Latest reviews in Isle of Dogs, London, United Kingdom

1802 Bar, Lounge & Dining - 1802 - hidden gem in London docklands by Cooksister

Cooksister — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:22:08 +0000

Review by Cooksister

Rating: 0.001802 is the restaurant and bar (operated by the Searcy's group - but don't let that put you off!) attached to the Museum in Docklands and both are housed in the historic Gwilt sugar warehouses that line West India Quay in London's docklands. The name derives from the year that the warehouses were built, and the interior preserves the original brickwork and beautiful timber supports. The area is divided roughly into a bar area (with wonderful squishy leather sofas) and a dining area. The attractively backlit bar is very well stocked and very busy on weeknights. I suspect this rampant popularity as a drinking spot for off-duty or out of work!) Canary Wharf bankers is what makes people dismiss the restaurant: pop your head round the door on a Thursday night and it just looks like a hundred other packed docklands wine bars. But, as I have discovered, there is another side.

My first visit was in Spring, on a weekday lunchtime, with brother, sister-in-law and young nephew in tow. The menu is largely dictated by the fact that you are in the heart of a historic British area and sticks fairly closely to the Modern British idea. Seasonal produce treated carefully, reworked classics - you get the picture. But what sets it apart from many other places doing this, is the amount of love and care that has obviously gone into the sourcing of excellent ingredients, not messing with them too much, and the truly lovely plating of each dish. Here's what I had:

To start, I had the fantastic air-dried Cumbrian ham and truffled pecorino cheese on roasted cherry tomatoes and balsamic glazed baby onions. This dish knocked my socks off. Really. The ham could rival the best that Spain and Italy has to offer and was living proof that all is not lost for regional British specialities. My main was a beautiful seasonal dish pan-fried fillet of wild sea trout on crushed marjoram Jersey royals with a white asparagus veloute. The fish was cooked, but with a lovely crispy skin and the asparagus veloute tasted of spring without overpowering the fish.

My companions had the renowned 1802 lamb burger with tzatziki, lamby and flavourful and the tzatziki gives the whole thing a slightly Middle-Eastern twist. And we won't even start on the stacked chunky chips which were crisp outside, fluffy inside and as fresh as can be. For dessert, it had to be the chocolate creme brulee. I don't know whose evil mind thought this up, but bless their cotton socks. Eating this is like eating solid chocolate that has been thoughtfully pre-melted so as to soften it and spare your mouth the hard work.

My second visit was in the winter with a party of about 15 for a Saturday birthday brunch.

ll our friends turned up promptly at 12h30 and as soon as they identified themselves as part of our group our charming waitress Raphaele brought them a champagne cocktail each. Nick was extremely surprised to find them all there when we arrived 40 mins later, and the scene was set for a long and lazy afternoon of eating and drinking with good friends.

The menu over weekend is a brunch menu as opposed to the full a la carte available on weekdays, but there were still a good 5 or 6 starters and main courses to choose from. Best of all was the 2 or 3-course special price - a ridiculous Â£14 for 2 courses or Â£17 for three. At that price it would be churlish not to go the whole hog. Because it was a celebration, South African chef Gustav Leipoldt had prepared a little a pre-starter of Cape Malay prawn and chicken curry pictured below left. This was fantastic, and a voyage of discovery for the tastebuds of our friends who do not know South African cuisine that well. For my starter I ordered mushrooms on toast with a poached egg. The bread had all the sinful deliciousness of a giant crouton; the mushrooms were plentiful and drizzled liberally with truffle oil; and the poached egg was perfection personified.

For my main course I could not resist the lamb chop with a rosemary balsamic reduction, anchovy butter and lashings of garlic, with a giant portabello mushroom and spinach on the side. And I must say, seldom has so fabulous a piece of lamb graced a London plate. In effect, it was two conjoined lamb chops, thickly sliced so that it could remain demurely pink on the inside, while the outside could be grilled to perfection. The rosemary and balsamic reduction was spectacular, particularly as it mingled with the anchovy butter. And the mushroom was a meal in itself. Carnivore heaven. If I had one complaint it was the side order of chips that we ordered separately. These were soggy rather than crisp. For dessert I coould not tear myself away from the chocolate creme brulee, whch was as good as I remembered.

