Latest reviews for Restaurants in Camden Town, London, United Kingdom

Diwana Bhelpoori House - Jolly, cosy vegetarian restaurant by Angella

Angella — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:59:56 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7387 5556

Very near Euston station. Great starters. Mine contained chickpeas. Lovely flavours. My main course was masala dosai. The 'pancake' was too crisp for me but the potato filling was good and it was so big that I had half of it wrapped up to take home. They offered as I sat 'playing' with the second half. I was really pleased, because when you are somebody else's guest you don't like to ask to have food wrapped up. I'd already filled up on the starter. And the mango lassi.

Drinks? Good choice of non-alcoholic. I was told that you always get given tap water automatically in Indian restaurants. The other Indian drink I tried was the Faluda with glass noodles and rose water. It tasted very pleasant.

Slurping any kind of noodle in public can be a disaster for those of a delicate disposition. You look hideous, like Dracula in drag - with strings of pink hanging from your mouth or - draped down a beard.

Desserts included gulub jamun which was home made and warm and wonderful. We ordered one portion of the sweet syrupy gulub jamun and one of fruit. The fruit was cut fine like tinned cubed salad, in order to fit in a sundae glass. But it tasted fresh. We were also given a small square platter of complimentary fresh fruit including something in strips of yellow which turned out to be jackfruit.

Toilets down a dingy corridor, generally rather soiled and seedy.

Restaurant very jolly with a happy crowd of intellectual couples of all ages. Plenty of nooks to sit in so you feel private although surrounded by people. Tables for two or four. Coloured fairy lights, either for diwali or Xmas added to festive feel. Ended our meal with masala tea. An acquired taste but I've acquired it. Waiters rush about but quite pleasant. The place is open until midnight. Very handy. Busy in the evening on a wet Wednesday. Service is brisk, from waiters who rush around and as in most restaurants nowadays want to grab the menu back to give it to others - hence the people who want to occupy a table indefinitely have complained elsewhere on this site - but you could go to a pub in the same street if you want to sit all afternoon or evening. The trouble is, the sort of people who want wholesome food don't want to sit and drink. One couple had a bottle of sparkling wine - maybe they had brought in their own. I never found out. Maybe other diners or the owners could enlighten me. Would I recommend it to family and friends? I already have.Very near Euston station. Great starters. Mine contained chickpeas. Lovely flavours. My main course was masala dosai. The 'pancake' was too crisp for me but the potato filling was good and it was so big that I had half of it wrapped up to take home. They offered as I sat 'playing' with the second half. I was really pleased, because when you are somebody else's guest you don't like to ask to have food wrapped up. I'd already filled up on the starter. And the mango lassi.

Drinks? Good choice of non-alcoholic. I was told that you always get given tap water automatically in Indian restaurants. The other Indian drink I tried was the Faluda with glass noodles and rose water. It tasted very pleasant.

Slurping any kind of noodle in public can be a disaster for those of a delicate disposition. You look hideous, like Dracula in drag - with strings of pink hanging from your mouth or - draped down a beard.

Desserts included gulub jamun which was home made and warm and wonderful. We ordered one portion of the sweet syrupy gulub jamun and one of fruit. The fruit was cut fine like tinned cubed salad, in order to fit in a sundae glass. But it tasted fresh. We were also given a small square platter of complimentary fresh fruit including something in strips of yellow which turned out to be jackfruit.

Toilets down a dingy corridor, generally rather soiled and seedy.

Restaurant very jolly with a happy crowd of intellectual couples of all ages. Plenty of nooks to sit in so you feel private although surrounded by people. Tables for two or four. Coloured fairy lights, either for diwali or Xmas added to festive feel. Ended our meal with masala tea. An acquired taste but I've acquired it. Waiters rush about but quite pleasant. The place is open until midnight. Very handy. Busy in the evening on a wet Wednesday. Service is brisk, from waiters who rush around and as in most restaurants nowadays want to grab the menu back to give it to others - hence the people who want to occupy a table indefinitely have complained elsewhere on this site - but you could go to a pub in the same street if you want to sit all afternoon or evening. The trouble is, the sort of people who want wholesome food don't want to sit and drink. One couple had a bottle of sparkling wine - maybe they had brought in their own. I never found out. Maybe other diners or the owners could enlighten me. Would I recommend it to family and friends? I already have.

