Latest reviews for Restaurants in Hackney, London, United Kingdom

F Cooke - Pie and MAsh heaven by thecure

thecure — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:11:33 +0000

Review by thecure

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 7718

Pie and Mash. If you have eaten it before, then you know the whole experience goes with the food. It has to have the right feeling in the place where the food is served. I love pie houses that take you back to the basics and a way of life that has pretty much diminished. Cooke's is the perfect Pie and Mash experience. I have been eating Pie and Mash for over twenty years and this place still sticks in my mind as one of the best.Pie and Mash. If you have eaten it before, then you know the whole experience goes with the food. It has to have the right feeling in the place where the food is served. I love pie houses that take you back to the basics and a way of life that has pretty much diminished. Cooke's is the perfect Pie and Mash experience. I have been eating Pie and Mash for over twenty years and this place still sticks in my mind as one of the best.

The Old Ship - Really, really bad. by Winter

Winter — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:48:15 +0000

Review by Winter

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8986 1641

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

Tags: british, good value, bad food

My two friends and I visited the Old Ship yesterday, on the basis that we couldn't get in to our usual Sunday Roast place, so we thought we'd give it a try...

Other than the good company of my friends, I can't possibly say anything good about my experience at the Old Ship. Firstly, the service was dire, the one waitress who eventually served us apologised for the delay, but when asked if they were short staffed today... no, it was just that the manager was spending the day in the office downstairs. Handy.

So, on to the worst part; the food. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that the food was disgusting, to the point of being comedic (see the second course below).

I ordered the "Slow roast pork belly", by the texture and almost impenetrable quality (I was going to ask for a steak knife just before I sent it back) I would guess it had been slow roasting all day, the previous day. It also smelt rather musky, with an unpleasant odour of gone off blood (I grew up on a pig farm, I know the smell well unfortunately).

This was sent back to the kitchen via a second uninterested waitress, who agreed (well, vaguely nodded) she would swap it for the roast... until the manager arrived from the depths below, and got wind of this. No, he explained, I couldn't swap it for a roast; he would have to charge me a Â£6 on top of the price of the pork. I told him I'd rather go without thanks.

On to dessert; now this is where it goes beyond bad, beyond just rubbish food, to well, just seriously hilarious!

We all ordered the "Chocolate and raspberry tart with ice cream". I can only smile when thinking back to what actually arrived. I think the ingredients would probably break down to the following.

1 x Tart base, probably Tesco
1 x Tub of frozen raspberries
1 x Slab of standard cooking chocolate (nothing fancy mind).
1 x Dollop of ice cream on the side

And the recipe, like this...

Whilst slowly melting the cooking chocolate in a bowl in the microwave, liberally sprinkle the frozen raspberries into the Tesco's tart base, don't worry about de-freezing the raspberries (I'm sure the ship don't), the choc will warm them up. When the choc has fully melted, pour over the raspberries and allow to settle. Place in fridge.

Hang on you're saying, surely there's other ingredients? Where's the flour? Eggs? Surely there should be some caster sugar in there? And some butter? What about some cocoa powder for dusting the top??

Not for the Old Ship's chocolate and raspberry tart, that's the lot. Just melted cooking chocolate poured over frozen raspberries in a Tesco tart base. Gorgeous!

So, that was that, Â£60 later we left. Obviously I won't be going back, not even for another slice of that delicious tart, or for another bit of that two-day, slowly-roasted, strangely pungent smelling pork.

But if you fancy a long wait for overpriced, very shoddy food, go for it. And remember to have a slice of that tart!

Yum yum!

My two friends and I visited the Old Ship yesterday, on the basis that we couldn't get in to our usual Sunday Roast place, so we thought we'd give it a try...

Other than the good company of my friends, I can't possibly say anything good about my experience at the Old Ship. Firstly, the service was dire, the one waitress who eventually served us apologised for the delay, but when asked if they were short staffed today... no, it was just that the manager was spending the day in the office downstairs. Handy.

So, on to the worst part; the food. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that the food was disgusting, to the point of being comedic (see the second course below).

I ordered the "Slow roast pork belly", by the texture and almost impenetrable quality (I was going to ask for a steak knife just before I sent it back) I would guess it had been slow roasting all day, the previous day. It also smelt rather musky, with an unpleasant odour of gone off blood (I grew up on a pig farm, I know the smell well unfortunately).

This was sent back to the kitchen via a second uninterested waitress, who agreed (well, vaguely nodded) she would swap it for the roast... until the manager arrived from the depths below, and got wind of this. No, he explained, I couldn't swap it for a roast; he would have to charge me a Â£6 on top of the price of the pork. I told him I'd rather go without thanks.

On to dessert; now this is where it goes beyond bad, beyond just rubbish food, to well, just seriously hilarious!

We all ordered the "Chocolate and raspberry tart with ice cream". I can only smile when thinking back to what actually arrived. I think the ingredients would probably break down to the following.

1 x Tart base, probably Tesco
1 x Tub of frozen raspberries
1 x Slab of standard cooking chocolate (nothing fancy mind).
1 x Dollop of ice cream on the side

And the recipe, like this...

Whilst slowly melting the cooking chocolate in a bowl in the microwave, liberally sprinkle the frozen raspberries into the Tesco's tart base, don't worry about de-freezing the raspberries (I'm sure the ship don't), the choc will warm them up. When the choc has fully melted, pour over the raspberries and allow to settle. Place in fridge.

Hang on you're saying, surely there's other ingredients? Where's the flour? Eggs? Surely there should be some caster sugar in there? And some butter? What about some cocoa powder for dusting the top??

