Latest reviews for Restaurants in London, United Kingdom

Lahoria Restaurant - Best Food by sunny159

sunny159 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:46:51 +0000

Review by sunny159

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 82061129

This place is next to the Favourites Cake Shop on the main High Road nest to the Park.
I have been going to this place for a long time now and there Jeera Chicken is one of the best that i have tasted. Jeera Chicken at other places do not compare. Also there Sheesh Kebab and there Lamb Keema is also one of the best.This place is next to the Favourites Cake Shop on the main High Road nest to the Park.
I have been going to this place for a long time now and there Jeera Chicken is one of the best that i have tasted. Jeera Chicken at other places do not compare. Also there Sheesh Kebab and there Lamb Keema is also one of the best.

Golden Dragon - Golden Dragon by RestaurantRview

RestaurantRview — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:39:25 +0000

Review by RestaurantRview

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 1073

Tags: expensive, chinese, takeaway

The Peking Duck is probably the best thing on the menu here. The chicken in chilli was not what I expected. It was as if they had cooked the chicken then covered it in chilli sauce. The chicken itself was pretty much tasteless.
The environmental health authority in Oct 2007 gave them one star and a poor rating for compliance so not a place I can recommend until an update is received. A quick peek into the kitchen downstairs pretty much says it all. Take a look!The Peking Duck is probably the best thing on the menu here. The chicken in chilli was not what I expected. It was as if they had cooked the chicken then covered it in chilli sauce. The chicken itself was pretty much tasteless.
The environmental health authority in Oct 2007 gave them one star and a poor rating for compliance so not a place I can recommend until an update is received. A quick peek into the kitchen downstairs pretty much says it all. Take a look!

Zafferano - zafferano - 27 Aug 2008 by Food_Snob

Food_Snob — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:32:46 +0000

Review by Food_Snob

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7235 5800

Website: http://www.zafferanorestaurant.com/

Tags: italian, expensive, lively

Illustrated Critique:

http://foodsnobblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/zafferano-london-the-return/

Text-only Critique:
This is the last meal W and I shall share before she jets off home, so in a final attempt to have London impress her with its edible offerings and also simultaneously sate her all-consuming appetite for Italian food, she decides on Zafferano.

I should have paid more attention to the omens; first, W was over thirty minutes late for lunch (traffic), then once actually at the restaurant, my lunch reservation had apparently disappeared, even though I had confirmed it the evening before (I had even been assigned a window table, or so I was told); fortunately, they still managed to accommodate us. Things brightened up a little when I was greeted by the now ever-smiling Constantino who showed us to our table and took our orders. Alas, the menu had hardly changed since my previous meal, so I let W steer todayâ¬"s selection.

Stuzzichino: Parmegiani e focaccia. These were the same hors dâ¬"oeuvres as on my last visit; creamy chunks of parmesan cheese and soft cherry tomato-topped focaccia. What had changed however was that I learnt (at the end of the meal though and thus too lateâ¬¦) that this petite platter of cheese and bread was costing me Â£15. Rarely do I mention prices, let alone complain about them, but I felt especially aggrieved by this. First, these items come without requesting them; secondly, at no point and by no means is one made aware of their cost; thirdly and more importantly, I am not able to eat pork, but still paying full price; and fourthly and most importantly, it is simply not worth Â£15 - after all, a four course lunch is Â£39.50. Pour lâ¬"amour du ciel!

Il Pane: Grissini, ciabatta, olive bread and brown bread. The bread selection now differed; the white bread with tomato or mushroom filling had been replaced by ciabatta and olive bread. Unfortunately, this ciabatta was more like plain white loaf in masquerade; it had neither the requisite crisp crust nor porous middle to call itself anything else. The olive bread was decent, but the olives were simply sprinkled on, rather than infused into the bread.

Antipasto 1: Spiedino di scampi e zucchini con promodoro freso. I had ordered the same dish last time, but W was pretty eager to try it for herself. A char grilled skewer of five fat, courgette-wrapped langoustines came in an intense tomato and basil sauce, garnished with a wafer-thin slice of grilled bread and green leaf salad. The Scottish shellfish were juicy and tender, matching nicely their delicate courgette jackets. The salty, fresh salad provided good contrast against the sweeter skewers. This was again tasty and well-prepared with clean, full and bright flavours.