Bar Gansa - How disappointing by vallerfish

vallerfish — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:56:31 +0000

Review by vallerfish

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7267 8909

Tags: spanish, good value, lively

I went to Bar Ganza this Thursday with other 5 friends. I was really disappointed because of the reviews here - our expectation was so high.

The food was cold and no flavour including Paella. Easily can guess they use microwave. I do not understand why they get such a good reviews here. Probably the chef has been changed since July.....I don't know. will never come back.I went to Bar Ganza this Thursday with other 5 friends. I was really disappointed because of the reviews here - our expectation was so high.

The food was cold and no flavour including Paella. Easily can guess they use microwave. I do not understand why they get such a good reviews here. Probably the chef has been changed since July.....I don't know. will never come back.

Zensai - Zensai is back!! by unknown123

unknown123 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:09:35 +0000

Review by unknown123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7424 9527

Website: http://www.zensaibar.com

Tags: good value, lively, malaysian

Zensai is back! With more brilliance than before!! A must go!Zensai is back! With more brilliance than before!! A must go!

Asakusa - positive feedback loop by andybrown

andybrown — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:13:43 +0000

Review by andybrown

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7388 8399

Tags: japanese, good value, crowded

This is how the universe operates, on a good day.

A friend, (let's call her Cassie, not just because it's her name but because she's my friend and deserves a mention due to her pivotal role in the entire episode) texts to see if I'm free for dinner, is seeking sushi, asks me to recommend somewhere because YO! SHITHOLE! isn't very good and she doesn't have an awful lot of money and she knows I'm a fussy curmudgeon who won't eat somewhere awful, much less allow my friends to do so.

And I have to admit that I don't know where to go, don't have the first idea, so I look up the sites that I trust (this being one, there are others, but they don't matter right now, you're wishing you skipped this bit between the brackets aren't you, yes so am I) and come up with one name that seems to be at the top of everyone's list.

Asakusa.
It ticks all my boxes in terms of a good evening in prospect -
1) it is situated somewhere extremely unlikely, in this case round the back of Mornington Crescent
2) it has a reputation of always being full. of Japanese people. who presumably know their stuff
3) everyone mentions how crap it looks, how the menus are illegible, how the downstairs smells of toilet, and how these things didn't matter at all once the food arrives
4) it's cheap.

I called. They didn't answer. They aren't even open till 6.
And here's where the virtuous circle of restaurant reviewing comes into play - someone had written that you can probably get a table if you turn up really early. Someone else had written that you should make sure you get a table upstairs. Someone else had written that you should order a mixed selection from the dazzlingly long and complicated menu, get some hot sake, and kick back. Needless to say, it was invaluable advice, and we followed it to the letter.

So when we turned up at 6, it was empty, but every single table was reserved. We were given the option of leaving at 7:45 and we took it.

And it was incredible. The sake was warm and dangerous, the mixed selection of maki and nigiri was delicate and wonderful and just insane.
The food was so good, in fact, that even when we ordered some more bits, and Cassie chose something that had the mouthfeel of a nuclear snot eclair and tasted worse, I still loved it. And then the chicken hearts. Oh, the chicken hearts! And the service was quick, unobtrusive and kind.

And then, all too soon, we had to go. Had we stayed, perhaps the bill would have crept up to somewhere more damaging, but as it was, we were pretty much full, a little bit tipsy and genuinely delighted for Â£27. Between two people!

So thank you to everyone who wrote useful things. Here's my contribution - after you've had your fill of Japanese loveliness, stroll up Camden High Street to the Blues Kitchen, and blow all the extra money you saved on bourbons with silly names and yummy cocktails. That there is a good night out, that is.This is how the universe operates, on a good day.