Not for the Old Ship's chocolate and raspberry tart, that's the lot. Just melted cooking chocolate poured over frozen raspberries in a Tesco tart base. Gorgeous!

So, that was that, Â£60 later we left. Obviously I won't be going back, not even for another slice of that delicious tart, or for another bit of that two-day, slowly-roasted, strangely pungent smelling pork.

But if you fancy a long wait for overpriced, very shoddy food, go for it. And remember to have a slice of that tart!

Yum yum!

Shanghai - consistently good by zuzazak

zuzazak — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:46:07 +0000

Review by zuzazak

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7254 2878

Tags: chinese, good value, cheap eat

i always come here for dim sum and it's always delicious. i have read some reviews complaining of bad service but we have never experienced this ourselves. love the front of the restaurant for the atmosphere!i always come here for dim sum and it's always delicious. i have read some reviews complaining of bad service but we have never experienced this ourselves. love the front of the restaurant for the atmosphere!

Bistrotheque - nice atmosphere, good food but over-priced by zuzazak

zuzazak — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:39:49 +0000

Review by zuzazak

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8983 7900

Website: http://www.bistrotheque.com/

Tags: live music, lively, value for money

i have been here a couple of times and the food is always delicious but way over-priced. I love the way the "seasonal vegetables" is autumn were roast vine tomatoes - maybe seasonal in spain! we waited for a long time to get our drinks but they were delicious when they came, as was my steak tartare. we had a fun night so didn't mind the massive bill at the end, though i would rather go to LMNT in the future!i have been here a couple of times and the food is always delicious but way over-priced. I love the way the "seasonal vegetables" is autumn were roast vine tomatoes - maybe seasonal in spain! we waited for a long time to get our drinks but they were delicious when they came, as was my steak tartare. we had a fun night so didn't mind the massive bill at the end, though i would rather go to LMNT in the future!

LMNT - modern european, great atmosphere, good value by zuzazak

zuzazak — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:33:09 +0000

Review by zuzazak

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 6727

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

Tags: romantic, good value, french

we come here on a regular basis and always have a great experience! the food is great, the atmosphere is relaxed, the decor kitch and fun, and the bill always surprisingly small! what more could you want?we come here on a regular basis and always have a great experience! the food is great, the atmosphere is relaxed, the decor kitch and fun, and the bill always surprisingly small! what more could you want?

The Empress Of India - nice romantic evening by Kimmi

Kimmi — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:37:24 +0000

Review by Kimmi

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8533 5123

Website: http://www.theempressofindia.com

Tags: breakfast, gastro pub, british

My boyfriend and I went here the other night for my birthday and had a really great night. The food was delicious and we were well looked after by the staff. My boyfriend had asked for a table with a bit more privacy, so had booked a later dinner to ensure this, and the staff left us to ourselves in the back of the restaurant to enjoy our romantic evening. We spent the evening going through several courses of food, and a couple of bottles of great wine. Will definitely be back soon.My boyfriend and I went here the other night for my birthday and had a really great night. The food was delicious and we were well looked after by the staff. My boyfriend had asked for a table with a bit more privacy, so had booked a later dinner to ensure this, and the staff left us to ourselves in the back of the restaurant to enjoy our romantic evening. We spent the evening going through several courses of food, and a couple of bottles of great wine. Will definitely be back soon.

Song Que - just ok.. by LittleIsla

LittleIsla — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:07:29 +0000

Review by LittleIsla

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7613 3222

Tags: vietnamese, cheap eat, lively

I didn't really find this place the Holy Land of London Vietnamese restaurants that some do. It was ok, but very ok. I found the cuts of beef in my beef pho really chewy, and the stock a bit bland. I ate my food, but have been to much better places, so won't be trying it again here.I didn't really find this place the Holy Land of London Vietnamese restaurants that some do. It was ok, but very ok. I found the cuts of beef in my beef pho really chewy, and the stock a bit bland. I ate my food, but have been to much better places, so won't be trying it again here.

Fifteen - Top job! by QueenB

QueenB — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:16:05 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0871 330 1515

Website: http://www.fifteenrestaurant.com

Tags: lively, italian, expensive

The boyf took me here as a treat last night to the Trattoria on the ground floor. It was very busy and buzzy with a real mixed crowd - mostly touristy looking I thought.

Staff were young, friendly and helpful enough but not memorable and we were left waiting a while when first seated to order a drink.

I think I chose the better dishes out fo the 2 of us.
I had â¬Üai frutti di mareâ¬" risotto that had a tomato base with mussels and all sorts of fish in it - quite a hefty portion for a starter too!
Main course I had whole mackerel with an orange based salad that complimented each other so well! That fish was the best thing all night, it was dressed and cooked to perfection.
Washed down with a glass of Moltepucciano.

Boyf had wild mushroom and duck liver ravioli to start which he really enjoyed.
Mains he had Slow-roasted belly of Dalgarnock pork served with puy lentis - which was good but was quite standard.

Dessert I had chocolate brownie which was fudge like in the middle with a good depth of chocolate but was just too hard on top, the rasberyy coulis was very morish and great contrast
Boyf had Vanilla panna cotta with aged Belazu balsamic strawberries and shortbread which was pretty bland and forgetable, sadly.They only served one strawberry with it???

Starters on average were about Â£9
mains were between Â£14 and Â£25
all desserts were Â£5.85

Glass of house wine starts at Â£5, with decent options at around the Â£8/9 mark - top selections available too.

A Â£1 donation is added to your bill to help fund the organisation Jamie O has set up to help train the youngsters - which I think you'd agree is worthwhile cause but you can ask fo rthis to be deducted if you so wish.

