Latest reviews for Restaurants in Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom

Piccolo Diavolo - Like being in Italy by pinotlover

pinotlover — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:02:41 +0000

Review by pinotlover

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 1024

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

Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value

Small traditional Italian cafe with friendly and cheerful Italian staff who were fabulous with the children. Food nice, not outstanding, but good value for money. The pizzas are enormous and the veal was very good. Be aware that you do need to order vegetables as a side dish. The lemon sorbet - served inside a hollowed out frozen lemon - was a fine way to finish. It was pleasant to feel we could linger without being pushed out the door to make way for more diners. We will return.Small traditional Italian cafe with friendly and cheerful Italian staff who were fabulous with the children. Food nice, not outstanding, but good value for money. The pizzas are enormous and the veal was very good. Be aware that you do need to order vegetables as a side dish. The lemon sorbet - served inside a hollowed out frozen lemon - was a fine way to finish. It was pleasant to feel we could linger without being pushed out the door to make way for more diners. We will return.

Golden Dragon - Appalling service by cindy1005

cindy1005 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:47:51 +0000

Review by cindy1005

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 1073

Tags: chinese, lively, expensive

I visited this restaurant 2 days ago with a friend. While dishing out the rice, I was apalled to notice three chips ranging in width from about 2 cm to 2 inches in the rim of the bowl. The bowl was made of some kind of material similar to melamine and was discoloured on the outside, and blackened on the base. It put me off my food. When the waitress came to clear the table, she asked if everything was alright. I said, ''Actually no, I'm apalled to be served food in a bowl in this state. I wouldn't even use this in my own house. It really is unacceptable and insulting.'' Instead of apologizing, the waitress had the audacity to LAUGH! I was not amused. She then proceeded to rip the top tablecloth off the table from under us, even though we still had our full cups of tea and other drinks on the table, and were clearly not finished. I was really annoyed by then. While waiting on the bill to arrive, I happened to glance at the table behind me and noticed that they had a bowl of rice, which on first glance appeared to have a scalloped edge, but then to my horror I realized it wasn't a scalloped pattern, but in fact, was so severely chipped around the perimeter, it appeared to be scalloped! The toilets upstairs were out of order. When we went downstairs, we were approached by a woman who screeched at us '' You want toilet, it is that way'' with a mouth full of food.

I will never dine in that establishment again, nor would I recommend it to anyone. Their lack of respect and service is appalling and completely unacceptable. They also add 12.5% service charge to the bill, when they clearly don't even know the meaning of the word service.I visited this restaurant 2 days ago with a friend. While dishing out the rice, I was apalled to notice three chips ranging in width from about 2 cm to 2 inches in the rim of the bowl. The bowl was made of some kind of material similar to melamine and was discoloured on the outside, and blackened on the base. It put me off my food. When the waitress came to clear the table, she asked if everything was alright. I said, ''Actually no, I'm apalled to be served food in a bowl in this state. I wouldn't even use this in my own house. It really is unacceptable and insulting.'' Instead of apologizing, the waitress had the audacity to LAUGH! I was not amused. She then proceeded to rip the top tablecloth off the table from under us, even though we still had our full cups of tea and other drinks on the table, and were clearly not finished. I was really annoyed by then. While waiting on the bill to arrive, I happened to glance at the table behind me and noticed that they had a bowl of rice, which on first glance appeared to have a scalloped edge, but then to my horror I realized it wasn't a scalloped pattern, but in fact, was so severely chipped around the perimeter, it appeared to be scalloped! The toilets upstairs were out of order. When we went downstairs, we were approached by a woman who screeched at us '' You want toilet, it is that way'' with a mouth full of food.

I will never dine in that establishment again, nor would I recommend it to anyone. Their lack of respect and service is appalling and completely unacceptable. They also add 12.5% service charge to the bill, when they clearly don't even know the meaning of the word service.