Primo Piatto 1: Tagliolini con granchio e zucchine. An ample portion of homemade tagliolini pasta came mixed with very thin julienne courgettes, big crumbs of white crab meat and snippets of sweet chilli. The pasta had been cooked well and al dente, but was thicker than I had first anticipated (it is also known as angel-hair pastaâ¬¦); nevertheless it had a pleasingly unrefined texture. A light, smooth sauce bonded the tagliolini tightly with the crab and courgettes, which were good in tandem. However, it was all a little awkward; everything collectively gave the overwhelming impression that one was eating Oriental noodles rather than Italian pasta. That does not mean it tasted badly, it just tasted different to what was expected/wanted.

Primo Piatto 2: Tagliatelle con filetto di manzo e melanzane. The next course consisted of long, thick tagliatelle ribbons with tender fillets of beef, smooth aubergine and fresh tomato. The tagliatelle too had a great feel to it, having been prepared coarser and rougher; this more porous pasta also readily absorbed the blended juices from the soft beef, mushy aubergine and moist tomato. The ingredients combined deliciously offering rich meaty and earthy flavours. The addition of grated parmesan, which slowly melted into the dish, gave it a creamier, fuller depth making this hearty and satisfying.

Pesce: Coda di rospo con zucchine grigliate. The first of the main courses was char grilled monkfish with courgettes and sweet chilli. Two medallions of monkfish tail, still on the bone, were served with grilled chucks of courgette (again) in a very light dressing of olive oil, bay leaves and sweet chilli (again). Regrettably, the fish had been awfully overcooked, leaving it dry and barren of its succulent, slight sweetness, which had been instead supplanted by the consuming singed savour of charcoal. The courgettes were undercooked (in a good way) and crunchy, but by this stage we had become bored of this ubiquitous legume - some might suggest it silly to complain about this since we ordered it, but the fish choices were limited to maybe just three, one of which I had tried already.

Carne: Petto di pollo con capperi e limone. Half a corn-fed chicken, laying on a fried frittata of aubergine and bed of wilted spinach and dressed with lemons and capers, followed. The pollo had been roasted a lovely shade of amber and was accompanied by an equally appetite tempting tangerine-yellow sauce. Thankfully, its taste surpassed its appearance; the meat was moist and succulent, whilst the skin still crispy. The thin, herby gravy of chicken stock, lemon and white wine was full of flavour, but did not overpower the more delicate bird. The bitter lemon zest and mustard-like capers provided a nice punch.

Dolce 1: Frutti di bosco con yogurt. Mixed summer berries with frozen yoghurt was the first dessert and it was disappointing and shocking in its stark simplicity; blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries chopped into a coupe were served with a small scoop of iced yoghurt. The sourness of this yoghurt made a decent counterpoint for the sweetness and subtle acidity of the fresh fruit, but there just was not enough of it!

Dolce 2: Pesche con crema di amaretti e ciliegio. The second desert of caramelised peaches with fresh cherries and amaretto cream was strongly recommended by our waiter. A circular carousel of overlapping peach slices enclosed a blanket of cherry halves and amaretti biscuit crumbs smothered in amaretto-infused cream and garnished with almond flakes and a light cherry coulis drizzle. This unison of flavours, colours and odours proved rather intoxicating and almost luxurious: the peachâ¬"s rosy pink and orange hues together with the bold burgundy of the cherries contrasted against the immaculate white of the crema; and their dense, fruity aroma was warm and compelling. The sugary peach and sour-sweet cherries were balanced by the smooth, mild cream within which broken bits of spicy amaretti could be found.

Petit Fours: Cornetto alla limone. Lemon had replaced orange as the flavour in this cornet treat. The zingy, sharp sorbet was once again very good.

Regretfully I must admit that this experience was rather soured by the service. Constantino was jolly and able as ever, but we were not in â¬Ühis sectionâ¬" and, though he popped round occasionally, someone else was looking after us. This someone else however barely seemed to understand what I was saying; evident from some of the unrelated answers he gave to my questions. Furthermore, he was quite ill-informed about the food; always appeared to wait until I actually asked for more bread, before bringing it; and having asked him for another sorbet petit four and him promising to bring it, we did not see him again until we demanded the bill or the petit four ever. By the way, this is when I noticed the aforementioned stuzzichino charge.