The restaurant upstairs offers a tasting menu at Â£60 per head which I would be interested in trying out one evening.

all in all, I think the menu is quite safe in it's offerings but it's good, well cooked, tasty fresh food and I would def go back.

The boyf took me here as a treat last night to the Trattoria on the ground floor. It was very busy and buzzy with a real mixed crowd - mostly touristy looking I thought.

Staff were young, friendly and helpful enough but not memorable and we were left waiting a while when first seated to order a drink.

I think I chose the better dishes out fo the 2 of us.
I had â¬Üai frutti di mareâ¬" risotto that had a tomato base with mussels and all sorts of fish in it - quite a hefty portion for a starter too!
Main course I had whole mackerel with an orange based salad that complimented each other so well! That fish was the best thing all night, it was dressed and cooked to perfection.
Washed down with a glass of Moltepucciano.

Boyf had wild mushroom and duck liver ravioli to start which he really enjoyed.
Mains he had Slow-roasted belly of Dalgarnock pork served with puy lentis - which was good but was quite standard.

Dessert I had chocolate brownie which was fudge like in the middle with a good depth of chocolate but was just too hard on top, the rasberyy coulis was very morish and great contrast
Boyf had Vanilla panna cotta with aged Belazu balsamic strawberries and shortbread which was pretty bland and forgetable, sadly.They only served one strawberry with it???

Starters on average were about Â£9
mains were between Â£14 and Â£25
all desserts were Â£5.85

Glass of house wine starts at Â£5, with decent options at around the Â£8/9 mark - top selections available too.

A Â£1 donation is added to your bill to help fund the organisation Jamie O has set up to help train the youngsters - which I think you'd agree is worthwhile cause but you can ask fo rthis to be deducted if you so wish.

The restaurant upstairs offers a tasting menu at Â£60 per head which I would be interested in trying out one evening.

all in all, I think the menu is quite safe in it's offerings but it's good, well cooked, tasty fresh food and I would def go back.

Buen Ayre - GHASTLY by Murry

Murry — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:11:45 +0000

Review by Murry

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7275 9900

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

Tags: crowded, lively, expensive

This is truly the most appalling place I have had the misfortune to eat in. Four of us went well out of our way on a weekend visit from overseas to London on Saturday night last (22/08/09) to eat at this restaurant, as it had been recommended. I have never been treated so badly in an eatery in my life.

It is difficult to know how to begin to describe the contempt with which we were treated. Many of the myriad problems were down to the waiter, who persisted in blatantly sneering each time we asked him a question. At the outset he snapped at us when we tried to place an order with him saying his "brain couldn't cope". We had to repeat our orders three times, despite the fact that the menu is very limited. He then returned to the table at least three further times at intervals of some five minutes apart to ask us again what we had ordered and how we wanted our steaks cooked (the steaks were later not cooked to specification and one had to be returned to the kitchen). Notwithstanding this, only three starters were slammed down rudely on our table. When my husband asked where my starter was the waiter shrugged his shoulders, rolled his eyes and said "what's the problem, it'll be here in 5 or 6 minutes". Some time later I received my cheese - a gloopy, congealing mess which was rapidly hardening on the cheap nasty tinned plate on which it was served.

When I asked if they had Malbec he snapped in a derisory tone "All the wines are Malbec". He spilt wine on a bread plate when serving us and when this was pointed out to him, he simply snatched the plate and replaced it with another from a different table, without an apology. When I asked what sauce came with the steaks, he again snapped at me, rolled his eyes and said that it was a special Argentinian sauce, except he forgot to serve it with the steaks until we had almost finished, whereupon he brought a tiny container of sauce for the entire table, again this was thrown on the table. When one of our party had placed the knife and fork which she had used to eat her starter on the plates when he was clearing them away, he made a face at her and nodded at the knife and fork to tell her to take them back, rather than giving her a fresh knife and fork. Two of our parties plates were cleared away while others were still eating and one of the party whose plate was taken was not finished eating when her plate was taken.

Word limits will not allow me to further describe the other issues which arose throughout our awful meal, but suffice to say that after further repeated abhorrences from the 'waiter' the final straw came after we received the wrong bill for twice the amount of our meal, asked for the correct bill and were presented with a bill with a large 'gratuity' added to it. When I questioned the waiter as to why a gratuity had been added he indignantly looked at me in his sneering manner and said "That's my tip". I said that we weren't paying him a tip and he said that no other table had a problem with him. I pointed out that I wasn't sitting at any other table. He then said his service was 'good'. If the whole thing wasn't so pathetic, it would almost have been laughable. Naturally, we refused to pay the 'gratuity'. When we asked to speak to a manager, we were told that the owner was there that evening and so we asked to speak to him to complain. Our requests to speak to him were repeatedly ignored, despite one of our party approaching the kitchen area. This summed up the place for me and I can't say I was surprised. Anyone who employs a waiter like the one who served us obviously has a complete disregard for the interest or enjoyment of his customers.

This indescribably awful place ruined our entire weekend visit to London. I personally was very upset by the way in which we were treated, and embarrassed that I had suggested the place as somewhere to go. I deeply regret every penny of the Â£120 which we wasted there (you quite literally get 'a steak' for twenty something pounds. Chips are more).

The waiter was not the only problem - amongst others, there were little black bits in the butter; it was swelteringly hot in the restaurant and there wasn't so much as one fan in the place. The door was open even though it was bin collection night on Broadway Market and unpleasant smells were wafting in the open door from the detritus on the street and from the bin collection lorry. I also have no idea why people raved about the meat either - mine was sinewy and gritty.

