Latest reviews for Restaurants in Lisson Grove, London, United Kingdom

Lemonia - Good food, not so good service by claireymr

claireymr — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:04:04 +0000

Review by claireymr

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7586 7454

Having gone in for an early dinner, we found the restaurant pretty empty. The decor is quaint, with trailing plants and rustic walls, but to be honest, while the moussaka I ordered was great, the service seemed to be lacking. My friend and I were subjected to a long wait between ordering and being served, and other parties were served far before us, after having arrived after us. I had always been assured that the staff here treat you as if you are their only customer, but this is definitely not true. However, the quality (and quantity) of the food went a long way to make up for this, and I would also highly recommend the lamb stew, if you decide to go.Having gone in for an early dinner, we found the restaurant pretty empty. The decor is quaint, with trailing plants and rustic walls, but to be honest, while the moussaka I ordered was great, the service seemed to be lacking. My friend and I were subjected to a long wait between ordering and being served, and other parties were served far before us, after having arrived after us. I had always been assured that the staff here treat you as if you are their only customer, but this is definitely not true. However, the quality (and quantity) of the food went a long way to make up for this, and I would also highly recommend the lamb stew, if you decide to go.

Cottons - Authentic Caribbean in Chalk Farm! by sparklepants

sparklepants — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:56:27 +0000

Review by sparklepants

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 8388

Tags: african & caribbean, lively, smoking

Having been to the Caribbean a few times, I have to say that this place is the closest you will get to authenticity! What with the fantastic jerk chicken and wonderful selection of rums, you're guaranteed to have a great time!Having been to the Caribbean a few times, I have to say that this place is the closest you will get to authenticity! What with the fantastic jerk chicken and wonderful selection of rums, you're guaranteed to have a great time!

Toresano - What a lovely restaurant by tanzanitelilac

tanzanitelilac — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:38:15 +0000

Review by tanzanitelilac

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7624 3217

Tags: spanish, live music, romantic

This restaurant is certainly small but is most certainly perfectly formed. To be honest I cannot fault anything. The service was great, I think we were served by everyone who was working that evening and we were coached in Spanish pronunciation! The menu made it difficult to make a choice although my other half had his heart set on paella so it was paella for two after some delicious starters of typical Spanish fare â¬ tortilla, aubergines and some glorious patatas bravas. Dessert was a lovely almond cake (him) and coconut ice cream (me).

We left almost believing that we were in Spain. That is until of course we stepped out into a light shower of rainâ¬¦
This restaurant is certainly small but is most certainly perfectly formed. To be honest I cannot fault anything. The service was great, I think we were served by everyone who was working that evening and we were coached in Spanish pronunciation! The menu made it difficult to make a choice although my other half had his heart set on paella so it was paella for two after some delicious starters of typical Spanish fare â¬ tortilla, aubergines and some glorious patatas bravas. Dessert was a lovely almond cake (him) and coconut ice cream (me).

We left almost believing that we were in Spain. That is until of course we stepped out into a light shower of rainâ¬¦

Mumtaz Restaurant - Classic Indian Restaurant by Hugo

Hugo — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:56:27 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7723 0549

Tags: indian, takeaway, character

Mumtaz is an Indian that goes the extra mile with a fun restaurant setting and delicious food. Worthy of a four star curry experience.

The restaurant is not smart and a little tired now but that is part of the charm. However, friendly service and tasty food win out.

Mumtaz is an Indian that goes the extra mile with a fun restaurant setting and delicious food. Worthy of a four star curry experience.

The restaurant is not smart and a little tired now but that is part of the charm. However, friendly service and tasty food win out.

The Salt House - Great gastro pub by Mez

Mez — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:49:23 +0000

Review by Mez

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7328 6626

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

My friends are going to kill me for writing this review as they wanted to keep it secret (they did warn me), but I am compelled to share it in true TrustedPlaces spirit and style.

Iâ¬"ll keep it short: warm and cosy atmosphere, friendly staff (albeit a little slow sometimes), and delicious food make it a favourite of mine. Especially great for Sunday relaxation, fish & chips nâ¬" roast (not all to be consumed in one go!). The desserts are also to die for...

Have always eaten in the â¬Üpub/barâ¬" section (instead of the restaurant section) as I find it more informal, but great to be given the option for more special occasions..

My friends are going to kill me for writing this review as they wanted to keep it secret (they did warn me), but I am compelled to share it in true TrustedPlaces spirit and style.

Iâ¬"ll keep it short: warm and cosy atmosphere, friendly staff (albeit a little slow sometimes), and delicious food make it a favourite of mine. Especially great for Sunday relaxation, fish & chips nâ¬" roast (not all to be consumed in one go!). The desserts are also to die for...

Have always eaten in the â¬Üpub/barâ¬" section (instead of the restaurant section) as I find it more informal, but great to be given the option for more special occasions..