All this could have honestly been ignored had the food dazzled, but dazzle it definitely did not. Shone? No. Glowed? Barely. Out of all the dishes, three or four were good, but the noodle pasta was just odd, the berry-yoghurt dessert something I could make myself at home and the monkfish just plain wrong - it has been a long time since I failed to finish a dish, but I had to leave the majority of this one behind.

And the worst thing about it all is that I am now constantly subject to abject earfuls from W about how the NY dining scene utterly knocks the pants off Londonâ¬"s. Grazie, Zafferano, grazie milleâ¬¦

15 Lowndes Street, SW1 9EY
tel: 020 7235 5800
nearest tube: Knightsbridge
www.zafferanorestaurant.com

Illustrated Critique:

http://foodsnobblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/zafferano-london-the-return/

Text-only Critique:
This is the last meal W and I shall share before she jets off home, so in a final attempt to have London impress her with its edible offerings and also simultaneously sate her all-consuming appetite for Italian food, she decides on Zafferano.

I should have paid more attention to the omens; first, W was over thirty minutes late for lunch (traffic), then once actually at the restaurant, my lunch reservation had apparently disappeared, even though I had confirmed it the evening before (I had even been assigned a window table, or so I was told); fortunately, they still managed to accommodate us. Things brightened up a little when I was greeted by the now ever-smiling Constantino who showed us to our table and took our orders. Alas, the menu had hardly changed since my previous meal, so I let W steer todayâ¬"s selection.

Stuzzichino: Parmegiani e focaccia. These were the same hors dâ¬"oeuvres as on my last visit; creamy chunks of parmesan cheese and soft cherry tomato-topped focaccia. What had changed however was that I learnt (at the end of the meal though and thus too lateâ¬¦) that this petite platter of cheese and bread was costing me Â£15. Rarely do I mention prices, let alone complain about them, but I felt especially aggrieved by this. First, these items come without requesting them; secondly, at no point and by no means is one made aware of their cost; thirdly and more importantly, I am not able to eat pork, but still paying full price; and fourthly and most importantly, it is simply not worth Â£15 - after all, a four course lunch is Â£39.50. Pour lâ¬"amour du ciel!

Il Pane: Grissini, ciabatta, olive bread and brown bread. The bread selection now differed; the white bread with tomato or mushroom filling had been replaced by ciabatta and olive bread. Unfortunately, this ciabatta was more like plain white loaf in masquerade; it had neither the requisite crisp crust nor porous middle to call itself anything else. The olive bread was decent, but the olives were simply sprinkled on, rather than infused into the bread.

Antipasto 1: Spiedino di scampi e zucchini con promodoro freso. I had ordered the same dish last time, but W was pretty eager to try it for herself. A char grilled skewer of five fat, courgette-wrapped langoustines came in an intense tomato and basil sauce, garnished with a wafer-thin slice of grilled bread and green leaf salad. The Scottish shellfish were juicy and tender, matching nicely their delicate courgette jackets. The salty, fresh salad provided good contrast against the sweeter skewers. This was again tasty and well-prepared with clean, full and bright flavours.

Primo Piatto 1: Tagliolini con granchio e zucchine. An ample portion of homemade tagliolini pasta came mixed with very thin julienne courgettes, big crumbs of white crab meat and snippets of sweet chilli. The pasta had been cooked well and al dente, but was thicker than I had first anticipated (it is also known as angel-hair pastaâ¬¦); nevertheless it had a pleasingly unrefined texture. A light, smooth sauce bonded the tagliolini tightly with the crab and courgettes, which were good in tandem. However, it was all a little awkward; everything collectively gave the overwhelming impression that one was eating Oriental noodles rather than Italian pasta. That does not mean it tasted badly, it just tasted different to what was expected/wanted.

Primo Piatto 2: Tagliatelle con filetto di manzo e melanzane. The next course consisted of long, thick tagliatelle ribbons with tender fillets of beef, smooth aubergine and fresh tomato. The tagliatelle too had a great feel to it, having been prepared coarser and rougher; this more porous pasta also readily absorbed the blended juices from the soft beef, mushy aubergine and moist tomato. The ingredients combined deliciously offering rich meaty and earthy flavours. The addition of grated parmesan, which slowly melted into the dish, gave it a creamier, fuller depth making this hearty and satisfying.