Plum Valley - Excellent Dim Sum - highly impressed by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:13:12 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 2539

Tags: chinese, romantic, expensive

Plum Valley is situated right in the heart of Chinatown but bares no resemblance to its counterparts in terms of cuisine, dÃ©cor and service. The restaurant serves a variety of Dim Sum dishes all day along with popular and also new innovative main Chinese dishes. The menu was not as expansive as other Chinese restaurants on Gerrard street, but there was a good choice nonetheless, with well thought-out dishes sitting beside tried and tested favourites.

As it was lunchtime, my friend and I opted for the Dim Sum menu. Being of Chinese origin we both think it is a bit odd to eat Dim Sum in the evenings but welcomed a restaurant to do so in Chinatown. In my opinion, Plum Valley fills the narrow void left between the Ping Pong dim sum restaurant chain and traditional Chinese restaurants. I would say that it is similar to Yauatcha but holds on to its Chinese identity far better with dishes averaging at Â£3.80 which most Chinese people are not likely to baulk at, whereas the bill at Yauatcha would make many choke on their tea.

The dÃ©cor and style of the restaurant was most impressive with dark wooden walls, tables and slate grey floors â¬ lighting was low in keeping with the ambience of the restaurant (a feature that may not be too popular in the Summer). Waitresses and the hostess were friendly and unobtrusive. My friend and I chose our dishes, our rule of thumb is 3 dishes per person and one for luck. Instead of opting for the usual Vietnamese spring rolls, turnip paste, har gau, shao mai, cheung fun etc we decided to choose some more eccentric dishes - scallop dumplings, wasabi prawn dumpling, black cod rolls, thai chicken dumplings, beancurd wrapped shrimp in cheung fun, fish and squid rolls with preserved egg. All were delicious and presented beautifully â¬ the freshness and quality of the ingredients were easily identifiable. I particularly liked the fish and squid rolls with preserved egg â¬ all the flavours worked really well and it looked amazing on the plate. The scallop dumplings and the cheung fun were also a highlight. We were happily full at the end of the meal with the bill working out to a very reasonable Â£33 including service. My only small gripe was the jasmine flower tea served in oversized wine glasses - very unusual but this really did not offend too much. Unsurprisingly we left the restuarant smiling from the whole experience.
Plum Valley is situated right in the heart of Chinatown but bares no resemblance to its counterparts in terms of cuisine, dÃ©cor and service. The restaurant serves a variety of Dim Sum dishes all day along with popular and also new innovative main Chinese dishes. The menu was not as expansive as other Chinese restaurants on Gerrard street, but there was a good choice nonetheless, with well thought-out dishes sitting beside tried and tested favourites.

As it was lunchtime, my friend and I opted for the Dim Sum menu. Being of Chinese origin we both think it is a bit odd to eat Dim Sum in the evenings but welcomed a restaurant to do so in Chinatown. In my opinion, Plum Valley fills the narrow void left between the Ping Pong dim sum restaurant chain and traditional Chinese restaurants. I would say that it is similar to Yauatcha but holds on to its Chinese identity far better with dishes averaging at Â£3.80 which most Chinese people are not likely to baulk at, whereas the bill at Yauatcha would make many choke on their tea.

The dÃ©cor and style of the restaurant was most impressive with dark wooden walls, tables and slate grey floors â¬ lighting was low in keeping with the ambience of the restaurant (a feature that may not be too popular in the Summer). Waitresses and the hostess were friendly and unobtrusive. My friend and I chose our dishes, our rule of thumb is 3 dishes per person and one for luck. Instead of opting for the usual Vietnamese spring rolls, turnip paste, har gau, shao mai, cheung fun etc we decided to choose some more eccentric dishes - scallop dumplings, wasabi prawn dumpling, black cod rolls, thai chicken dumplings, beancurd wrapped shrimp in cheung fun, fish and squid rolls with preserved egg. All were delicious and presented beautifully â¬ the freshness and quality of the ingredients were easily identifiable. I particularly liked the fish and squid rolls with preserved egg â¬ all the flavours worked really well and it looked amazing on the plate. The scallop dumplings and the cheung fun were also a highlight. We were happily full at the end of the meal with the bill working out to a very reasonable Â£33 including service. My only small gripe was the jasmine flower tea served in oversized wine glasses - very unusual but this really did not offend too much. Unsurprisingly we left the restuarant smiling from the whole experience.

