Latest reviews for Restaurants in Old Street, London, United Kingdom

Fish Central - No brainer - come here for perfect battered fish by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:24:12 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7253 4970

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

My parents were coming to visit me at work one Friday afternoon and I asked them what they fancied to eat for lunch. "Its a Friday so Fish and Chips of course!" Dad replied. I set about searching for reputable fish and chips in the vicinty and luckily came across Fish Central which was not too far from my office and had really excellent reviews. We were not disappointed. The restaurant looked great. I was expecting a greasy spoon cafe, with bolted down chairs along sticky tables. It was not at all like that. Although there was the familiar lingering smell of a chippy the restaurant had an air of minimalist class - white walls, white chairs - interesting artwork though it carried no airs and graces. The menu was extensive with fried fish dominating it and specials adorned the blackboard. There was a lunch specials menu for Â£10 - 3 courses i think however my dad opted for the cod and chips, and mushy peas. I went for the special - hake and chips and mum chose the other special of grilled turbot with roasted winter vegetables with a creamy tarragon sauce. It was pricier that your average eat-in fish and chips shop - with our dishes ranging from Â£9 to about Â£13 (mum's) but apparently their fish is sustainable and the quality was probably was the best we had tasted in a long time. The fish was really fresh and kept its shape well. The batter was perfect, very light, not too thick. The portions were huge - my hake was about a foot long! Unfortunately the chips weren't so memorable as the fish was the real star of the plate. Mum enjoyed her turbot too. What I also liked about the place was that it wasn't poncy, I had to look at the menu again when I saw tea priced at 65p! If you're looking for a great fish restaurant with good prices and really fresh fish I'd really reccomend you travelling out of your way to Fish Central.My parents were coming to visit me at work one Friday afternoon and I asked them what they fancied to eat for lunch. "Its a Friday so Fish and Chips of course!" Dad replied. I set about searching for reputable fish and chips in the vicinty and luckily came across Fish Central which was not too far from my office and had really excellent reviews. We were not disappointed. The restaurant looked great. I was expecting a greasy spoon cafe, with bolted down chairs along sticky tables. It was not at all like that. Although there was the familiar lingering smell of a chippy the restaurant had an air of minimalist class - white walls, white chairs - interesting artwork though it carried no airs and graces. The menu was extensive with fried fish dominating it and specials adorned the blackboard. There was a lunch specials menu for Â£10 - 3 courses i think however my dad opted for the cod and chips, and mushy peas. I went for the special - hake and chips and mum chose the other special of grilled turbot with roasted winter vegetables with a creamy tarragon sauce. It was pricier that your average eat-in fish and chips shop - with our dishes ranging from Â£9 to about Â£13 (mum's) but apparently their fish is sustainable and the quality was probably was the best we had tasted in a long time. The fish was really fresh and kept its shape well. The batter was perfect, very light, not too thick. The portions were huge - my hake was about a foot long! Unfortunately the chips weren't so memorable as the fish was the real star of the plate. Mum enjoyed her turbot too. What I also liked about the place was that it wasn't poncy, I had to look at the menu again when I saw tea priced at 65p! If you're looking for a great fish restaurant with good prices and really fresh fish I'd really reccomend you travelling out of your way to Fish Central.

Favela Chic - by ASMG

ASMG — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:11:50 +0000

Review by ASMG

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7613 5228

Website: http://www.favelachic.com

Tags: brazilian, cool, lively

The best pastÃ©is de nata in LondonThe best pastÃ©is de nata in London

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. :)

Fifteen - Top job! by QueenB

QueenB — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:16:05 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0871 330 1515

Website: http://www.fifteenrestaurant.com

Tags: lively, italian, expensive

The boyf took me here as a treat last night to the Trattoria on the ground floor. It was very busy and buzzy with a real mixed crowd - mostly touristy looking I thought.

Staff were young, friendly and helpful enough but not memorable and we were left waiting a while when first seated to order a drink.