A friend, (let's call her Cassie, not just because it's her name but because she's my friend and deserves a mention due to her pivotal role in the entire episode) texts to see if I'm free for dinner, is seeking sushi, asks me to recommend somewhere because YO! SHITHOLE! isn't very good and she doesn't have an awful lot of money and she knows I'm a fussy curmudgeon who won't eat somewhere awful, much less allow my friends to do so.

And I have to admit that I don't know where to go, don't have the first idea, so I look up the sites that I trust (this being one, there are others, but they don't matter right now, you're wishing you skipped this bit between the brackets aren't you, yes so am I) and come up with one name that seems to be at the top of everyone's list.

Asakusa.
It ticks all my boxes in terms of a good evening in prospect -
1) it is situated somewhere extremely unlikely, in this case round the back of Mornington Crescent
2) it has a reputation of always being full. of Japanese people. who presumably know their stuff
3) everyone mentions how crap it looks, how the menus are illegible, how the downstairs smells of toilet, and how these things didn't matter at all once the food arrives
4) it's cheap.

I called. They didn't answer. They aren't even open till 6.
And here's where the virtuous circle of restaurant reviewing comes into play - someone had written that you can probably get a table if you turn up really early. Someone else had written that you should make sure you get a table upstairs. Someone else had written that you should order a mixed selection from the dazzlingly long and complicated menu, get some hot sake, and kick back. Needless to say, it was invaluable advice, and we followed it to the letter.

So when we turned up at 6, it was empty, but every single table was reserved. We were given the option of leaving at 7:45 and we took it.

And it was incredible. The sake was warm and dangerous, the mixed selection of maki and nigiri was delicate and wonderful and just insane.
The food was so good, in fact, that even when we ordered some more bits, and Cassie chose something that had the mouthfeel of a nuclear snot eclair and tasted worse, I still loved it. And then the chicken hearts. Oh, the chicken hearts! And the service was quick, unobtrusive and kind.

And then, all too soon, we had to go. Had we stayed, perhaps the bill would have crept up to somewhere more damaging, but as it was, we were pretty much full, a little bit tipsy and genuinely delighted for Â£27. Between two people!

So thank you to everyone who wrote useful things. Here's my contribution - after you've had your fill of Japanese loveliness, stroll up Camden High Street to the Blues Kitchen, and blow all the extra money you saved on bourbons with silly names and yummy cocktails. That there is a good night out, that is.

Sardo Canale - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:38:49 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 2800

Website: http://www.sardocanale.com

Tags: romantic, sardinian, vegetarian dishes

This place looks fantastic, it has fantastic reviews and has been in the Michelin Guide every year since about 1586. I'm not rich enough to eat here and don't suppose that I ever will be, but just as soon as I've snatched enough handbags and sold enough crack to the children of Camden Town I'm going to brush off my best boots and go.

(P.S. I haven't been. This is a musing not a review! I've only given it a rating because you have to to post anything about it. I've only given it a 5 because that's how much I want to go there. You can't hold it against me if you go and have only a 4 star experience, OK?)This place looks fantastic, it has fantastic reviews and has been in the Michelin Guide every year since about 1586. I'm not rich enough to eat here and don't suppose that I ever will be, but just as soon as I've snatched enough handbags and sold enough crack to the children of Camden Town I'm going to brush off my best boots and go.

(P.S. I haven't been. This is a musing not a review! I've only given it a rating because you have to to post anything about it. I've only given it a 5 because that's how much I want to go there. You can't hold it against me if you go and have only a 4 star experience, OK?)

Wagamama - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:33:34 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7428 0800

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: lively, oriental, trendy

As generic chains go, Wagamama is the King! You can guaranteed more or less identical quality of food and service at any I have been to all across the country. The one in Camden is no better or worse than any other anywhere else and I frequently eat here - it's a great, safe fall back option. It's also at the end of my road and that's why we love it so.As generic chains go, Wagamama is the King! You can guaranteed more or less identical quality of food and service at any I have been to all across the country. The one in Camden is no better or worse than any other anywhere else and I frequently eat here - it's a great, safe fall back option. It's also at the end of my road and that's why we love it so.