Terroirs - by barbd

barbd — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:36:53 +0000

Review by barbd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7036 0660

Website: www.terroirswinebar.com

Tags: lively, french, good value

I love food served this way. The staff know their stuff, and are happy to guide you towards the most amazing wine as you order from one of the most fun menus I've had the pleasure of reading in quite some time!I love food served this way. The staff know their stuff, and are happy to guide you towards the most amazing wine as you order from one of the most fun menus I've had the pleasure of reading in quite some time!

Tossed Salad Bar - Disorganised mess by emmanx

emmanx — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:13:24 +0000

Review by emmanx

Rating: 3.00

Tags: crowded, business, cheap eat

Just started working in the area a couple of weeks ago and already had two very dissapointing visits to Tossed on St. Martin's lane. The first time I happened to be helped by someone who had just started so I decided to be forgiving and give the place a second go. Mistake.

The salad bar staff have no specific work area so they just run around getting in each other's way. My server gave me lip because I asked for a wrap but didn't have a base salad in my hands. Apparently, a wrap without a tonne of lettuce is weird. After he put the ingredients in a bowl he passed it on to someone else who had no idea what they were doing - the process was about 15 minutes, bit much for someone on their lunchbreak run

I got bored of watching her so I walked over to the till waiting for my food. I got harrassed to pay before I received it, which I refused. Result? Dirty look.

After she finally managed to finish my wrap, she handed it over to someone else, who gave it to another customer who was waiting for another wrap. By the time I caught on, she walked off with it. At that point, I left and I will NEVER go back. Boo hiss.

AfterJust started working in the area a couple of weeks ago and already had two very dissapointing visits to Tossed on St. Martin's lane. The first time I happened to be helped by someone who had just started so I decided to be forgiving and give the place a second go. Mistake.

The salad bar staff have no specific work area so they just run around getting in each other's way. My server gave me lip because I asked for a wrap but didn't have a base salad in my hands. Apparently, a wrap without a tonne of lettuce is weird. After he put the ingredients in a bowl he passed it on to someone else who had no idea what they were doing - the process was about 15 minutes, bit much for someone on their lunchbreak run

I got bored of watching her so I walked over to the till waiting for my food. I got harrassed to pay before I received it, which I refused. Result? Dirty look.

After she finally managed to finish my wrap, she handed it over to someone else, who gave it to another customer who was waiting for another wrap. By the time I caught on, she walked off with it. At that point, I left and I will NEVER go back. Boo hiss.

After

H.K Diner Restaurant - by liangliang

liangliang — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:47:33 +0000

Review by liangliang

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, malaysian, vegetarian

have gone thee twice , excellenthave gone thee twice , excellent

Melanie Italian Restaurant - by DIMCD5

DIMCD5 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:06:53 +0000

Review by DIMCD5

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 4006

Very friendly, lovely food, nice atmosphere.Very friendly, lovely food, nice atmosphere.

Leicester Square Bar and Restaurant - by MartaZ

MartaZ — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:10:27 +0000

Review by MartaZ

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7451 0191

Website: http://www.radissonedwardian.com/hotels/gbpastor/dinings

Tags: brasserie, business, hotel bar

I loved the place. The furniture and the feel of the restaurant is lush, posh and cool. Staff were very friendly and helpful and i loved the food. We had a sea food platter to share along with egg benedict and poached egg on toasted muffin - both delicious. I had a haddock with mashed potato and steamed veg - wich was really tasty. My husband went for steak - which was tender and cooked to perfection. A wide selection of wines and spirits will make it a hard choice, but ask for recommendation and you will not be disappointed. All in all, we had a great evening and even though the prices might feel a bit steep, it was truly worth it.I loved the place. The furniture and the feel of the restaurant is lush, posh and cool. Staff were very friendly and helpful and i loved the food. We had a sea food platter to share along with egg benedict and poached egg on toasted muffin - both delicious. I had a haddock with mashed potato and steamed veg - wich was really tasty. My husband went for steak - which was tender and cooked to perfection. A wide selection of wines and spirits will make it a hard choice, but ask for recommendation and you will not be disappointed. All in all, we had a great evening and even though the prices might feel a bit steep, it was truly worth it.