I think I chose the better dishes out fo the 2 of us.
I had â¬Üai frutti di mareâ¬" risotto that had a tomato base with mussels and all sorts of fish in it - quite a hefty portion for a starter too!
Main course I had whole mackerel with an orange based salad that complimented each other so well! That fish was the best thing all night, it was dressed and cooked to perfection.
Washed down with a glass of Moltepucciano.

Boyf had wild mushroom and duck liver ravioli to start which he really enjoyed.
Mains he had Slow-roasted belly of Dalgarnock pork served with puy lentis - which was good but was quite standard.

Dessert I had chocolate brownie which was fudge like in the middle with a good depth of chocolate but was just too hard on top, the rasberyy coulis was very morish and great contrast
Boyf had Vanilla panna cotta with aged Belazu balsamic strawberries and shortbread which was pretty bland and forgetable, sadly.They only served one strawberry with it???

Starters on average were about Â£9
mains were between Â£14 and Â£25
all desserts were Â£5.85

Glass of house wine starts at Â£5, with decent options at around the Â£8/9 mark - top selections available too.

A Â£1 donation is added to your bill to help fund the organisation Jamie O has set up to help train the youngsters - which I think you'd agree is worthwhile cause but you can ask fo rthis to be deducted if you so wish.

The restaurant upstairs offers a tasting menu at Â£60 per head which I would be interested in trying out one evening.

all in all, I think the menu is quite safe in it's offerings but it's good, well cooked, tasty fresh food and I would def go back.

The boyf took me here as a treat last night to the Trattoria on the ground floor. It was very busy and buzzy with a real mixed crowd - mostly touristy looking I thought.

Staff were young, friendly and helpful enough but not memorable and we were left waiting a while when first seated to order a drink.

I think I chose the better dishes out fo the 2 of us.
I had â¬Üai frutti di mareâ¬" risotto that had a tomato base with mussels and all sorts of fish in it - quite a hefty portion for a starter too!
Main course I had whole mackerel with an orange based salad that complimented each other so well! That fish was the best thing all night, it was dressed and cooked to perfection.
Washed down with a glass of Moltepucciano.

Boyf had wild mushroom and duck liver ravioli to start which he really enjoyed.
Mains he had Slow-roasted belly of Dalgarnock pork served with puy lentis - which was good but was quite standard.

Dessert I had chocolate brownie which was fudge like in the middle with a good depth of chocolate but was just too hard on top, the rasberyy coulis was very morish and great contrast
Boyf had Vanilla panna cotta with aged Belazu balsamic strawberries and shortbread which was pretty bland and forgetable, sadly.They only served one strawberry with it???

Starters on average were about Â£9
mains were between Â£14 and Â£25
all desserts were Â£5.85

Glass of house wine starts at Â£5, with decent options at around the Â£8/9 mark - top selections available too.

A Â£1 donation is added to your bill to help fund the organisation Jamie O has set up to help train the youngsters - which I think you'd agree is worthwhile cause but you can ask fo rthis to be deducted if you so wish.

The restaurant upstairs offers a tasting menu at Â£60 per head which I would be interested in trying out one evening.

all in all, I think the menu is quite safe in it's offerings but it's good, well cooked, tasty fresh food and I would def go back.

Boundary - Cocktails on the roof by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 1051

Website: http://www.theboundary.co.uk/restaurant/food/

Tags: bar, french, crowded

Ventured to the Boundary a couple of times, but due to its popularity could never get onto the roof for a drink without having a long wait...3rd time lucky we made it. Definitely worth it - great view, pretty landscaped terrace with comfy chairs, heaters and even a blanket!

Ventured to the Boundary a couple of times, but due to its popularity could never get onto the roof for a drink without having a long wait...3rd time lucky we made it. Definitely worth it - great view, pretty landscaped terrace with comfy chairs, heaters and even a blanket!

Lena - Julia by juliacortesi

juliacortesi — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:19:54 +0000

Review by juliacortesi

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7739 5714

Website: http://www.lenarestaurant.com/

Tags: italian, bar, cocktails

Food was average but expensive and service very low.
WouldnÂ´recommend itFood was average but expensive and service very low.
WouldnÂ´recommend it

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!!!!!!!!!