Masala Zone - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:31:16 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7267 4422

Tags: good value

Meh. Masala Zone isn't bad. There seems to be a dearth of decent curry houses in Camden (or maybe I'm just far too picky - I used to live in Tooting so I tend to have high expectations!). I wouldn't choose to go here if there was a better alternative but it is the best of a bad bunch and it's pretty affordable to boot.

Last time I was there the service was very pleasant but not quite good enough. A couple of side dishes didn't materialise and while this was taken off the bill with out any fuss and many apologies (as well it should have been!) that's not really the point...Meh. Masala Zone isn't bad. There seems to be a dearth of decent curry houses in Camden (or maybe I'm just far too picky - I used to live in Tooting so I tend to have high expectations!). I wouldn't choose to go here if there was a better alternative but it is the best of a bad bunch and it's pretty affordable to boot.

Last time I was there the service was very pleasant but not quite good enough. A couple of side dishes didn't materialise and while this was taken off the bill with out any fuss and many apologies (as well it should have been!) that's not really the point...

Strada - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:25:10 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7428 9124

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

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

A Strada is a Strada is a Strada, no? This one isn't bad, I've always enjoyed good food and decent service. But it's still just a Strada and nothing really makes it stand out.A Strada is a Strada is a Strada, no? This one isn't bad, I've always enjoyed good food and decent service. But it's still just a Strada and nothing really makes it stand out.

Hache Burger Connoisseurs - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:17:39 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 9100

Tags: good value, american, lively

Best burgers in town. Hands down. No competition.Best burgers in town. Hands down. No competition.

maa's kitchen (stable market camden) - excellent by miahtm

miahtm — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:27:06 +0000

Review by miahtm

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 02074249243

Website: www.maaskitchen.com

Tags: lively, romantic, indian

great food great feel of india, never seen anything like it b4. you must see it to belive it, food is just out of this world... great great greatgreat food great feel of india, never seen anything like it b4. you must see it to belive it, food is just out of this world... great great great

Gilgamesh - Gilgamesh is definitely not Godlike by Julian40_06

Julian40_06 — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:31:44 +0000

Review by Julian40_06

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7482 5757

Website: http://www.gilgameshbar.com/

Tags: thai, lively, expensive

This is perhaps one of the worst restaurants I have had the misfortune to eat in.

The decor is fantastic, with beautifully carved hardwood paneling throughout the restaurant. Unfortunately the wow factor stopped right there.

The security guards on the front door apparently cannot count from 1 to 9 and kept two members of our party kicking their heels at the front entrance while the person who made the booking was called back downstairs to explain the rudiments of mathematics.

The experience went downhill rapidly from there.

We were booked into the smaller of the two restaurant dining areas, the entrance to which was overseen by yet another security guard and an attractive if vacuous young woman who attached a gold identity band around the wrist of each guest. The two plastic surgeons in our group felt immediately at home. I began to suspect we might need their services before the night was out, to surgically remove our frowns.

We were shown to our table by a gentleman who may or may not have shaved sometime in the last six days, the lighting being dim and somewhat red, it was difficult to tell. The table was ridiculously small for a table of nine people, with approximately 5 1/2 inches per person.

Even before we had finished disentangling limbs, the man with the greasy pony tail and unshaven jaw was back with a fixed menu sheet. Â£45 per person was the headline at the top of the page, clearly indicating the establishment's priorities. They had tried to make the menu look substantial by double spacing the items on the page, but the list of dishes finished sadly short of the bottom of the page. I didn't bother looking at the wine list. I very much suspect that it would have come with a lien on close family members.

I was by this time becoming a little alarmed and the arctic chill down my back was not just from the over enthusiastic air conditioning which was threatening to give me hypothermia. I was seriously thinking of requesting a parka jacket. By the time the first course arrived I was shivering with enthusiasm.I was really looking forward to leaving. Two of our party immediately bailed out at this point. I heartily wished I had joined them.

The food was, well, edible. One of the other reviewers extolled the virtues of the fried squid. I have to agree that it was the highlight, served in small paper flutes. It was just like being at Southend. Unfortunately I would have to disagree with the reviewer who prized it so highly. While the squid was tender and the batter crispy, it had no pizzazz to set it apart. Sadly for the chef, I had gone to China town the previous Saturday and had eaten fried squid from the hands of a master of the art. This came no where close.

