Latest reviews for Restaurants in Chalk Farm, London, United Kingdom

Curry Paradise - I'm passing this on. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:37:56 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7794 9352

I have a usual problem with dining in Indian restaurants as Iâ¬"m a stalwart to the two City greats of New Tayyabs and the Lahore Kebab House (both ironically Pakistani). Both are difficult acts to follow and leads to my inkling that the other Indian restaurants in the capital are left with only three choices on how to maintain their bank balance in the black-

1- The first would be to mimic the two said restaurants with hell-bent superior cooking at affordable prices.
2- Or go totally high end and esoteric to achieve one Michelin star and charge the earth for a Tandoori woodcock.
3- Lastly perhaps the safest and most assured way would be to stay totally generic and preferably suburban at the same time. A win-win situation, a place where the Chicken tikka masala is an absolute de rigeur.

Curry Paradise belongs to the third category, the manager knows the names of the regulars and the regulars expect him to know what to place on the table within half an hour. From what I recalled the only two decent things were a rather good service and there were actually some substantial plump king prawns swimming in the Karahi dish. Thatâ¬"s all and â¬Ünuff said.
I have a usual problem with dining in Indian restaurants as Iâ¬"m a stalwart to the two City greats of New Tayyabs and the Lahore Kebab House (both ironically Pakistani). Both are difficult acts to follow and leads to my inkling that the other Indian restaurants in the capital are left with only three choices on how to maintain their bank balance in the black-

1- The first would be to mimic the two said restaurants with hell-bent superior cooking at affordable prices.
2- Or go totally high end and esoteric to achieve one Michelin star and charge the earth for a Tandoori woodcock.
3- Lastly perhaps the safest and most assured way would be to stay totally generic and preferably suburban at the same time. A win-win situation, a place where the Chicken tikka masala is an absolute de rigeur.

Curry Paradise belongs to the third category, the manager knows the names of the regulars and the regulars expect him to know what to place on the table within half an hour. From what I recalled the only two decent things were a rather good service and there were actually some substantial plump king prawns swimming in the Karahi dish. Thatâ¬"s all and â¬Ünuff said.

Lemonia - Lemonia by foodrambler

foodrambler — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:52:46 +0000

Review by foodrambler

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7586 7454

Tags: greek, good value, lively

This Greek-Cypriot Primrose Hill staple has been here since I was born, so nearly three decades... The enormous restaurant is always packed full of people, from the leopard skin clad, botoxed ladies who lunch to families who enjoy the child-friendly atmosphere. I haven't been in there since I was small and was half expecting to have my cheeks pinched by the owner accompanied by a "my hasn't she grown!" But I guess I look a bit different now. Last night the meze starters were really tasty, from the smooth hummous to the tangy tarama salata, but the mains were overpriced for rather small portions. They did serve the largest scallops I've ever seen though, with fat orange coral still attached. Why anyone ever detaches that bit, I don't know. What on earth do they do with it?This Greek-Cypriot Primrose Hill staple has been here since I was born, so nearly three decades... The enormous restaurant is always packed full of people, from the leopard skin clad, botoxed ladies who lunch to families who enjoy the child-friendly atmosphere. I haven't been in there since I was small and was half expecting to have my cheeks pinched by the owner accompanied by a "my hasn't she grown!" But I guess I look a bit different now. Last night the meze starters were really tasty, from the smooth hummous to the tangy tarama salata, but the mains were overpriced for rather small portions. They did serve the largest scallops I've ever seen though, with fat orange coral still attached. Why anyone ever detaches that bit, I don't know. What on earth do they do with it?

Marine Ices - cool bitter chocolate by theblackmore

theblackmore — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:44:17 +0000

Review by theblackmore

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7482 9000

Tags: ice cream, italian, lively

in chocolate week what better place to have the stuff - cold, elegant, dark, profound & served in a rather fetching sundae glass - the espresso, & tiramasu ones are rather splendid too!in chocolate week what better place to have the stuff - cold, elegant, dark, profound & served in a rather fetching sundae glass - the espresso, & tiramasu ones are rather splendid too!