I noted they had a 'Reviewed on Tripadvisor" sign in their door. I also note that there is another website devoted to London with what i would consider more accurate reviews of what the restaurant is really like. How this dreadful place is number 65 on Tripadvisor in a city full of great restaurants is baffling.

I have gone to the trouble of writing a lengthy review in the hope that if it prevents even one other group from having a similar experience to ours, it will be worth it. I implore you to bring your custom to a restaurant in London where your patronage will be appreciated, and not to this hellhole.This is truly the most appalling place I have had the misfortune to eat in. Four of us went well out of our way on a weekend visit from overseas to London on Saturday night last (22/08/09) to eat at this restaurant, as it had been recommended. I have never been treated so badly in an eatery in my life.

It is difficult to know how to begin to describe the contempt with which we were treated. Many of the myriad problems were down to the waiter, who persisted in blatantly sneering each time we asked him a question. At the outset he snapped at us when we tried to place an order with him saying his "brain couldn't cope". We had to repeat our orders three times, despite the fact that the menu is very limited. He then returned to the table at least three further times at intervals of some five minutes apart to ask us again what we had ordered and how we wanted our steaks cooked (the steaks were later not cooked to specification and one had to be returned to the kitchen). Notwithstanding this, only three starters were slammed down rudely on our table. When my husband asked where my starter was the waiter shrugged his shoulders, rolled his eyes and said "what's the problem, it'll be here in 5 or 6 minutes". Some time later I received my cheese - a gloopy, congealing mess which was rapidly hardening on the cheap nasty tinned plate on which it was served.

When I asked if they had Malbec he snapped in a derisory tone "All the wines are Malbec". He spilt wine on a bread plate when serving us and when this was pointed out to him, he simply snatched the plate and replaced it with another from a different table, without an apology. When I asked what sauce came with the steaks, he again snapped at me, rolled his eyes and said that it was a special Argentinian sauce, except he forgot to serve it with the steaks until we had almost finished, whereupon he brought a tiny container of sauce for the entire table, again this was thrown on the table. When one of our party had placed the knife and fork which she had used to eat her starter on the plates when he was clearing them away, he made a face at her and nodded at the knife and fork to tell her to take them back, rather than giving her a fresh knife and fork. Two of our parties plates were cleared away while others were still eating and one of the party whose plate was taken was not finished eating when her plate was taken.

Word limits will not allow me to further describe the other issues which arose throughout our awful meal, but suffice to say that after further repeated abhorrences from the 'waiter' the final straw came after we received the wrong bill for twice the amount of our meal, asked for the correct bill and were presented with a bill with a large 'gratuity' added to it. When I questioned the waiter as to why a gratuity had been added he indignantly looked at me in his sneering manner and said "That's my tip". I said that we weren't paying him a tip and he said that no other table had a problem with him. I pointed out that I wasn't sitting at any other table. He then said his service was 'good'. If the whole thing wasn't so pathetic, it would almost have been laughable. Naturally, we refused to pay the 'gratuity'. When we asked to speak to a manager, we were told that the owner was there that evening and so we asked to speak to him to complain. Our requests to speak to him were repeatedly ignored, despite one of our party approaching the kitchen area. This summed up the place for me and I can't say I was surprised. Anyone who employs a waiter like the one who served us obviously has a complete disregard for the interest or enjoyment of his customers.

This indescribably awful place ruined our entire weekend visit to London. I personally was very upset by the way in which we were treated, and embarrassed that I had suggested the place as somewhere to go. I deeply regret every penny of the Â£120 which we wasted there (you quite literally get 'a steak' for twenty something pounds. Chips are more).

The waiter was not the only problem - amongst others, there were little black bits in the butter; it was swelteringly hot in the restaurant and there wasn't so much as one fan in the place. The door was open even though it was bin collection night on Broadway Market and unpleasant smells were wafting in the open door from the detritus on the street and from the bin collection lorry. I also have no idea why people raved about the meat either - mine was sinewy and gritty.

I noted they had a 'Reviewed on Tripadvisor" sign in their door. I also note that there is another website devoted to London with what i would consider more accurate reviews of what the restaurant is really like. How this dreadful place is number 65 on Tripadvisor in a city full of great restaurants is baffling.

I have gone to the trouble of writing a lengthy review in the hope that if it prevents even one other group from having a similar experience to ours, it will be worth it. I implore you to bring your custom to a restaurant in London where your patronage will be appreciated, and not to this hellhole.

Cilicia - Turkish on broadway by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:32:57 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 8799

Tags: turkish, takeaway, good value

Went here on a sunny sunday evening and sat in the patio area at the back. Found the food to be good value and it had a nice atmosphere...but the Turkish bread was disappointing!Went here on a sunny sunday evening and sat in the patio area at the back. Found the food to be good value and it had a nice atmosphere...but the Turkish bread was disappointing!

