Latest reviews in East Dulwich, London, United Kingdom

Franklins Farm Shop - Local Restaurant Opens Neighbouring Farm Shop by FoodStories

FoodStories — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:03:12 +0000

Review by FoodStories

Rating: 3.00

Franklins (East Dulwich), is a fantastic local restaurant that consistently serves up great, seasonal, British grub. They've now expanded to open a shop on the adjacent corner, which is championing the best of British. I saw English apple varieties, native oysters, parsley root, UK cheeses such as 'Lord of the Hundred's' and all manner of 'Franklins' sauces and soups for your pleasure. When I visited the place looked a little sparse but they have literally just opened and so a little time to find feet should be granted. Of course, gorgeous ingredients aren't coming cheap - this is East Dulwich after all but the place has a nice modern farm shop feel about it and the people were very friendly. I will practice some watchful waiting to find out if this place becomes another local gem like Franklins restaurant.Franklins (East Dulwich), is a fantastic local restaurant that consistently serves up great, seasonal, British grub. They've now expanded to open a shop on the adjacent corner, which is championing the best of British. I saw English apple varieties, native oysters, parsley root, UK cheeses such as 'Lord of the Hundred's' and all manner of 'Franklins' sauces and soups for your pleasure. When I visited the place looked a little sparse but they have literally just opened and so a little time to find feet should be granted. Of course, gorgeous ingredients aren't coming cheap - this is East Dulwich after all but the place has a nice modern farm shop feel about it and the people were very friendly. I will practice some watchful waiting to find out if this place becomes another local gem like Franklins restaurant.

Dominos Pizza - Best takeaway pizza by piggyeater

piggyeater — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:03:51 +0000

Review by piggyeater

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 77377171

This is one of the best pizza takeaway you can get. There are regular promotions like buy one get one free. My absolute favourite is the Texas BBQ chicken flavour which other establishment cannot match. The ingredients they use are of top notch quality rather than other takeaways which try to cut "corners" to maximise profit. The pizzas are on the slightly pricier side but with its regular promotions, it actually is quite competitively priced. Never been to the branch itself but ordered takeaway style and has always delivered within 45 minutes which is expected as they make it from scratch.This is one of the best pizza takeaway you can get. There are regular promotions like buy one get one free. My absolute favourite is the Texas BBQ chicken flavour which other establishment cannot match. The ingredients they use are of top notch quality rather than other takeaways which try to cut "corners" to maximise profit. The pizzas are on the slightly pricier side but with its regular promotions, it actually is quite competitively priced. Never been to the branch itself but ordered takeaway style and has always delivered within 45 minutes which is expected as they make it from scratch.

Chopsticks - Top Chinese by Aidan

Aidan — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:27:04 +0000

Review by Aidan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8693 2318

Tags: chinese, expensive, pretentious

The best dish in East Dulwich can be found here! Pork rips in black bean sauce. Superb, Im salivating now just thinking of it. Even the other dishes are good, service is fine, the place is clean. Top marksThe best dish in East Dulwich can be found here! Pork rips in black bean sauce. Superb, Im salivating now just thinking of it. Even the other dishes are good, service is fine, the place is clean. Top marks

Locale - Pleasantly surprised by evarley

evarley — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:48:40 +0000

Review by evarley

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7732 7575

Website: http://www.localerestaurants.com

Tags: italian, lively, family & home feel

I visited Locale last week for the first time. After reading mixed reviews on a local discussion forum, I was pleasantly surprised with both the food and the delicious cocktail I had (can't remember the name, an apple and mint vodka martini type thing). My boyfriend didn't particularly enjoy his capirinha as it hadn't been made with dark sugar and wasn't quite up to scratch.

We shared the bruschetta to start and it was lovely - the tomatoes were perfectly ripe and very tasty, and not enough restaurants get the simple things right by having excellent produce.

I followed this with a gorgonzola gnocchi which was good, though the sauce was a little thin for my taste (needs to be thicker to stick well to gnocchi), but I enjoyed the flavour very much. My boyfriend enjoyed his straightforward lasagne, and vanilla ice cream to finish.

The staff were friendly and attentive, and overall I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely go back.

The bill came to Â£54 for two cocktails (which may have been half price for happy hour - though i'm not sure), two small glasses of wine, one starter, two mains and one dessert.I visited Locale last week for the first time. After reading mixed reviews on a local discussion forum, I was pleasantly surprised with both the food and the delicious cocktail I had (can't remember the name, an apple and mint vodka martini type thing). My boyfriend didn't particularly enjoy his capirinha as it hadn't been made with dark sugar and wasn't quite up to scratch.