The remaining dishes of the entrees were lacking in any real substance. The duck spring rolls, cut in half and rationed, were lacking in any substantial flavor and the Scallop Sui Mai was sticky and unappetizing. The freezing air conditioning rapidly chilled any warm food on the table, but the shivering was burning calories and this sharpened the appetite, so all was not lost.

Before the last of the first course morsels had been eaten the waitress who had assisted in delivering the first course was back demanding to know whether we had finished, with as much charm as a serial killer.

The main course consisting of Green Chicken Curry Lime Leaves and Thai Basil, Duck & Watermelon Salad, Hoba Miso Chilean Seabass, Stir Fried Asian Greens, Jasmine Rice arrived with unseemly haste. Then again, by this time I had stopped shivering from the cold, which is usually an indication that hypothermia has progressed to the euphoria stage, I needed all the sustenance I could get as quickly as possible.

The Green Chicken Curry had about as much punch as pea soup. The thin sauce was populated by limp vegetables and a few straggly pieces of chicken. I almost requested a straining spoon to assist in the hunt for protein. The Seabass was good. Cooked to perfection, delicately flavored and truly a delight. If I didn't have to fight my fellow guests for a taste of this, it would have been truly enjoyable, however the portion was miserly. It was fortunate that the disposable chopsticks were sharpened at one end providing an adequate weapon. With concentration camp rationing, the hungry inmate needs every break he can get. The Duck and Watermelon was interesting. Watermelon soaked in duck fat is an interesting combination. There were a few obscure brown pieces mixed in with the watermelon, but one had the distinct impression that they were an afterthought and may or may not have been a duck at some point in the distant past.

The fired Asian greens and the rice were quite frankly a joke. The vegetables were limp and tired and the rice was overcooked with the consistency of soggy cardboard.

The waitress returned before long demanding 'have you finished yet?'. The shivering had returned by this time or I might have mentioned a few things about good service.

The final course was Green Tea Brulee with Jasmine & White Peach sorbet which were both excellent if lacking in generosity.

The final insult of the evening was the waitress returning to harass the poor gentleman, our host, who had booked us into the establishment to settle the bill as quickly as possible as they had already sold the table to another party for Â£350 without any food and the dancing was about to begin so could we please pay up and leave. I would not have been terribly surprised to see Basil Fawlty goose step past the table it this point.

At Â£63 per head this was possibly one of the worst meals I have ever experienced. The party who took possession of the table following our peremptory eviction, had probably had the misfortune of dining here before, so they were happy enough to stump up the Â£350 without having to experience the heart rending disappointment of having to smile through three courses of generally ordinary food and a complete absence of hospitality.

If it had not been for the excellent and entertaining company at the table I would seriously have thought about leaving before the first course had been cleared. I have to say I really enjoyed the evening and the enjoyable conversation. It almost made me forget the restaurant.This is perhaps one of the worst restaurants I have had the misfortune to eat in.

The decor is fantastic, with beautifully carved hardwood paneling throughout the restaurant. Unfortunately the wow factor stopped right there.

The security guards on the front door apparently cannot count from 1 to 9 and kept two members of our party kicking their heels at the front entrance while the person who made the booking was called back downstairs to explain the rudiments of mathematics.

The experience went downhill rapidly from there.

We were booked into the smaller of the two restaurant dining areas, the entrance to which was overseen by yet another security guard and an attractive if vacuous young woman who attached a gold identity band around the wrist of each guest. The two plastic surgeons in our group felt immediately at home. I began to suspect we might need their services before the night was out, to surgically remove our frowns.

We were shown to our table by a gentleman who may or may not have shaved sometime in the last six days, the lighting being dim and somewhat red, it was difficult to tell. The table was ridiculously small for a table of nine people, with approximately 5 1/2 inches per person.

