Latest reviews for Restaurants in Hoxton, London, United Kingdom

The Angel Curry Centre - BEST CURRY IN LONDON by LOVEANDKATE

LOVEANDKATE — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:16:27 +0000

Review by LOVEANDKATE

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 5727

I'VE EATEN MY WAY THROUGH 60% OF THE CURRY HOUSES ON BRICK LANE AND NONE OF THEM ARE EVEN CLOSE TO THIS LITTLE GEM!!!

STEREOTYPICALLY FOR INDIANS IN ENGLAND IT APPEARS TO BE SET OUT LIKE AN AUNTIES LOUNGE AND MAY NOT SEEM PARTICULARLY ENTICING BUT ONCE YOU'RE IN YOU WON'T TURN BACK!

IT CAN PROBABLY SEAT ABOUT 25-30 TOPS AT ONE TIME AND IS OFTEN BEST TO BOOK LATER ON IN THE WEEK AND AT WEEKENDS. BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS TRY AND FIT YOU IN. ANGEL RESIDENTS IN THE KNOW OFTEN FLOCK HERE IN LARGE PARTIES AND IT CAN GET JOLLYFULLY ROWDY AT TIMES. IN THE WEEK IT TENDS TO BE RELAXED AND MANY DINE ALONE IN COMFORT.

IT IS CLEAN AND THE SERVICE IS POLITE, HUMBLE AND FRIENDLY. THEY OPEN THE DOOR FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND LEAVE AND ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY THEY CAN.

MENU IS FANTASTIC, NOT OILY AND GREASY BUT COOKED FRESH AND AUTHENTIC SERVED ON CRISP WHITE PLATES.

POPPADOMS COME WITH A RICH MANGO CHUTNEY, LIME PICKLE, ONION SALAD AND MINT SAUCE WITHOUT EVEN HAVING TO ASK.

I'VE NEVER SPENT MORE THAN Â£15 IN ONE VISIT

NO ATTITUDE, FAB INDIAN - A MUST TO TRY - A SHORT WALK FROM BARS AND LIFE OF ANGEL

LOVE IT!!!!

I'VE EATEN MY WAY THROUGH 60% OF THE CURRY HOUSES ON BRICK LANE AND NONE OF THEM ARE EVEN CLOSE TO THIS LITTLE GEM!!!

STEREOTYPICALLY FOR INDIANS IN ENGLAND IT APPEARS TO BE SET OUT LIKE AN AUNTIES LOUNGE AND MAY NOT SEEM PARTICULARLY ENTICING BUT ONCE YOU'RE IN YOU WON'T TURN BACK!

IT CAN PROBABLY SEAT ABOUT 25-30 TOPS AT ONE TIME AND IS OFTEN BEST TO BOOK LATER ON IN THE WEEK AND AT WEEKENDS. BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS TRY AND FIT YOU IN. ANGEL RESIDENTS IN THE KNOW OFTEN FLOCK HERE IN LARGE PARTIES AND IT CAN GET JOLLYFULLY ROWDY AT TIMES. IN THE WEEK IT TENDS TO BE RELAXED AND MANY DINE ALONE IN COMFORT.

IT IS CLEAN AND THE SERVICE IS POLITE, HUMBLE AND FRIENDLY. THEY OPEN THE DOOR FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND LEAVE AND ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY THEY CAN.

MENU IS FANTASTIC, NOT OILY AND GREASY BUT COOKED FRESH AND AUTHENTIC SERVED ON CRISP WHITE PLATES.

POPPADOMS COME WITH A RICH MANGO CHUTNEY, LIME PICKLE, ONION SALAD AND MINT SAUCE WITHOUT EVEN HAVING TO ASK.

I'VE NEVER SPENT MORE THAN Â£15 IN ONE VISIT

NO ATTITUDE, FAB INDIAN - A MUST TO TRY - A SHORT WALK FROM BARS AND LIFE OF ANGEL

LOVE IT!!!!