Bradley's - Surprisingly Good by neelmistry

neelmistry — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:32:25 +0000

Review by neelmistry

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 3457

Tags: french, vegetarian, mediterranean

As I recently moved to Swiss Cottage, I wanted a local restaurant to visit one Saturday. I booked Bradley's a day in advance and requested a quiet table to sit at. The request was taken seriously and we were placed in a small alcove near the back of the room (the best table in the room). Service was impressive and the wine list excellent. The food was was prompt and delicious. I had the crab and avocado starter and the sword fish main. Just a really small and brilliant restaurant hidden away behind Swiss cottage station. A real gem.As I recently moved to Swiss Cottage, I wanted a local restaurant to visit one Saturday. I booked Bradley's a day in advance and requested a quiet table to sit at. The request was taken seriously and we were placed in a small alcove near the back of the room (the best table in the room). Service was impressive and the wine list excellent. The food was was prompt and delicious. I had the crab and avocado starter and the sword fish main. Just a really small and brilliant restaurant hidden away behind Swiss cottage station. A real gem.

Eriki - by mez61

mez61 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:07:24 +0000

Review by mez61

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7722 0606

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

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes, takeaway

can not believe this place has not been reviewed yet !
eriki is one of the best indian restaurants outside central london.
its just had a refurb so prices have gone up, but still very authentic, unlike the majority of "indian" restaurants.
booking essential !can not believe this place has not been reviewed yet !
eriki is one of the best indian restaurants outside central london.
its just had a refurb so prices have gone up, but still very authentic, unlike the majority of "indian" restaurants.
booking essential !

Fishworks Seafood Cafe - by k_thrn

k_thrn — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:45:16 +0000

Review by k_thrn

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7586 9760

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

Tags: seafood, outside tables

Great value kids meal. Moules frites with two veg and ice cream for around Â£6.Great value kids meal. Moules frites with two veg and ice cream for around Â£6.

Cottons - Unique! by expired2008

expired2008 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:01:55 +0000

Review by expired2008

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 8388

Tags: lively, african & caribbean, good value

Iâ¬"ve never been to a carribean restaurant before so this was an eye opener for me! My friends have all been here and have raved about it, so I took the plunge and Iâ¬"m so glad I did! Cottons if a fantastically lively and friendly place to go, both as a group and as a couple. The staff are so friendly, Iâ¬"ve never seen one person smile so much! The waiter had a fabulous sense of humour! The food was brilliant, Iâ¬"d recommend it all! But maybe it was because of the amazing cocktails we had - I would definitely recommend these! Without doubt, you have to go here!Iâ¬"ve never been to a carribean restaurant before so this was an eye opener for me! My friends have all been here and have raved about it, so I took the plunge and Iâ¬"m so glad I did! Cottons if a fantastically lively and friendly place to go, both as a group and as a couple. The staff are so friendly, Iâ¬"ve never seen one person smile so much! The waiter had a fabulous sense of humour! The food was brilliant, Iâ¬"d recommend it all! But maybe it was because of the amazing cocktails we had - I would definitely recommend these! Without doubt, you have to go here!

Belgo Noord - Great food, great beer by madgenes

madgenes — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:01:39 +0000

Review by madgenes

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7267 0718

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

Tags: good food, bar, lively

If you love good beers and enjoy noisy fun places than Belgo is the place for you. The mussels are fantastic and if you like fruity tasting beers than the Floris Mango never disappoints. They have a very good deal, Beat The Clock means you'll pay for your food the time shown on the receipt when you order(between 5.30 and 7). Worth dinning early!If you love good beers and enjoy noisy fun places than Belgo is the place for you. The mussels are fantastic and if you like fruity tasting beers than the Floris Mango never disappoints. They have a very good deal, Beat The Clock means you'll pay for your food the time shown on the receipt when you order(between 5.30 and 7). Worth dinning early!

Benihana - One for the experience by baks162

baks162 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:56:08 +0000

Review by baks162

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7586 9508

Website: http://www.benihana.com

Tags: japanese, vegetarian dishes, toptable

As a vegetarian, I didnt feel that there was much appetising choice here and a bit pricey for what you get (unless you have got a deal). However the chef made up for it with his very entertaining cooking tricks on the table! My neice would have loved it! We went for the 7 course meal - dont worry, you can easily finish them!