Mandaloun (City) - by MartaZ

MartaZ — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:30:29 +0000

Review by MartaZ

Rating: 4.00Now, if someone doesn't know better, they would rate this as a good Lebanese place, but, as I had my share of experiencing Lebanese cuisine, I am a little disspointed...
We ordered little meze for starters, all to share. The main one everybody wants to try is tabouleh, but, after trying this one - there's something missing and, i dare to say, even i can make it better. Halloumi cheese was nice though.
We had mixed grill and chicken shawarma to share between 4 girls and it was a lot together with meze, however, grilled lamb cubes were hard and chewy and chicken shawarma was just OK.
It's a City based restaurant so it's pricier than other ones and portions are a bit smaller. Don't get me wrong, it's a still good restaurant with lovely decor, but it's not as good as other restaurant's "on the market".Now, if someone doesn't know better, they would rate this as a good Lebanese place, but, as I had my share of experiencing Lebanese cuisine, I am a little disspointed...
We ordered little meze for starters, all to share. The main one everybody wants to try is tabouleh, but, after trying this one - there's something missing and, i dare to say, even i can make it better. Halloumi cheese was nice though.
We had mixed grill and chicken shawarma to share between 4 girls and it was a lot together with meze, however, grilled lamb cubes were hard and chewy and chicken shawarma was just OK.
It's a City based restaurant so it's pricier than other ones and portions are a bit smaller. Don't get me wrong, it's a still good restaurant with lovely decor, but it's not as good as other restaurant's "on the market".

No. 1 City Road - by CrazyLittleMe

CrazyLittleMe — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:42:37 +0000

Review by CrazyLittleMe

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7065 7177

Tags: good value, business, east european

Have to agree ladies!! I was taken for a first date to No1 City Road and I have to tell you, that night I fell in love! Unfortunately my affection took to the restaurant and not the guy!! I completely love the atmosphere and couldn't have asked for better service..I will be continuing my love affair with No.1 City Road for the forseeable future!! xxxHave to agree ladies!! I was taken for a first date to No1 City Road and I have to tell you, that night I fell in love! Unfortunately my affection took to the restaurant and not the guy!! I completely love the atmosphere and couldn't have asked for better service..I will be continuing my love affair with No.1 City Road for the forseeable future!! xxx

Curry Leaf East - Don't go by gilka

gilka — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:40:35 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7374 4842

Tags: indian

Definitely the worst Indian food I had in London. The waiter was inpatient and didn't make us feel welcomed.
I ordered Chicken Korma. The chicken was stiff like a baseball glove and the sauce was bland. Save yourself.Definitely the worst Indian food I had in London. The waiter was inpatient and didn't make us feel welcomed.
I ordered Chicken Korma. The chicken was stiff like a baseball glove and the sauce was bland. Save yourself.

Cay Tre - Superb for the price by Sami

Sami — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:32:38 +0000

Review by Sami

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 8662

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

Tags: vietnamese, good value, lively

There really isn't much to add as it's all been said before - great food at a great price. Go for the pho (large bowl, not a starter as it isn't as impressive) and the steak wraps which you cook yourself on a hotplate and then roll in rice paper wraps and garnish with lettuce, mint, fish sauce, and some other yummy things which I couldn't identify.

There really isn't much to add as it's all been said before - great food at a great price. Go for the pho (large bowl, not a starter as it isn't as impressive) and the steak wraps which you cook yourself on a hotplate and then roll in rice paper wraps and garnish with lettuce, mint, fish sauce, and some other yummy things which I couldn't identify.

Sedap Malaysian & Chinese Cuisine - Authentic delicious food straight from Penang! by samantha_tan

samantha_tan — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:23:27 +0000

Review by samantha_tan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0207 4900 200

Website: www.sedap.co.uk

Tags: malaysian, thai, chinese

From the people behind "Nonya" in Notting Hill (now closed) comes this great new gem on Old Street, serving amazingly authentic Penang Chinese hawker-style cuisine executed to perfection!

Char Kuay Teow (Â£6.95) was absolutely divine, complete with yummy slices of lap cheong (Chinese pork sausage)- "the BEST Char Kuay Teow in London" according to my partner, and we have eaten a LOT of this dish in many many places!

