Latest reviews for Restaurants in Hornsey, London, United Kingdom

Italian Food Hall - DONT GO! by simonpw

simonpw — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:28:47 +0000

Review by simonpw

Rating: 1.00

Tags: italian, expensive, quick bite

Service was so bad we didnt even see out food. I ordered a mushroom dish and my partner a basic chicken dish.We didnt get asked what drinks we wanted for 10 mins, not a great start. Had asked for bread and olives, which is exactly that, dry white bread, no oil or balsamic, olives out of a jar! 40 mins in was asked if we wanted out main course! WHAT!!!? Still no food 15 mins later, asked again, he checked, told another 10 mins, we left... Waiter even argued that they were busy (half of restaurant empty) and that meat took long time to cook (its a chicken breast for gods sake) despite the fact 4 tables served in front of us...Never ever go to this place....ITS rubbishService was so bad we didnt even see out food. I ordered a mushroom dish and my partner a basic chicken dish.We didnt get asked what drinks we wanted for 10 mins, not a great start. Had asked for bread and olives, which is exactly that, dry white bread, no oil or balsamic, olives out of a jar! 40 mins in was asked if we wanted out main course! WHAT!!!? Still no food 15 mins later, asked again, he checked, told another 10 mins, we left... Waiter even argued that they were busy (half of restaurant empty) and that meat took long time to cook (its a chicken breast for gods sake) despite the fact 4 tables served in front of us...Never ever go to this place....ITS rubbish

Mauro's - Good Spag Bol by kelty

kelty — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:19:07 +0000

Review by kelty

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8341 6257

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

Had a nice spag bol here the othe rnight... I was slurping it while it slapped around my cheeks mmmmHad a nice spag bol here the othe rnight... I was slurping it while it slapped around my cheeks mmmm

Banners - by beccywiseman

beccywiseman — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:15:33 +0000

Review by beccywiseman

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8348 2930

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

Tags: crowded, family & home feel, international

The food is amazing in Banners. It really is a great little place... The downsides are that it is little though and the whole buggy situation can be a touch stressful... Oh and the food is soooo good and the servings so generous it's not great when you're trying to be healthy :-/The food is amazing in Banners. It really is a great little place... The downsides are that it is little though and the whole buggy situation can be a touch stressful... Oh and the food is soooo good and the servings so generous it's not great when you're trying to be healthy :-/

Monkey Nuts - by beccywiseman

beccywiseman — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:08:57 +0000

Review by beccywiseman

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8340 4466

Tags: american, live music, lively

I love this place. Great food and full of families so you don't have to worry about the evil eye. The cocktails aren't bad either!I love this place. Great food and full of families so you don't have to worry about the evil eye. The cocktails aren't bad either!

Arocaria - Like being on holiday! by gemmiepie

gemmiepie — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:27:20 +0000

Review by gemmiepie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8340 0580

Tags: greek, expensive, terrace

Don't believe the bad reviews; we've been going here for 3 years and have always had amazing food and affable company. The kebabs are beautiful, fresh and juicy, served with a generous portion of fresh greek salad. The waiters are lovely, they bend over backwards to ensure you have a great time, and we've been showered with free drinks and desserts at every meal. The building isn't damp and dirty, it's cosy and full of character, just the sort of place to go if spartan chain restaurants aren't your bag.Don't believe the bad reviews; we've been going here for 3 years and have always had amazing food and affable company. The kebabs are beautiful, fresh and juicy, served with a generous portion of fresh greek salad. The waiters are lovely, they bend over backwards to ensure you have a great time, and we've been showered with free drinks and desserts at every meal. The building isn't damp and dirty, it's cosy and full of character, just the sort of place to go if spartan chain restaurants aren't your bag.

Jade Palace - Best Chinese by hengwahwong

hengwahwong — Sun, 24 May 2009 02:52:26 +0000

Review by hengwahwong

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8347 8594

Tags: chinese, takeaway, good value

This one of the best chinese restaurant I have been to,which are very hard to find these days, just go and try the food, taste the difference then you know what I mean.

The food is so good it has already won many awards and has won the BEST CHINESE AWARD in the area by ARCHANT LONDON FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2008 and has 4 star hygiene from the council.This one of the best chinese restaurant I have been to,which are very hard to find these days, just go and try the food, taste the difference then you know what I mean.