We shared the bruschetta to start and it was lovely - the tomatoes were perfectly ripe and very tasty, and not enough restaurants get the simple things right by having excellent produce.

I followed this with a gorgonzola gnocchi which was good, though the sauce was a little thin for my taste (needs to be thicker to stick well to gnocchi), but I enjoyed the flavour very much. My boyfriend enjoyed his straightforward lasagne, and vanilla ice cream to finish.

The staff were friendly and attentive, and overall I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely go back.

The bill came to Â£54 for two cocktails (which may have been half price for happy hour - though i'm not sure), two small glasses of wine, one starter, two mains and one dessert.

Pay Less Food Hall - by drreview7

drreview7 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:51:12 +0000

Review by drreview7

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7635 9449

Tags: fresh fruits & vegetables

Great high street little grocery store. Packed with all the essential items and also the things your need to give your a cooking a bit of a lift. The added benefit it is it is open late. Parking can be a bit of an issue thought so it is best to walk unless you fancy driving in cirlces during rush hour. As a little joke always offer to pay less than full price and explain that you thought they were call Pay Less Food Hall!Great high street little grocery store. Packed with all the essential items and also the things your need to give your a cooking a bit of a lift. The added benefit it is it is open late. Parking can be a bit of an issue thought so it is best to walk unless you fancy driving in cirlces during rush hour. As a little joke always offer to pay less than full price and explain that you thought they were call Pay Less Food Hall!

Dulwich Tandoori - very tasty by larkin

larkin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:28:36 +0000

Review by larkin

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 86933012

Tags: romantic, good value, family & home feel

very tasty food!!!!!
I go here alot with my family for the buffet on sundays, and as always, I get alot of food for a reasonable price!
I would agree with the previous reviewer, sometimes I have to wait for a table, but I usually book a table in advance, since I got there alot with a large family.
The staff are always, I mean always are polite, and the food comes not quickly, but not so long that one gets bored waiting.
They have a large range of alchoholic drinks, and if you are to order one, I would strongly recommend the Cobra beer, which is my favourite beer and I can only get in indian restaurants.
Happy feasting!very tasty food!!!!!
I go here alot with my family for the buffet on sundays, and as always, I get alot of food for a reasonable price!
I would agree with the previous reviewer, sometimes I have to wait for a table, but I usually book a table in advance, since I got there alot with a large family.
The staff are always, I mean always are polite, and the food comes not quickly, but not so long that one gets bored waiting.
They have a large range of alchoholic drinks, and if you are to order one, I would strongly recommend the Cobra beer, which is my favourite beer and I can only get in indian restaurants.
Happy feasting!

Franklins Restaurant & Bar - A Local Gem. by FoodStories

FoodStories — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:01:07 +0000

Review by FoodStories

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8299 9598

Website: http://www.franklinsrestaurant.com/

Tags: cosy, great food, relaxed

Franklins is our local restaurant, a leisurely 10 minute stroll from our front door in fact and oh, how lucky we are. Itâ¬"s been said before and I donâ¬"t mind saying it again, this restaurant is a little gem to have ticking away in such wonderfully close proximity. Franklins is not a fine dining resaurant, it is â¬Üjustâ¬" one that serves consistently good grub and pays attention to detail. Such as good, freshly baked bread and solid side dishes - I always order the seasonal greens and they always arrive perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite and wrapped in a blanket of buttery goodness, well seasoned and slippery.

this time around, I had smoked quail with raddichio and aioli. The quail was so intensely smoked it left a musky scent even after I wash the mitts I was using to chew every last scrap from its little legs.Fantastic aioli too, not overpowering but good and garlicky at the same time. Franklins has a way with meat - always loads of flavour and bold simplicity.

My partner chose the crab tart, a perfect mixture of brown and white meat - a really strong crabby flavour. The texture of the meat was well preserved too.

For our main course, we both immediately ordered the ox tongue with endive, snails and chorizo. When the dishes arrived they had forgotten the snails and chorizo but the waitress was very professional and,our plates were whisked away with the bare minimum of fuss, arriving back promptly adorned with bits of spicy pig and mollusc. From what we could gather the chefs were very embarrassedâ¬¦

The ox tongue was beautiful, tender and melty with a fine blob of fresh, pungent horseradish on top. The chorizo was a very good one, spicy and rich, coating everything in its delicious oil. We felt the snails didnâ¬"t really add anything though. I donâ¬"t think they really taste of much anyway and you honestly wouldnâ¬"t have realised they were there - apart from the fact you could see them, of course.