Pesce: Coda di rospo con zucchine grigliate. The first of the main courses was char grilled monkfish with courgettes and sweet chilli. Two medallions of monkfish tail, still on the bone, were served with grilled chucks of courgette (again) in a very light dressing of olive oil, bay leaves and sweet chilli (again). Regrettably, the fish had been awfully overcooked, leaving it dry and barren of its succulent, slight sweetness, which had been instead supplanted by the consuming singed savour of charcoal. The courgettes were undercooked (in a good way) and crunchy, but by this stage we had become bored of this ubiquitous legume - some might suggest it silly to complain about this since we ordered it, but the fish choices were limited to maybe just three, one of which I had tried already.

Carne: Petto di pollo con capperi e limone. Half a corn-fed chicken, laying on a fried frittata of aubergine and bed of wilted spinach and dressed with lemons and capers, followed. The pollo had been roasted a lovely shade of amber and was accompanied by an equally appetite tempting tangerine-yellow sauce. Thankfully, its taste surpassed its appearance; the meat was moist and succulent, whilst the skin still crispy. The thin, herby gravy of chicken stock, lemon and white wine was full of flavour, but did not overpower the more delicate bird. The bitter lemon zest and mustard-like capers provided a nice punch.

Dolce 1: Frutti di bosco con yogurt. Mixed summer berries with frozen yoghurt was the first dessert and it was disappointing and shocking in its stark simplicity; blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries chopped into a coupe were served with a small scoop of iced yoghurt. The sourness of this yoghurt made a decent counterpoint for the sweetness and subtle acidity of the fresh fruit, but there just was not enough of it!

Dolce 2: Pesche con crema di amaretti e ciliegio. The second desert of caramelised peaches with fresh cherries and amaretto cream was strongly recommended by our waiter. A circular carousel of overlapping peach slices enclosed a blanket of cherry halves and amaretti biscuit crumbs smothered in amaretto-infused cream and garnished with almond flakes and a light cherry coulis drizzle. This unison of flavours, colours and odours proved rather intoxicating and almost luxurious: the peachâ¬"s rosy pink and orange hues together with the bold burgundy of the cherries contrasted against the immaculate white of the crema; and their dense, fruity aroma was warm and compelling. The sugary peach and sour-sweet cherries were balanced by the smooth, mild cream within which broken bits of spicy amaretti could be found.

Petit Fours: Cornetto alla limone. Lemon had replaced orange as the flavour in this cornet treat. The zingy, sharp sorbet was once again very good.

Regretfully I must admit that this experience was rather soured by the service. Constantino was jolly and able as ever, but we were not in â¬Ühis sectionâ¬" and, though he popped round occasionally, someone else was looking after us. This someone else however barely seemed to understand what I was saying; evident from some of the unrelated answers he gave to my questions. Furthermore, he was quite ill-informed about the food; always appeared to wait until I actually asked for more bread, before bringing it; and having asked him for another sorbet petit four and him promising to bring it, we did not see him again until we demanded the bill or the petit four ever. By the way, this is when I noticed the aforementioned stuzzichino charge.

All this could have honestly been ignored had the food dazzled, but dazzle it definitely did not. Shone? No. Glowed? Barely. Out of all the dishes, three or four were good, but the noodle pasta was just odd, the berry-yoghurt dessert something I could make myself at home and the monkfish just plain wrong - it has been a long time since I failed to finish a dish, but I had to leave the majority of this one behind.

And the worst thing about it all is that I am now constantly subject to abject earfuls from W about how the NY dining scene utterly knocks the pants off Londonâ¬"s. Grazie, Zafferano, grazie milleâ¬¦

15 Lowndes Street, SW1 9EY
tel: 020 7235 5800
nearest tube: Knightsbridge
www.zafferanorestaurant.com

Las Iguanas - Great Mexican/Brazilian South Bank restaurant by stoduk

stoduk — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:38:31 +0000

Review by stoduk

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7620 1328

Tags: brazilian, lively, crowded

Las Iguanas is a small chain of Mexican restaurants (well, actually Brazilian I think, but seems to be suitably similar) - this example being on the South Bank within easy walking distance of Waterloo or Embankment stations.