Bacchus - Bacchus - 13 June 2008 by Food_Snob

Food_Snob — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:13:14 +0000

Review by Food_Snob

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 7176

Website: http://www.bacchus-restaurant.co.uk/

Tags: friendly, good value, international

I appreciate it is no longer open, but I still thought I would share these notes I made a couple of months ago...

Illustrated Critique:

http://foodsnobblog.wordpress.com/category/restaurant-reviews/bacchus-restaurant-reviews/

Text-only Critique:

Carbonation, emulsification, oil spherification, vacuum distillationâ¬¦alright, settle down, I am not reviewing el Bulli, itâ¬"s not Fat Duck either (well, this week anyway), but of course you already know this from the post heading. Yes, it is Bacchus of Hoxton. Of where? Of Hoxton. You would be forgiven for not having heard of it before; it is a pretty miserable, impoverished and ugly area just north of the City, so miserable, impoverished and ugly in fact, it is rather trendy. Actually, it is not all bad; Hoxton did give the world the Kray twins, Lenny McLean (actor, bouncer, bare-knuckle boxer and â¬Ühardest man in Britainâ¬") and Jamie Oliver. Well, OKâ¬¦maybe it is that bad.

I had never before been and most probably never would have gone to Hoxton were it not â¬Üthanksâ¬" to Nuno Mendes. Nestled away behind a council estate, a few minutesâ¬" walk from Old Street, sits his Bacchus; former pub, current laboratoire gastronomique, or more appropriately, laboratÃ³rio gastronÃ´mico. Chef Nuno, formerly of el Bulli and Jean-Georges, has established an impressive outpost (or blockhouse, considering the neighbourhood) of creative cooking. His mission is to bring avant-garde cuisine to the masses; his motto, â¬Üfine dining in trainersâ¬".

The restaurant its very self is a combination of contrasts: well-maintained, large and painted completely white, it stands out clean and precise amongst grubbier surroundings; yet, it is also slightly anonymous, the signage almost unnoticeable and the front door easy to miss. However, it works.

Entering the restaurant, you are instantly absorbed by a welcoming, comfy ambience: windows draped with heavy curtains, warm woods and candles on each table combine to create a disarming charm. The faux Parisian bar and open kitchen add a further layer of intimacy, allowing guests to watch the chefs at play and encouraging a fuller dining experience.

After being greeted at the door, I was politely escorted to a table where the menu, printed on a single sheet of paper, awaited me. There were only two choices: the full tasting menu, 7 courses, Â£60 or the reduced tasting menu, 4 courses, Â£45. Brilliant! Bacchus made it too easy. Both my sad inability to make quick, decisive dish choices and my desire to sample as much of the menu as possible (reading between the lines - eat as much as I can), were simultaneously neutralised; the full menu please. However, because I do not eat pork, I had to request one dish, Umami: Del Mar La Montagna - Memories of San Sebastian, be substituted. Although informed this would not be a problem for the kitchen, I was quite disappointed. I had already learnt that Chef Nuno had a special fondness for San Sebastian, so I could not help but expect that this dish was close to his heart and probably something rather special. Câ¬"est la vie!

My order dispatched, I sat back and contemplated the menu. I had barely started this when I was distracted by the appearance of Chef Nuno himself, who looks like a cross between artist, mad scientist and wizard, hunched over a large canister at the serving station. Suddenly, a mysterious mist, oozing out this magic container, began to envelop his features; I was immensely curious. After some more technical, scientific â¬Üfiddlingâ¬", the sorcererâ¬"s, sorry, chefâ¬"s creation was presented to me.

â¬SYour first amuse boucheâ¬¦â¬

Fifteen - Wine, hic... by vexille

vexille — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:51:04 +0000

Review by vexille

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0871 330 1515

Website: http://www.fifteenrestaurant.com

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

Whatever you do, if you go for the wine flights take it slowly! 5 dishes and 5 large glasses of outstanding wine later, I could have happily sat there all evening if I didn't have to be elsewhere!