We thought about cheese and/or dessert but were too damn stuffed to contemplate it. We ambled the short walk home contented, slightly tipsy and really rather happy, as always.Franklins is our local restaurant, a leisurely 10 minute stroll from our front door in fact and oh, how lucky we are. Itâ¬"s been said before and I donâ¬"t mind saying it again, this restaurant is a little gem to have ticking away in such wonderfully close proximity. Franklins is not a fine dining resaurant, it is â¬Üjustâ¬" one that serves consistently good grub and pays attention to detail. Such as good, freshly baked bread and solid side dishes - I always order the seasonal greens and they always arrive perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite and wrapped in a blanket of buttery goodness, well seasoned and slippery.

this time around, I had smoked quail with raddichio and aioli. The quail was so intensely smoked it left a musky scent even after I wash the mitts I was using to chew every last scrap from its little legs.Fantastic aioli too, not overpowering but good and garlicky at the same time. Franklins has a way with meat - always loads of flavour and bold simplicity.

My partner chose the crab tart, a perfect mixture of brown and white meat - a really strong crabby flavour. The texture of the meat was well preserved too.

For our main course, we both immediately ordered the ox tongue with endive, snails and chorizo. When the dishes arrived they had forgotten the snails and chorizo but the waitress was very professional and,our plates were whisked away with the bare minimum of fuss, arriving back promptly adorned with bits of spicy pig and mollusc. From what we could gather the chefs were very embarrassedâ¬¦

The ox tongue was beautiful, tender and melty with a fine blob of fresh, pungent horseradish on top. The chorizo was a very good one, spicy and rich, coating everything in its delicious oil. We felt the snails didnâ¬"t really add anything though. I donâ¬"t think they really taste of much anyway and you honestly wouldnâ¬"t have realised they were there - apart from the fact you could see them, of course.

We thought about cheese and/or dessert but were too damn stuffed to contemplate it. We ambled the short walk home contented, slightly tipsy and really rather happy, as always.

The Sea Cow - Cash Cow by FoodStories

FoodStories — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:22:11 +0000

Review by FoodStories

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8693 3111

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

Tags: lively, british, family & home feel

I was so excited about visiting The Sea Cow after hearing so many good reports from others. This is a â¬Üposhâ¬" fish and chip shop. By this I mean you can eat in, seated in the pleasing modern and minimal surroundings, you can choose your own fish fillet at the wet fish counter, you can drink wine with your meal and you will be charged around 4 times as much for the privilege. Now all this would be wonderful if the food were any good, but it isnâ¬"t, at least it wasn't when we visited.

Having said that, our whitebait starter (which we shared) was nice; crispy and meaty. We were disappointed to find the tartare sauce to be shop bought, but gobbled everything down hungrily anyway. The main courses were so disappointing though. I had crab cakes, which were patties of reddish-brown mush in which I couldnâ¬"t identify any individual flavours; certainly not crab. They had then been deep fried until just this side of burnt. My partner opted for haddock and chips but the chips were soggy and limp and the haddock left a pool (yes, a pool) of grease on the plate. This came with mushy peas, described as â¬Üfreshly mintedâ¬" and they were â¬ someone had added some mint to a tin of mushy peas! To top it all, the waitress took our entire order while gazing absent-mindedly out of the window. I really, really havenâ¬"t enjoyed writing this but I felt it necessary to make sure we share the bad as well as the good. Maybe we went on a â¬Übad dayâ¬" â¬ it is possible I suppose, although the place was half empty on a Saturday lunchtimeâ¬¦I was so excited about visiting The Sea Cow after hearing so many good reports from others. This is a â¬Üposhâ¬" fish and chip shop. By this I mean you can eat in, seated in the pleasing modern and minimal surroundings, you can choose your own fish fillet at the wet fish counter, you can drink wine with your meal and you will be charged around 4 times as much for the privilege. Now all this would be wonderful if the food were any good, but it isnâ¬"t, at least it wasn't when we visited.

