Latest reviews for Restaurants in Islington, London, United Kingdom

Tortilla - Great burrito by Gavin83

Gavin83 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:27:37 +0000

Review by Gavin83

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7833 3103

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

Scrumptious , freshly prepared authentic Mexican food in a simple setting. Such a shame that guacamole costs an extra 50 p, but it's definitely worth it. Nice atmosphere with friendly staff , cool beers and crunchy tortilla chips - enjoy!Scrumptious , freshly prepared authentic Mexican food in a simple setting. Such a shame that guacamole costs an extra 50 p, but it's definitely worth it. Nice atmosphere with friendly staff , cool beers and crunchy tortilla chips - enjoy!

Cafe Gallipoli - what a let down by FoodSlut

FoodSlut — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:58:36 +0000

Review by FoodSlut

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7359 0630

Website: http://www.gallipolicafe.com/

Tags: turkish, lively, expensive

Could be so much better. Mezze was a joke. Meats were greasy. Service was arrogant.
Four times i was asked if i wanted bread. As it happens I didnt becuae it fills you up to much. But any turkish restaurant ive been in brings you bread immediately. This place wanted to charge.
The bill waswhat youd expect in Upper Street but the food wasnt worththe money. Why not just do it properly?
Obviously a business has to make money but when a restaurant is run by businessmen rather than caterers this is what usually happens.Could be so much better. Mezze was a joke. Meats were greasy. Service was arrogant.
Four times i was asked if i wanted bread. As it happens I didnt becuae it fills you up to much. But any turkish restaurant ive been in brings you bread immediately. This place wanted to charge.
The bill waswhat youd expect in Upper Street but the food wasnt worththe money. Why not just do it properly?
Obviously a business has to make money but when a restaurant is run by businessmen rather than caterers this is what usually happens.

F Cooke - Pie and MAsh heaven by thecure

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

Review by thecure

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 7718

Tags: lively, english, cheap eat

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

The Well - the well by LittleIsla

LittleIsla — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:45:59 +0000

Review by LittleIsla

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7251 9363

Website: http://www.downthewell.com

Tags: french, smoking, special occasion

I really enjoy a post work drink here. It has a nice atmosphere, lots of lovely old wooden chairs and tables, and a great drink selection. They have some really nice beers, wines, and cocktails, or tasty juices if you are being good. The other end of St Johns Street, is all a bit much for me after work..I really enjoy a post work drink here. It has a nice atmosphere, lots of lovely old wooden chairs and tables, and a great drink selection. They have some really nice beers, wines, and cocktails, or tasty juices if you are being good. The other end of St Johns Street, is all a bit much for me after work..

The Commissary - worth the walk.. by HelenR

HelenR — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:28:15 +0000

Review by HelenR

Rating: 4.00

Tags: good value, british

This is a nice little hidden away place near Old Street, but just far enough away that it's not stupidly busy like most places in the area. It's along the canal too, which is an added bonus. :)This is a nice little hidden away place near Old Street, but just far enough away that it's not stupidly busy like most places in the area. It's along the canal too, which is an added bonus. :)

Fredericks - Disappointing by rtf009

rtf009 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:58:51 +0000

Review by rtf009

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7359 2888

Website: www.fredericks.co.uk

Tags: expensive, french, smoking

This restaurant was a real disappointment, the service was absolutely terrible and the food somewhat lacking, good thing I took good company or the evening would have been a total write-off!This restaurant was a real disappointment, the service was absolutely terrible and the food somewhat lacking, good thing I took good company or the evening would have been a total write-off!

Cuba Libre & Bar Havana - by hhrtmnn

hhrtmnn — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:20:05 +0000

Review by hhrtmnn

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7354 9998

Tags: lively, spanish, restaurant

Avoid like the plague.
Do not waste your time or money here.

We were planning to start with a drink before our friends arrived and then all enjoy a Cuban meal here. One drink was more than enough to convince us to call our friends and head elsewhere.

I agree with another reviewer who said that the drinks were expensive and that the staff were phenomenally rude - even arrogant.

Whilst finishing our one drink we watched as two other tables enquired about dining but left before ordering a single thing.

How long a business can operate like this waits to be seen in current economy.

I say this prime spot would be much better occupied by a worthy establishment.

Everything is so dirty and slapdash that I would not dare even taste a morsel of their food.Avoid like the plague.
Do not waste your time or money here.

We were planning to start with a drink before our friends arrived and then all enjoy a Cuban meal here. One drink was more than enough to convince us to call our friends and head elsewhere.

I agree with another reviewer who said that the drinks were expensive and that the staff were phenomenally rude - even arrogant.

Whilst finishing our one drink we watched as two other tables enquired about dining but left before ordering a single thing.

How long a business can operate like this waits to be seen in current economy.

I say this prime spot would be much better occupied by a worthy establishment.

Everything is so dirty and slapdash that I would not dare even taste a morsel of their food.

