Latest reviews for Restaurants in London, United Kingdom

Canteen - Bringing the local caf to 2009 by sokratis

sokratis — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:17:55 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: +44 (0)845 686

I guess the title says it all.

Canteen is a clever re-packaging of the local cafe (read as caf, you know the old greasy spoon plus that we all love) concept with some clean design, a sophisticated typeface on the menu, good copy (including the word provenance) and a prompt removal of cabbies from the clientÃ¨le.

You have most British classics on the menu, plus some more unfussy, comfort food entries. Your pies, roast lamb, banoffee pie and S&M are joined by some American cousins such as macaroni cheese and chocolate brownie and caramel sundae.

I opted for the roast lamb, which was not great. The meat was chewy and potatoes very, very hard. However, my co-diners loved their macaroni cheese and curry, vegetable pie.

Fortunately, my disappointment from my main course was completely forgiven by that chocolate brownie, caramel sundae. We're not talking about any high-class, artisan dessert making here. We're talking about packing as much sugar, texture and flavour you can fit in a tall glass without inducing heart palpitations or a sugar fit.

The service was great and the manager made a special effort to sit us in a booth rather than a table, so top marks there.

There were 4 of us and we had a main course, dessert and one drink. The bill came to Â£89.93, which is very high for a cafe, but not as high if you consider Canteen as a restaurant. However, if you want to do that then the range of choices opens up dramatically and the competition becomes much stiffer.
I guess the title says it all.

Canteen is a clever re-packaging of the local cafe (read as caf, you know the old greasy spoon plus that we all love) concept with some clean design, a sophisticated typeface on the menu, good copy (including the word provenance) and a prompt removal of cabbies from the clientÃ¨le.

You have most British classics on the menu, plus some more unfussy, comfort food entries. Your pies, roast lamb, banoffee pie and S&M are joined by some American cousins such as macaroni cheese and chocolate brownie and caramel sundae.

I opted for the roast lamb, which was not great. The meat was chewy and potatoes very, very hard. However, my co-diners loved their macaroni cheese and curry, vegetable pie.

Fortunately, my disappointment from my main course was completely forgiven by that chocolate brownie, caramel sundae. We're not talking about any high-class, artisan dessert making here. We're talking about packing as much sugar, texture and flavour you can fit in a tall glass without inducing heart palpitations or a sugar fit.

The service was great and the manager made a special effort to sit us in a booth rather than a table, so top marks there.

There were 4 of us and we had a main course, dessert and one drink. The bill came to Â£89.93, which is very high for a cafe, but not as high if you consider Canteen as a restaurant. However, if you want to do that then the range of choices opens up dramatically and the competition becomes much stiffer.

Fish House - by sokratis

sokratis — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:54:09 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8533 3327

Tags: lively, good value, seafood

This is an excellent chippy (your standard deep-fried, batter-coated fillet of fish, served with chips and mashy pears).
It's also a great seafood restaurant, with a simple and reasonably priced menu and a vibrant dÃ©cor, with some fantastic pictures as DavidMuir pointed out.

The service was prompt and our waitresses friendly.
Highly recommended if you live in or passing by Hackney.This is an excellent chippy (your standard deep-fried, batter-coated fillet of fish, served with chips and mashy pears).
It's also a great seafood restaurant, with a simple and reasonably priced menu and a vibrant dÃ©cor, with some fantastic pictures as DavidMuir pointed out.

The service was prompt and our waitresses friendly.
Highly recommended if you live in or passing by Hackney.