As I said, the brunch menu costs a ridiculous Â£17 for three courses, so if one of your criteria for a good restaurant is value for money, you will fall instantly in love with 1802. I, on the other hand, remain in love with the casually elegant room, the friendly and efficient service (our table of 15 all got our food at the same time, and hot, which seems to be an impossibility in some restaurants...), the excellent ingredients and the unfussy style of cooking. I maintain that it's the best kept value-for-money secret in the Docklands. But don't tell anybody. I'd hate the secret to get out ;-)

PS - I have also subsequently attended a canape party there and was very impressed with the quality of the East End themed canapes served.

1802 is the restaurant and bar (operated by the Searcy's group - but don't let that put you off!) attached to the Museum in Docklands and both are housed in the historic Gwilt sugar warehouses that line West India Quay in London's docklands. The name derives from the year that the warehouses were built, and the interior preserves the original brickwork and beautiful timber supports. The area is divided roughly into a bar area (with wonderful squishy leather sofas) and a dining area. The attractively backlit bar is very well stocked and very busy on weeknights. I suspect this rampant popularity as a drinking spot for off-duty or out of work!) Canary Wharf bankers is what makes people dismiss the restaurant: pop your head round the door on a Thursday night and it just looks like a hundred other packed docklands wine bars. But, as I have discovered, there is another side.

My first visit was in Spring, on a weekday lunchtime, with brother, sister-in-law and young nephew in tow. The menu is largely dictated by the fact that you are in the heart of a historic British area and sticks fairly closely to the Modern British idea. Seasonal produce treated carefully, reworked classics - you get the picture. But what sets it apart from many other places doing this, is the amount of love and care that has obviously gone into the sourcing of excellent ingredients, not messing with them too much, and the truly lovely plating of each dish. Here's what I had:

To start, I had the fantastic air-dried Cumbrian ham and truffled pecorino cheese on roasted cherry tomatoes and balsamic glazed baby onions. This dish knocked my socks off. Really. The ham could rival the best that Spain and Italy has to offer and was living proof that all is not lost for regional British specialities. My main was a beautiful seasonal dish pan-fried fillet of wild sea trout on crushed marjoram Jersey royals with a white asparagus veloute. The fish was cooked, but with a lovely crispy skin and the asparagus veloute tasted of spring without overpowering the fish.

My companions had the renowned 1802 lamb burger with tzatziki, lamby and flavourful and the tzatziki gives the whole thing a slightly Middle-Eastern twist. And we won't even start on the stacked chunky chips which were crisp outside, fluffy inside and as fresh as can be. For dessert, it had to be the chocolate creme brulee. I don't know whose evil mind thought this up, but bless their cotton socks. Eating this is like eating solid chocolate that has been thoughtfully pre-melted so as to soften it and spare your mouth the hard work.

My second visit was in the winter with a party of about 15 for a Saturday birthday brunch.

ll our friends turned up promptly at 12h30 and as soon as they identified themselves as part of our group our charming waitress Raphaele brought them a champagne cocktail each. Nick was extremely surprised to find them all there when we arrived 40 mins later, and the scene was set for a long and lazy afternoon of eating and drinking with good friends.

The menu over weekend is a brunch menu as opposed to the full a la carte available on weekdays, but there were still a good 5 or 6 starters and main courses to choose from. Best of all was the 2 or 3-course special price - a ridiculous Â£14 for 2 courses or Â£17 for three. At that price it would be churlish not to go the whole hog. Because it was a celebration, South African chef Gustav Leipoldt had prepared a little a pre-starter of Cape Malay prawn and chicken curry pictured below left. This was fantastic, and a voyage of discovery for the tastebuds of our friends who do not know South African cuisine that well. For my starter I ordered mushrooms on toast with a poached egg. The bread had all the sinful deliciousness of a giant crouton; the mushrooms were plentiful and drizzled liberally with truffle oil; and the poached egg was perfection personified.

For my main course I could not resist the lamb chop with a rosemary balsamic reduction, anchovy butter and lashings of garlic, with a giant portabello mushroom and spinach on the side. And I must say, seldom has so fabulous a piece of lamb graced a London plate. In effect, it was two conjoined lamb chops, thickly sliced so that it could remain demurely pink on the inside, while the outside could be grilled to perfection. The rosemary and balsamic reduction was spectacular, particularly as it mingled with the anchovy butter. And the mushroom was a meal in itself. Carnivore heaven. If I had one complaint it was the side order of chips that we ordered separately. These were soggy rather than crisp. For dessert I coould not tear myself away from the chocolate creme brulee, whch was as good as I remembered.