Having said that, our whitebait starter (which we shared) was nice; crispy and meaty. We were disappointed to find the tartare sauce to be shop bought, but gobbled everything down hungrily anyway. The main courses were so disappointing though. I had crab cakes, which were patties of reddish-brown mush in which I couldnâ¬"t identify any individual flavours; certainly not crab. They had then been deep fried until just this side of burnt. My partner opted for haddock and chips but the chips were soggy and limp and the haddock left a pool (yes, a pool) of grease on the plate. This came with mushy peas, described as â¬Üfreshly mintedâ¬" and they were â¬ someone had added some mint to a tin of mushy peas! To top it all, the waitress took our entire order while gazing absent-mindedly out of the window. I really, really havenâ¬"t enjoyed writing this but I felt it necessary to make sure we share the bad as well as the good. Maybe we went on a â¬Übad dayâ¬" â¬ it is possible I suppose, although the place was half empty on a Saturday lunchtimeâ¬¦

All Fired Up - coffee and ceramics by lenalouise

lenalouise — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:42:56 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7277 8616

Website: www.allfiredupceramics.co.uk

Tags: quick bite, good brew, cafe

Me and my friend Tasha were due for a coffee and a catch up and Tasha also wanted to make a present for her friend's wedding so we killed two birds with one stone and came to this ceramic studio cum cafe.

It's a bright and relaxing place where you can sit for hours (which is what we ended up doing). They have shelves full of different things yo can paint (think plates, cups, teapots, bowls, frames etc). The idea is that you pay for the price of the thing you want to paing plus a one-off "studio fee" which is Â£3 for the use of their paints, paint brushes and firing it up with a glaze. If you don't finish painting, you can always keep it in-store and finish painting it another day. They have pretty good opening hours, on some days they're open until 10pm.

It's a pretty unique concept which also happens to be bags of fun. The staff are extremely helpful for first-timers. Tasha went for a teapot and preceded to draw on her design. I helped by grabbing the paints and getting some coffees in. They also have some pretty delicious-looking cakes.

Me and my friend Tasha were due for a coffee and a catch up and Tasha also wanted to make a present for her friend's wedding so we killed two birds with one stone and came to this ceramic studio cum cafe.

It's a bright and relaxing place where you can sit for hours (which is what we ended up doing). They have shelves full of different things yo can paint (think plates, cups, teapots, bowls, frames etc). The idea is that you pay for the price of the thing you want to paing plus a one-off "studio fee" which is Â£3 for the use of their paints, paint brushes and firing it up with a glaze. If you don't finish painting, you can always keep it in-store and finish painting it another day. They have pretty good opening hours, on some days they're open until 10pm.

It's a pretty unique concept which also happens to be bags of fun. The staff are extremely helpful for first-timers. Tasha went for a teapot and preceded to draw on her design. I helped by grabbing the paints and getting some coffees in. They also have some pretty delicious-looking cakes.

Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant - Barcelona This Is Not by Litro_K

Litro_K — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:53:57 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8693 5111

Website: http://www.barcelona-tapas.com

Tags: spanish, toptable

On the last night of the (sadly missed) hot weather this week, I had a sudden craving when I got home from work and stared feebly at the cooker. It came to me as a vague memory of being in a hot land, once, before I moved to England, and eating something lovely outside, watching the sunset. Ah! Tapas, I thought. Little morsels of deliciousness. Easy on the waistline. Fun to share. Easy on the wallet. All washed down with a nice cold cerveza, I thought. Que bueno.

A quick flick through my Time Out Cheap Eats guide found our nearest tapas bar, Barcelona. It said they did a good Sunday buffet, but I figured we wouldn't have much, and we could just check it out for the next time we felt like a Sunday all-you-can-eat tapas buffet. (!) So off we went on the bus.

The first disappointing thing I noticed was that the bar had some great big red umbrellas, which would have been a nice place to sit and watch the sun go down, but that they were awfully close to the main road (the upper end of Lordship Lane is not that attractive). Then we got inside, and although the decor was cute and the tables well-spaced, the place was empty, bar two sullen-looking couples who looked like they wished they'd turned around and gone home.

I kind of wished we had, too. But a strange politeness comes over me in restaurants. I watched as the podgy elderly Spanish gentleman waiter came to greet us. He looked so excited! So happy! He had customers! So we sat, and looked through the vast (seemingly authentic) menu. There was lots of offal on offer. Mmm.