Jom Makan - Very rude staff. Food was 'okay' by Zahasman

Zahasman — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:43:44 +0000

Review by Zahasman

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7925 2402

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

Tags: malaysian, good value, cheap eat

I just came back from Buka Puasa at Jom Makan today, a day before Raya. It was the most uncomfortable meal i have ever had in my life. But i do have some positive and some negative feedback to be fair.

The positive side of thing is that their Satay (with the peanut sauce) is very close to authentic. And so does their beef rendang which was absolutely brilliant. As the dinner was for my Raya celebration, having an authentic beef rendang definitely brought me back home.

The ugly side is, unfortunately, a lot. First of all their Roti Canai.... it did not come with any curry! This is absolutely a let down and a shock to me considering that im a Malaysian eating in a Malaysian restaurant. Although the Roti Canai bread itself is authentic, but there's no point eating Roti Canai without a curry to be dipped with. It wouldn't cost a dime to add a small curry to it and i wonder why they would leave this open for complaint.

But the biggest let down was their staff service, and this is the real reason why I said it was the most uncomfortable meal I have ever had. Their staff kept eyeing on us to make sure we finish our food fast so that we can leave early for their next customers - worse is they made this very obvious. At one point their manager (the bald guy who kept running around) even shouted at us saying that they have customers outside queing and they will lose customers if we dont leave soon (yes, shouted). How can a manager embarrassed us like that in front of other customers while we were having a meal? I have never felt so abused and insulted as a customer. Substitute that with a nice talk we would have left the premise happily.

So no, I will not recommend anyone to come to this place and I will also never return to this place. We had such a bad experience to do otherwise.I just came back from Buka Puasa at Jom Makan today, a day before Raya. It was the most uncomfortable meal i have ever had in my life. But i do have some positive and some negative feedback to be fair.

The positive side of thing is that their Satay (with the peanut sauce) is very close to authentic. And so does their beef rendang which was absolutely brilliant. As the dinner was for my Raya celebration, having an authentic beef rendang definitely brought me back home.

The ugly side is, unfortunately, a lot. First of all their Roti Canai.... it did not come with any curry! This is absolutely a let down and a shock to me considering that im a Malaysian eating in a Malaysian restaurant. Although the Roti Canai bread itself is authentic, but there's no point eating Roti Canai without a curry to be dipped with. It wouldn't cost a dime to add a small curry to it and i wonder why they would leave this open for complaint.

But the biggest let down was their staff service, and this is the real reason why I said it was the most uncomfortable meal I have ever had. Their staff kept eyeing on us to make sure we finish our food fast so that we can leave early for their next customers - worse is they made this very obvious. At one point their manager (the bald guy who kept running around) even shouted at us saying that they have customers outside queing and they will lose customers if we dont leave soon (yes, shouted). How can a manager embarrassed us like that in front of other customers while we were having a meal? I have never felt so abused and insulted as a customer. Substitute that with a nice talk we would have left the premise happily.

So no, I will not recommend anyone to come to this place and I will also never return to this place. We had such a bad experience to do otherwise.

The Stockpot - by guihnz

guihnz — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:01:38 +0000

Review by guihnz

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 1066

Tags: cheap eat, british, takeaway

Not the best service in London but I confirm the "good value for money"...Not the best service in London but I confirm the "good value for money"...