As I said, the brunch menu costs a ridiculous Â£17 for three courses, so if one of your criteria for a good restaurant is value for money, you will fall instantly in love with 1802. I, on the other hand, remain in love with the casually elegant room, the friendly and efficient service (our table of 15 all got our food at the same time, and hot, which seems to be an impossibility in some restaurants...), the excellent ingredients and the unfussy style of cooking. I maintain that it's the best kept value-for-money secret in the Docklands. But don't tell anybody. I'd hate the secret to get out ;-)

PS - I have also subsequently attended a canape party there and was very impressed with the quality of the East End themed canapes served.

Memsaheb - Amazing place for a meal! by dryremedy

dryremedy — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:33:53 +0000

Review by dryremedy

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7538 3008

Website: http://www.memsaheb.com

Tags: indian, romantic, good value

Yet another Indian restaurant. So what has this one got to offer that all the rest do not? The simple answer is everything! The atmosphere here is not what you would expect of an authentic restaurant and neither is the dÃ©cor. It is decorated with cool sophistication and it was something of a shock for me! The menu has all the usual meals with some I had not heard of before. As it is an Indian, there is also a good selection for vegetarians. The food here is head and shoulders above all other Indian restaurants, it truly is delicious. The prices are also a little less than other restaurantsYet another Indian restaurant. So what has this one got to offer that all the rest do not? The simple answer is everything! The atmosphere here is not what you would expect of an authentic restaurant and neither is the dÃ©cor. It is decorated with cool sophistication and it was something of a shock for me! The menu has all the usual meals with some I had not heard of before. As it is an Indian, there is also a good selection for vegetarians. The food here is head and shoulders above all other Indian restaurants, it truly is delicious. The prices are also a little less than other restaurants

Carluccio's - Good value Italian eating by foodbymark

foodbymark — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:35:45 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7719 1749

Website: http://www.carluccios.com

Tags: italian, good value, takeaway

After a craving for pasta at work my girlfriend and I decided to meet up in Canary Wharf for dinner. Carluccio's being the simplest choice in the area. This Carluccio's like all the others we have visited is both a caffÃ© and a foodshop where you can have breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner and pick up foodstuffs from their larders and prepared foods counters.

The menus across all Carluccio's are the same, with around 5-6 choices for each Italian course. Our choices of mains were the Pasta Con Funghi and Spaghetti Alle Vongole In Bianco. My Pasta Con Funghi comprised of a great selection of fresh mushrooms in a well balanced sauce with al dente egg pappardelle. The spaghetti with clams in a chilli, garlic sauce which is light and not over seasoned.

The tables needed another wipe and all the menus we were brought over were sticky. Our waitress was on her first night and clearly didn't know the menu but that was ok! The food is predictable but good and we continue to return.

(the original review with photos is on my blog)After a craving for pasta at work my girlfriend and I decided to meet up in Canary Wharf for dinner. Carluccio's being the simplest choice in the area. This Carluccio's like all the others we have visited is both a caffÃ© and a foodshop where you can have breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner and pick up foodstuffs from their larders and prepared foods counters.

The menus across all Carluccio's are the same, with around 5-6 choices for each Italian course. Our choices of mains were the Pasta Con Funghi and Spaghetti Alle Vongole In Bianco. My Pasta Con Funghi comprised of a great selection of fresh mushrooms in a well balanced sauce with al dente egg pappardelle. The spaghetti with clams in a chilli, garlic sauce which is light and not over seasoned.

The tables needed another wipe and all the menus we were brought over were sticky. Our waitress was on her first night and clearly didn't know the menu but that was ok! The food is predictable but good and we continue to return.

(the original review with photos is on my blog)

Royal China - Authentic Dim Sum by foodbymark

foodbymark — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:02:29 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7719 0888

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

Tags: chinese, expensive, lively

There are many places to eat Dim Sum in London and there have been for at least as long as I was a kid and my parents used to drive to China Town every weekend for Sunday Dim Sum with friends and family.

Royal China Westferry is part of the Hong Kong china of restaurants. In the same way as the others, it is perhaps one of the more dressed up Chinese restaurant establishments in London and as well as Dim Sum it does serve a full "A La Carte" menu with authentic dishes. Unlike the others, in the summer you also get the chance to dine Al Fresco and it is often quicker to get a table outside because being exposed on the riverside, it can get very windy and suddenly chilly.