The food is so good it has already won many awards and has won the BEST CHINESE AWARD in the area by ARCHANT LONDON FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2008 and has 4 star hygiene from the council.

Nivan - Nivan - Best barbequed fish that I had in London by koro

koro — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:28:50 +0000

Review by koro

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8348 6648

Tags: turkish, lively, romantic

Me and my english friend we had a lovely time and a great meal in Nivan on saturday - I had a Barbeque sea bass - THE BEST THAT I HAD IN LONDON - my friend she had a lovely lamb kebab
also the ice cream was great and a lovely espresso in the end of the meal was a blessing

Me and my english friend we had a lovely time and a great meal in Nivan on saturday - I had a Barbeque sea bass - THE BEST THAT I HAD IN LONDON - my friend she had a lovely lamb kebab
also the ice cream was great and a lovely espresso in the end of the meal was a blessing

Tomo - Tomo Resturant by koro

koro — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:22:39 +0000

Review by koro

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8348 0099

Website: www.tomopizzeria.com

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

Today I eat with my fiancee in TOMO RESTAURANT - 88, HighStreet - Hornsey - London - N8 7NU - the place was lovely, the service great and the food Simple divine - I had pasta - Gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and parmigiano and a lovely tiramisu for dessert - my man had the fusilli with sausages and courgette - we both were pleased about the taste, look and portion received.
the place was clean and cozy and lovely - they got plenty of tables - the floor and the architecture around make me feel at home (I am italian), the girl who works there was so lovely and helpful, the chef is brilliant and the pizzaman was making pizza in the front of us ... I didn't have pizza this time but I am sure I will next time - Even if they are not italian but polish (and I am italian) they were able to provide a meal and all the details as an italian will... wish all of them the best - and well done. It is the right place to go for a meal for anybody ... families, couple, with your mates or even by yourselfToday I eat with my fiancee in TOMO RESTAURANT - 88, HighStreet - Hornsey - London - N8 7NU - the place was lovely, the service great and the food Simple divine - I had pasta - Gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and parmigiano and a lovely tiramisu for dessert - my man had the fusilli with sausages and courgette - we both were pleased about the taste, look and portion received.
the place was clean and cozy and lovely - they got plenty of tables - the floor and the architecture around make me feel at home (I am italian), the girl who works there was so lovely and helpful, the chef is brilliant and the pizzaman was making pizza in the front of us ... I didn't have pizza this time but I am sure I will next time - Even if they are not italian but polish (and I am italian) they were able to provide a meal and all the details as an italian will... wish all of them the best - and well done. It is the right place to go for a meal for anybody ... families, couple, with your mates or even by yourself

tomo pizzeria italian restaurant - Tomo the right place for a italian meal by koro

koro — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:05:27 +0000

Review by koro

Rating: 5.00

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

Today I eat with my fiancee in TOMO RESTAURANT - 88, HighStreet - Hornsey - London - N8 7NU - the place was lovely, the service great and the food Simple divine - I had pasta - Gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and parmigiano and a lovely tiramisu for dessert - my man had the fusilli with sausages and courgette - we both were pleased about the taste, look and portion received.
the place was clean and cozy and lovely - they got plenty of tables - the floor and the architecture around make me feel at home (I am italian), the girl who works there was so lovely and helpful, the chef is brilliant and the pizzaman was making pizza in the front of us ... I didn't have pizza this time but I am sure I will next time - Even if they are not italian but polish (and I am italian) they were able to provide a meal and all the details as an italian will... wish all of them the best - and well done. It is the right place to go for a meal for anybody ... families, couple, with your mates or even by yourself
Today I eat with my fiancee in TOMO RESTAURANT - 88, HighStreet - Hornsey - London - N8 7NU - the place was lovely, the service great and the food Simple divine - I had pasta - Gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and parmigiano and a lovely tiramisu for dessert - my man had the fusilli with sausages and courgette - we both were pleased about the taste, look and portion received.
the place was clean and cozy and lovely - they got plenty of tables - the floor and the architecture around make me feel at home (I am italian), the girl who works there was so lovely and helpful, the chef is brilliant and the pizzaman was making pizza in the front of us ... I didn't have pizza this time but I am sure I will next time - Even if they are not italian but polish (and I am italian) they were able to provide a meal and all the details as an italian will... wish all of them the best - and well done. It is the right place to go for a meal for anybody ... families, couple, with your mates or even by yourself

Saffron - Fabulous by jjasminealvis

jjasminealvis — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:47:13 +0000

Review by jjasminealvis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8348 9412

Tags: indian, good value

The Saffron is the Best Indian/Banladeshi restaurant I have been to. I am regular here and come here for birthdays and anniversaries.