Fish House - Over rated by inapickle

inapickle — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:39:06 +0000

Review by inapickle

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8533 3327

Tags: lively, good value, seafood

visited on 24th may 2009
food mediocre
service was average
manageress was rude
visited on 24th may 2009
food mediocre
service was average
manageress was rude

Tay Do - The worst meal ever by alice0987

alice0987 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:29:03 +0000

Review by alice0987

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7739 0966

Tags: vietnamese, lively, crowded

I hate to leave negative reviews but in this instance I was so disgusted I can't say anything else. My fiance and I popped into Tay Do for a bite to eat one night. I wish we'd picked a different restaurant instead. It was the worst meal we have ever had. Or not had... He discovered two hairs in his dish after just a few mouthfuls of his food. This obviously put him off... if hygiene standards were so low that he found that in the first two mouthfuls who knows what else might be wrong! He sent his dish back, we both nibbled at mine for a while. We didn't even get through half of it. The staff were very blase about him sending the dish back and didn't even apologise. In fact they seemed disgruntled with us as though we were trouble causers! We asked four times for water only for it to come with the bill. The bill was charging us for the dish we sent back too! They took this off but refused to give us any other discount even though we hardly touched my meal because we put off. They said they had knocked off the cost of our tap waters out of courtesy then walked off and waited for us to leave. Well that's nice! They didn't charge us for warm water from a tap that came with the bill when we'd asked from the start of our meal. The food was horrible. The staff were rude, and the fact that they seemed to care so little about our meal makes me wonder how unhygienic their kitchens must be. Is it standard practice for hairs (and who knows what else may be lurking!) to appear in their meals I wonder. They pack people in too tightly too. They tried to sit us almost in the doorway before agreeing to let us have a table at the back. The place seemed ver popular but I'm sure this is because of the convenient BYO policy and nothing else. It wasn't even that cheap when you think about it... the bill came to a tenner for a bit of prawn toast and my one veggie soup with no drinks. I'm local to the area but I certainly won't be returning.There are far nicer, cleaner(!) restaurants down this road and in the surrounding area.I hate to leave negative reviews but in this instance I was so disgusted I can't say anything else. My fiance and I popped into Tay Do for a bite to eat one night. I wish we'd picked a different restaurant instead. It was the worst meal we have ever had. Or not had... He discovered two hairs in his dish after just a few mouthfuls of his food. This obviously put him off... if hygiene standards were so low that he found that in the first two mouthfuls who knows what else might be wrong! He sent his dish back, we both nibbled at mine for a while. We didn't even get through half of it. The staff were very blase about him sending the dish back and didn't even apologise. In fact they seemed disgruntled with us as though we were trouble causers! We asked four times for water only for it to come with the bill. The bill was charging us for the dish we sent back too! They took this off but refused to give us any other discount even though we hardly touched my meal because we put off. They said they had knocked off the cost of our tap waters out of courtesy then walked off and waited for us to leave. Well that's nice! They didn't charge us for warm water from a tap that came with the bill when we'd asked from the start of our meal. The food was horrible. The staff were rude, and the fact that they seemed to care so little about our meal makes me wonder how unhygienic their kitchens must be. Is it standard practice for hairs (and who knows what else may be lurking!) to appear in their meals I wonder. They pack people in too tightly too. They tried to sit us almost in the doorway before agreeing to let us have a table at the back. The place seemed ver popular but I'm sure this is because of the convenient BYO policy and nothing else. It wasn't even that cheap when you think about it... the bill came to a tenner for a bit of prawn toast and my one veggie soup with no drinks. I'm local to the area but I certainly won't be returning.There are far nicer, cleaner(!) restaurants down this road and in the surrounding area.

Obalende Suya - by TrustedBot

TrustedBot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:19:48 +0000

Review by TrustedBot

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 0207 275 0171

Website: www.suyaexpress.com

Tags: smoking, party, 2 for 1

The Suya Master has brought to the capital a taste of Africa.

With beautiful home cooked food at fantastic prices, Obalende Suya has so much to offer, with superb venues, friendly staff, amazing food and even a take away service if you do not fancy eating out. You can even order a take away on line if you prefer.

Obalende Suya have brought their tradition to London for everyone to enjoy.

Chef´s Speciality Dish:

LAFENWA with Steamed Rice (Exotic spicy Stewed Beef) The Suya Master has brought to the capital a taste of Africa.

Obalende Suya have brought their tradition to London for everyone to enjoy.

Chef´s Speciality Dish:

LAFENWA with Steamed Rice (Exotic spicy Stewed Beef)

Huong Viet - What a fun evening by Browners

Browners — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:53:48 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 0877

Tags: vietnamese, crowded, family & home feel

We had one of our most fun nights out of the year at Huong-Viet. All of our foodie friends from the North of London have raved about this Vietnamese canteen. As have Charles Campion, Time Out and Nigel Slater. It has a sense of authenticity and quirkiness that appeals in spades. Much of this is derived from the fact that the site for this restaurant used to be public laundry and baths and then became a community centre for Vietnamese refugees. It then evolved into a canteen serving authentic, inexpensive Vietnamese food to whoever was either close enough or brave enough to visit.

So when the excuse arose we pounced. With the aid of a compass, some thermals and an appropriately named Hackney Carriage we waded in on a mission to try the entire menu. With the aid of Edwin's impressive grasp of the Vietnamese language and Jack's sheer appetite we were soon swamped by so many dishes that we had to annex a second table!

Summer rolls were fresh, crunchy, soft, cool and fragrant all at the same time. I reckon I could eat these all day. For me they are on a par with the Paddyfield in Balham, if not better.

A Vietnamese omelette was unnecessary, given the amount of food we'd ordered, but delicious nonetheless. Stuffed with crunchy and gungy stuff it was a text book example of contrasting textures. Doused in firey chilli sauce and it really came alive.

The highlight to the first act of our meal was a plate of chargrilled squid which achieved the ultimate goal of being succulent and rammed with flavour at the same time.

Other starters such as fish cakes and beef wrapped in leaves were so good they disappeared before I could photograph them! Much to my irritation and everyone else's mirth. The beef transported me back to a lunch time cafe in Hong Kong which I became addicted to several summers ago.