Even before we had finished disentangling limbs, the man with the greasy pony tail and unshaven jaw was back with a fixed menu sheet. Â£45 per person was the headline at the top of the page, clearly indicating the establishment's priorities. They had tried to make the menu look substantial by double spacing the items on the page, but the list of dishes finished sadly short of the bottom of the page. I didn't bother looking at the wine list. I very much suspect that it would have come with a lien on close family members.

I was by this time becoming a little alarmed and the arctic chill down my back was not just from the over enthusiastic air conditioning which was threatening to give me hypothermia. I was seriously thinking of requesting a parka jacket. By the time the first course arrived I was shivering with enthusiasm.I was really looking forward to leaving. Two of our party immediately bailed out at this point. I heartily wished I had joined them.

The food was, well, edible. One of the other reviewers extolled the virtues of the fried squid. I have to agree that it was the highlight, served in small paper flutes. It was just like being at Southend. Unfortunately I would have to disagree with the reviewer who prized it so highly. While the squid was tender and the batter crispy, it had no pizzazz to set it apart. Sadly for the chef, I had gone to China town the previous Saturday and had eaten fried squid from the hands of a master of the art. This came no where close.

The remaining dishes of the entrees were lacking in any real substance. The duck spring rolls, cut in half and rationed, were lacking in any substantial flavor and the Scallop Sui Mai was sticky and unappetizing. The freezing air conditioning rapidly chilled any warm food on the table, but the shivering was burning calories and this sharpened the appetite, so all was not lost.

Before the last of the first course morsels had been eaten the waitress who had assisted in delivering the first course was back demanding to know whether we had finished, with as much charm as a serial killer.

The main course consisting of Green Chicken Curry Lime Leaves and Thai Basil, Duck & Watermelon Salad, Hoba Miso Chilean Seabass, Stir Fried Asian Greens, Jasmine Rice arrived with unseemly haste. Then again, by this time I had stopped shivering from the cold, which is usually an indication that hypothermia has progressed to the euphoria stage, I needed all the sustenance I could get as quickly as possible.

The Green Chicken Curry had about as much punch as pea soup. The thin sauce was populated by limp vegetables and a few straggly pieces of chicken. I almost requested a straining spoon to assist in the hunt for protein. The Seabass was good. Cooked to perfection, delicately flavored and truly a delight. If I didn't have to fight my fellow guests for a taste of this, it would have been truly enjoyable, however the portion was miserly. It was fortunate that the disposable chopsticks were sharpened at one end providing an adequate weapon. With concentration camp rationing, the hungry inmate needs every break he can get. The Duck and Watermelon was interesting. Watermelon soaked in duck fat is an interesting combination. There were a few obscure brown pieces mixed in with the watermelon, but one had the distinct impression that they were an afterthought and may or may not have been a duck at some point in the distant past.

The fired Asian greens and the rice were quite frankly a joke. The vegetables were limp and tired and the rice was overcooked with the consistency of soggy cardboard.

The waitress returned before long demanding 'have you finished yet?'. The shivering had returned by this time or I might have mentioned a few things about good service.

The final course was Green Tea Brulee with Jasmine & White Peach sorbet which were both excellent if lacking in generosity.

The final insult of the evening was the waitress returning to harass the poor gentleman, our host, who had booked us into the establishment to settle the bill as quickly as possible as they had already sold the table to another party for Â£350 without any food and the dancing was about to begin so could we please pay up and leave. I would not have been terribly surprised to see Basil Fawlty goose step past the table it this point.

At Â£63 per head this was possibly one of the worst meals I have ever experienced. The party who took possession of the table following our peremptory eviction, had probably had the misfortune of dining here before, so they were happy enough to stump up the Â£350 without having to experience the heart rending disappointment of having to smile through three courses of generally ordinary food and a complete absence of hospitality.

If it had not been for the excellent and entertaining company at the table I would seriously have thought about leaving before the first course had been cleared. I have to say I really enjoyed the evening and the enjoyable conversation. It almost made me forget the restaurant.