Sunday evening is the best value for money at 50%discount. The service is superb and the staff are very friendlyThe Saffron is the Best Indian/Banladeshi restaurant I have been to. I am regular here and come here for birthdays and anniversaries.

Sunday evening is the best value for money at 50%discount. The service is superb and the staff are very friendly

Thai Neung - Delicious Authentic Thai in Hornsey High Street by bengoode

bengoode — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:26:49 +0000

Review by bengoode

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8348 2653

Website: www.thai-neung.co.uk

Tags: romantic, thai, good value

This friendly local Thai restaurant is an absolute winner. Recently opened the homely and warm atmosphere is a welcome tonic to minimalist neighbourhood rivals. The food is seriously good. Seafood salad, Pad Kee Mow and Roasted duck are particular favourites.This friendly local Thai restaurant is an absolute winner. Recently opened the homely and warm atmosphere is a welcome tonic to minimalist neighbourhood rivals. The food is seriously good. Seafood salad, Pad Kee Mow and Roasted duck are particular favourites.

Pick More Daisies - CLOSED - average joe by miggy

miggy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:03:22 +0000

Review by miggy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8340 2288

Tags: american, breakfast, great food

My boyfriend and I paid Pick More Daisies a Saturday brunch-time visit, after our landlord recommended it to us.
As I had woken up in an 'i have to go on diet' mood, I was pleased with some of the options I found on the menu.
The bowl of fruit with pear sorbet and 2 poached eggs, was just what the doctor ordered. So simple and refreshing but overpriced for what it was (Â£7.50).
My boyfriend sampled the mexican quesadilla with re-fried beans. He was satisfied but somehow it was all a very average experience.
Perhaps it was something to do with the ambiance - it felt a little like we were eating breakfast at playschool, as tens of toddlers were running around, while their mothers sat breast-feeding the new-born and drinking latte's.

Not in a hurry to go back but I wouldn't rule it out.My boyfriend and I paid Pick More Daisies a Saturday brunch-time visit, after our landlord recommended it to us.
As I had woken up in an 'i have to go on diet' mood, I was pleased with some of the options I found on the menu.
The bowl of fruit with pear sorbet and 2 poached eggs, was just what the doctor ordered. So simple and refreshing but overpriced for what it was (Â£7.50).
My boyfriend sampled the mexican quesadilla with re-fried beans. He was satisfied but somehow it was all a very average experience.
Perhaps it was something to do with the ambiance - it felt a little like we were eating breakfast at playschool, as tens of toddlers were running around, while their mothers sat breast-feeding the new-born and drinking latte's.

Not in a hurry to go back but I wouldn't rule it out.

Matsu - Matsu - never again by miggy

miggy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:33:52 +0000

Review by miggy

Rating: 1.00

Tags: japanese

I visited Matsu for a take-away just before Christmas and I can honestly say that it was possibly the worst of my 'eating out' experiences for 2008.

Matsu is extraordinarily over-priced. In return for Â£20 we received a very average prawn tempura (2 prawns for Â£6.50!!!!!!!!), an even more average and sparse serving of salmon teriyaki and a few grains of bland rice.

We will definitely not be heading back there in 2009!!
If you're thinking about paying Matsu a visit, may I suggest you think twice!I visited Matsu for a take-away just before Christmas and I can honestly say that it was possibly the worst of my 'eating out' experiences for 2008.

Matsu is extraordinarily over-priced. In return for Â£20 we received a very average prawn tempura (2 prawns for Â£6.50!!!!!!!!), an even more average and sparse serving of salmon teriyaki and a few grains of bland rice.

We will definitely not be heading back there in 2009!!
If you're thinking about paying Matsu a visit, may I suggest you think twice!

Khoai - Dumbed down by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:55:50 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8341 2120

Tags: vietnamese

We came here for a quick meal before heading out to town. We started off with some spring rolls, which were pleasant enough. The Nuoc Cham wasn't nearly spicy enough but I seem to find that at most Vietnamese places I go to.