Royal China - Not the best royal china by Sangjune

Sangjune — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:43:28 +0000

Review by Sangjune

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7586 4280

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

Tags: chinese, expensive, takeaway

It is a decent place, but a little small. Foods are expensive. Foods are better in Baker st. royal china.It is a decent place, but a little small. Foods are expensive. Foods are better in Baker st. royal china.

Phoenix Palace - Above average but not the best Dim Sum by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 20:46:42 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7486 3515

Tags: chinese, lively, good value

Went to Phoenix Palace for Dim Sum today to make a change from the usual haunts and to avoid the West End. It is a very popular place for wedding banquets so probably a good idea to call in advance to check if the restaurant is open to the public on the weekend. My friends and I arrived at noon to avoid the queues and get there before a wedding which would start at 2pm and we were pleased to be seated immediately.

The restaurant was large, colourful and richly decorated - a cut above the usual places in Chinatown. For the four of us, we ordered about 9 different Dim Sum plates plus a plate of Ho Fun noodles with beef in black bean sauce. The food arrived hot and very quickly. I was very impressed with the Turnip paste which was very tasty, the cheung fun,the har gar and the spring rolls. The Ho Fun was unfortunately a tad greasy and I wasn't that impressed by the deep fried squid which were nice enough and tender but not as good as Royal China Putney - which does the best squid ever!

Overall it was a good experience and we were even more delighted that the bill came up to Â£40 including service. Probably in my opinion not the best Dim Sum ever (which currently stands at Royal China Putney) but I would probably go back if I was in the area or try the evening menu which is supposed to be amazing.Went to Phoenix Palace for Dim Sum today to make a change from the usual haunts and to avoid the West End. It is a very popular place for wedding banquets so probably a good idea to call in advance to check if the restaurant is open to the public on the weekend. My friends and I arrived at noon to avoid the queues and get there before a wedding which would start at 2pm and we were pleased to be seated immediately.

The restaurant was large, colourful and richly decorated - a cut above the usual places in Chinatown. For the four of us, we ordered about 9 different Dim Sum plates plus a plate of Ho Fun noodles with beef in black bean sauce. The food arrived hot and very quickly. I was very impressed with the Turnip paste which was very tasty, the cheung fun,the har gar and the spring rolls. The Ho Fun was unfortunately a tad greasy and I wasn't that impressed by the deep fried squid which were nice enough and tender but not as good as Royal China Putney - which does the best squid ever!

Overall it was a good experience and we were even more delighted that the bill came up to Â£40 including service. Probably in my opinion not the best Dim Sum ever (which currently stands at Royal China Putney) but I would probably go back if I was in the area or try the evening menu which is supposed to be amazing.

Nambu-Tei - Hard to find but worth the hunt by sjspage

sjspage — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:51:30 +0000

Review by sjspage

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7486 5026

Tags: japanese, vegetarian dishes

I took my Chairman here last week - it was his recommendation. I had to call him to find it. Straight out of Baker Street tube (the exit on Baker St), cross over the road and about 10 metres up on the opposite side of the road you'll find a small alley. It's up the alley.

The food is typically Japanese. I had the Benito lunch box, my Chairman had Sushi. Swilled down with green tea and some miso soup we were in and out quickly but without feeling rushed!

Our bill for 2 was Â£25. (Being my Chairman, I paid of course)I took my Chairman here last week - it was his recommendation. I had to call him to find it. Straight out of Baker Street tube (the exit on Baker St), cross over the road and about 10 metres up on the opposite side of the road you'll find a small alley. It's up the alley.

The food is typically Japanese. I had the Benito lunch box, my Chairman had Sushi. Swilled down with green tea and some miso soup we were in and out quickly but without feeling rushed!

Our bill for 2 was Â£25. (Being my Chairman, I paid of course)

Hiro - Good joint for the locals by mif

mif — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:59:26 +0000

Review by mif

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7372 6720

Tags: chinese, takeaway, good value

The proprietors of this restaurant are very friendly and helpful. We have ordered take-away or home delivery from them many times because a number of their dishes are good, inexpensive and it's nearby. You can eat in the restaurant too which is neatly kept. Our favourites are crispy chicken wings tossed with chilli, salt & pepper; crispy squid julienne; crispy aubergine; tom yam goong; fillet steak with black pepper sauce; and wok-fried beef ho-fun (flat rice noodles). They also offer 7 different set menus which are good value ranging from Â£10 to Â£27pp.The proprietors of this restaurant are very friendly and helpful. We have ordered take-away or home delivery from them many times because a number of their dishes are good, inexpensive and it's nearby. You can eat in the restaurant too which is neatly kept. Our favourites are crispy chicken wings tossed with chilli, salt & pepper; crispy squid julienne; crispy aubergine; tom yam goong; fillet steak with black pepper sauce; and wok-fried beef ho-fun (flat rice noodles). They also offer 7 different set menus which are good value ranging from Â£10 to Â£27pp.