May Ling - Good all round value for money by Prowse1

Prowse1 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:28:28 +0000

Review by Prowse1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7388 8103

Tags: chinese, good value, family & home feel

My partner and I have been using May Lings for about 4 years and we've never had a bad meal anytime. Particularly the home delivery, they're so prompt its frigtheningly quick. The premises might not look new and shiny but you wouldn't get much better in China TownMy partner and I have been using May Lings for about 4 years and we've never had a bad meal anytime. Particularly the home delivery, they're so prompt its frigtheningly quick. The premises might not look new and shiny but you wouldn't get much better in China Town

Cottons - What a disappointment :-( by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7485 8388

Tags: african & caribbean, lively, good value

Having read the numerous good reviews of this place, and having had it recommended by a former work colleague who was from Trinidad, I expect great things, and I was sadly disappointed.

The food really wasn't very good. My baby back pork ribs (both of them. For the best part of a fiver? A little cheeky) were spicy, but cold. They were served with a very few slices of fried onion, which was cold, tough and pretty unpleasant on the palate. My Better Half's crab claws were similarly meagre and disappointing and came in at a fiver.

We both had jerk meat platters which were pretty poor. For a start, there wasn't very much of it, secondly it was again cold and my fried plantain just tasted burnt.

I apologise for the slightly dispassionate review. Those of you who have read others will understand that this is uncharacteristic. It was just such a disappointing meal that it's left me some what deflated.

Shame really. I was expecting something pretty good.Having read the numerous good reviews of this place, and having had it recommended by a former work colleague who was from Trinidad, I expect great things, and I was sadly disappointed.

The food really wasn't very good. My baby back pork ribs (both of them. For the best part of a fiver? A little cheeky) were spicy, but cold. They were served with a very few slices of fried onion, which was cold, tough and pretty unpleasant on the palate. My Better Half's crab claws were similarly meagre and disappointing and came in at a fiver.

We both had jerk meat platters which were pretty poor. For a start, there wasn't very much of it, secondly it was again cold and my fried plantain just tasted burnt.

I apologise for the slightly dispassionate review. Those of you who have read others will understand that this is uncharacteristic. It was just such a disappointing meal that it's left me some what deflated.

Shame really. I was expecting something pretty good.

Belgo Noord - mussels and chips galore by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:06:24 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7267 0718

Website: http://www.belgo-restaurants.com

Tags: good value, lively, belgian

If you love mussels and chips, Belgo's is your place. With an industrial decor, Belgo also has a huge selection of beers on offer.If you love mussels and chips, Belgo's is your place. With an industrial decor, Belgo also has a huge selection of beers on offer.

Lemonia - by agilbert747

agilbert747 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:48:18 +0000

Review by agilbert747

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7586 7454

Tags: greek, good value, lively

AmazingAmazing

El Parador - I could live here by benantiben

benantiben — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:50:17 +0000

Review by benantiben

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7387 2789

Tags: spanish, good value, family & home feel

If they'd let me I really would move in to El Parador. It's been on my list of places to go for around two years and I have no exuse as to not going sooner, but for our first wedding anniversary the wife and I walked down the hill and ate ourselves giddy.

Food cooked fast and fresh, amazing classic flavours delivered with both power and subtlety with great variation on a pleasantly uncomplicated menu. We'll be going back to work our way through the entire menu I think. Some of the best Spanish food I've ever had.

I thoroughly recommend this to all and every!If they'd let me I really would move in to El Parador. It's been on my list of places to go for around two years and I have no exuse as to not going sooner, but for our first wedding anniversary the wife and I walked down the hill and ate ourselves giddy.

Food cooked fast and fresh, amazing classic flavours delivered with both power and subtlety with great variation on a pleasantly uncomplicated menu. We'll be going back to work our way through the entire menu I think. Some of the best Spanish food I've ever had.

I thoroughly recommend this to all and every!