For mains we had stir-fried beef in chilli and lemongrass (chilli? What chilli?) and we also had minced prawns wrapped around sugar cane, with some stir-fried veg and steamed rice.

That, along with 2 beers and service came to Â£37.

The food was quite disappointing. The minced prawns and sugar cane was certainly delicious, but the rest of it seemed like it was dumbed down for the western palate.

Service was quite slow too - the restaurant was fully packed out on a Saturday night, but the only time we got any attentive service was when they came to take our money.
We came here for a quick meal before heading out to town. We started off with some spring rolls, which were pleasant enough. The Nuoc Cham wasn't nearly spicy enough but I seem to find that at most Vietnamese places I go to.

For mains we had stir-fried beef in chilli and lemongrass (chilli? What chilli?) and we also had minced prawns wrapped around sugar cane, with some stir-fried veg and steamed rice.

That, along with 2 beers and service came to Â£37.

The food was quite disappointing. The minced prawns and sugar cane was certainly delicious, but the rest of it seemed like it was dumbed down for the western palate.

Service was quite slow too - the restaurant was fully packed out on a Saturday night, but the only time we got any attentive service was when they came to take our money.

Pizza Bella - Brilliant for kids by johnny2323

johnny2323 — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:11:54 +0000

Review by johnny2323

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8342 8541

Tags: italian, good value, family & home feel

I've been going to Pizza Bella for about 20 years. First with friends and now with my kids. It may not be the best or trendiest pizza restaurant around but for my money it is certainly the friendliest. The waiters here are fantastic - especially with children. Once when I went there they overheard me and my wife wishing our daughter a happy birthday and at the end of the meal (without us requesting it) brought us a huge ice cream desert full of sparklers. It's thoughtfulness like that that keeps us coming back.
They do great beer here - Moretti I think it's called - and some interesting pizzas.
I'd come here even if I lived the other side of London. Fortunately it's just down the street.I've been going to Pizza Bella for about 20 years. First with friends and now with my kids. It may not be the best or trendiest pizza restaurant around but for my money it is certainly the friendliest. The waiters here are fantastic - especially with children. Once when I went there they overheard me and my wife wishing our daughter a happy birthday and at the end of the meal (without us requesting it) brought us a huge ice cream desert full of sparklers. It's thoughtfulness like that that keeps us coming back.
They do great beer here - Moretti I think it's called - and some interesting pizzas.
I'd come here even if I lived the other side of London. Fortunately it's just down the street.

Le Bistro - a hidden gem by jackmale86

jackmale86 — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:20:31 +0000

Review by jackmale86

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8340 2116

Tags: french, good value, romantic

I had never heard of this place on the forums and review sites i visit. Its near a friends house and he dragged me there one night. I' so glad he did, i had a fantastic evening! You have quite a wide choice of food, not so much for the vegetarians among us, but still plenty of choice. The dishes we had were really well cooked and presented beautifully too - something i didn't expect. The service was also spot on - not too in your face and not totally absent either! Price wise its a fantastically cheap place to eat at, so you find yourself eating too much! I will definately go again!I had never heard of this place on the forums and review sites i visit. Its near a friends house and he dragged me there one night. I' so glad he did, i had a fantastic evening! You have quite a wide choice of food, not so much for the vegetarians among us, but still plenty of choice. The dishes we had were really well cooked and presented beautifully too - something i didn't expect. The service was also spot on - not too in your face and not totally absent either! Price wise its a fantastically cheap place to eat at, so you find yourself eating too much! I will definately go again!

La Bota - Not terrible, but not great either. by Sami

Sami — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:45:50 +0000

Review by Sami

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8340 3082

Tags: takeaway, spanish, cheap eat

I am increasingly becoming frustrated by the sheer lack of places to eat when on a budget. As I am a student on a tight budget, I need to choose where I eat, and how often I eat out, very carefully.

Last week I came here with a friend of mine on a Saturday evening; she was staying for the week-end and I didn't feel like cooking, so we decided to venture out for dinner, but close to home.

We settled on La Bota as it was close by and had received decent reviews on another restaurant review site (obviously, nowhere near as good as TP). It wasn't too busy for a Saturday night and we were greeted and seated right away. Initially we were excited as the food on the other tables looked really quite appetizing, so we ordered a handful of tapas dishes and a bottle of the house Rioja.