This site has a great atmosphere for drinking - especially in the Summer where you can sit outside and watch the throngs on city drinkers enjoying the sun. As well as the obvious beers and wines, they do some excellent cocktails - and quite often have good prices on these (2 for 1 Happy hours, deals on jugs, etc.).

However - the food it what I really come to this place for, being a big lover of Mexican food. They have all the usual Mexican staples (Buritto, Taco, Chimichanga, etc.) all done very well - but also have some less traditional Mexican foods that are worth trying. In particular, they do a very good fillet steak if you are in a meat eating mood, or they do an excellent tuna steak with some spicy salsa.

I don't live in London, but come in to visit this place regularly - which is a sign of how good the food (and prices) are! If you like mexican I can also recommend Wahaca restaurant - which is quite a different style, and harder to get in to, but also serves some excellent food.Las Iguanas is a small chain of Mexican restaurants (well, actually Brazilian I think, but seems to be suitably similar) - this example being on the South Bank within easy walking distance of Waterloo or Embankment stations.

This site has a great atmosphere for drinking - especially in the Summer where you can sit outside and watch the throngs on city drinkers enjoying the sun. As well as the obvious beers and wines, they do some excellent cocktails - and quite often have good prices on these (2 for 1 Happy hours, deals on jugs, etc.).

However - the food it what I really come to this place for, being a big lover of Mexican food. They have all the usual Mexican staples (Buritto, Taco, Chimichanga, etc.) all done very well - but also have some less traditional Mexican foods that are worth trying. In particular, they do a very good fillet steak if you are in a meat eating mood, or they do an excellent tuna steak with some spicy salsa.

I don't live in London, but come in to visit this place regularly - which is a sign of how good the food (and prices) are! If you like mexican I can also recommend Wahaca restaurant - which is quite a different style, and harder to get in to, but also serves some excellent food.

Yildiz - Best lamb ribs in London by lokester

lokester — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:01:16 +0000

Review by lokester

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7354 3899

Tags: turkish, family & home feel, cheap eat

In fact these are the best bbq lamb ribs I have tried anywhere in the world!

Apart from the lamb ribs I recommend the Iskender Kebab, which is also delicious. And watch out for the free starters, especially the grilled onions with pomegranate sauce.

Favourite restaurant in London!

In fact these are the best bbq lamb ribs I have tried anywhere in the world!

Apart from the lamb ribs I recommend the Iskender Kebab, which is also delicious. And watch out for the free starters, especially the grilled onions with pomegranate sauce.

Favourite restaurant in London!

Le Gavroche - The best food you will get for a great price by allyclaxy

allyclaxy — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:33:37 +0000

Review by allyclaxy

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7408 0881

Website: http://www.le-gavroche.co.uk/

Tags: french, expensive, crowded

We went for the set menu with a half a bottle of wine and water that they offer monday to friday - there was 2 of us and after 5 beautiful courses we had to agree that the Â£110 spent was the best ever. The wine was amazing (which we didnt expect) and the food and service impeccable. We also liked the fact that we were not rushed at all even though we were not purchasing off the full menu. There are 3 choices for each course so plenty to go on - we have booked again for october!!We went for the set menu with a half a bottle of wine and water that they offer monday to friday - there was 2 of us and after 5 beautiful courses we had to agree that the Â£110 spent was the best ever. The wine was amazing (which we didnt expect) and the food and service impeccable. We also liked the fact that we were not rushed at all even though we were not purchasing off the full menu. There are 3 choices for each course so plenty to go on - we have booked again for october!!