Caponata Osteria, Ristorante and Bar - Live Jazz on a Sunday by exree

exree — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:26:52 +0000

Review by exree

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7 387 5959

Website: www.caponatacamden.co.uk

Tags: good value, sicilian

Caponata is a new Sicilian joint in Camden down the street from the Crown and Goose. The Osteria downstairs has a separate menu from the restaurant upstairs but has a more than ample selection. This is a great place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon, especially under the high ceilings of the glass atrium and next to the floor-to-ceiling plant wall. The service is terrific and after only three visits, I feel like the staff treats me like family. 2 course menu for 11 pounds!Caponata is a new Sicilian joint in Camden down the street from the Crown and Goose. The Osteria downstairs has a separate menu from the restaurant upstairs but has a more than ample selection. This is a great place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon, especially under the high ceilings of the glass atrium and next to the floor-to-ceiling plant wall. The service is terrific and after only three visits, I feel like the staff treats me like family. 2 course menu for 11 pounds!

Etrusco - Friendly little restaurant, food very average by Luce_Hume

Luce_Hume — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:55:54 +0000

Review by Luce_Hume

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7388 6042

Tags: italian, cheap eat

Friendly little restaurant, OK for a large group looking for drinks and a cheap meal, or a quick eat for a couple.

Food is very average - the pasta dishes are not at all different to what a competent student cooks up regularly, but the portions are generous.

The menu-cards are cheap, the waitress didn't seem to understand many of our requests, but the manager was very friendly, and more efficient than his colleague.

I would return for a drink and an upscale alternative to fast food, but could not recommend it for an evening out.Friendly little restaurant, OK for a large group looking for drinks and a cheap meal, or a quick eat for a couple.

Food is very average - the pasta dishes are not at all different to what a competent student cooks up regularly, but the portions are generous.

The menu-cards are cheap, the waitress didn't seem to understand many of our requests, but the manager was very friendly, and more efficient than his colleague.

I would return for a drink and an upscale alternative to fast food, but could not recommend it for an evening out.

Sushi of Shiori - Excellent Local Sushi by callina

callina — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:45:43 +0000

Review by callina

Rating: 4.00

Tags: japanese, good value

A great little place newly opened up on Drummond street, previously only the home of curry. Great made to order sushi and sashimi. Ask for the special from the super friendly chief and owner and you will not be disappointed. Different every time; tonight I got the Tuna Tartar (Tuna Sashimi with crunchy turnip and chives with a touch of sesame oil), followed by freshly made special nori - Super fresh Salmon with tepankaki sauce and shreded aromatic herbs lightly seared under grill, fresh crab meat with secret sour sauce again lightly, yellow tail with a dab of sweet/sour plum sauce with 2 drops of lemon juice, lastly came my favourite so far: scallop with a shaving of lime, soy sauce again very lightly seared. Also the red bean miso is a must!A great little place newly opened up on Drummond street, previously only the home of curry. Great made to order sushi and sashimi. Ask for the special from the super friendly chief and owner and you will not be disappointed. Different every time; tonight I got the Tuna Tartar (Tuna Sashimi with crunchy turnip and chives with a touch of sesame oil), followed by freshly made special nori - Super fresh Salmon with tepankaki sauce and shreded aromatic herbs lightly seared under grill, fresh crab meat with secret sour sauce again lightly, yellow tail with a dab of sweet/sour plum sauce with 2 drops of lemon juice, lastly came my favourite so far: scallop with a shaving of lime, soy sauce again very lightly seared. Also the red bean miso is a must!

The Camden Kitchen - by benantiben

benantiben — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:11:27 +0000

Review by benantiben

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 2744

Tags: lively, good value, posh

One of the first meals I ever had in London was at the Camden Kitchen (incidentally, now called the Camden Bar and Kitchen), and I've been going back ever since. Very little has changed over the last few years and thank god for that. Great food from across the world, all of it cooked like it was made at home and with care.

The jerk chicken, though not as spicy as I'd normally like, is absolutely superb, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Whether it be a special, cosy and romantic night out or for the hangover curing pitchers of bloody mary's with a sunday roast... I love this place!One of the first meals I ever had in London was at the Camden Kitchen (incidentally, now called the Camden Bar and Kitchen), and I've been going back ever since. Very little has changed over the last few years and thank god for that. Great food from across the world, all of it cooked like it was made at home and with care.

The jerk chicken, though not as spicy as I'd normally like, is absolutely superb, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Whether it be a special, cosy and romantic night out or for the hangover curing pitchers of bloody mary's with a sunday roast... I love this place!