It was as if the main courses didn't want to be outdone by the starters. My hot and spicy lamb was one of the favourite things I have eaten this year. It lived up to its name by delivering the sort of sticky, tangy heat that makes you lick your lips for days afterwards. I had to fight Jack and Anna off with my chopsticks.

Cowie's whole steamed sea bass was good enough to prevent me from being offered any. Always a good sign. It's just a shame they couldn't find a larger plate. But I guess that is part of the charm. incidentally, this appears to be one of Nigel Slater's favourite dishes.

Edwin's impressive ordering skills resulted in a scene that wouldn't have been out of place in an ad for HSBC! A waiter appeared holding a scorching hot plate at arm's length and deposited it, still spitting in front of Edwin. It was a wonderful piece of theatre. And cooking too. Given the amount of burning hot oil that splattered onto the table it was essentially a healthy option.

Other dishes included a fragrant chicken curry with a plenty of lemon grass and a saucy pork curry. All washed down with plenty of Vietnamese beer and a lot of banter. If you can judge a meal by how dirty the table cloth gets, then we had a whale of a time. By the end we were trying to interpret the oily splodges around Edwin's plate in a way that would have had psychologists raising a lot of eyebrows!

We loved the informal atmosphere, direct service, delicious food and cheap bill. Some writers have suggested that there has been a lull in quality in recent times. But that wasn't on show when we visited. We loved it and are already planning a return trip. We just wish that we either lived closer, or that they would consider opening in Brixton or Balham.We had one of our most fun nights out of the year at Huong-Viet. All of our foodie friends from the North of London have raved about this Vietnamese canteen. As have Charles Campion, Time Out and Nigel Slater. It has a sense of authenticity and quirkiness that appeals in spades. Much of this is derived from the fact that the site for this restaurant used to be public laundry and baths and then became a community centre for Vietnamese refugees. It then evolved into a canteen serving authentic, inexpensive Vietnamese food to whoever was either close enough or brave enough to visit.

So when the excuse arose we pounced. With the aid of a compass, some thermals and an appropriately named Hackney Carriage we waded in on a mission to try the entire menu. With the aid of Edwin's impressive grasp of the Vietnamese language and Jack's sheer appetite we were soon swamped by so many dishes that we had to annex a second table!

Summer rolls were fresh, crunchy, soft, cool and fragrant all at the same time. I reckon I could eat these all day. For me they are on a par with the Paddyfield in Balham, if not better.

A Vietnamese omelette was unnecessary, given the amount of food we'd ordered, but delicious nonetheless. Stuffed with crunchy and gungy stuff it was a text book example of contrasting textures. Doused in firey chilli sauce and it really came alive.

The highlight to the first act of our meal was a plate of chargrilled squid which achieved the ultimate goal of being succulent and rammed with flavour at the same time.

Other starters such as fish cakes and beef wrapped in leaves were so good they disappeared before I could photograph them! Much to my irritation and everyone else's mirth. The beef transported me back to a lunch time cafe in Hong Kong which I became addicted to several summers ago.

It was as if the main courses didn't want to be outdone by the starters. My hot and spicy lamb was one of the favourite things I have eaten this year. It lived up to its name by delivering the sort of sticky, tangy heat that makes you lick your lips for days afterwards. I had to fight Jack and Anna off with my chopsticks.

Cowie's whole steamed sea bass was good enough to prevent me from being offered any. Always a good sign. It's just a shame they couldn't find a larger plate. But I guess that is part of the charm. incidentally, this appears to be one of Nigel Slater's favourite dishes.

Edwin's impressive ordering skills resulted in a scene that wouldn't have been out of place in an ad for HSBC! A waiter appeared holding a scorching hot plate at arm's length and deposited it, still spitting in front of Edwin. It was a wonderful piece of theatre. And cooking too. Given the amount of burning hot oil that splattered onto the table it was essentially a healthy option.

Other dishes included a fragrant chicken curry with a plenty of lemon grass and a saucy pork curry. All washed down with plenty of Vietnamese beer and a lot of banter. If you can judge a meal by how dirty the table cloth gets, then we had a whale of a time. By the end we were trying to interpret the oily splodges around Edwin's plate in a way that would have had psychologists raising a lot of eyebrows!

We loved the informal atmosphere, direct service, delicious food and cheap bill. Some writers have suggested that there has been a lull in quality in recent times. But that wasn't on show when we visited. We loved it and are already planning a return trip. We just wish that we either lived closer, or that they would consider opening in Brixton or Balham.

19 Numara Bos Cirrik - The best Turkish food in the area... by simonbk

simonbk — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:14:46 +0000

Review by simonbk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 0400

Tags: turkish, family & home feel, lively

I have to say I really do rate this place. I've eaten in a number of Turkish restaurants in the area and 19 Numara Bos Cirrik always comes out on top. Busy most evenings but its worth the short wait for a seat.

Food-wise I've had a number dishes from the menu but today I shared a mixed kebab and a mixed pide.

Starting with the mixed kebab (chicken ÅxiÅx, Ã§Ã¶p ÅxiÅx (small lamb chunks), Adana (minced lamb) and lamb chops) the Adana was juicy and deliciously flavoured but the best of the meats were the chops. Crispy and well seasoned on the outside, tender on the inside. Probably worth a full order. The mixed kebab is served with rice, onion salad, shepherds salad and the most delicious of all the salads, Izgara soÄxan. Izgara soÄxan is made up of slices of grilled onion, pomegranate syrup, turnip juice, and sumac (a sour, purple-coloured powdered spice common in Turkish cooking). It works a treat with both the meats and the pide and should not be missed. If they forget to serve this salad be sure to get their attention and demand it.