Planet Hollywood - ph by sumsi

sumsi — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:44:41 +0000

Review by sumsi

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 1000

Website: http://www.planethollywoodlondon.com/

Tags: american, lively, expensive

We had a very late dinner there once, which is great since most other restaurants close much earlier (I think theyâ¬"re open till 2 am, but Iâ¬"m not sure). The quality of food was excellent. It wasnâ¬"t an imaginative menu or anything â¬ itâ¬"s all American, but it was cooked really well.
The dÃ©cor is inspired by Hollywood blockbusters and there are loads of props on display. There are several areas for seating, although when we were there most people were seated in the central section in front of the huge screen on which they had music videos. Most of the selection was pretty good although some of the videos wouldnâ¬"t be suitable for kids (I would think) as they were quite explicit.
We had a very late dinner there once, which is great since most other restaurants close much earlier (I think theyâ¬"re open till 2 am, but Iâ¬"m not sure). The quality of food was excellent. It wasnâ¬"t an imaginative menu or anything â¬ itâ¬"s all American, but it was cooked really well.
The dÃ©cor is inspired by Hollywood blockbusters and there are loads of props on display. There are several areas for seating, although when we were there most people were seated in the central section in front of the huge screen on which they had music videos. Most of the selection was pretty good although some of the videos wouldnâ¬"t be suitable for kids (I would think) as they were quite explicit.

Snazz Sichuan - Numbing territory. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:42:40 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7388 0808

Tags: chinese, good value, sichuan

Paresthesia (sensation of numbness) of the mouth is part and parcel of dining at this place. Thankfully this manifestation is not at all chronic, but downright alluring. Secondly thereâ¬"s also the small matter of the Scoville scale, if you thought that the Vindaloo dish was only fit for the chilli heroes; well not here it doesnâ¬"t, it simply turns the hotness of the Vindaloo into the pussycat category. Lastly, discerning foodies who crave entrails and offal, your nirvana is here.

Iâ¬"ve been here a few times and I still canâ¬"t make my mind whether Bar Shu or Snazz Sichuan is the definitive Sichuan joint in London. I suppose that the ambience of Bar Shu is more luxurious and warmer and the cooking at Snazz measurably more authentic. We started with some outstanding Sichuan-style marinated beef slices (a very hot tasting cold dish). The next two dishes ordered were not for the offally challenged; Fire-exploded beef tripe (mild!!) and Special cooked pigâ¬"s blood (think red tofu) casserole (devastatingly hot, my dining companion thought it was very nearly inedible). These dishes were a testament to the chefâ¬"s understanding on turning the acquired blandness of offal into total yumminess. The final dish of Fried bitter melon with green and red pepper was requisite in providing calm and normality to the taste buds after the chilli frenzy. Dishes I also recommend from my past visits include Fish soup with pickled greens and Fire-exploded kidney flowers.

The friendly waiter kept reminding us that this is the real Chinese food and it has no equals. Thatâ¬"s all very well, but methinks Cantonese cuisine is more universally acceptable. I love this place and so should Fergus Henderson, what with pigâ¬"s tail, chitterlings, ears, tripe, tongue, etc.
Paresthesia (sensation of numbness) of the mouth is part and parcel of dining at this place. Thankfully this manifestation is not at all chronic, but downright alluring. Secondly thereâ¬"s also the small matter of the Scoville scale, if you thought that the Vindaloo dish was only fit for the chilli heroes; well not here it doesnâ¬"t, it simply turns the hotness of the Vindaloo into the pussycat category. Lastly, discerning foodies who crave entrails and offal, your nirvana is here.

Iâ¬"ve been here a few times and I still canâ¬"t make my mind whether Bar Shu or Snazz Sichuan is the definitive Sichuan joint in London. I suppose that the ambience of Bar Shu is more luxurious and warmer and the cooking at Snazz measurably more authentic. We started with some outstanding Sichuan-style marinated beef slices (a very hot tasting cold dish). The next two dishes ordered were not for the offally challenged; Fire-exploded beef tripe (mild!!) and Special cooked pigâ¬"s blood (think red tofu) casserole (devastatingly hot, my dining companion thought it was very nearly inedible). These dishes were a testament to the chefâ¬"s understanding on turning the acquired blandness of offal into total yumminess. The final dish of Fried bitter melon with green and red pepper was requisite in providing calm and normality to the taste buds after the chilli frenzy. Dishes I also recommend from my past visits include Fish soup with pickled greens and Fire-exploded kidney flowers.

The friendly waiter kept reminding us that this is the real Chinese food and it has no equals. Thatâ¬"s all very well, but methinks Cantonese cuisine is more universally acceptable. I love this place and so should Fergus Henderson, what with pigâ¬"s tail, chitterlings, ears, tripe, tongue, etc.

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

Tags: burmese, cheap, friendly

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.