In the end, we lazily decided to order the set tapas menu at Â£10.99 per person. It included albondigas, chorizo, patatas bravas, chipirones, champignones and bread. We had some olives on the side and a 100ml bottle of Mahou. Nothing was outstanding. The chorizo was oily and tough, the squids also tough and nearly inedible.

We paid Â£35 for this delightful evening (the restaurant empied very soon after we arrived). I really, really wanted to like it there. I wanted to like the podgy waiter, who smiled sweetly at us as we stumbled over ordering in Spanish. I even tried to imagine his history asked him where he was from, tried to imagine how a man from Galicia ended up in this sorry place in Dulwich. I tried, really I did.

Next time, I'm going to Brindisa.On the last night of the (sadly missed) hot weather this week, I had a sudden craving when I got home from work and stared feebly at the cooker. It came to me as a vague memory of being in a hot land, once, before I moved to England, and eating something lovely outside, watching the sunset. Ah! Tapas, I thought. Little morsels of deliciousness. Easy on the waistline. Fun to share. Easy on the wallet. All washed down with a nice cold cerveza, I thought. Que bueno.

A quick flick through my Time Out Cheap Eats guide found our nearest tapas bar, Barcelona. It said they did a good Sunday buffet, but I figured we wouldn't have much, and we could just check it out for the next time we felt like a Sunday all-you-can-eat tapas buffet. (!) So off we went on the bus.

The first disappointing thing I noticed was that the bar had some great big red umbrellas, which would have been a nice place to sit and watch the sun go down, but that they were awfully close to the main road (the upper end of Lordship Lane is not that attractive). Then we got inside, and although the decor was cute and the tables well-spaced, the place was empty, bar two sullen-looking couples who looked like they wished they'd turned around and gone home.

I kind of wished we had, too. But a strange politeness comes over me in restaurants. I watched as the podgy elderly Spanish gentleman waiter came to greet us. He looked so excited! So happy! He had customers! So we sat, and looked through the vast (seemingly authentic) menu. There was lots of offal on offer. Mmm.

In the end, we lazily decided to order the set tapas menu at Â£10.99 per person. It included albondigas, chorizo, patatas bravas, chipirones, champignones and bread. We had some olives on the side and a 100ml bottle of Mahou. Nothing was outstanding. The chorizo was oily and tough, the squids also tough and nearly inedible.

We paid Â£35 for this delightful evening (the restaurant empied very soon after we arrived). I really, really wanted to like it there. I wanted to like the podgy waiter, who smiled sweetly at us as we stumbled over ordering in Spanish. I even tried to imagine his history asked him where he was from, tried to imagine how a man from Galicia ended up in this sorry place in Dulwich. I tried, really I did.

Next time, I'm going to Brindisa.

Gold Lee - Gold Service by Litro_K

Litro_K — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:34:13 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7732 1247

Tags: chinese, cheap eat, cool

I couldn't agree more with the other reviewer, Karen. Gold Lee is consistently excellent in terms of service and the quality of their food always surprises me for the price. The staff are warm, welcoming and they even remember you if you visit often.

When dining in, I've seen the place both quiet and slightly empty on weekdays, as well as energised and full of larger parties celebrating special occasions on Friday and Saturday nights.

No matter how busy they get, their service remains flawless. If you decide not to eat in, they do local deliveries, give a 10% discount if you collect the food yourself, and free prawn crackers without fail. How very splendid.

My Chinese work colleague is jealous that I have such a great takeaway so nearby. I think that says it all!I couldn't agree more with the other reviewer, Karen. Gold Lee is consistently excellent in terms of service and the quality of their food always surprises me for the price. The staff are warm, welcoming and they even remember you if you visit often.

When dining in, I've seen the place both quiet and slightly empty on weekdays, as well as energised and full of larger parties celebrating special occasions on Friday and Saturday nights.

No matter how busy they get, their service remains flawless. If you decide not to eat in, they do local deliveries, give a 10% discount if you collect the food yourself, and free prawn crackers without fail. How very splendid.

My Chinese work colleague is jealous that I have such a great takeaway so nearby. I think that says it all!

ChiChiRaRa - Friendly And Welcoming by londonpup

londonpup — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:07:14 +0000

Review by londonpup

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8693 1236

Tags: helpful staff, vintage clothing, second hand

My owner loves this shop and always says hi to Heather, the owner, when we walk past. Last weekend we stopped by on our way down to have tea with a friend and she gave me so many compliments I was blushing under my whiskers!