Moro - by dafinki

dafinki — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Review by dafinki

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: spanish, lively, good value

Just thought I'd mention the Moro stall on Exmouth market which is there at lunchtimesÂ â¬ brilliant! Lunch for Â£5, today it was flatbread topped with couscous, free range chicken, lentils, aubergines and salad with a beetroot dressing. Last week it was flatbread with lamb and couscous with a yoghurt dressing...delicious!Just thought I'd mention the Moro stall on Exmouth market which is there at lunchtimesÂ â¬ brilliant! Lunch for Â£5, today it was flatbread topped with couscous, free range chicken, lentils, aubergines and salad with a beetroot dressing. Last week it was flatbread with lamb and couscous with a yoghurt dressing...delicious!

Cafe Olive at Night - All you need for a good night out by jviltuznik

jviltuznik — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:08:41 +0000

Review by jviltuznik

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 77136888

Website: www.cafeolive.co.uk

Tags: mediterranean, good value, vegetarian

This place was recommended by a friend. And lucky for me that he did! A charming bistro off the high street where I found a small but delightful menu. The food was delicious with great quality ingredients. The staff are charming and friendly - nothing is too much for them. House wine was excellent (red). Reasonable prices too. All accompanied by good background music and interesting art. I highly recommend this place. We will definitely making this a local haunt!!This place was recommended by a friend. And lucky for me that he did! A charming bistro off the high street where I found a small but delightful menu. The food was delicious with great quality ingredients. The staff are charming and friendly - nothing is too much for them. House wine was excellent (red). Reasonable prices too. All accompanied by good background music and interesting art. I highly recommend this place. We will definitely making this a local haunt!!

Gourmet Buffet - by Fooooood

Fooooood — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:42:19 +0000

Review by Fooooood

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7359 8804

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

Tags: chinese, cheap eat, takeaway

Delicious! The spring rolls and samosas in particular are amazing. Very cheap too. Great.Delicious! The spring rolls and samosas in particular are amazing. Very cheap too. Great.

Tod's Grill & Bistro - Classic Upper Street Restaurant by Luce_Hume

Luce_Hume — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:49:51 +0000

Review by Luce_Hume

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7288 9222

Tags: lively, romantic, mediterranean

Todâ¬"s is a very good place to eat. The Mediterranean menu is a mix of steaks from the grill, fish dishes and kofte meats. The food is well prepared and presented and the staff attentive. A classic Upper Street independent restaurant.Todâ¬"s is a very good place to eat. The Mediterranean menu is a mix of steaks from the grill, fish dishes and kofte meats. The food is well prepared and presented and the staff attentive. A classic Upper Street independent restaurant.

Trafik - food posoining by sillysnake

sillysnake — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:46:15 +0000

Review by sillysnake

Rating: 1.00

Tags: expensive, pretentious, international

I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!

Thai Square - Consistently Good by GeorgeClark

GeorgeClark — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:55:32 +0000

Review by GeorgeClark

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7704 2000

Website: http://www.thaisq.com/

Tags: thai, lively, good value

Whenever I eat at this, my local Thai, it never fails to deliver and would have given 5 stars but sometimes it is too austere and needs softening. When busy, it is too noisy. The food however is stunningly good and always to the same standard, never disappoints. Never room for desserts; their Pad Thai is perfect as is the Ped Mekham with outstanding Spinach with garlic and ginger served on beautiful crockery - always recommend to groups and individuals alike.Whenever I eat at this, my local Thai, it never fails to deliver and would have given 5 stars but sometimes it is too austere and needs softening. When busy, it is too noisy. The food however is stunningly good and always to the same standard, never disappoints. Never room for desserts; their Pad Thai is perfect as is the Ped Mekham with outstanding Spinach with garlic and ginger served on beautiful crockery - always recommend to groups and individuals alike.

S & M Cafe - a step back in time by frostkirsty03

frostkirsty03 — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:13:56 +0000

Review by frostkirsty03

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7359 5361

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

Tags: comfy, good value, cheap eat

a authentic looking old cafe. The menu selection was quite good and their was a specials board. I visited last week one lunch time, i found the staff very pleasant and helpfull. the service was extreamly slow. i waited for almost 45 mins for my sausage and mash to turn up. the food was very good and my son enjoyed half of my dinner. I ordered a strawberry cheese cake which was still frozen. They did say that the offer of two, two course meals at half price was still in place. this ment our bill was only £15:00. for what it was it was about right.
may 2009a authentic looking old cafe. The menu selection was quite good and their was a specials board. I visited last week one lunch time, i found the staff very pleasant and helpfull. the service was extreamly slow. i waited for almost 45 mins for my sausage and mash to turn up. the food was very good and my son enjoyed half of my dinner. I ordered a strawberry cheese cake which was still frozen. They did say that the offer of two, two course meals at half price was still in place. this ment our bill was only £15:00. for what it was it was about right.
may 2009

Huong Viet - What a fun evening by Browners

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

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 0877

Tags: vietnamese, crowded, family & home feel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rodizio Rico - Hmmm...not as good as it could be by Imicola

Imicola — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:07:11 +0000

Review by Imicola

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7354 1076

Website: http://www.rodiziorico.com/

Tags: brazilian, lively, crowded

My friends raved about this place, but I was a bit let down by it overall. Firstly, the price: its pretty expensive really, and yes at the beginning I'm sure everyone says to themselves 'I'm really going to stuff my face and get my money's worth' but in reality, this rarely happens. For me £22 plus service was a little steep.