It really is a remarkable restaurant. From it's humble beginnings to what it has become now, a landmark for Jamie Oliver and his team.

Food in fantastic, from their breakfasts, lunch and supreme dinners. Beautifully presented and generous (but not overwhelming) portions, all served and waited on you by staff who seem to actually enjoy what they do.

Couldn't recommend it more highly, luckily I have moved too far to go twice in a day again...Whatever you do, if you go for the wine flights take it slowly! 5 dishes and 5 large glasses of outstanding wine later, I could have happily sat there all evening if I didn't have to be elsewhere!

It really is a remarkable restaurant. From it's humble beginnings to what it has become now, a landmark for Jamie Oliver and his team.

Food in fantastic, from their breakfasts, lunch and supreme dinners. Beautifully presented and generous (but not overwhelming) portions, all served and waited on you by staff who seem to actually enjoy what they do.

Couldn't recommend it more highly, luckily I have moved too far to go twice in a day again...

Taste Of India - the best indian around by glenburg1

glenburg1 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:55:42 +0000

Review by glenburg1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7226 1125

Tags: indian, romantic, good value

If your looking for a great indian then this is it,
great food ,the best atmosphere ,even better service ,all you can ask for in an indian.
They do takeaway and eat in .
You cant beat the great friendly service or there food which is to die for,
always hot and tasty (takes a while to come which just shows how fresh it is).
Idealy placed to eat in before or after a night out weather with you freinds or for a romantic meal.
this realy is the place to eat,just try it and see, it is also very reasonably priced.
If your looking for a great indian then this is it,
great food ,the best atmosphere ,even better service ,all you can ask for in an indian.
They do takeaway and eat in .
You cant beat the great friendly service or there food which is to die for,
always hot and tasty (takes a while to come which just shows how fresh it is).
Idealy placed to eat in before or after a night out weather with you freinds or for a romantic meal.
this realy is the place to eat,just try it and see, it is also very reasonably priced.

Fredericks - by razorshine

razorshine — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:05:33 +0000

Review by razorshine

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7359 2888

Website: www.fredericks.co.uk

Tags: smoking, 2 for 1, al fresco

Great restaurant - definitely recommended. Great ambience good food, and not as busy as other places. Great for business lunches.Great restaurant - definitely recommended. Great ambience good food, and not as busy as other places. Great for business lunches.

Wagamama - by tanzanitelilac

tanzanitelilac — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:55:01 +0000

Review by tanzanitelilac

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7226 2664

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: japanese, lively, tasty

I recently visited Wagamama with a friend. Neither of us could believe why he had not had the pleasure of visiting before. If you are looking for a quick and lively meal, then Wagamama is for you. Usually there is a queue as you approach but the longest we have had to wait to be seated was 5 minutes. Wagamama often have vouchers, such as 2 for 1 available through the members area on the website, which proves a great bargain.

Iâ¬"m partial to the amai uddon myself with chilli sauce added at the table, but there is something for everyone and you can even have a look on the website before you go to familiarise yourself with the menu if like me you are indecisive!I recently visited Wagamama with a friend. Neither of us could believe why he had not had the pleasure of visiting before. If you are looking for a quick and lively meal, then Wagamama is for you. Usually there is a queue as you approach but the longest we have had to wait to be seated was 5 minutes. Wagamama often have vouchers, such as 2 for 1 available through the members area on the website, which proves a great bargain.

Iâ¬"m partial to the amai uddon myself with chilli sauce added at the table, but there is something for everyone and you can even have a look on the website before you go to familiarise yourself with the menu if like me you are indecisive!