As a vegetarian, I didnt feel that there was much appetising choice here and a bit pricey for what you get (unless you have got a deal). However the chef made up for it with his very entertaining cooking tricks on the table! My neice would have loved it! We went for the 7 course meal - dont worry, you can easily finish them!

Zara - Underwhelming by kranti

kranti — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:27:37 +0000

Review by kranti

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7794 5498

Website: http://www.zara.com

Tags: turkish, accessories, casual

I went to Zara for a 30th birthday party and having read a number of reviews on other websites expected something fairly special.

The decor is a slightly bizarre mix of Turkish and pictures made by children (the one I remember the best is of Superman and Batman eating at the restaurant). Th service was friendly but unimpressive, especially given how few people were eating at the restaurant. For food, I had the cold/hot meze for starters, a main course and mint tea. The meze portions are small but tasty. Annoyingly, the accompanying bread took a very long time to arrive. The main course was even more underwhelming. There are better Turkish restaurants in the vicinity in North LondonI went to Zara for a 30th birthday party and having read a number of reviews on other websites expected something fairly special.

The decor is a slightly bizarre mix of Turkish and pictures made by children (the one I remember the best is of Superman and Batman eating at the restaurant). Th service was friendly but unimpressive, especially given how few people were eating at the restaurant. For food, I had the cold/hot meze for starters, a main course and mint tea. The meze portions are small but tasty. Annoyingly, the accompanying bread took a very long time to arrive. The main course was even more underwhelming. There are better Turkish restaurants in the vicinity in North London

Feng Sushi - Great Sushi by Barney752

Barney752 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:38:07 +0000

Review by Barney752

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7483 2929

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

Tags: japanese, outside tables

Feng sushi is primarily a takeaway sushi restaurant. But it has adequade facilities for dining in. The sushi itself is really great. And i mean that, it is truely excellent sushi. When you compare it with something like yo sushi you can really see the differnce, the fish in feng sushi is fresh and flavoursome the salmon nagiri in particular is to die for! For any sushi lover i cannot reccoment feng sushi enough. Their delivery time is around 30 to 40 minutes which is understandable given they prepare it from fresh, and it is reasonably priced to boot. I give it 9/10 stars as it is my favourite sushi place.!Feng sushi is primarily a takeaway sushi restaurant. But it has adequade facilities for dining in. The sushi itself is really great. And i mean that, it is truely excellent sushi. When you compare it with something like yo sushi you can really see the differnce, the fish in feng sushi is fresh and flavoursome the salmon nagiri in particular is to die for! For any sushi lover i cannot reccoment feng sushi enough. Their delivery time is around 30 to 40 minutes which is understandable given they prepare it from fresh, and it is reasonably priced to boot. I give it 9/10 stars as it is my favourite sushi place.!

Uazwaan - Good by bobidiot

bobidiot — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:07:11 +0000

Review by bobidiot

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7722 5225

Tags: vegetarian dishes

There was some very nice food here, and the prices were fairly reasonable too. The quantity of the food was satisfactory as well. We really liked the desserts. I had a traditional Indian dessert that was like nothing I have ever tasted before but is definitely something I will have again, although I canâ¬"t remember the name. I will just point at the picture in the menu the next time I go there! We went in the evening but I noticed they had a really good lunch time offer. It was something like 3 courses for eight pounds. I will probably go at lunchtime next time, and ask if they give me three desserts instead of a full meal, just kidding!There was some very nice food here, and the prices were fairly reasonable too. The quantity of the food was satisfactory as well. We really liked the desserts. I had a traditional Indian dessert that was like nothing I have ever tasted before but is definitely something I will have again, although I canâ¬"t remember the name. I will just point at the picture in the menu the next time I go there! We went in the evening but I noticed they had a really good lunch time offer. It was something like 3 courses for eight pounds. I will probably go at lunchtime next time, and ask if they give me three desserts instead of a full meal, just kidding!