The mixed pide (sort of a Turkish pizza) was also delicious and cooked to order. The mixed pide was topped with minced lamb, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, cheddar cheese and herbs. Hot, fresh and full of flavour this was great to share with the kebabs.

Worth noting as well is a Turkish snack that Cirrik does very well called Lamacun. Again a Turkish pizza of sorts but with a thinner crust, fewer but equally delicious toppings and usually served as a wrap stuffed with salad. At £1.50 you can't go wrong.

All in all 19 Numara Bos Cirrik offers the best Turkish food in the area, if not London. Great food at great prices. Not much else I can say.I have to say I really do rate this place. I've eaten in a number of Turkish restaurants in the area and 19 Numara Bos Cirrik always comes out on top. Busy most evenings but its worth the short wait for a seat.

Food-wise I've had a number dishes from the menu but today I shared a mixed kebab and a mixed pide.

Starting with the mixed kebab (chicken ÅxiÅx, Ã§Ã¶p ÅxiÅx (small lamb chunks), Adana (minced lamb) and lamb chops) the Adana was juicy and deliciously flavoured but the best of the meats were the chops. Crispy and well seasoned on the outside, tender on the inside. Probably worth a full order. The mixed kebab is served with rice, onion salad, shepherds salad and the most delicious of all the salads, Izgara soÄxan. Izgara soÄxan is made up of slices of grilled onion, pomegranate syrup, turnip juice, and sumac (a sour, purple-coloured powdered spice common in Turkish cooking). It works a treat with both the meats and the pide and should not be missed. If they forget to serve this salad be sure to get their attention and demand it.

The mixed pide (sort of a Turkish pizza) was also delicious and cooked to order. The mixed pide was topped with minced lamb, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, cheddar cheese and herbs. Hot, fresh and full of flavour this was great to share with the kebabs.

Worth noting as well is a Turkish snack that Cirrik does very well called Lamacun. Again a Turkish pizza of sorts but with a thinner crust, fewer but equally delicious toppings and usually served as a wrap stuffed with salad. At £1.50 you can't go wrong.

All in all 19 Numara Bos Cirrik offers the best Turkish food in the area, if not London. Great food at great prices. Not much else I can say.

Tay Do Cafe - Full On High Octane Dining! by MrGryff

MrGryff — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:03:13 +0000

Review by MrGryff

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 7223

Tags: vietnamese, lively, good value

Awesome kitchen pumping out fabulous dishes into a crowded friday night throng of ravenous twenty somethings. The service comes all at once with every course piled up in front of you and staff to busy to waste time with petty requests. Menu item 37 looked a lot of fun on the table next to ours with what looked like make your own summer roll with beef! The spicy squid was superb, the green mussels beautiful. Seafood came out tops on our table, will definately explore the menu further in future.

A take your own wine place that charges corkage at a pound a head!

Enjoy, don't expect a peaceful night out on the weekend! JxAwesome kitchen pumping out fabulous dishes into a crowded friday night throng of ravenous twenty somethings. The service comes all at once with every course piled up in front of you and staff to busy to waste time with petty requests. Menu item 37 looked a lot of fun on the table next to ours with what looked like make your own summer roll with beef! The spicy squid was superb, the green mussels beautiful. Seafood came out tops on our table, will definately explore the menu further in future.

A take your own wine place that charges corkage at a pound a head!

Enjoy, don't expect a peaceful night out on the weekend! Jx

Viet Grill - A kingsland road get-around's fave place by kellytron

kellytron — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:29:01 +0000

Review by kellytron

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7739 6686

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

Tags: vietnamese, good value, lively

Always crowded, but always a winner. I tend to eat Vietnamese food weekly or fortnightly and being a local to the area tend to mix things up a bit, but continue to come back here most of all.

The food is great, prices cheap and unlike some of the resturants along here they have wine that doesn't taste of cat pee. Or how I imagine cat pee would taste. Can't say I've tried it, but if I do I'll be sure to review it too.

The decor is also lovely so it feels more like you're going out for a nice meal - nice to ease those unfamilar with the cuisine or 'hood.

And everyone I've bought here has loved it too, so has the added effect of making me look good. Bonus.Always crowded, but always a winner. I tend to eat Vietnamese food weekly or fortnightly and being a local to the area tend to mix things up a bit, but continue to come back here most of all.

The food is great, prices cheap and unlike some of the resturants along here they have wine that doesn't taste of cat pee. Or how I imagine cat pee would taste. Can't say I've tried it, but if I do I'll be sure to review it too.

The decor is also lovely so it feels more like you're going out for a nice meal - nice to ease those unfamilar with the cuisine or 'hood.

And everyone I've bought here has loved it too, so has the added effect of making me look good. Bonus.

Stone Cave - please try it by stonecave

stonecave — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:29:23 +0000

Review by stonecave

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7241 4911

Website: http://www.stonecave.net

Tags: turkish, live music, lively

one of the most unique restaurant in london unless you try it is very difficult to explain stone cave. Live music,traditional turkish dishes,fish menus,lunch buffetall types of kebabs so much to say about the cave.one of the most unique restaurant in london unless you try it is very difficult to explain stone cave. Live music,traditional turkish dishes,fish menus,lunch buffetall types of kebabs so much to say about the cave.