Hainanese Chicken Rice (Â£7), one of my favourite foods since I was a child was also gorgeous, a big generous portion of succulent poached chicken alongside fragrant flavoursome rice. Pity it didn't come with any broth, but that's a minor quibble seeing as the dish was delicious.

We loved the Nasi Lemak (Â£7.40) too, which was typical Penang Chinese style (sweeter, less spicy sambal) served with a tasty chicken curry and, more unusually, a piece of deep fried mackerel in place of traditional "ikan bilis". We didn't mind the missing crispy anchovies though, as the mackerel complemented the rice very well!

And last but not least, the yummy beef rendang (Â£6.90) was so tender it practically melted in your mouth, and again spot-on Penang style.

Portions are the average size you would find in Malaysia, i.e. not a humongous American serving but satisfying enough. Price wise it is slightly more expensive than Malaysia Kopitiam and C&R in Chinatown, but we found it worth every penny for the great meal we had.

For those working in the area, they do a good lunch deal for Â£5.65 where you get a starter, any meat dish (including the rendang!) and rice or noodles. We were told by the owners that we could have Char Kuay Teow as the noodle option, however later visits with different staff serving us have shown this is not true so I would recommend sticking to hawker-style mains, as that is where they truly shine.

All in all, this is a perfect example of the Penang Chinese hawker section of Malaysian cuisine. From peeking into the kitchen I saw that most of the chefs were Malaysian Chinese old ladies chatting away in Hokkien, which to me is always a good sign! :)

We left with a takeaway of Malaysian Fried Rice for tomorrow, from the smell and the little nibble we sneaked (couldn't resist!) we'd recommend it too!
From the people behind "Nonya" in Notting Hill (now closed) comes this great new gem on Old Street, serving amazingly authentic Penang Chinese hawker-style cuisine executed to perfection!

Char Kuay Teow (Â£6.95) was absolutely divine, complete with yummy slices of lap cheong (Chinese pork sausage)- "the BEST Char Kuay Teow in London" according to my partner, and we have eaten a LOT of this dish in many many places!

Hainanese Chicken Rice (Â£7), one of my favourite foods since I was a child was also gorgeous, a big generous portion of succulent poached chicken alongside fragrant flavoursome rice. Pity it didn't come with any broth, but that's a minor quibble seeing as the dish was delicious.

We loved the Nasi Lemak (Â£7.40) too, which was typical Penang Chinese style (sweeter, less spicy sambal) served with a tasty chicken curry and, more unusually, a piece of deep fried mackerel in place of traditional "ikan bilis". We didn't mind the missing crispy anchovies though, as the mackerel complemented the rice very well!

And last but not least, the yummy beef rendang (Â£6.90) was so tender it practically melted in your mouth, and again spot-on Penang style.

Portions are the average size you would find in Malaysia, i.e. not a humongous American serving but satisfying enough. Price wise it is slightly more expensive than Malaysia Kopitiam and C&R in Chinatown, but we found it worth every penny for the great meal we had.

For those working in the area, they do a good lunch deal for Â£5.65 where you get a starter, any meat dish (including the rendang!) and rice or noodles. We were told by the owners that we could have Char Kuay Teow as the noodle option, however later visits with different staff serving us have shown this is not true so I would recommend sticking to hawker-style mains, as that is where they truly shine.

All in all, this is a perfect example of the Penang Chinese hawker section of Malaysian cuisine. From peeking into the kitchen I saw that most of the chefs were Malaysian Chinese old ladies chatting away in Hokkien, which to me is always a good sign! :)

We left with a takeaway of Malaysian Fried Rice for tomorrow, from the smell and the little nibble we sneaked (couldn't resist!) we'd recommend it too!