Barraco Cafe - Home-cooked Brazilian food by Sami

Sami — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:47:53 +0000

Review by Sami

Rating: 5.00

Tags: brazilian, chalk farm, small

One very hungover Brazilian friend and one very hungry me came here this past Sunday for a meal as my friend missed food from home and felt that I should go to a restaurant "where Brazilians go to eat when they miss their own."

Thinking that we would miss the lunch rush by eating at 3 pm in the afternoon, we arrived and sure enough the tiny restaurant (with only 7 or 8 tables) was bursting at the seams - but being Brazilian, my friend charmed the Brazilian hostess and she promised to call us as soon as a table became free.

True to her word, we received a phone call half an hour later, at which point we were faint from starvation and the incredible smell emanating from the restaurant and wafting down the street.

I had fejoiada, a traditional black bean stew, while my friend went for something a bit simpler and chose a grilled chicken breast. My fejoiada was served with greens braised in an unholy amount of butter, and rice which tasted as if it had been cooked in beef broth. Eaten with a bit of farina (sorry, I can't spell) and some hot peppers, it was just what I had needed - tasty, incredibly filling, and so moreish (I can't believe I just used that word, I destest it) that I've been fantasizing about another portion for the past few days. While I didn't taste my friend's meal, he said it was very, very good.

This place, while tiny, is worth the wait for a free table - the service is friendly, the menu is composed entirely of Brazilian favourites, and is beyond cheap - my fejoiada was only 6 pounds!

They do take reservations and I would absolutely recommend it - because it was packed and while the food is so homey that people scarf it down in a matter of seconds, it's cozy inside and instills in you a desire to linger over a milk tart or cup of coffee.One very hungover Brazilian friend and one very hungry me came here this past Sunday for a meal as my friend missed food from home and felt that I should go to a restaurant "where Brazilians go to eat when they miss their own."

Thinking that we would miss the lunch rush by eating at 3 pm in the afternoon, we arrived and sure enough the tiny restaurant (with only 7 or 8 tables) was bursting at the seams - but being Brazilian, my friend charmed the Brazilian hostess and she promised to call us as soon as a table became free.

True to her word, we received a phone call half an hour later, at which point we were faint from starvation and the incredible smell emanating from the restaurant and wafting down the street.

I had fejoiada, a traditional black bean stew, while my friend went for something a bit simpler and chose a grilled chicken breast. My fejoiada was served with greens braised in an unholy amount of butter, and rice which tasted as if it had been cooked in beef broth. Eaten with a bit of farina (sorry, I can't spell) and some hot peppers, it was just what I had needed - tasty, incredibly filling, and so moreish (I can't believe I just used that word, I destest it) that I've been fantasizing about another portion for the past few days. While I didn't taste my friend's meal, he said it was very, very good.

This place, while tiny, is worth the wait for a free table - the service is friendly, the menu is composed entirely of Brazilian favourites, and is beyond cheap - my fejoiada was only 6 pounds!

They do take reservations and I would absolutely recommend it - because it was packed and while the food is so homey that people scarf it down in a matter of seconds, it's cozy inside and instills in you a desire to linger over a milk tart or cup of coffee.

Sofra - by gilka

gilka — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:34:32 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7586 9889

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

Tags: turkish, toptable, terrace

The first time I have been there was when they have just opened. It was an amazing experience but sadly that did not last for a long time. Sofra has many branches and you can feel it. What I like about it is that you get some bread and humus at the beginning as a maze and it is delicious and also welcoming.
The food is mainly ok ,nothing exceptional. The mixed meet dish is quite alright.The first time I have been there was when they have just opened. It was an amazing experience but sadly that did not last for a long time. Sofra has many branches and you can feel it. What I like about it is that you get some bread and humus at the beginning as a maze and it is delicious and also welcoming.
The food is mainly ok ,nothing exceptional. The mixed meet dish is quite alright.

Belgo Noord - by gilka

gilka — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:21:58 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7267 0718

Website: http://www.belgo-restaurants.com

Tags: good food, belgian, bar

I was there for my Birthday- it is good for a large group. I liked the beers with the funny taste like Casis... They have amazing selection of beers. I liked the mussels in the Thai curry sauce.
The place was designed by Ron Arad but I have to say I wasn't overwhelmed by the interiors- it feels a bit cold.I was there for my Birthday- it is good for a large group. I liked the beers with the funny taste like Casis... They have amazing selection of beers. I liked the mussels in the Thai curry sauce.
The place was designed by Ron Arad but I have to say I wasn't overwhelmed by the interiors- it feels a bit cold.

Oslo Court Restaurant - by highburysi

highburysi — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:58:13 +0000

Review by highburysi

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7722 8795

Tags: romantic, french, restaurant

Been Oslo court a few times over the years, little bit old skool but does have a certain charmBeen Oslo court a few times over the years, little bit old skool but does have a certain charm