Dim Sum here is fresh and as quick as it should be and all the standard six or seven dishes you might order for Dim Sum are good, although not great. The staff don't apply too much pressure for you to leave and it never seems to be quite as busy as those in central London.

Worth a Saturday or Sunday visit although be warned it is slightly more expensive than others, and yes as with all proper Chinese restaurants, Dim Sum is a brunch/lunch type meal and is not served in the evening.There are many places to eat Dim Sum in London and there have been for at least as long as I was a kid and my parents used to drive to China Town every weekend for Sunday Dim Sum with friends and family.

Royal China Westferry is part of the Hong Kong china of restaurants. In the same way as the others, it is perhaps one of the more dressed up Chinese restaurant establishments in London and as well as Dim Sum it does serve a full "A La Carte" menu with authentic dishes. Unlike the others, in the summer you also get the chance to dine Al Fresco and it is often quicker to get a table outside because being exposed on the riverside, it can get very windy and suddenly chilly.

Dim Sum here is fresh and as quick as it should be and all the standard six or seven dishes you might order for Dim Sum are good, although not great. The staff don't apply too much pressure for you to leave and it never seems to be quite as busy as those in central London.

Worth a Saturday or Sunday visit although be warned it is slightly more expensive than others, and yes as with all proper Chinese restaurants, Dim Sum is a brunch/lunch type meal and is not served in the evening.

Canary Wharf - Great shopping centre and places to eat by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:53:25 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 4.00Please note that this review is correct at the time of writing. (September 2008). However, I think Canary Wharf is a really great shopping area, and it will be interesting to see what happens if the local businesses continue to be affected by the current credit crunch.

For me, Canary Wharf is two great things â¬ a wonderful place to shop, and a lovely modern square where I can enjoy looking at the financial headlines and the Swiss Railway Watches mounted on poles around the square. The shopping really is excellent â¬ lots of niche shops, good places to eat (including Itsu), a Waitrose to stock up on the weekâ¬"s groceries, and all sited in a bright and modern environment.

One down side â¬ I had occasion to go with someone who is disabled, and the disabled lifts are located behind the scenes. What a contrast! Bare concrete and a very unwelcoming atmosphere. We returned to the hustle and bustle of the â¬Ürealâ¬" shopping centre as soon as we could, a little chastened.

Please note that this review is correct at the time of writing. (September 2008). However, I think Canary Wharf is a really great shopping area, and it will be interesting to see what happens if the local businesses continue to be affected by the current credit crunch.

For me, Canary Wharf is two great things â¬ a wonderful place to shop, and a lovely modern square where I can enjoy looking at the financial headlines and the Swiss Railway Watches mounted on poles around the square. The shopping really is excellent â¬ lots of niche shops, good places to eat (including Itsu), a Waitrose to stock up on the weekâ¬"s groceries, and all sited in a bright and modern environment.

One down side â¬ I had occasion to go with someone who is disabled, and the disabled lifts are located behind the scenes. What a contrast! Bare concrete and a very unwelcoming atmosphere. We returned to the hustle and bustle of the â¬Ürealâ¬" shopping centre as soon as we could, a little chastened.

Waitrose Food & Home - Good quality food by clubby2

clubby2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:10:42 +0000

Review by clubby2

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7719 0300

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

Tags: delicatessen, rare finds, healthy food

The waitrose food and home store situated at canary wharf is a great food superstore which caters to almost every food whim you may have. If you want sushi, you can have it, if you want fresh bakery products its all there waiting for you, in fact having been in to get some thing I fancy, I often come out with some thing completely different but equally lovely. I have always found that the friendly staff are helpful and if I have been unsure where to find a product they have been helpful in locating it for me. The ready to take away and eat food selections are varied and presented well. It is a luxury store in many ways but so worth just a little bit extra.The waitrose food and home store situated at canary wharf is a great food superstore which caters to almost every food whim you may have. If you want sushi, you can have it, if you want fresh bakery products its all there waiting for you, in fact having been in to get some thing I fancy, I often come out with some thing completely different but equally lovely. I have always found that the friendly staff are helpful and if I have been unsure where to find a product they have been helpful in locating it for me. The ready to take away and eat food selections are varied and presented well. It is a luxury store in many ways but so worth just a little bit extra.