Yelo - yelo shmelo! by spaghead

spaghead — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:45:42 +0000

Review by spaghead

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7729 4626

Website: http://www.yelothai.com

Tags: thai, cocktails, outside tables

we had the takeaway. it was awful. i never fill these things out, but felt inclined this timewe had the takeaway. it was awful. i never fill these things out, but felt inclined this time

Karma - mishmash by gilka

gilka — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:52:39 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 3.00

Tags: italian, japanese, good value

usually a place which offers you both Italian and Japanese food it a totally no-go but Karma is different.
The service is a bit slow-OH-YES don't come in a rush...
The portions are quite big and tasty!
www.gilka.co.ukusually a place which offers you both Italian and Japanese food it a totally no-go but Karma is different.
The service is a bit slow-OH-YES don't come in a rush...
The portions are quite big and tasty!
www.gilka.co.uk

The Reliance - Traditional mediocre bar by CristinaA

CristinaA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:30:14 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7729 6888

Tags: european, cocktails, vegetarian dishes

The Reliance is a traditional bar serving a wide range of real ales, Belgian beers and Czech lagers as well as wine and cocktails. Their food menu consists of classic pub grub, much of which is home-made.The Reliance is a traditional bar serving a wide range of real ales, Belgian beers and Czech lagers as well as wine and cocktails. Their food menu consists of classic pub grub, much of which is home-made.

Cafe El Paso - Far from Mexican by CristinaA

CristinaA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:37:40 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7739 4202

Tags: lively, central, crowded

Could do with some work inside, not really what Iâ¬"d call an authentic Mexican bar/restaurant.

I guess it depends what youâ¬"re used to, Iâ¬"ve been to Mexico and southern parts of America heavily populated by Latin Americans and the food doesnâ¬"t taste like this. The food tastes like it's all pre-cooked or frozen, just standard Mexican style pub food.

Staff are friendly and attentive.
Could do with some work inside, not really what Iâ¬"d call an authentic Mexican bar/restaurant.

I guess it depends what youâ¬"re used to, Iâ¬"ve been to Mexico and southern parts of America heavily populated by Latin Americans and the food doesnâ¬"t taste like this. The food tastes like it's all pre-cooked or frozen, just standard Mexican style pub food.

Staff are friendly and attentive.

Cantaloupe - Perfect for big groups... by CristinaA

CristinaA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:15:32 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7729 5566

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

Tags: cool, lively, brazilian

Cantaloupe has tastey food and really good wine.

ven though it's busy most nights there's alway a chilled vibe and a lot of laughter.

I went for a meal for a friends birthday and will definitely be going back to CantaloupeCantaloupe has tastey food and really good wine.

ven though it's busy most nights there's alway a chilled vibe and a lot of laughter.

I went for a meal for a friends birthday and will definitely be going back to Cantaloupe

The Real Greek & Mezedopolio - Family vibe by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:57:08 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7739 8212

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

Tags: greek, good value, family & home feel

You wouldn't be able to tell this restaurant is part of a chain, the interior is beautiful and there is a comforting family vibe, I can imagine it being used for a big family get together or a wedding celebration.l

It's not expensive and the menu is quite traditional Greek food.You wouldn't be able to tell this restaurant is part of a chain, the interior is beautiful and there is a comforting family vibe, I can imagine it being used for a big family get together or a wedding celebration.l

It's not expensive and the menu is quite traditional Greek food.

The Hoxton Grille - Eat, drink, sleep Hoxton by CristinaA

CristinaA — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:54:40 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7739 9111

Website: http://www.hoxtonhotels.com

Tags: business, pretentious, international

The space is separated into components that function as one venue, bar, restaurant and hotel. All designed to cater for, in my opinion, the travelling business man. However, the place transforms in the evening into a thriving gathering of young professionals sipping on wine and cocktails.

You can also visit other Hoxton Grille eateries in Harrogate, Kings Cross, Chester and Lincoln.

The space is separated into components that function as one venue, bar, restaurant and hotel. All designed to cater for, in my opinion, the travelling business man. However, the place transforms in the evening into a thriving gathering of young professionals sipping on wine and cocktails.

You can also visit other Hoxton Grille eateries in Harrogate, Kings Cross, Chester and Lincoln.

Carnevale - by Mitnik

Mitnik — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:20:29 +0000

Review by Mitnik

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7250 3452

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

Tags: vegetarian, mediterranean, good value

not bad!not bad!