Arabesque - Best restaurant in London???!!! by CharlotteEvett

CharlotteEvett — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:43:47 +0000

Review by CharlotteEvett

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7449 9658

Tags: mediterranean, vegetarian dishes, middle eastern

If you want to eat reasonably priced clean healthy food then Arabesque is the place for you. Centrally located a short walk from the Swiss Cottage tube this place is the best!!! I have eaten there so many times and have never been disappointed. Also a great option for a healthy take away when you dont want to eat out but don't feel like cooking.If you want to eat reasonably priced clean healthy food then Arabesque is the place for you. Centrally located a short walk from the Swiss Cottage tube this place is the best!!! I have eaten there so many times and have never been disappointed. Also a great option for a healthy take away when you dont want to eat out but don't feel like cooking.

Trojka Restaurant - Excellent Russian by iamroninator

iamroninator — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:18:29 +0000

Review by iamroninator

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7483 3765

Tags: russian, cozy, lively

Great atmosphere, friendly place, and music on a saturday all recommended.

Def. winter food-type menu, the Georgian stew with lamb, peppers, aubergine is recommended, along with the gypsy latkes. Most of the main courses are around Â£8 - bargain...

Heavy but hearty, and def seems to have the London Russian community's approval...Great atmosphere, friendly place, and music on a saturday all recommended.

Def. winter food-type menu, the Georgian stew with lamb, peppers, aubergine is recommended, along with the gypsy latkes. Most of the main courses are around Â£8 - bargain...

Heavy but hearty, and def seems to have the London Russian community's approval...

ASK - Relax and cosy by MaryamF

MaryamF — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:52:28 +0000

Review by MaryamF

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7433 3896

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

Tags: italian, bar, family & home feel

ASK chain Italian Restaurant is quite a nice place to go with friends and family to spend a quiet and relax evening.... The one in Belsize park is quite nice and cosy, but the service wasn't what we expected.... The food wasn't bad, but not so tasty comparing to other Italian chain restaurants in London. Pasta was over cooked and smashed! Bruschetta had big chunks of tasteless tomatoes which wasn't very professional.ASK chain Italian Restaurant is quite a nice place to go with friends and family to spend a quiet and relax evening.... The one in Belsize park is quite nice and cosy, but the service wasn't what we expected.... The food wasn't bad, but not so tasty comparing to other Italian chain restaurants in London. Pasta was over cooked and smashed! Bruschetta had big chunks of tasteless tomatoes which wasn't very professional.

XO - Hit me XO anytime! by girlswear

girlswear — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 01:11:48 +0000

Review by girlswear

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7433 0888

Website: http://www.rickerrestaurants.com

Tags: posh, romantic, cozy

XO is Will Ricker's fifth baby along with "Eight over Eight", "Cicada" and "The Great Eastern". Along the other restaurants, this also has the same pan-Asian theme.

We started our evening with a couple of Lychee martini's at the bar whilst we wait for our table. We went the third week since opening (back in February), unfortunately there was no Ewan McGregor, Paul McCartney nor Chris Martin the day we went.

The decor was contemporary, white ceiling, yellow accent walls with mirrors and mahogany wood trimmings and furniture. Ambience was excellent.

We had almost ordered everything from the menu:
" edamame, chilli soy & mirin
(3 - okay)
" chive & sesame silken tofu
(3 - nice)
" mushroom & spinach dumplings
(3 - nice)
" prawn & chive dumplings
(3.5 - i like this one better)
" chili salt squid
(5 - LOVE IT!!)
" crispy scallop & xo dumpling
(5 - LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Vermicelli wrapped scallop and then deep fried, top with XO sauce and served on the shell)
" tuna tartare futo maki rolls
(4.5 - this was very nice)
" sashimi platter
(4 - good)
" Red curry with augergine, asparagus & lychee
(5 - Love the lychee touch!)
" Black cod with sweet miso
(3 - I can make better)
" green beans with xo sauce
(4 - this was nice)
" chocolate pudding
(5 - This is more like a molten chocolate cake, excellent)
" iced berries with melted whilte chocolate
(5.5 - Best dessert ever!)

It was a shame that they've sold out the peking duck foire gras dumpling! I must go back and try that again.

