendly and helpful and will prepare something you like that may not be on the menu. The toilets are clean and the inside has just had a refurb, which has left it with a much nicer ambiance. The decor is simple with nice, clean white tablecloths.In Soho's China Town, this is one of the better Chinese restaurants to try. They have an amazing menu, packed full of traditional congee and stews, to more popular stir fries and the obvious crispy duck! Turn to the back of the menu and there is a separate section of rice and noodle dishes for Â£5, which for that price include the main meal and the rice or noodles - I normally have the fried pork chops with chilli and salt with rice. Portions are large and you will leave full. The staff are friendly and helpful and will prepare something you like that may not be on the menu. The toilets are clean and the inside has just had a refurb, which has left it with a much nicer ambiance. The decor is simple with nice, clean white tablecloths.

Strada - Excellent good value food by hellyphant

hellyphant — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:33:12 +0000

Review by hellyphant

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7226 9742

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

Tags: italian, good value, lively

I've been to Strada in Islington several times and have never left disappointed. They serve a variety of pasta dishes and pizzas and a great selection of fish. I ate a baby octupus for the first time in Strada!
The food arrived very quickly and was lovely and hot, portions were perfectly sized and left me feeling satisfied, rather than bloated, and with enough space for that all important desert.
Although they don't have an amazing selection, what they do serve is delicious. I can recommend the hot chocolate cake with vanilla icecream. Divine!I've been to Strada in Islington several times and have never left disappointed. They serve a variety of pasta dishes and pizzas and a great selection of fish. I ate a baby octupus for the first time in Strada!
The food arrived very quickly and was lovely and hot, portions were perfectly sized and left me feeling satisfied, rather than bloated, and with enough space for that all important desert.
Although they don't have an amazing selection, what they do serve is delicious. I can recommend the hot chocolate cake with vanilla icecream. Divine!

Carluccio's - The best Carluccios outlet by CPaskell

CPaskell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:14:02 +0000

Review by CPaskell

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7719 1749

Website: http://www.carluccios.com

Tags: italian, takeaway, good value

I really love the food at carluccios but for me, this one is the best of the many carluccios outlets in London. The service is always impeccable here, the staff are friendly, fast and very knowledgeable about the food and its ingredients, even making substitutions to the meals where they can (for example, letting me have 2 meat rice balls - the second rice ball should be filled with mozarella - because I can't eat too much cheese). My favourite meal is the pasta con vongole (clams with garlic and chilli in spaghetti). The pasta is fresh and good value for money, the menu has a great range of salads and main dishes too with a nice range of affordable and more expensive wines. The menu does change seasonally - so my clams aren't available in winter - but then they have other food on offer such as wild boar raviolis. In summer, sitting outside in this venue is lovely although it does get busy with office workers. Weekends are pretty quiet and a good time to come as Canary Wharf is pretty much deserted and it's right next to the Jubilee Line Canary Wharf station.I really love the food at carluccios but for me, this one is the best of the many carluccios outlets in London. The service is always impeccable here, the staff are friendly, fast and very knowledgeable about the food and its ingredients, even making substitutions to the meals where they can (for example, letting me have 2 meat rice balls - the second rice ball should be filled with mozarella - because I can't eat too much cheese). My favourite meal is the pasta con vongole (clams with garlic and chilli in spaghetti). The pasta is fresh and good value for money, the menu has a great range of salads and main dishes too with a nice range of affordable and more expensive wines. The menu does change seasonally - so my clams aren't available in winter - but then they have other food on offer such as wild boar raviolis. In summer, sitting outside in this venue is lovely although it does get busy with office workers. Weekends are pretty quiet and a good time to come as Canary Wharf is pretty much deserted and it's right next to the Jubilee Line Canary Wharf station.