It's nice when a shopkeeper doesn't turn you away, and as soon as she starts stocking vintage doggy duffle coats I'll be straight back there.My owner loves this shop and always says hi to Heather, the owner, when we walk past. Last weekend we stopped by on our way down to have tea with a friend and she gave me so many compliments I was blushing under my whiskers!

It's nice when a shopkeeper doesn't turn you away, and as soon as she starts stocking vintage doggy duffle coats I'll be straight back there.

The Bishop - Pooching Around by londonpup

londonpup — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:03:17 +0000

Review by londonpup

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8693 3994

Tags: relaxed, chilled, friendly

I was taken to The Bishop last weekend for the first time and was quite impressed. My owner was meeting some friends there to show me off (it isn't long since I got my shots and was able to start going out so she's still in that excitable stage I suppose!) and we spent a most enjoyable couple of hours sitting outside while they all caught up.

I found the wooden benches quite pleasant; smooth and wide enough for me to lie down comfortably. I was glad as I didn't much like the look of the pavement - why do humans throw so much crap on the floor? The bar staff smiled at me and patted me on the head as they collected glasses, but frustratingly, neither me or my owner realised just how dog-friendly this pub is - we've since discovered we'd have been perfectly welcome inside!! One can never assume such things but we'll be asking around a lot more now - after all, even a puppy has a hectic social calendar these days.I was taken to The Bishop last weekend for the first time and was quite impressed. My owner was meeting some friends there to show me off (it isn't long since I got my shots and was able to start going out so she's still in that excitable stage I suppose!) and we spent a most enjoyable couple of hours sitting outside while they all caught up.

I found the wooden benches quite pleasant; smooth and wide enough for me to lie down comfortably. I was glad as I didn't much like the look of the pavement - why do humans throw so much crap on the floor? The bar staff smiled at me and patted me on the head as they collected glasses, but frustratingly, neither me or my owner realised just how dog-friendly this pub is - we've since discovered we'd have been perfectly welcome inside!! One can never assume such things but we'll be asking around a lot more now - after all, even a puppy has a hectic social calendar these days.

Hisar Restaurant - Can't go wrong! by benjaminty

benjaminty — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:28:31 +0000

Review by benjaminty

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8299 2948

Tags: turkish, cheap eat, good value

Oh my god ... where do I start?

This place is fantastic value for money, terrific quality meat and cooked very very well.

This place is busy every night of the week .. a testament surely.

May I recommend the Beyti with rice. mmmmmmm Oh my god ... where do I start?

This place is fantastic value for money, terrific quality meat and cooked very very well.

This place is busy every night of the week .. a testament surely.

May I recommend the Beyti with rice. mmmmmmm

Sema Thai - There's better Thai food to be had in East Dulwich by Litro_K

Litro_K — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:03:27 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8693 3213

Tags: thai

I was excited by the opening of this new restaurant on Lordship Lane, but after two visits now, I have to say I haven't been overwhelmed by the food or the service. There is one really smiley, sweet waiter who is very efficient, but otherwise there is nothing remarkable about this restaurant other than their impressive fishtank.

It's passable, sure, and the food is good... just not great. After a sizeable wait, of about 25 minutes, you expect excellence. Our Tom Yum soup was acidic and not fiery enough, the Pad Thai somewhat anaemic, and Pad See Eaw distinctly lacking in variety of ingredients. However, starters tend to be very good, even if a bit deep-fried, and my pork and prawn dumplings were very tasty.

Thai Corner Cafe, around the corner on North Cross Road, defintiely has the edge over Sema Thai. It's still a good option, though, and if you're on Lordship Lane and feeling peckish, you could do much worse.

I was excited by the opening of this new restaurant on Lordship Lane, but after two visits now, I have to say I haven't been overwhelmed by the food or the service. There is one really smiley, sweet waiter who is very efficient, but otherwise there is nothing remarkable about this restaurant other than their impressive fishtank.

It's passable, sure, and the food is good... just not great. After a sizeable wait, of about 25 minutes, you expect excellence. Our Tom Yum soup was acidic and not fiery enough, the Pad Thai somewhat anaemic, and Pad See Eaw distinctly lacking in variety of ingredients. However, starters tend to be very good, even if a bit deep-fried, and my pork and prawn dumplings were very tasty.

Thai Corner Cafe, around the corner on North Cross Road, defintiely has the edge over Sema Thai. It's still a good option, though, and if you're on Lordship Lane and feeling peckish, you could do much worse.