Cafe Boheme - Not Bad. by taryneast

taryneast — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:54:25 +0000

Review by taryneast

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 0623

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

Tags: french, lively, romantic

I arrived in the late afternoon for a late lunch/early dinner. The place had a nice atmosphere with live music playing and lively people relaxing at the bar - but not too crowded.
I was quickly seated - though I had to ask for a nicer table by the window as I had been directed towards the deeper-in tables... but I like to read and like the light.
I was a bit disappointed to find out that the crepes I'd seen on the menu at the front door were breakfast-only, but instead I chose a berry-ice-cream dessert plate with real vanilla and berry ice-cream as well as fresh fruit sprinkled on top - and was pretty pleased :)

I also had a coffee - that wasn't too bad. Nice and large, but still good full flavour and nice creamy milk, with just a hint of bitterness to start. I sipped it slowly and enjoyed the last of the sunshine.I arrived in the late afternoon for a late lunch/early dinner. The place had a nice atmosphere with live music playing and lively people relaxing at the bar - but not too crowded.
I was quickly seated - though I had to ask for a nicer table by the window as I had been directed towards the deeper-in tables... but I like to read and like the light.
I was a bit disappointed to find out that the crepes I'd seen on the menu at the front door were breakfast-only, but instead I chose a berry-ice-cream dessert plate with real vanilla and berry ice-cream as well as fresh fruit sprinkled on top - and was pretty pleased :)

I also had a coffee - that wasn't too bad. Nice and large, but still good full flavour and nice creamy milk, with just a hint of bitterness to start. I sipped it slowly and enjoyed the last of the sunshine.

Assa - Tasty food, great service, perfect price. by taryneast

taryneast — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:40:47 +0000

Review by taryneast

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 8256

Tags: good value, cheap eat, korean

This is a really great hole-in-the-wall style korean restaurant. I had rice cake in chilli sauce and it was full-flavoured and perfectly cooked, served on sizzling hotplate.
Be warned, the place is tiny, so it's not a place for big groups of people - but a small group will fit in, though it seems pretty popular, so you may have to squeeze in.
But, it's well worth the time to wait for a table!
Really tasty food for low, low prices.This is a really great hole-in-the-wall style korean restaurant. I had rice cake in chilli sauce and it was full-flavoured and perfectly cooked, served on sizzling hotplate.
Be warned, the place is tiny, so it's not a place for big groups of people - but a small group will fit in, though it seems pretty popular, so you may have to squeeze in.
But, it's well worth the time to wait for a table!
Really tasty food for low, low prices.

Mr Wu - Mr.Wu's-sweet and sour pork to die for by zigerz241

zigerz241 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:58:17 +0000

Review by zigerz241

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 3885

Tags: chinese, cheap eat, lively

All you can eat buffet style for Â£4.95 a head, drinks large Pineapple juice, coke etc (1/2 pint) Â£1.30....Yes it is cheap but fills the gap and I thought the food was very nice...You obviously don't get Duck or Prawn dishes but there are a good selection of Pork, Chicken and Beef dishes with crackers/won tos and spring rolls.....Would not hesitate to go their again.All you can eat buffet style for Â£4.95 a head, drinks large Pineapple juice, coke etc (1/2 pint) Â£1.30....Yes it is cheap but fills the gap and I thought the food was very nice...You obviously don't get Duck or Prawn dishes but there are a good selection of Pork, Chicken and Beef dishes with crackers/won tos and spring rolls.....Would not hesitate to go their again.

Spaghetti House - Good food, good value by adiguy60

adiguy60 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:12:09 +0000

Review by adiguy60

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 8168

Website: http://www.spaghetti-house.co.uk

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

My wife and I walked into spaghetti house on a whim... neither of us had ever eaten there before but we will, without a doubt, be returning there soon!My wife and I walked into spaghetti house on a whim... neither of us had ever eaten there before but we will, without a doubt, be returning there soon!

Spaghetti House - Perfect pre-theatre dining by adiguy60

adiguy60 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:41:16 +0000

Review by adiguy60

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 1626

Website: http://www.spaghetti-house.co.uk

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

I often eat at spaghetti house so I thought it only proper to write a review. Great atmosphere, great food and friendly waiters... what more could you ask for!?I often eat at spaghetti house so I thought it only proper to write a review. Great atmosphere, great food and friendly waiters... what more could you ask for!?