The food was fine. Edible. Average. But mediocre. Maybe I am being harsh, but it seems that in London it is very difficult to be very, very pleased with a meal on the cheaper side.

A run down of the dishes: the chorizo in red wine was pretty damn good, but it is near-impossible to screw up. Marinated artichoke hearts - the ones that I buy from Tesco, stored in oil, are better. I think they had either opened up a can, drained them out poorly, and liberally sprinkled them with olive oil - or else pulled them out of a jar and added water to the plate. Either way, it was rather bizarre to be presented with a plate of cut-up artichoke hearts, lying, rather sadly, in a pool of water. The mussels, on the other hand, were nice. They were fresh and plump, but I think that they had been steamed in some sort of chicken broth - strange, but the achieved effect was tasty. The pimiento relleno was tasty, but it had been sprinkled with that horrible canned cheese... you know the stuff that comes in a shaker and costs perhaps 50p at the grocery store? No thank you. The patatas bravas were good, but again, they are hard to ruin. And the bread was tiger bread - courtesy of the local Sainsburys or the like. While I like tiger bread and will buy it for my own consumption at home, I think it would have been nicer if the restaurant had gone to an effort to source a decent local bakery. Good bread almost sets the tone for a meal and is a mainstay...

So frustration it is. We left full, and the bill was not expensive - but I just don't like my personal inability to find a restaurant where I leave exceptionally pleased, taking into consideration both the final price and the quality of the food, on a budget. I am increasingly becoming frustrated by the sheer lack of places to eat when on a budget. As I am a student on a tight budget, I need to choose where I eat, and how often I eat out, very carefully.

Last week I came here with a friend of mine on a Saturday evening; she was staying for the week-end and I didn't feel like cooking, so we decided to venture out for dinner, but close to home.

We settled on La Bota as it was close by and had received decent reviews on another restaurant review site (obviously, nowhere near as good as TP). It wasn't too busy for a Saturday night and we were greeted and seated right away. Initially we were excited as the food on the other tables looked really quite appetizing, so we ordered a handful of tapas dishes and a bottle of the house Rioja.

The food was fine. Edible. Average. But mediocre. Maybe I am being harsh, but it seems that in London it is very difficult to be very, very pleased with a meal on the cheaper side.

A run down of the dishes: the chorizo in red wine was pretty damn good, but it is near-impossible to screw up. Marinated artichoke hearts - the ones that I buy from Tesco, stored in oil, are better. I think they had either opened up a can, drained them out poorly, and liberally sprinkled them with olive oil - or else pulled them out of a jar and added water to the plate. Either way, it was rather bizarre to be presented with a plate of cut-up artichoke hearts, lying, rather sadly, in a pool of water. The mussels, on the other hand, were nice. They were fresh and plump, but I think that they had been steamed in some sort of chicken broth - strange, but the achieved effect was tasty. The pimiento relleno was tasty, but it had been sprinkled with that horrible canned cheese... you know the stuff that comes in a shaker and costs perhaps 50p at the grocery store? No thank you. The patatas bravas were good, but again, they are hard to ruin. And the bread was tiger bread - courtesy of the local Sainsburys or the like. While I like tiger bread and will buy it for my own consumption at home, I think it would have been nicer if the restaurant had gone to an effort to source a decent local bakery. Good bread almost sets the tone for a meal and is a mainstay...

So frustration it is. We left full, and the bill was not expensive - but I just don't like my personal inability to find a restaurant where I leave exceptionally pleased, taking into consideration both the final price and the quality of the food, on a budget.

Bingol Restaurant - Diamond among gems by CeliaBrookBrown

CeliaBrookBrown — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:25:13 +0000

Review by CeliaBrookBrown

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8340 9691

Tags: turkish, takeaway, cheap eat

In a forest of Turkish Ocakbasi (barbecue restaurants) which Green Lanes is famous for, this one stands out. Whole fish displayed in the window looks so fresh it's about to swim away, lamb kebabs are carefully tended by the chef in his chair-on-wheels by the grill, salads are freshly cut to order and meze are bright and individual. And it's open 24 hours.In a forest of Turkish Ocakbasi (barbecue restaurants) which Green Lanes is famous for, this one stands out. Whole fish displayed in the window looks so fresh it's about to swim away, lamb kebabs are carefully tended by the chef in his chair-on-wheels by the grill, salads are freshly cut to order and meze are bright and individual. And it's open 24 hours.