Eat 17 - Fussy Eater by fussyeater

fussyeater — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:39:30 +0000

Review by fussyeater

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8521 5279

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

Tags: lively, british, expensive

I thought that i would give this place yet another try and my expectations were proved correct. the paint and rearrangements have not improved the attitudes of the surly staff. After looking towards them for my long awaited drinks (over 20 minutes) I waved pointlessly then left the table and had to speak directly to the gormless fool masquerading as a waiter who appeared shocked that I had the audacity to point out that we were chomping at the bit for a drink at least and would like to order. The food was mediocre, pompous twaddle with over realistic description, gave up on the mains and deserted the offer of dessert. Food with a bottle of wine resulted in an eye watering West End size bill. Dreadful ambience, people shouting over each other including the arguing staff, one girl appeared to be talking all night about her troublesome boyfriend. A real horrible experience, sky high prices and you are sitting in a crime riddled area where there is at least one unsolved murder and several robbers on the loose. A scary walk back to your car is a definite as well!I thought that i would give this place yet another try and my expectations were proved correct. the paint and rearrangements have not improved the attitudes of the surly staff. After looking towards them for my long awaited drinks (over 20 minutes) I waved pointlessly then left the table and had to speak directly to the gormless fool masquerading as a waiter who appeared shocked that I had the audacity to point out that we were chomping at the bit for a drink at least and would like to order. The food was mediocre, pompous twaddle with over realistic description, gave up on the mains and deserted the offer of dessert. Food with a bottle of wine resulted in an eye watering West End size bill. Dreadful ambience, people shouting over each other including the arguing staff, one girl appeared to be talking all night about her troublesome boyfriend. A real horrible experience, sky high prices and you are sitting in a crime riddled area where there is at least one unsolved murder and several robbers on the loose. A scary walk back to your car is a definite as well!

Buddha Jazz - by biggy77

biggy77 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:54:15 +0000

Review by biggy77

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7737 1888

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

Tags: vietnamese, chinese, good value

I'd been meaning to try this place for some time (just because it had a cool name and looked nice from the outside) and finally went there with my girlfriend a couple of months ago... we weren't disappointed. The decor is lovely... modern and funky yet still laid back and cosy. Then the food... we had pork buns to start and they were the best I've ever tasted... and the portion sizes were huge! I couldn't finish my main... everything looked amazing, I'm looking forward to going back and trying moreI'd been meaning to try this place for some time (just because it had a cool name and looked nice from the outside) and finally went there with my girlfriend a couple of months ago... we weren't disappointed. The decor is lovely... modern and funky yet still laid back and cosy. Then the food... we had pork buns to start and they were the best I've ever tasted... and the portion sizes were huge! I couldn't finish my main... everything looked amazing, I'm looking forward to going back and trying more

Lamoon Restaurant - by biggy77

biggy77 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:50:43 +0000

Review by biggy77

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7708 5668

Tags: chinese, good value, romantic

My experience of Lamoon is more as a take-away and I have to say it's probably my favourite Chinese restaurant... the food is delicious and not too pricey... their crispy shredded beef is to die for as is the sizzling satay chicken... when I've eaten in the restaurant it's often a bit quiet but then in Camberwell that's not uncommon. All in all though I keep going back here whenever I want Chinese food... I suggest you give it a try.My experience of Lamoon is more as a take-away and I have to say it's probably my favourite Chinese restaurant... the food is delicious and not too pricey... their crispy shredded beef is to die for as is the sizzling satay chicken... when I've eaten in the restaurant it's often a bit quiet but then in Camberwell that's not uncommon. All in all though I keep going back here whenever I want Chinese food... I suggest you give it a try.

Caravaggio - by biggy77

biggy77 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:47:17 +0000

Review by biggy77

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, good value, cheap

Since opening a couple of years ago Caravaggio has become a firm favourite for Camberwell locals... the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is tasty and great value. It's not haute cuisine but it doesn't pretend to be, just good honest homely Italian food... and the paninis and salads are great as well... I often get lunch here when I'm working from home and my girlfriend and I will pop in for an evening meal if we can't be bothered to cook... all my neighbours love it as well. It's rare to find a restaurant/cafe in Camberwell that's always busy but Caravaggio is which is testament itself...Since opening a couple of years ago Caravaggio has become a firm favourite for Camberwell locals... the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is tasty and great value. It's not haute cuisine but it doesn't pretend to be, just good honest homely Italian food... and the paninis and salads are great as well... I often get lunch here when I'm working from home and my girlfriend and I will pop in for an evening meal if we can't be bothered to cook... all my neighbours love it as well. It's rare to find a restaurant/cafe in Camberwell that's always busy but Caravaggio is which is testament itself...

