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

Belgo Noord - Solid by StarvinMarvin

StarvinMarvin — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:13:11 +0000

Review by StarvinMarvin

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7267 0718

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

This place is a sure bet for a good solid meal. Yes, it's a chain, but it's quite quirky still and the food is delicious. It's not amazingly adventurous, but the brasserie style food it does serve is scrummy.

The restaurant has some large tables, so it's great for large parties of people, and if you're into Belgian beers, and beer in general, there are MANY to choose from. Some of them are pretty pricey, but they are pretty special too!

This isn't a romantic, cosey rendevouz, but it is good, tasty food in a lively atmosphere with a bit of a twist.This place is a sure bet for a good solid meal. Yes, it's a chain, but it's quite quirky still and the food is delicious. It's not amazingly adventurous, but the brasserie style food it does serve is scrummy.

The restaurant has some large tables, so it's great for large parties of people, and if you're into Belgian beers, and beer in general, there are MANY to choose from. Some of them are pretty pricey, but they are pretty special too!

This isn't a romantic, cosey rendevouz, but it is good, tasty food in a lively atmosphere with a bit of a twist.

Nambu-Tei - one of the best by grapppaman

grapppaman — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:05:25 +0000

Review by grapppaman

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7486 5026

Tags: japanese, lively, good value

of course, the reason 'sjspage' found Nambu-Tei hard to find is that the map is incorrect (it is in an arcade that gives directly onto Baker St that runs across into Melcombe Street. It is also nowhere near Lisson Grove. Having said that, this is one of the most reliable, high quality excellent value japanese restaurants in London and it has been my family's favourite for nearly 20 years. Sashimi/sushi is fresh and varied. (Uni is always on the menu) The service is wonderful and attentive. Consistently wonderful.of course, the reason 'sjspage' found Nambu-Tei hard to find is that the map is incorrect (it is in an arcade that gives directly onto Baker St that runs across into Melcombe Street. It is also nowhere near Lisson Grove. Having said that, this is one of the most reliable, high quality excellent value japanese restaurants in London and it has been my family's favourite for nearly 20 years. Sashimi/sushi is fresh and varied. (Uni is always on the menu) The service is wonderful and attentive. Consistently wonderful.

Lemonia - Lemonia by foodrambler

foodrambler — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:52:46 +0000

Review by foodrambler

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7586 7454

Tags: greek, good value, lively

This Greek-Cypriot Primrose Hill staple has been here since I was born, so nearly three decades... The enormous restaurant is always packed full of people, from the leopard skin clad, botoxed ladies who lunch to families who enjoy the child-friendly atmosphere. I haven't been in there since I was small and was half expecting to have my cheeks pinched by the owner accompanied by a "my hasn't she grown!" But I guess I look a bit different now. Last night the meze starters were really tasty, from the smooth hummous to the tangy tarama salata, but the mains were overpriced for rather small portions. They did serve the largest scallops I've ever seen though, with fat orange coral still attached. Why anyone ever detaches that bit, I don't know. What on earth do they do with it?This Greek-Cypriot Primrose Hill staple has been here since I was born, so nearly three decades... The enormous restaurant is always packed full of people, from the leopard skin clad, botoxed ladies who lunch to families who enjoy the child-friendly atmosphere. I haven't been in there since I was small and was half expecting to have my cheeks pinched by the owner accompanied by a "my hasn't she grown!" But I guess I look a bit different now. Last night the meze starters were really tasty, from the smooth hummous to the tangy tarama salata, but the mains were overpriced for rather small portions. They did serve the largest scallops I've ever seen though, with fat orange coral still attached. Why anyone ever detaches that bit, I don't know. What on earth do they do with it?

The Salt House - Service charge - the unpalatable truth by oyster

oyster — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:55:05 +0000

Review by oyster

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7328 6626

Tags: gastro pub, relaxed, food

Service charge - the unpalatable truth

Most restaurant customers believe staff receive the tips or service charge as a
reward for good service. But in The Salt House service charge left by diners is
being used to pay basic wages and meet costs. The staff receive no "pay" at all:
their wages are derived entirely from the service charge.

Visit us on www.independent.co.uk/tipping to have your say.Service charge - the unpalatable truth

Most restaurant customers believe staff receive the tips or service charge as a
reward for good service. But in The Salt House service charge left by diners is
being used to pay basic wages and meet costs. The staff receive no "pay" at all:
their wages are derived entirely from the service charge.

Visit us on www.independent.co.uk/tipping to have your say.

Sea Shell Of Lisson Grove - by toptripster

toptripster — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:54:20 +0000

Review by toptripster

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7224 9000

Tags: takeaway, vegetarian dishes, seafood

In an era of fish and chip shops that sell frozen fries and kebabs, the Sea Shell stands out as a bastion of "proper" Fish & Chips. Saying that, it is rather pricey and the portions aren't what they once were. Still the fishcakes are wonderful, the fish is always cooked to moist flaky perfection, and the chips are fat floury crisp and tasty. All in all you get what you pay for.In an era of fish and chip shops that sell frozen fries and kebabs, the Sea Shell stands out as a bastion of "proper" Fish & Chips. Saying that, it is rather pricey and the portions aren't what they once were. Still the fishcakes are wonderful, the fish is always cooked to moist flaky perfection, and the chips are fat floury crisp and tasty. All in all you get what you pay for.