Sri Nam - Thai food by numbers by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:05:54 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7715 9515

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

Tags: thai, lively, expensive

One of Ken Homâ¬"s restaurants, Sri Nam is a Thai â¬Üand Pan Asianâ¬" located in the middle of Canary Wharf. Downstairs is a bar/cafe, and upstairs a restaurant, all largely populated by bankers and clients. A lot of people really rate this place but Iâ¬"ve never really seen it â¬ the service is impersonal and slow at peak times, the decor is generic (Thai for westerners).

Food is OK but doesnâ¬"t offer anything very exciting or new â¬ some options are quite spicy and the sticky rice is good, but in general it feels like East Asian food-by-numbers to me. With a celebrity chef in charge it would be nice to see some real fresh thinking or new versions of traditional dishes.
One of Ken Homâ¬"s restaurants, Sri Nam is a Thai â¬Üand Pan Asianâ¬" located in the middle of Canary Wharf. Downstairs is a bar/cafe, and upstairs a restaurant, all largely populated by bankers and clients. A lot of people really rate this place but Iâ¬"ve never really seen it â¬ the service is impersonal and slow at peak times, the decor is generic (Thai for westerners).

Food is OK but doesnâ¬"t offer anything very exciting or new â¬ some options are quite spicy and the sticky rice is good, but in general it feels like East Asian food-by-numbers to me. With a celebrity chef in charge it would be nice to see some real fresh thinking or new versions of traditional dishes.

Smollensky's - Excellent food in unfussy surroundings by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:43:49 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7719 0101

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

Tags: american, live music, lively

I'm a big fan of this particular Smollensky's - I find the chain a bit variable but the Canary Wharf branch has uniformly good food at moderate prices. Service is pleasant and the decor is nice - the only disadvantage is that the glass windows look on to the giant scrolling news/stock price ticker on the Reuters building and it's hard to concentrate on your dining companions if you're the one sitting facing it!

Canary Wharf has a lot of fussy and pretentious restaurants but this is the one I turn to for straightforward food with good quality ingredients and an atmosphere that wonâ¬"t intimidate my mum.
I'm a big fan of this particular Smollensky's - I find the chain a bit variable but the Canary Wharf branch has uniformly good food at moderate prices. Service is pleasant and the decor is nice - the only disadvantage is that the glass windows look on to the giant scrolling news/stock price ticker on the Reuters building and it's hard to concentrate on your dining companions if you're the one sitting facing it!

Canary Wharf has a lot of fussy and pretentious restaurants but this is the one I turn to for straightforward food with good quality ingredients and an atmosphere that wonâ¬"t intimidate my mum.

Plateau Restaurant - Great business restaurant by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:36:04 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7715 7100

Tags: expensive, business, lively

This restaurant is situated above Waitrose and below the Reebok Gym in Canary Wharf with a nice view over Canada Square. Itâ¬"s primarily a business restaurant and Iâ¬"ve never been there except with clients â¬ the food is good but pricey, portions are elegantly presented but small. Service is attentive and pleasant and I love the decor â¬ design classic chairs and tables. Thereâ¬"s also a small conservatory area to each side which can be hired for corporate events, and a bar/grill section which Iâ¬"ve never tried. I canâ¬"t say I would call this good value for a non-business visit but for entertaining clients itâ¬"s an excellent choice.This restaurant is situated above Waitrose and below the Reebok Gym in Canary Wharf with a nice view over Canada Square. Itâ¬"s primarily a business restaurant and Iâ¬"ve never been there except with clients â¬ the food is good but pricey, portions are elegantly presented but small. Service is attentive and pleasant and I love the decor â¬ design classic chairs and tables. Thereâ¬"s also a small conservatory area to each side which can be hired for corporate events, and a bar/grill section which Iâ¬"ve never tried. I canâ¬"t say I would call this good value for a non-business visit but for entertaining clients itâ¬"s an excellent choice.