Recently, they've started "XO TO GO", great for the impress your date dinner date if you don't really cook... XO is Will Ricker's fifth baby along with "Eight over Eight", "Cicada" and "The Great Eastern". Along the other restaurants, this also has the same pan-Asian theme.

We started our evening with a couple of Lychee martini's at the bar whilst we wait for our table. We went the third week since opening (back in February), unfortunately there was no Ewan McGregor, Paul McCartney nor Chris Martin the day we went.

The decor was contemporary, white ceiling, yellow accent walls with mirrors and mahogany wood trimmings and furniture. Ambience was excellent.

We had almost ordered everything from the menu:
" edamame, chilli soy & mirin
(3 - okay)
" chive & sesame silken tofu
(3 - nice)
" mushroom & spinach dumplings
(3 - nice)
" prawn & chive dumplings
(3.5 - i like this one better)
" chili salt squid
(5 - LOVE IT!!)
" crispy scallop & xo dumpling
(5 - LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Vermicelli wrapped scallop and then deep fried, top with XO sauce and served on the shell)
" tuna tartare futo maki rolls
(4.5 - this was very nice)
" sashimi platter
(4 - good)
" Red curry with augergine, asparagus & lychee
(5 - Love the lychee touch!)
" Black cod with sweet miso
(3 - I can make better)
" green beans with xo sauce
(4 - this was nice)
" chocolate pudding
(5 - This is more like a molten chocolate cake, excellent)
" iced berries with melted whilte chocolate
(5.5 - Best dessert ever!)

It was a shame that they've sold out the peking duck foire gras dumpling! I must go back and try that again.

Recently, they've started "XO TO GO", great for the impress your date dinner date if you don't really cook...

Del Aziz - Middle Eastern Food under a Gym by walid

walid — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:17:06 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Tags: deli, cakes, mediterranean

I've been going for a while now at the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre since it opened last year. It's a great facility with loads of equipment, pool, and a climbing wall. Anyway within the centre you've got Del Aziz a Middle Eastern themed restaurant.

This is actually the second Del Aziz with the first one found in Fulham. This particular one has dark wood, comfy leather sofas, and large windows where you can watch the kids play in the recreational area or look down and see swimmers in the indoor pool. Can be entertaining as you may see some very creative forms of swimming whilst you're sipping one of their juices or eating a tagine.

Del Aziz has a wide range of food. You can have your breakfast there, brunch, lunch, or just a coffee. They have large cake selection to tempt you to add those extra calories you just spend an hour sweating off at the gym or in the pool, but they also have a series of salads and juices if you're so inclined. As for me a nice big burger or a tasty kebab will do just fine!

If you don't have time to eat in you can go to the deli section and purchase a series of products from around the world whether it's sweets, cured meat, olive oil, or some of their famous cakes.

In terms of the people who come to Del Aziz it's quite varied... you have families, young children, and young professionals who just came from using the gym.

Service is not bad, if not a bit slow at times and the pricing is reasonable. If you're in the area try it out ;-)I've been going for a while now at the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre since it opened last year. It's a great facility with loads of equipment, pool, and a climbing wall. Anyway within the centre you've got Del Aziz a Middle Eastern themed restaurant.

This is actually the second Del Aziz with the first one found in Fulham. This particular one has dark wood, comfy leather sofas, and large windows where you can watch the kids play in the recreational area or look down and see swimmers in the indoor pool. Can be entertaining as you may see some very creative forms of swimming whilst you're sipping one of their juices or eating a tagine.

Del Aziz has a wide range of food. You can have your breakfast there, brunch, lunch, or just a coffee. They have large cake selection to tempt you to add those extra calories you just spend an hour sweating off at the gym or in the pool, but they also have a series of salads and juices if you're so inclined. As for me a nice big burger or a tasty kebab will do just fine!

If you don't have time to eat in you can go to the deli section and purchase a series of products from around the world whether it's sweets, cured meat, olive oil, or some of their famous cakes.

In terms of the people who come to Del Aziz it's quite varied... you have families, young children, and young professionals who just came from using the gym.

Service is not bad, if not a bit slow at times and the pricing is reasonable. If you're in the area try it out ;-)