Tortilla - by yvonnep

yvonnep — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:27:13 +0000

Review by yvonnep

Rating: 3.00

Website: www.tortilla.co.uk

Tags: lively, mexican, cheap eat

I've only been once but was underwhelmed. The service was abrupt and I had to wait while someone behind me jumped the queue. I've had better burrito's too from Mucho Mas up the road or Freebird in Exmouth Market. Maybe I caught them on a bad day? It hasn't inspired me to go back.I've only been once but was underwhelmed. The service was abrupt and I had to wait while someone behind me jumped the queue. I've had better burrito's too from Mucho Mas up the road or Freebird in Exmouth Market. Maybe I caught them on a bad day? It hasn't inspired me to go back.

Canal 125 - good food and Beck's Vier (yes, again) by ricoeurian

ricoeurian — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:45:55 +0000

Review by ricoeurian

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7837 1924

Tags: international, friendly, good value

Canal 125 is the kind of pub I like - it has a bit of variety in what it offers to you as a venue...
You can eat outside beside the canal, or use the private rooms upstairs, including cushioned corners and a balcony overlooking, erm, Caledonian Road. Or you can stay inside downstairs and enjoy the long bar, wooden floors, and good food (I'm a sucker for big mirrors, and they've got a real crowd-pleaser in there).

The selection of beers is unchallenging but good, and almost any other drink is available, including good coffee.

The food is cheap but expensive, and generally yummy. Fish pie is excellent (ceamy, with plenty of chunky fish and seafood), and the beef burgers are popular. The slightly more refined corn fed chicken with chorizo, roasted peppers and artichokes is very good too.

Never crowded, but often busy. Even if it's deserted though, the vibe is still good. Staff are friendly and helpful, even if they do slightly unnerve me by taking big orders without writing anything down.Canal 125 is the kind of pub I like - it has a bit of variety in what it offers to you as a venue...
You can eat outside beside the canal, or use the private rooms upstairs, including cushioned corners and a balcony overlooking, erm, Caledonian Road. Or you can stay inside downstairs and enjoy the long bar, wooden floors, and good food (I'm a sucker for big mirrors, and they've got a real crowd-pleaser in there).

The selection of beers is unchallenging but good, and almost any other drink is available, including good coffee.

The food is cheap but expensive, and generally yummy. Fish pie is excellent (ceamy, with plenty of chunky fish and seafood), and the beef burgers are popular. The slightly more refined corn fed chicken with chorizo, roasted peppers and artichokes is very good too.

Never crowded, but often busy. Even if it's deserted though, the vibe is still good. Staff are friendly and helpful, even if they do slightly unnerve me by taking big orders without writing anything down.

Sangria - Sangria, Upper Street, Islington by Georgiou

Georgiou — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:01:31 +0000

Review by Georgiou

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7704 5253

Tags: spanish, good value, crowded

I have yet to eat in delicious tapas in London and after last night I am still waiting to. We arrived when the restaurant was very busy and were quite impressed by the warm greeting extended by the waitress and how quickly she showed us to our table and took our drinks order. However the drinks took about 20 minutes to arrive and the 14 dishes we later ordered about 45 minutes. Unfortunately we were not able to say afterwards that they had been well worth the wait. With the exception of 2 or 3 dishes they were bland and quite tasteless. I have yet to eat in delicious tapas in London and after last night I am still waiting to. We arrived when the restaurant was very busy and were quite impressed by the warm greeting extended by the waitress and how quickly she showed us to our table and took our drinks order. However the drinks took about 20 minutes to arrive and the 14 dishes we later ordered about 45 minutes. Unfortunately we were not able to say afterwards that they had been well worth the wait. With the exception of 2 or 3 dishes they were bland and quite tasteless.

Le Mercury - by kellytron

kellytron — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:14:17 +0000

Review by kellytron

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7354 4088

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

Tags: french, romantic, good value

Sure it's not the best French food you'll find in town but for the price it's a total steal. Quite a nice (and romatic if that's your thing) setting too.Sure it's not the best French food you'll find in town but for the price it's a total steal. Quite a nice (and romatic if that's your thing) setting too.