Viet Hoa Cafe - by Niamheen

Niamheen — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:38:28 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7729 8293

Tags: lively, vietnamese, good value

Decent Vietnamese offering, on the strip of Vietnamese restaurants that is on Kingsland Rd. Starters of summer rolls and ribs were very tasty and pleasant. Mains a little more disappointing, pho stock was lacking and the beef was cooked through, not rare and cooking in the stock. Wine and beer available, but you can also do BYO.Decent Vietnamese offering, on the strip of Vietnamese restaurants that is on Kingsland Rd. Starters of summer rolls and ribs were very tasty and pleasant. Mains a little more disappointing, pho stock was lacking and the beef was cooked through, not rare and cooking in the stock. Wine and beer available, but you can also do BYO.

Loong Kee Cafe - Pho Haven by bellaphon

bellaphon — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:57:08 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 8344

Tags: vietnamese, lively, takeaway

I had my first Pho in what was then known as Saigon. But the Pho that left a profound effect on me was experienced at a hawker stall by the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok many moons ago. It was run by a septuagenarian Vietnamese man (bless him). During my four-day stay in Bangkok Iâ¬"d nearly forgotten about Thai food as I went back to his stall for lunch everyday. His unbeatable beef stock is thus my reference for a perfect Pho.

The authentic Vietnamese restaurant scene only appeared in London within fifteen years ago or so. And as we all know the proliferation of it all is centred around Hackney and its environs. I can now confidently declare that Iâ¬"ve been to all the Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road over the past few years. The best Pho to date in my humblest opinion is found at Loong Kee CafÃ©, a pioneering one to boot. Itâ¬"s also the grottiest and shabbiest joint found on Kingsland Road. It totally lacks any appeal thatâ¬"s somewhat found at the neighbouring Time Out-ted Song Que or the bloggersâ¬" favourite of Cay Tre - The Vietnamese Kitchen at nearby Old Street.

The utterly delicious Pho TÃ¡i (Beef) is consistently textbook-like; beefy stock, properly rare slivers of beef, meal-unto-itself portion and cheap (this is street food after all). The herby BÃºn Ca (fish noodle soup) is equally not-to -be-missed. Additional dishes to go with the Pho that more than complete and epitomise the Vietnamese cuisine are Banh Cuon Thit; the steamed spring rolls (actually more like rolled lasagne) filled with a choice of prawn, pork or plain jane nowt, and Cha Chien; Fried pork sausage. As to date I believe that the cafÃ© is still BYOB, with the money saved on the cheap and more than decent tuck, you can actually afford to splash out on decent bottle of Alsace or Pouilly FumÃ© to enjoy with the meal. Oh, the Char Grilled Quails were absolutely stunning, fraction of the price of what they charge at Yauatcha.

Estimable service is taken care of by a bunch of cocky teenage looking boys. The ambience is like a greasy communal cafÃ©.

A couple of my Vietnamese French clients have suggested that the Vietnamese fayre offered in London is too well tempered and toned down for their tastes. They suggested that the Pho found in Paris is more like home from home and the best in Europe. With this advice alone Iâ¬"ll add Pho to my itinerary on my next visit to Paris.

Although not quite up there with the Choa Phraya experience, Iâ¬"m more than happy with Loong Kee.

NB Folks, Loong Kee bills itself as a Chinese (first!) and Vietnamese restaurant, do us favour and head straight to the back of the menu where the Vietnamese dishes reside. Phew.
I had my first Pho in what was then known as Saigon. But the Pho that left a profound effect on me was experienced at a hawker stall by the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok many moons ago. It was run by a septuagenarian Vietnamese man (bless him). During my four-day stay in Bangkok Iâ¬"d nearly forgotten about Thai food as I went back to his stall for lunch everyday. His unbeatable beef stock is thus my reference for a perfect Pho.

The authentic Vietnamese restaurant scene only appeared in London within fifteen years ago or so. And as we all know the proliferation of it all is centred around Hackney and its environs. I can now confidently declare that Iâ¬"ve been to all the Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road over the past few years. The best Pho to date in my humblest opinion is found at Loong Kee CafÃ©, a pioneering one to boot. Itâ¬"s also the grottiest and shabbiest joint found on Kingsland Road. It totally lacks any appeal thatâ¬"s somewhat found at the neighbouring Time Out-ted Song Que or the bloggersâ¬" favourite of Cay Tre - The Vietnamese Kitchen at nearby Old Street.

The utterly delicious Pho TÃ¡i (Beef) is consistently textbook-like; beefy stock, properly rare slivers of beef, meal-unto-itself portion and cheap (this is street food after all). The herby BÃºn Ca (fish noodle soup) is equally not-to -be-missed. Additional dishes to go with the Pho that more than complete and epitomise the Vietnamese cuisine are Banh Cuon Thit; the steamed spring rolls (actually more like rolled lasagne) filled with a choice of prawn, pork or plain jane nowt, and Cha Chien; Fried pork sausage. As to date I believe that the cafÃ© is still BYOB, with the money saved on the cheap and more than decent tuck, you can actually afford to splash out on decent bottle of Alsace or Pouilly FumÃ© to enjoy with the meal. Oh, the Char Grilled Quails were absolutely stunning, fraction of the price of what they charge at Yauatcha.

Estimable service is taken care of by a bunch of cocky teenage looking boys. The ambience is like a greasy communal cafÃ©.

A couple of my Vietnamese French clients have suggested that the Vietnamese fayre offered in London is too well tempered and toned down for their tastes. They suggested that the Pho found in Paris is more like home from home and the best in Europe. With this advice alone Iâ¬"ll add Pho to my itinerary on my next visit to Paris.

Although not quite up there with the Choa Phraya experience, Iâ¬"m more than happy with Loong Kee.

NB Folks, Loong Kee bills itself as a Chinese (first!) and Vietnamese restaurant, do us favour and head straight to the back of the menu where the Vietnamese dishes reside. Phew.