Burger King - Burger King by piggyeater

piggyeater — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:40:05 +0000

Review by piggyeater

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7538 1486

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

Tags: burgers, vegetarian dishes, seating area

This is of course another of Burger King's countless chains of restaurants all over the country. The staff are all pretty young, probably part time over term time, or just finished GCSEs. All are courteous and greets you with a smile. Food and drinks are the usual Burger King fare. Taste pretty much the same as all the other branches that I have been to. Favourite of all is still the Chicken Royale which as far as I'm concerned beats all the other fast food establishment's chicken sandwich hands down. There is of course the onion ring to go with it; never fails to satisfy.This is of course another of Burger King's countless chains of restaurants all over the country. The staff are all pretty young, probably part time over term time, or just finished GCSEs. All are courteous and greets you with a smile. Food and drinks are the usual Burger King fare. Taste pretty much the same as all the other branches that I have been to. Favourite of all is still the Chicken Royale which as far as I'm concerned beats all the other fast food establishment's chicken sandwich hands down. There is of course the onion ring to go with it; never fails to satisfy.

Nando's Chickenland - Delicious chicken! by pindulgence

pindulgence — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:34:03 +0000

Review by pindulgence

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7513 2864

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

Tags: crowded, portuguese, good value

I love Nando's Chicken land! It has a great fun atmosphere and the staff seem to want to help you to have fun too! I've made lots of new friends here, its amazing how friendly they are! The memu is, well, not great for true vegetarians . . . check out the name before you come here! Chicken is most definately the dish of the day but there are some other dishes as well. They truly have mastered the art of cooking the chicken through, it is absolutely delicious and i thoroughly recommend you coming here! The price is also cheap so you have no excuses!I love Nando's Chicken land! It has a great fun atmosphere and the staff seem to want to help you to have fun too! I've made lots of new friends here, its amazing how friendly they are! The memu is, well, not great for true vegetarians . . . check out the name before you come here! Chicken is most definately the dish of the day but there are some other dishes as well. They truly have mastered the art of cooking the chicken through, it is absolutely delicious and i thoroughly recommend you coming here! The price is also cheap so you have no excuses!

Lotus Chinese Floating Restaurant - Dimsum good, dinner bad by piggyeater

piggyeater — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:00:56 +0000

Review by piggyeater

Rating: 2.00We have been twice to this place. Its unique feature is that it is built on a barge type thing and is floating on water. Had dim sum for lunch first and all the dishes were just absolutely delicious. The stir fried noodles that was ordered to accompany the dim sum were all in fairly large portions and therefore pretty good value for money.

We returned few days later, for dinner. What a difference! It was still equally busy but the dishes that arrives were of sub-standard quality. It was as if they couldn't be bothered to do it properly. Particularly disappointing was the soy braised pig trotters, which instead of being braised in soy, was obviously just plain boiled to the point of no further sweetness, and had soy sauce slapped on top. Never again!We have been twice to this place. Its unique feature is that it is built on a barge type thing and is floating on water. Had dim sum for lunch first and all the dishes were just absolutely delicious. The stir fried noodles that was ordered to accompany the dim sum were all in fairly large portions and therefore pretty good value for money.

We returned few days later, for dinner. What a difference! It was still equally busy but the dishes that arrives were of sub-standard quality. It was as if they couldn't be bothered to do it properly. Particularly disappointing was the soy braised pig trotters, which instead of being braised in soy, was obviously just plain boiled to the point of no further sweetness, and had soy sauce slapped on top. Never again!

La Tasca - Spanish food by piggyeater

piggyeater — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:54:04 +0000

Review by piggyeater

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7531 9990

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

Tags: spanish, good value, family & home feel

We tried this place a few months ago. It was a weekday afternoon, therefore not too busy. Atmosphere was nice with soft music being played. Food came pretty quickly although we shied away from ordering the proper "big" paella as the waiter called it as the waiting time was a minimum of 45 minutes. The dishes that we ordered like I said, turned up quickly, hot and absolutely delicious. Even the plain bread was nice dipped in the oil of the chorizo dish. We only ordered soft drinks, but friends have mentioned that the Sangria is a knockout! We are planning to return in future.We tried this place a few months ago. It was a weekday afternoon, therefore not too busy. Atmosphere was nice with soft music being played. Food came pretty quickly although we shied away from ordering the proper "big" paella as the waiter called it as the waiting time was a minimum of 45 minutes. The dishes that we ordered like I said, turned up quickly, hot and absolutely delicious. Even the plain bread was nice dipped in the oil of the chorizo dish. We only ordered soft drinks, but friends have mentioned that the Sangria is a knockout! We are planning to return in future.