Souk Medina - Excellent! by sharon77

sharon77 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:58:32 +0000

Review by sharon77

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: good value, north african, moroccan

Away from the madding crowds of Covent Garden's main square, Souk Medina is a jewel in the heart of London. Conveniently located just a 5min walk from Long Acre, you'll find a glorious touch of Morocco.

It's hard to imagine from street level, but this place is huge, split over two levels with lots of great rooms to choose from. Once you enter you're transported in to a Moroccan haven. Traditional inspired decor and gentle mood lighting this is a great venue for both groups of friends and couples alike, which offers affordable food, a fun atmosphere (especially the belly dancers) and a relaxed crowd.

Our waiter was excellent. He had a great sense of humour and was always on hand to offer advice without being pushy and rushing us to order. It also has a good wine list. We opted for the Moroccan house white and we weren't disappointed.

The food was amazingly fast and delicious, and having had more than my fair share of Moroccan fare, we were very happy with our food. The calamari and haloumi starters were perfect, the calamari almost melting in your moth, and the lamb tagines simply divine!

I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for somewhere a bit different in London to eat. It gets very busy so booking is essential. I can't wait to go again!Away from the madding crowds of Covent Garden's main square, Souk Medina is a jewel in the heart of London. Conveniently located just a 5min walk from Long Acre, you'll find a glorious touch of Morocco.

It's hard to imagine from street level, but this place is huge, split over two levels with lots of great rooms to choose from. Once you enter you're transported in to a Moroccan haven. Traditional inspired decor and gentle mood lighting this is a great venue for both groups of friends and couples alike, which offers affordable food, a fun atmosphere (especially the belly dancers) and a relaxed crowd.

Our waiter was excellent. He had a great sense of humour and was always on hand to offer advice without being pushy and rushing us to order. It also has a good wine list. We opted for the Moroccan house white and we weren't disappointed.

The food was amazingly fast and delicious, and having had more than my fair share of Moroccan fare, we were very happy with our food. The calamari and haloumi starters were perfect, the calamari almost melting in your moth, and the lamb tagines simply divine!

I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for somewhere a bit different in London to eat. It gets very busy so booking is essential. I can't wait to go again!

Leong's Legends Continue - by victoriachan

victoriachan — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:02:46 +0000

Review by victoriachan

Rating: 5.00

Tags: chinese taiwanese

Quaint and cosy Taiwanese restuarant with cheap and nice food (Â£4.50 a bowl of noodle), I haven't been to Taiwan but this feels authentic to me, and the food is very good (I'm Singaporean, I have high standards for Asian food!).Quaint and cosy Taiwanese restuarant with cheap and nice food (Â£4.50 a bowl of noodle), I haven't been to Taiwan but this feels authentic to me, and the food is very good (I'm Singaporean, I have high standards for Asian food!).

Young Cheng - by rfinean

rfinean — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:22:42 +0000

Review by rfinean

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 0237

Tags: chinese, good value, crowded

Authentic and brilliant value, especially for groups of 3 or more. Try the "Grilled Fish" (Jian Hong Yu)Authentic and brilliant value, especially for groups of 3 or more. Try the "Grilled Fish" (Jian Hong Yu)

Incognico - Great food and service by little_ol

little_ol — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:41:22 +0000

Review by little_ol

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 8866

Website: http://www.incognico.com/

Tags: french, romantic, business

I went on one of their numerous promotions which was nice.

Arriving from the busy tottenham Court Road I found the staff friendly, unpretentious and helpful.

The food was great and sadly, the catch of adding extras meant the meal was expensive but the overall experience made it worthwhile so I didn't mind.

If I had more moeny I would take my friends there regularly.I went on one of their numerous promotions which was nice.

Arriving from the busy tottenham Court Road I found the staff friendly, unpretentious and helpful.

The food was great and sadly, the catch of adding extras meant the meal was expensive but the overall experience made it worthwhile so I didn't mind.

If I had more moeny I would take my friends there regularly.

L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon - superbe expérience culinaire by QueenB

QueenB — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:25:00 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7010 8600

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

Tags: expensive, french, romantic

Superb but quite pricey!