Richoux - Good afternoon tea by misstravelbug

misstravelbug — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:04:41 +0000

Review by misstravelbug

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7483 4001

Website: http://www.chezgerard.com

Tags: breakfast, terrace, takeaway

Great little cafe, relaxed with good food. Enjoyed the afternoon cream tea. Nice place to head to for sunday brunch, sit by the side walk and watch the world go by. Service is quick and attentive.Great little cafe, relaxed with good food. Enjoyed the afternoon cream tea. Nice place to head to for sunday brunch, sit by the side walk and watch the world go by. Service is quick and attentive.

Fishworks Seafood Cafe - by k_thrn

k_thrn — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:45:16 +0000

Review by k_thrn

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7586 9760

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

Tags: seafood, outside tables

Great value kids meal. Moules frites with two veg and ice cream for around Â£6.Great value kids meal. Moules frites with two veg and ice cream for around Â£6.

Cottons - Unique! by expired2008

expired2008 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:01:55 +0000

Review by expired2008

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 8388

Tags: lively, african & caribbean, good value

Iâ¬"ve never been to a carribean restaurant before so this was an eye opener for me! My friends have all been here and have raved about it, so I took the plunge and Iâ¬"m so glad I did! Cottons if a fantastically lively and friendly place to go, both as a group and as a couple. The staff are so friendly, Iâ¬"ve never seen one person smile so much! The waiter had a fabulous sense of humour! The food was brilliant, Iâ¬"d recommend it all! But maybe it was because of the amazing cocktails we had - I would definitely recommend these! Without doubt, you have to go here!Iâ¬"ve never been to a carribean restaurant before so this was an eye opener for me! My friends have all been here and have raved about it, so I took the plunge and Iâ¬"m so glad I did! Cottons if a fantastically lively and friendly place to go, both as a group and as a couple. The staff are so friendly, Iâ¬"ve never seen one person smile so much! The waiter had a fabulous sense of humour! The food was brilliant, Iâ¬"d recommend it all! But maybe it was because of the amazing cocktails we had - I would definitely recommend these! Without doubt, you have to go here!

Uazwaan - Good by bobidiot

bobidiot — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:07:11 +0000

Review by bobidiot

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7722 5225

Tags: vegetarian dishes

There was some very nice food here, and the prices were fairly reasonable too. The quantity of the food was satisfactory as well. We really liked the desserts. I had a traditional Indian dessert that was like nothing I have ever tasted before but is definitely something I will have again, although I canâ¬"t remember the name. I will just point at the picture in the menu the next time I go there! We went in the evening but I noticed they had a really good lunch time offer. It was something like 3 courses for eight pounds. I will probably go at lunchtime next time, and ask if they give me three desserts instead of a full meal, just kidding!There was some very nice food here, and the prices were fairly reasonable too. The quantity of the food was satisfactory as well. We really liked the desserts. I had a traditional Indian dessert that was like nothing I have ever tasted before but is definitely something I will have again, although I canâ¬"t remember the name. I will just point at the picture in the menu the next time I go there! We went in the evening but I noticed they had a really good lunch time offer. It was something like 3 courses for eight pounds. I will probably go at lunchtime next time, and ask if they give me three desserts instead of a full meal, just kidding!

The Potting Shed - Excellent British grub in quirky surroundings by Weeboo

Weeboo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:35:21 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7535 0709

Website: http://www.firmdale.com

Tags: live music, good value, bar

I've lunched at the Potting Shed quite regularly over the last few years. Its a strange little subterranean restaurant with its country chic and gardening nick-nacks. I imagine many an American tourist staying in the hotel above has fallen in love with its "quaint English charm" despite the restaurants pervading gloominess.

The highlight for me with this restaurant is the food. The British cuisine delivers time and time again. I've never been disappointed with a meal here. Salmon, chicken, beef...all have been excellent. And unlike other British restaurants, the menu doesn't feel overwhelmingly masculine with big slabs of red meat and game. The Potting Shed is the ideal venue for a sedate lunch before heading over to Marylebone High Street for some designer shopping.I've lunched at the Potting Shed quite regularly over the last few years. Its a strange little subterranean restaurant with its country chic and gardening nick-nacks. I imagine many an American tourist staying in the hotel above has fallen in love with its "quaint English charm" despite the restaurants pervading gloominess.

The highlight for me with this restaurant is the food. The British cuisine delivers time and time again. I've never been disappointed with a meal here. Salmon, chicken, beef...all have been excellent. And unlike other British restaurants, the menu doesn't feel overwhelmingly masculine with big slabs of red meat and game. The Potting Shed is the ideal venue for a sedate lunch before heading over to Marylebone High Street for some designer shopping.

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.

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.

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.

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, restaurant, french

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