The Butcher & Grill - So not worth it.... by reviewer123

reviewer123 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:59:43 +0000

Review by reviewer123

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8944 8269

Website: http://www.thebutcherandgrill.com/wimbledon/

Tags: british, expensive, family & home feel

I'd heard lots of good things about this restaurant so took the opportunity to take some good friends there for Sunday brunch.

3 of us ordered the lamb shank pie which when it arrived, was stone cold in the middle! We sent it back and changed our order. 2 of us had sausages and mash - the sausages were pink which really put us off and we left, hungry and extremely annoyed at having spent Â£50 for an appalling lunch!

There are definitely better places to spend your money in the village!I'd heard lots of good things about this restaurant so took the opportunity to take some good friends there for Sunday brunch.

3 of us ordered the lamb shank pie which when it arrived, was stone cold in the middle! We sent it back and changed our order. 2 of us had sausages and mash - the sausages were pink which really put us off and we left, hungry and extremely annoyed at having spent Â£50 for an appalling lunch!

There are definitely better places to spend your money in the village!

Sinh Le - by SARAHCABLE

SARAHCABLE — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:12:02 +0000

Review by SARAHCABLE

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7790 1154

Tags: chinese, vegetarian dishes

EXCELENT FOOD, SERVICE & SPACEOUSE SEATINGEXCELENT FOOD, SERVICE & SPACEOUSE SEATING

Lambourne Bar & Grill - LOVED IT! by MrJohnnyB

MrJohnnyB — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:01:35 +0000

Review by MrJohnnyB

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8545 8661

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

Tags: lively, restaurant, bar

I am amazed at the review below. It seems that people are only happy when they are complaining. A vegetarian going to a 'grill'!?

I am sure that if I looked really hard I could find problems with the Lambourne but overall for the price the food was excellent. We ate at the Lambourne this weekend and the service was attentive without being over bearing and I have been a few times. The venue has a really nice feel / vibe as you can have a drink and then soak up the atmosphere in the dinning room.

I had the fillet steak which was super and at around Â£14 I though was excellent Value. My girlfriend had the swordfish again great and she told me she thinks it is now here favorite place in Wimbledon

I would thoroughly recommend, but maybe not if you only eat leaves, pulses and berries.

I am amazed at the review below. It seems that people are only happy when they are complaining. A vegetarian going to a 'grill'!?

I am sure that if I looked really hard I could find problems with the Lambourne but overall for the price the food was excellent. We ate at the Lambourne this weekend and the service was attentive without being over bearing and I have been a few times. The venue has a really nice feel / vibe as you can have a drink and then soak up the atmosphere in the dinning room.

I had the fillet steak which was super and at around Â£14 I though was excellent Value. My girlfriend had the swordfish again great and she told me she thinks it is now here favorite place in Wimbledon

I would thoroughly recommend, but maybe not if you only eat leaves, pulses and berries.

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

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

Review by Angelo82

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7225 2407

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

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

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

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

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 02076100009

Website: www.bestmangal.com

Tags: turkish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Modern Pantry - Best to book by ari_ane

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

Review by ari_ane

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7250 0833

Tags: good value, lively, family & home feel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall, a big thumbs up.

Yauatcha - by pwax

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

Review by pwax

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Tags: chinese, lively, expensive

love it!love it!

Gourmet Oriental Chinese Thai - by BexHolt

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

Review by BexHolt

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

Clos Maggiore - A Gem by DaveKaren1

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

Review by DaveKaren1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7379 9696

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

Tags: romantic, french, expensive

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

Tortilla - Great burrito by Gavin83

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

Review by Gavin83

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7833 3103

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

Tags: good value, lively, cheap eat

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

Tortilla - Tortilla by Bomon

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

Review by Bomon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7620 0285

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

Tags: cheap eat, lively, takeaway

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

Obviously, I was wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

Obviously, I was wrong.

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

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

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

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

I give it 10/10.

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

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

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7828 5940

Tags: turkish, crowded, lively

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

New Tayyabs - Terrible by sam189

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

Review by sam189

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7247 9543

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

Tags: indian, crowded, cheap eat

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

Goodman - by NickR

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

Review by NickR

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7499 3776

Tags: american, steak, lively

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