Wagamama - Good food by piggyeater

piggyeater — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:48:44 +0000

Review by piggyeater

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7516 9009

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: japanese, good value, chinese

We have been to this place many times. Particularly in the month of August when they had deals such as buy main course get dessert/starter/another main course free. Even without the deal, it is still pretty good value for money. They have a good variety from the soup based noodles to the unhealthier stir fried version. These two types are the sort we always had, and has always tasted top notch. They have rice and curry on the menu as well, although cannot comment on them as never tried them before. All in all, a place we will keep returning.We have been to this place many times. Particularly in the month of August when they had deals such as buy main course get dessert/starter/another main course free. Even without the deal, it is still pretty good value for money. They have a good variety from the soup based noodles to the unhealthier stir fried version. These two types are the sort we always had, and has always tasted top notch. They have rice and curry on the menu as well, although cannot comment on them as never tried them before. All in all, a place we will keep returning.

Krispy Kreme - Best donut ever by piggyeater

piggyeater — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:45:22 +0000

Review by piggyeater

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7513 1000

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

Tags: delicatessen, childrens parties

You cannot go wrong with this place! Best donuts ever invented. The only place you can get better is to wait for it to be made "fresh" in the Harrods branch. The donuts are not cheap, over a pound each. Much cheaper if like me, you have a group of big eaters and you go for the double dozen, which works out at something like 50p per donut, which still more expensive compared to the usual supermarket fare. But what you do pay for is quality. You have the choice of the original glazed and they keep coming up with new flavours for the others.You cannot go wrong with this place! Best donuts ever invented. The only place you can get better is to wait for it to be made "fresh" in the Harrods branch. The donuts are not cheap, over a pound each. Much cheaper if like me, you have a group of big eaters and you go for the double dozen, which works out at something like 50p per donut, which still more expensive compared to the usual supermarket fare. But what you do pay for is quality. You have the choice of the original glazed and they keep coming up with new flavours for the others.

Chili's Grill & Bar - by lou1982

lou1982 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:33:20 +0000

Review by lou1982

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7363 5678

Website: http://www.chilis.com

Tags: american, vegetarian dishes, cheap eat

I have visited Chillis twice for lunch, once with work and once with a friend.

The menu is typical American offering a range of burgers, steaks etc. Service is quite slow and this place is always busy so be prepared to be there for a little over an hour. The restaurant is nice and bright with an American/Mexican theme but the tables are often sticky which is a little off putting. The food itself isn't bad, I have always opted for a burger but they also have some light bites on offer. I have never paid over Â£25 for 2 people; this is with soft drinks and not alcohol
.I have visited Chillis twice for lunch, once with work and once with a friend.

The menu is typical American offering a range of burgers, steaks etc. Service is quite slow and this place is always busy so be prepared to be there for a little over an hour. The restaurant is nice and bright with an American/Mexican theme but the tables are often sticky which is a little off putting. The food itself isn't bad, I have always opted for a burger but they also have some light bites on offer. I have never paid over Â£25 for 2 people; this is with soft drinks and not alcohol
.

Gaucho Canary - LOVE IT! by Jamesarama001

Jamesarama001 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:13:13 +0000

Review by Jamesarama001

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7987 9494

Website: http://www.gauchosgrill.com

Tags: expensive, business, lively

I love steak, and probably the best steak so far has been at the the Gaucho. It's a bit pricey but worth every penny. The interior is black and chrome with cow hide and cow print everywhere. The service is amazing, with every attachion to detail, up to and including when the waiter comes along with a wooden slab with your cuts of beef. He / she will then explain everything yo need to know about each one. The food is excellent and the wine list is extensive but slightly pricey (but as a one off, it should be no problem). The reason for reviewing this branch over the others is that it is on the riverside, so the view a great. If you go on a hot summers evening(which we did)then you're able to sit outside and which the sun go done. The atmosphere there is great, however slightly dampened by the Canary Wharf workers who can make it feel slightly pretentious.

As a once in a blue moon meal, I think its worth it!I love steak, and probably the best steak so far has been at the the Gaucho. It's a bit pricey but worth every penny. The interior is black and chrome with cow hide and cow print everywhere. The service is amazing, with every attachion to detail, up to and including when the waiter comes along with a wooden slab with your cuts of beef. He / she will then explain everything yo need to know about each one. The food is excellent and the wine list is extensive but slightly pricey (but as a one off, it should be no problem). The reason for reviewing this branch over the others is that it is on the riverside, so the view a great. If you go on a hot summers evening(which we did)then you're able to sit outside and which the sun go done. The atmosphere there is great, however slightly dampened by the Canary Wharf workers who can make it feel slightly pretentious.