Viet Garden - good value summer food by katen

katen — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:10:25 +0000

Review by katen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7700 6040

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

Tags: vietnamese, good value, cheap eat

The bun or noodle salad is fantastic and hits the spot during the summer. Fresh flavours and a satisfying amount of spice. Stay away from the fried food and you won't be disappointed. The staff are really friendly and we always get served quickly which means that it is a great choice either before a movie or a play at the Almeida. The bun or noodle salad is fantastic and hits the spot during the summer. Fresh flavours and a satisfying amount of spice. Stay away from the fried food and you won't be disappointed. The staff are really friendly and we always get served quickly which means that it is a great choice either before a movie or a play at the Almeida.

Firezza - delicious, authentic pizza by Foodie08

Foodie08 — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:01:38 +0000

Review by Foodie08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7359 7400

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

Tags: italian, pizza, delivery

This is a really great mini chain of pizza resturants selling neapolitan style, stone baked pizzas by the half metre. There are well over 15 pizza toppings, some without cheese, many without meat and all with fresh ingredients. You can really taste the flavours in the pizzas and the salads are always green and perky.

I usually have my pizza delivered and they come hot, in huge boxes and there is always plenty to share. They always come on time, if not a little earlier than expected.This is a really great mini chain of pizza resturants selling neapolitan style, stone baked pizzas by the half metre. There are well over 15 pizza toppings, some without cheese, many without meat and all with fresh ingredients. You can really taste the flavours in the pizzas and the salads are always green and perky.

I usually have my pizza delivered and they come hot, in huge boxes and there is always plenty to share. They always come on time, if not a little earlier than expected.

Indian Veg Bhelpoori House - the cheapy veggie glutton's dream by smiithh

smiithh — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:23:37 +0000

Review by smiithh

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7833 1167

Tags: indian, vegetarian, cheap eat

I got excited just walking there. They are open relatively late (11.30), and the last time I went they were still putting out fresh food every ten minutes or so and it was already 10.15. It is certainly not the swankiest of places by the look of it, but the combination of incredible prices (3.50 for never ending buffet of amazing and fresh curries, rices, salads, and fried goodies? yeesss please), and surprisingly friendly and accommodating staff makes it my ONE sure thing. It is where I go when I feel like rewarding myself, because I can just sit (alone or with friends, it is not intimidating to dine solo here) and simply eat like the glutton I am for as long as I want, and not feel guilty in the least! Vegan and cheap- I'm sold. I got excited just walking there. They are open relatively late (11.30), and the last time I went they were still putting out fresh food every ten minutes or so and it was already 10.15. It is certainly not the swankiest of places by the look of it, but the combination of incredible prices (3.50 for never ending buffet of amazing and fresh curries, rices, salads, and fried goodies? yeesss please), and surprisingly friendly and accommodating staff makes it my ONE sure thing. It is where I go when I feel like rewarding myself, because I can just sit (alone or with friends, it is not intimidating to dine solo here) and simply eat like the glutton I am for as long as I want, and not feel guilty in the least! Vegan and cheap- I'm sold.

Giraffe - Pleasant but too eclectic by qwghlm

qwghlm — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:12:29 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7359 5999

Website: http://www.giraffe.net

Tags: bar, fun, friendly

A nice enough place, but I'm baffled as to the point of this place is - the cutesy playful tone and the really varied menu choice made for confusion - on the menu was Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Indian... with such a wide range of food it felt like it was trying to please everyone and the result was an OK meal. Jack of all trades and that - if only they really concentrated on one particular style and nailed it right I think it would be really good.

Incidentally, the staff were very friendly and the prices were affordable and I can see what it means by being child-friendly. I'd drop in again if I were passing and peckish but I wouldn't make the effort to specifically go there.A nice enough place, but I'm baffled as to the point of this place is - the cutesy playful tone and the really varied menu choice made for confusion - on the menu was Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Indian... with such a wide range of food it felt like it was trying to please everyone and the result was an OK meal. Jack of all trades and that - if only they really concentrated on one particular style and nailed it right I think it would be really good.