Blue Mountain Cafe - Lovely friendly little cafe, with mosaics by pond

pond — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:38:42 +0000

Review by pond

Rating: 4.00

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

Tags: cosy, top food

This is a great little cafe with fantastically friendly staff and really excellent food. They do everything from your posh fare with your unusual ingredients to your basic fried breakfasts. It's all good, and it all tastes fairly healthy. Plus they don't look at you funny if you order a bottle of wine with your breakfast.

There is also room to sit out the front and out the back, and both the front porch and back yard are covered in some really excellent mosaics.

It also has one of the friendliest and most upbeat waitresses I've ever encountered. She's one of those people who can't help adding at least one term of endearment to every single sentence, so you get practically assaulted with beautifuls and darlings and lovelies and loves. It would drive you mad if you lived with her, but for a one-off cafe experience, it is very endearing.

One star knocked off because a) I once received a vegetarian sausage instead of a meat one, and b) it's a tiny bit pricey (but it's worth it).

Oh, it's also on a great road with a fish van and knick-knacks market and a woman selling fudge. Good old East Dulwich.
This is a great little cafe with fantastically friendly staff and really excellent food. They do everything from your posh fare with your unusual ingredients to your basic fried breakfasts. It's all good, and it all tastes fairly healthy. Plus they don't look at you funny if you order a bottle of wine with your breakfast.

There is also room to sit out the front and out the back, and both the front porch and back yard are covered in some really excellent mosaics.

It also has one of the friendliest and most upbeat waitresses I've ever encountered. She's one of those people who can't help adding at least one term of endearment to every single sentence, so you get practically assaulted with beautifuls and darlings and lovelies and loves. It would drive you mad if you lived with her, but for a one-off cafe experience, it is very endearing.

One star knocked off because a) I once received a vegetarian sausage instead of a meat one, and b) it's a tiny bit pricey (but it's worth it).

Oh, it's also on a great road with a fish van and knick-knacks market and a woman selling fudge. Good old East Dulwich.

Surma Curry House - God Awful by RichardKenney

RichardKenney — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 01:03:04 +0000

Review by RichardKenney

Rating: 1.00

Tags: indian

Do yourself a favour and go to Tandoori Nights up the road. The staff are really friendly and actually (shock horror) appear to be appreciative of your custom. The food is better too.

We thought we'd try Surma for a change. As they were carrying out alterations at the rear, the walls had been stripped of paper, and when we found the plaster to have covered my girlfriend's coat, we informed them about it. Their response was rude, uncaring, and dismissive.

I didn't leave a tip as I hastily removed myself.

Tandoori Nights all the way.Do yourself a favour and go to Tandoori Nights up the road. The staff are really friendly and actually (shock horror) appear to be appreciative of your custom. The food is better too.

We thought we'd try Surma for a change. As they were carrying out alterations at the rear, the walls had been stripped of paper, and when we found the plaster to have covered my girlfriend's coat, we informed them about it. Their response was rude, uncaring, and dismissive.

I didn't leave a tip as I hastily removed myself.

Tandoori Nights all the way.

The Palmerston - another gastropub by lenalouise

lenalouise — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:45:06 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8693 1629

Website: http://www.thepalmerston.net

Tags: french, friendly staff, expensive

I was quite excited about coming here, I've been past this place a few times and it looked interesting. I think it's won some awards in the past so I was intrigued.

Inside, there were wooden panels along the walls along with dim lighting and sort of has the feel of a private library in a big house. There are the usual wooden tables and chairs that you expect in gastropubs with some leather seats in some parts.

They have a great selection of spirits, wine and lager/ales. The service would be excellent if only they had more staff. We ended up waiting 20-30 mins for each course and they were slow to clear up plates. It wasn't actually much of a problem for us because we wanted to relax and have a long meal but it's not ideal.

We had starters of smoked haddock and sweetcorn chowder with poached egg and bone marrow and parsley salad with toast. The chowder was tasty. They'd blended the soup so it was more smooth than the tradional chunky chowder but fantastic nonetheless. My bone marrow was very fiddly as expected but wasn't as good as I imagined, it didn't taste of much. It's obviously a St John copy but according to my friend, it wasn't as nice as their version.