As a once in a blue moon meal, I think its worth it!

Itsu - Good sushi at reasonable prices by hammerhead

hammerhead — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:12:33 +0000

Review by hammerhead

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7512 5790

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

Tags: japanese, good value, lively

Itsu has two branches in Canary Wharf, one a pitstop branch for just takeaway only at lunchtime near the tube, and the other on the 4th floor near Cabot Square. The eat in option does not have the most homely atmosphere, rather a functional design. We chose to sit on seats away from the conveyor belt grabbing the food every 10 minutes or so. Sitting at the conveyor belt is handy though but as you keep picking dishes you better watch your bill. All the usual sushi favourites but Itsu has become a bit average in terms of taste for me and I prefer Wasabi at the moment but as there isn't a Wasabi sit down option available in the Wharf at the moment, Itsu will have to suffice.Itsu has two branches in Canary Wharf, one a pitstop branch for just takeaway only at lunchtime near the tube, and the other on the 4th floor near Cabot Square. The eat in option does not have the most homely atmosphere, rather a functional design. We chose to sit on seats away from the conveyor belt grabbing the food every 10 minutes or so. Sitting at the conveyor belt is handy though but as you keep picking dishes you better watch your bill. All the usual sushi favourites but Itsu has become a bit average in terms of taste for me and I prefer Wasabi at the moment but as there isn't a Wasabi sit down option available in the Wharf at the moment, Itsu will have to suffice.

Oi Bagel - Great for a morning bagel by hammerhead

hammerhead — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:33:36 +0000

Review by hammerhead

Rating: 5.00

Tags: quick bite, top food

As I get into work so early this is the place to come for a treat or if i'm late and need to get breakfast in for the whole team! Any type of bagel (Wholemeal, Seasame, Onion, Cheddar, you name it they've got it!) and a whole raft of fillings from the favourite bacon and brown sauce (which I don't eat) to Tuna Melt and my personal favourite running food, Tuna Bagel which is Tuna Mayo with lemon juice and a cucumber. The Bagel's can be toasted as well while waiting (couple of minutes) and the usual smoothies and coffees are also available. Great value as well, around Â£2-4 and remember to grab a loyalty card as if you grab loads of bagels like me, then you can get some free ones for return custom, likeable manager here and friendly staff who handle the multiple orders. You can also phone in advance so they prepare before you pick up.As I get into work so early this is the place to come for a treat or if i'm late and need to get breakfast in for the whole team! Any type of bagel (Wholemeal, Seasame, Onion, Cheddar, you name it they've got it!) and a whole raft of fillings from the favourite bacon and brown sauce (which I don't eat) to Tuna Melt and my personal favourite running food, Tuna Bagel which is Tuna Mayo with lemon juice and a cucumber. The Bagel's can be toasted as well while waiting (couple of minutes) and the usual smoothies and coffees are also available. Great value as well, around Â£2-4 and remember to grab a loyalty card as if you grab loads of bagels like me, then you can get some free ones for return custom, likeable manager here and friendly staff who handle the multiple orders. You can also phone in advance so they prepare before you pick up.

Ubon By Nobu - CLOSED - Very expensive but good service by hammerhead

hammerhead — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:55:42 +0000

Review by hammerhead

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7719 7800

Website: http://www.noburestaurants.com/

Tags: japanese, expensive, business

Great views of the Thames from the 4th floor and nice table arrangement with a separate bar and grill section. Black tuna is a must, best thing on the menu even if it is overpriced (as is the whole menu). The service was very good with an explanation of all the dishes available for the uninitiated in Japanese food and also importantly how to eat it! The portions are small and we needed to order a lot of courses to make it a filling meal (I still think I was hungry after 8 or so dishes including starters). This resulted in a horrendous bill around Â£200 each, nice place and great food but at a price.Great views of the Thames from the 4th floor and nice table arrangement with a separate bar and grill section. Black tuna is a must, best thing on the menu even if it is overpriced (as is the whole menu). The service was very good with an explanation of all the dishes available for the uninitiated in Japanese food and also importantly how to eat it! The portions are small and we needed to order a lot of courses to make it a filling meal (I still think I was hungry after 8 or so dishes including starters). This resulted in a horrendous bill around Â£200 each, nice place and great food but at a price.