Secondly, the service. We waited about 20 minutes, then finally managed to flag someone down to order a drink. The meat is brought round continually, and to be honest it get's a little annoying having to say no thanks, no thanks, no thanks every couple of minutes when they try to give you more and more meat.

Thirdly, the food. It was ok, but nothing great and at £22 a head you do expect it to be better quality. The buffet bar with salads and vegetable dishes was a little lacklustre. There was a good choices of dishes, but nothing I had really stood out. It was so-so. The meat was quite good, but as I mentioned, I definitely didnt get my moneys worth! There are only so many chunks of steak you can eat!

And one final point is the wastage. The waiters are so keen to offload some of their meat onto your plates that they end up giving far more than you can eat, and we ended up with a pile of spare bits at the end. I'll probably not be going back unless my friends talk me into it again!My friends raved about this place, but I was a bit let down by it overall. Firstly, the price: its pretty expensive really, and yes at the beginning I'm sure everyone says to themselves 'I'm really going to stuff my face and get my money's worth' but in reality, this rarely happens. For me £22 plus service was a little steep.

Secondly, the service. We waited about 20 minutes, then finally managed to flag someone down to order a drink. The meat is brought round continually, and to be honest it get's a little annoying having to say no thanks, no thanks, no thanks every couple of minutes when they try to give you more and more meat.

Thirdly, the food. It was ok, but nothing great and at £22 a head you do expect it to be better quality. The buffet bar with salads and vegetable dishes was a little lacklustre. There was a good choices of dishes, but nothing I had really stood out. It was so-so. The meat was quite good, but as I mentioned, I definitely didnt get my moneys worth! There are only so many chunks of steak you can eat!

And one final point is the wastage. The waiters are so keen to offload some of their meat onto your plates that they end up giving far more than you can eat, and we ended up with a pile of spare bits at the end. I'll probably not be going back unless my friends talk me into it again!

Desperados - Avoid. At all costs. by mark11

mark11 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:26:00 +0000

Review by mark11

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7226 3222

Tags: lively, romantic, bar

The worst experience I have EVER had was here. Absolutely the rudest staff I have ever encountered. It says "cocktail bar" on their signs and menus, yet they forced all nine of us to order a main, even the one person who had come from somewhere else to meet us and wasn't hungry... bizarre. The portions were small and the drinks were packed with ice. They also seem to try operating on the minimum staff possible, never bringing water to the people who asked for it, bringing drinks but then not having glasses for over an hour. Awful.The worst experience I have EVER had was here. Absolutely the rudest staff I have ever encountered. It says "cocktail bar" on their signs and menus, yet they forced all nine of us to order a main, even the one person who had come from somewhere else to meet us and wasn't hungry... bizarre. The portions were small and the drinks were packed with ice. They also seem to try operating on the minimum staff possible, never bringing water to the people who asked for it, bringing drinks but then not having glasses for over an hour. Awful.

Curry HQ - by bakara

bakara — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:44:25 +0000

Review by bakara

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 5060

Tags: vegetarian dishes

this is the best curry place in london;although they changed their name,now its curry hq .this is the best curry place in london;although they changed their name,now its curry hq .

Sabor - Exciting Latin American by pelagos1956

pelagos1956 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:23:39 +0000

Review by pelagos1956

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7226 5551

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

Tags: cocktails, lively, bar

Fresh vibrant flavours - innovative food, great companyFresh vibrant flavours - innovative food, great company

The Angel Curry Centre - Great Indian close to Angel tube by gilka

gilka — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:49:38 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 5727

Tags: indian, good value, lively

You would not guess by the interiors but this place does great Indian food. I was particularly amazed by the Peshwari Naan bread which was fantastic and the Tandoori chicken.
I had some chicken pakora for starters which were also very tasty and came with delicious yogurt/mint sauce.
The price were very reasonable. I will definitely go back if I am around Angel. If you fancy some cocktails try Anam bar which is very close.

http://www.gilka.co.uk

You would not guess by the interiors but this place does great Indian food. I was particularly amazed by the Peshwari Naan bread which was fantastic and the Tandoori chicken.
I had some chicken pakora for starters which were also very tasty and came with delicious yogurt/mint sauce.
The price were very reasonable. I will definitely go back if I am around Angel. If you fancy some cocktails try Anam bar which is very close.

http://www.gilka.co.uk