Based next door to The Ivy, already had high expectations and was not disappointed.Stepped inside the stylish looking L'atelier and was greeted by 3 girls, who took the reservation and showed us to our table, we chose a side table but not directly on the chefs bar but not so far away we couldnt see into the kitchen and chefs at work.

The whole place feels more like a japanese venue, mixed witha stylish new york bar. Dimmly lit, dark woods, very sultry with music more suited to a chill out club in Ibiza...Loved the wall pieces - looked like paintings but on closer inspection were actual spices and herbs behind glass, as well as the leaf wall, gave a tranquil element to the atmosphere.

Initially booked through top table for the Â£19 for 2 courses menu but found it far too limited in choice, only 2 basic options per course, also only had 15 minutes to choose fro the time we were seated, so felt a lil rushed

Opt'd for the a la carte menu:

Starters = Crispy langoustine fritters with basil pistou for myself - small, light, melt in the mouth, basil works so well flavour wise and looked stunning
SautÃ©ed squid, baby artichokes, chorizo and tomato water for the boyfriend - served in a bowl packed with flavour with tender squid

Mains =
Fried whiting coated with crispy breadcrumbs, lemon and herb butter - served whole and a warm pot of creamed, rich buttery potato on the side. So so tasty,
Pan fried Scottish scallops, macaroni, mushrooms and light emulsion - looked great, very rich but great combination, scallops were sublime.

desserts =
Mon Couer was a mix of a pink chocolate ball filled with lychee, ice cream and biscuit pices that was drizzled in front of me with warm strawberry sauce to melt the choclate and expose the centre - soooo deliciously wickedly sweet!
Boyf had white peaches ina sticky liquer glaze which disappeared before I got to try but he assured me they were yummy!

All washed down with a bottle of Argentinian Malbec, that was a steal at Â£29

Staff were attentive, friendly and very happy to advise or explain any dishes

Total was Â£134 inc service and I would def recommend and happily go back, am quite tempted by the Â£105 set meal on offer mmmmmmSuperb but quite pricey!

Based next door to The Ivy, already had high expectations and was not disappointed.Stepped inside the stylish looking L'atelier and was greeted by 3 girls, who took the reservation and showed us to our table, we chose a side table but not directly on the chefs bar but not so far away we couldnt see into the kitchen and chefs at work.

The whole place feels more like a japanese venue, mixed witha stylish new york bar. Dimmly lit, dark woods, very sultry with music more suited to a chill out club in Ibiza...Loved the wall pieces - looked like paintings but on closer inspection were actual spices and herbs behind glass, as well as the leaf wall, gave a tranquil element to the atmosphere.

Initially booked through top table for the Â£19 for 2 courses menu but found it far too limited in choice, only 2 basic options per course, also only had 15 minutes to choose fro the time we were seated, so felt a lil rushed

Opt'd for the a la carte menu:

Starters = Crispy langoustine fritters with basil pistou for myself - small, light, melt in the mouth, basil works so well flavour wise and looked stunning
SautÃ©ed squid, baby artichokes, chorizo and tomato water for the boyfriend - served in a bowl packed with flavour with tender squid

Mains =
Fried whiting coated with crispy breadcrumbs, lemon and herb butter - served whole and a warm pot of creamed, rich buttery potato on the side. So so tasty,
Pan fried Scottish scallops, macaroni, mushrooms and light emulsion - looked great, very rich but great combination, scallops were sublime.

desserts =
Mon Couer was a mix of a pink chocolate ball filled with lychee, ice cream and biscuit pices that was drizzled in front of me with warm strawberry sauce to melt the choclate and expose the centre - soooo deliciously wickedly sweet!
Boyf had white peaches ina sticky liquer glaze which disappeared before I got to try but he assured me they were yummy!

All washed down with a bottle of Argentinian Malbec, that was a steal at Â£29

Staff were attentive, friendly and very happy to advise or explain any dishes

Total was Â£134 inc service and I would def recommend and happily go back, am quite tempted by the Â£105 set meal on offer mmmmmm