For mains, I had escalope of veal with a white wine, cream, mustard and tarragon sauce with wild mushrooms and my friend had rump of lamb with french beans, anchovies, something else that I can't remember and rosemary jus. My veal was slightly overcooked, it was perfect for the first few minutes but because it carried on cooking, it ended up being quite tough. The sauce was not reduced enough and so was a bit bland and watery and I didn't get much wild mushrooms. The rump of lamb was cooked perfectly but not sure about the anchovies in this dish! It made it a bit too salty for my taste. The jus was decent though.

For dessert, we shared a fig tarte tatin with honey ice cream. The caramel was cooked more than I prefer and had a very slight bitter taste but I can see why some people might prefer it like that. The honey ice cream was nice on its own, quite subtle but we couldn't really taste the flavour with the fig tart aswell because the sweetness of the tart overpowered it.

Overall, it's a very nice pub and would love to live nearer for it to be a local (for drinks) but the food is not quite there though it has the right idea. The meal cost about Â£60 with soft drinks which is expensive for us I suppose. I actually don't think I'll find a gastropub that I'll love after knowing about Anchor & Hope and Great Queen St because the benchmark is so high now :D Too bad

I was quite excited about coming here, I've been past this place a few times and it looked interesting. I think it's won some awards in the past so I was intrigued.

Inside, there were wooden panels along the walls along with dim lighting and sort of has the feel of a private library in a big house. There are the usual wooden tables and chairs that you expect in gastropubs with some leather seats in some parts.

They have a great selection of spirits, wine and lager/ales. The service would be excellent if only they had more staff. We ended up waiting 20-30 mins for each course and they were slow to clear up plates. It wasn't actually much of a problem for us because we wanted to relax and have a long meal but it's not ideal.

We had starters of smoked haddock and sweetcorn chowder with poached egg and bone marrow and parsley salad with toast. The chowder was tasty. They'd blended the soup so it was more smooth than the tradional chunky chowder but fantastic nonetheless. My bone marrow was very fiddly as expected but wasn't as good as I imagined, it didn't taste of much. It's obviously a St John copy but according to my friend, it wasn't as nice as their version.

For mains, I had escalope of veal with a white wine, cream, mustard and tarragon sauce with wild mushrooms and my friend had rump of lamb with french beans, anchovies, something else that I can't remember and rosemary jus. My veal was slightly overcooked, it was perfect for the first few minutes but because it carried on cooking, it ended up being quite tough. The sauce was not reduced enough and so was a bit bland and watery and I didn't get much wild mushrooms. The rump of lamb was cooked perfectly but not sure about the anchovies in this dish! It made it a bit too salty for my taste. The jus was decent though.

For dessert, we shared a fig tarte tatin with honey ice cream. The caramel was cooked more than I prefer and had a very slight bitter taste but I can see why some people might prefer it like that. The honey ice cream was nice on its own, quite subtle but we couldn't really taste the flavour with the fig tart aswell because the sweetness of the tart overpowered it.

Overall, it's a very nice pub and would love to live nearer for it to be a local (for drinks) but the food is not quite there though it has the right idea. The meal cost about Â£60 with soft drinks which is expensive for us I suppose. I actually don't think I'll find a gastropub that I'll love after knowing about Anchor & Hope and Great Queen St because the benchmark is so high now :D Too bad

Tandoori Nights Of Dulwich - by nacho

nacho — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:07:32 +0000

Review by nacho

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 82994077

Tags: indian, good value, crowded

Never 5 stars but nice and good value.Never 5 stars but nice and good value.

Springers Wine Bar - Great Food by flojo

flojo — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:01:06 +0000

Review by flojo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8693 3549

Tags: relaxed, friendly, romantic

Have been here a few times. You are always guaranteed a warm welcome from the owners Bryan and Jackie, and the food and atmosphere doesn't disappoint either!

I was here to celebrate a cousin's 21st party therefore we had half of the enclosed court-yard area at the rear of the restaurant.

Had asparagus with a very light blue-cheesy dressing, followed by one of the best steaks I have had in ages, sirloin with au poivre sauce on the side and french fries - perfect!

We all ended up with a special fresh fruit gateau.

Well recommended.Have been here a few times. You are always guaranteed a warm welcome from the owners Bryan and Jackie, and the food and atmosphere doesn't disappoint either!

I was here to celebrate a cousin's 21st party therefore we had half of the enclosed court-yard area at the rear of the restaurant.

Had asparagus with a very light blue-cheesy dressing, followed by one of the best steaks I have had in ages, sirloin with au poivre sauce on the side and french fries - perfect!

We all ended up with a special fresh fruit gateau.

Well recommended.