Incidentally, the staff were very friendly and the prices were affordable and I can see what it means by being child-friendly. I'd drop in again if I were passing and peckish but I wouldn't make the effort to specifically go there.

Gufaa - TERRIBLE!! by Etta

Etta — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:41:03 +0000

Review by Etta

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7354 5465

Website: http://www.gufaa.net

Tags: indian, crowded, bad

Where to begin?? This is quite simply the most disgusting curry I have ever (what I had of it) had!! The restaurant is more expensive than most curry houses, it being in the central zone of Upper St, and because of the classier interior my partner and I expected good things. Oh, how looks can be so decieving!! We picked up a menu and went home to order a delivery. There was a distinct language barrier to get across first but we finally managed to order a Murgh Tikka Bhuna Special, my partner had a vegetarian main course and for sides we ordered spinach rice and bombay aloo.
When the food arrived a staggering two hours later, we were amazed to find it was cold. My dish was supposed to be cooked with chopped tomato, onions and green peppers. What I found when I opened the lid was a few lumps of cold chicken swimming in an overspiced watery substance. There was not a vegetable to be seen. The bombay aloo looked nothing like any other bombay aloo I have ever laid eyes on. The potato was grey and again, the sauce was like water. It looked inedible. The papadoms were in bits and burnt. They got our order wrong on the rice and we ended up with plain. We shoved our plates of unappetizing muck in the microwave for a couple of minutes and after two revolting mouthfuls we chucked 'em in the bin. My partner rang up to complain and he was hung up on. Everything about the Gufaa was apalling. If you want a decent curry house I suggest one on Essex Rd. They're cheaper and the food actually looks and tastes like an Indian dish ought to!!Where to begin?? This is quite simply the most disgusting curry I have ever (what I had of it) had!! The restaurant is more expensive than most curry houses, it being in the central zone of Upper St, and because of the classier interior my partner and I expected good things. Oh, how looks can be so decieving!! We picked up a menu and went home to order a delivery. There was a distinct language barrier to get across first but we finally managed to order a Murgh Tikka Bhuna Special, my partner had a vegetarian main course and for sides we ordered spinach rice and bombay aloo.
When the food arrived a staggering two hours later, we were amazed to find it was cold. My dish was supposed to be cooked with chopped tomato, onions and green peppers. What I found when I opened the lid was a few lumps of cold chicken swimming in an overspiced watery substance. There was not a vegetable to be seen. The bombay aloo looked nothing like any other bombay aloo I have ever laid eyes on. The potato was grey and again, the sauce was like water. It looked inedible. The papadoms were in bits and burnt. They got our order wrong on the rice and we ended up with plain. We shoved our plates of unappetizing muck in the microwave for a couple of minutes and after two revolting mouthfuls we chucked 'em in the bin. My partner rang up to complain and he was hung up on. Everything about the Gufaa was apalling. If you want a decent curry house I suggest one on Essex Rd. They're cheaper and the food actually looks and tastes like an Indian dish ought to!!

Masala Zone - diabolical by holly

holly — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:53:54 +0000

Review by holly

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7359 3399

Website: http://www.realindianfood.com

Tags: indian, lively, takeaway

I went to this place after reading the reviews and hype extolling the virtues of this simply marvellous place.
After dining there I can safely say that masala zone is all mouth and no trousers.
The staff spend a long time telling you about their 'special system' (basically they give you a bit of everything on a plate) as if they are trying to explain quantam phsyics to a slightly slow 4-year-old.
Although what I did get on a plate was enjoyable, the portions were meager and the service went from unctious to perfunctory in one fell swoop.
Whilst my dad was on the phone a waitress came up to me to ask if I would like a dessert and I told her that I would inform her once the he was off the phone.
When he got off, which was only about 2 minutes later, the waitress snapped at me that I couldn't have a dessert now, that it was too late.
The staff then proceeded to turn the full glare of the lights on to give us a hint to get out - we hadn't even been in very long.
Unfortunately, not long after this experience I had to visit another branch of this dire chain becuase it was someone else's choice.
This time it was for lunch, rather than dinner but I wasn't surprised to see that the staff here did the same trick of putting what seemed like high-beam lighting on and basically making it very clear that you had to "eat your dinner and get to f*ck" (to use one of my dear ma ma's phrases) as soon as you had finished your meal.
All in all appaulling and deserves to go out of business.

I went to this place after reading the reviews and hype extolling the virtues of this simply marvellous place.
After dining there I can safely say that masala zone is all mouth and no trousers.
The staff spend a long time telling you about their 'special system' (basically they give you a bit of everything on a plate) as if they are trying to explain quantam phsyics to a slightly slow 4-year-old.
Although what I did get on a plate was enjoyable, the portions were meager and the service went from unctious to perfunctory in one fell swoop.
Whilst my dad was on the phone a waitress came up to me to ask if I would like a dessert and I told her that I would inform her once the he was off the phone.
When he got off, which was only about 2 minutes later, the waitress snapped at me that I couldn't have a dessert now, that it was too late.
The staff then proceeded to turn the full glare of the lights on to give us a hint to get out - we hadn't even been in very long.
Unfortunately, not long after this experience I had to visit another branch of this dire chain becuase it was someone else's choice.
This time it was for lunch, rather than dinner but I wasn't surprised to see that the staff here did the same trick of putting what seemed like high-beam lighting on and basically making it very clear that you had to "eat your dinner and get to f*ck" (to use one of my dear ma ma's phrases) as soon as you had finished your meal.
All in all appaulling and deserves to go out of business.

The Islington Tapas Bar - (3.5 stars) A good budget to mid-priced option by allolex

allolex — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:38:18 +0000

Review by allolex

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7226 3272

Tags: spanish, bar, takeaway

This restaurant is a 3.5/5 in my book.

I've been to the Islington Tapas Bar (ITB) about six times since discovering them about a year ago. My partner and I are big fans of tapas and Spanish cuisines in general and had been looking for something in North London for quite some time. and Islington's close enough to North London for us.

The food here will not knock your socks off like the dishes they serve at Barrafina, but I think the ITB serves good food, especially considering the price. Try the croquettes and any of the chicken dishes. Make sure you order bread to soak up the sauces.

We generally order Ã la carte, but have also tried the "tapas for a tenner" offer they have. They would go out of business if they allowed their customers to order willy-nilly, so they restrict the menu to less expensive dishes and logically require that you finish the three (or so?) dishes you can order in one go. The trick is to order the light options first and the heavy ones last.

Two people can eat here for less than Â£40 with wine. We generally come in around Â£50-60 because of what and the way we order.

This restaurant is a 3.5/5 in my book.

I've been to the Islington Tapas Bar (ITB) about six times since discovering them about a year ago. My partner and I are big fans of tapas and Spanish cuisines in general and had been looking for something in North London for quite some time. and Islington's close enough to North London for us.

The food here will not knock your socks off like the dishes they serve at Barrafina, but I think the ITB serves good food, especially considering the price. Try the croquettes and any of the chicken dishes. Make sure you order bread to soak up the sauces.

We generally order Ã la carte, but have also tried the "tapas for a tenner" offer they have. They would go out of business if they allowed their customers to order willy-nilly, so they restrict the menu to less expensive dishes and logically require that you finish the three (or so?) dishes you can order in one go. The trick is to order the light options first and the heavy ones last.

Two people can eat here for less than Â£40 with wine. We generally come in around Â£50-60 because of what and the way we order.

The New Culture Revolution - good value but some service problems by DulcieBurt

DulcieBurt — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:38:58 +0000

Review by DulcieBurt

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7833 9083

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

Tags: chinese, lunch, smoking

NCR isn't the most glamorous place, but it's definitely good value and the food is normally of a good standard. You wouldn't come here for a whole evening, but rather to get in and out quite quickly -- not that I mean that in an off-putting way. I'd recommend the place.

Many reviews of this chain focus on poor service. I find it generally rather variable, but the Duncan St branch currently seems to be employing perhaps the most inept waiter of all time. Don't tip; it'll only encourage him. And look out for that 12.5% added to the bill -- I fear that they do that sometimes to make up for people not tipping the occasional very poor service. I should be a bit more specific about his training needs -- it's not normal to greet a customer with an announcement of how soon the place is closing (45 minutes is more than enough time to eat here at lunchtime), he tends to "forget" what you ask for or parts of your order (and when there's only one of you that's quite an achievement) and he tends to disappear at great length when you're ready to order or to pay. I have tried to alert him to his challenging approach but he doesn't seem to pick up on it. It's a pity because -- once again -- this is a nice, convenient place, especially for lunch.NCR isn't the most glamorous place, but it's definitely good value and the food is normally of a good standard. You wouldn't come here for a whole evening, but rather to get in and out quite quickly -- not that I mean that in an off-putting way. I'd recommend the place.

Many reviews of this chain focus on poor service. I find it generally rather variable, but the Duncan St branch currently seems to be employing perhaps the most inept waiter of all time. Don't tip; it'll only encourage him. And look out for that 12.5% added to the bill -- I fear that they do that sometimes to make up for people not tipping the occasional very poor service. I should be a bit more specific about his training needs -- it's not normal to greet a customer with an announcement of how soon the place is closing (45 minutes is more than enough time to eat here at lunchtime), he tends to "forget" what you ask for or parts of your order (and when there's only one of you that's quite an achievement) and he tends to disappear at great length when you're ready to order or to pay. I have tried to alert him to his challenging approach but he doesn't seem to pick up on it. It's a pity because -- once again -- this is a nice, convenient place, especially for lunch.

Akari - nice by bopuc

bopuc — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:10:34 +0000

Review by bopuc

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7226 9943

Tags: japanese, authentic, good value

Finally stopped in on my way home after having seen it here and passing by a few times.

Very nice wide selection of all kinds of japanese staples. I wouldn't call it an izakaya, precisely for that reason.

Definitely going back. Shougayaki is calling me.Finally stopped in on my way home after having seen it here and passing by a few times.

Very nice wide selection of all kinds of japanese staples. I wouldn't call it an izakaya, precisely for that reason.

Definitely going back. Shougayaki is calling me.

Cruse 9 - Cruse 9 by scott_carson75

scott_carson75 — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:27:34 +0000

Review by scott_carson75

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7354 8099

Website: http://www.cruise9.com/

As I saw the place from outside was a glass building, which looked amazing. As I stepped through the front door with my partner I was greeted with a very polite waitress, which took me and my partner to our table. As we sat down we was offered a large selection of fresh bread and olives which was amazing, a must to try is the white chocolate and chilli bread, which was made freshly on the day. We ordered saffron seafood risotto and goats cheese croute. As a main course Pork fillet with carmelized bananas and coconut risotto and veal jus and my partner had the crispy skinned seabass with parsley mash and an exquisite buerre blanc. The food was so amazing we only managed to try one dessert which was the Chocolate Fondant with toffee sauce. We had an excellent night a must try for anyone whos looking for a nice dinner with a partner.As I saw the place from outside was a glass building, which looked amazing. As I stepped through the front door with my partner I was greeted with a very polite waitress, which took me and my partner to our table. As we sat down we was offered a large selection of fresh bread and olives which was amazing, a must to try is the white chocolate and chilli bread, which was made freshly on the day. We ordered saffron seafood risotto and goats cheese croute. As a main course Pork fillet with carmelized bananas and coconut risotto and veal jus and my partner had the crispy skinned seabass with parsley mash and an exquisite buerre blanc. The food was so amazing we only managed to try one dessert which was the Chocolate Fondant with toffee sauce. We had an excellent night a must try for anyone whos looking for a nice dinner with a partner.