Latest reviews for Restaurants in Piccadilly Circus, London, United Kingdom

The Ritz Restaurant - Too, too... tacky? by vexille

vexille — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:01:18 +0000

Review by vexille

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7493 8181

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

Well, I think my age will show here, but I found the whole Ritz experience incredibly tacky. Perhaps I'm not destined for high society or I just lack basic etiquette, but it was uncomfortable and just a bizarre experience. But enough about that!

I must say, service was, as expected excellent. From guiding you to your table to serving the meals, it was impecable. Didn't like the way the waiters were almost too imposing.

Food was very much average, it didn't seem like it'd be made from a chef that gave a damn. Yes, it tasted good, but then, so does a dirty kebab and chips. It didn't make me want to turn around to the next table and shout 'you MUST try this', it was just 'meh'.

It's not all that expensive, in comparison to say Maze, or Fifteen which offer a far better experience. But then, I guess to most having 'done the Ritz' will be greated with greater envy than saying 'done Fifteen' which will probably be followed with 'fifteen what?'...Well, I think my age will show here, but I found the whole Ritz experience incredibly tacky. Perhaps I'm not destined for high society or I just lack basic etiquette, but it was uncomfortable and just a bizarre experience. But enough about that!

I must say, service was, as expected excellent. From guiding you to your table to serving the meals, it was impecable. Didn't like the way the waiters were almost too imposing.

Food was very much average, it didn't seem like it'd be made from a chef that gave a damn. Yes, it tasted good, but then, so does a dirty kebab and chips. It didn't make me want to turn around to the next table and shout 'you MUST try this', it was just 'meh'.

It's not all that expensive, in comparison to say Maze, or Fifteen which offer a far better experience. But then, I guess to most having 'done the Ritz' will be greated with greater envy than saying 'done Fifteen' which will probably be followed with 'fifteen what?'...

Bodean's BBQ - One for the lads...! by Weeboo

Weeboo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:24:26 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7267 6623

Website: http://www.bodeansbbq.com

Tags: american, lively, crowded

Bodean's is a meat-lovers paradise, somewhere to indulge your inner carnivore. I love it here. The surroundings are low-key and comfortable. A real haven from the ultra-trendy interiors of some of Soho's other restaurants and bars. There's always sports on in the background, but its not too obtrusive unlike some other sports venues in London. You can actually hold a conversation in Bodean's without risking your vocal cords.

The menu is straightforward. Steaks and burgers are well cooked with minimal grease (which seems to be a real problem with some gourmet burger restaurants), and red meat is delivered precisely as rare or as well done as you request them. Chips and onion rings are the right side of crunchy. I can highly recommend Bodean's if you're looking for a relaxed dinner.Bodean's is a meat-lovers paradise, somewhere to indulge your inner carnivore. I love it here. The surroundings are low-key and comfortable. A real haven from the ultra-trendy interiors of some of Soho's other restaurants and bars. There's always sports on in the background, but its not too obtrusive unlike some other sports venues in London. You can actually hold a conversation in Bodean's without risking your vocal cords.

The menu is straightforward. Steaks and burgers are well cooked with minimal grease (which seems to be a real problem with some gourmet burger restaurants), and red meat is delivered precisely as rare or as well done as you request them. Chips and onion rings are the right side of crunchy. I can highly recommend Bodean's if you're looking for a relaxed dinner.

The Rainforest Cafe - not like the american one but ok still by mumzy

mumzy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:16:24 +0000

Review by mumzy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 3111

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

Tags: american, expensive, crowded

We had a nice seat next to the fish tank, which we spent a lot of time watching, fish are so relaxing!
Absolutely loved the dÃ©cor of the place, you walk over a little wooden bridge into the restaurant area and through the trees you hear sound effects of thunder..

This restaurant also donate money to funds to save the rainforests and animals so its nice to know your money is going somewhere other than just the pockets of the owners. There is also a bit of information about the environment and animals of the world to educate the kids, and us.
Food was just as expected, think Hard Rock CafÃ© and you will be pretty close, there was some rather expensive items on the menu but they are easily avoided, and of course there is a children's menu too. The average price for a main is about Â£11

I ate a hamburger and an ice cream sundae (called a sparkling volcano)- which came out with sparklers on it. There is also a selection of cocktails on the menu, perhaps useful if those over excited kiddies get a bit too much..
The menu items are also given rainforesty theme names, like the mini mountain goats cheese salad or the Tsunami tuna steak salad.

The shop upstairs is great. I bought a drink bottle for my niece and she loved it, and her brothers were jealous so I was immediately ordered to go back for more. And again when one of the bottles was brokenâ¬¦ They sell a wide variety of animal themed products.
Staff were friendly, though our food did come a little slowly, but we weren't in any hurry so that was fine by us. The restaurant was a little busy when we went but not overly crowded.

We had a nice seat next to the fish tank, which we spent a lot of time watching, fish are so relaxing!
Absolutely loved the dÃ©cor of the place, you walk over a little wooden bridge into the restaurant area and through the trees you hear sound effects of thunder..

This restaurant also donate money to funds to save the rainforests and animals so its nice to know your money is going somewhere other than just the pockets of the owners. There is also a bit of information about the environment and animals of the world to educate the kids, and us.
Food was just as expected, think Hard Rock CafÃ© and you will be pretty close, there was some rather expensive items on the menu but they are easily avoided, and of course there is a children's menu too. The average price for a main is about Â£11

I ate a hamburger and an ice cream sundae (called a sparkling volcano)- which came out with sparklers on it. There is also a selection of cocktails on the menu, perhaps useful if those over excited kiddies get a bit too much..
The menu items are also given rainforesty theme names, like the mini mountain goats cheese salad or the Tsunami tuna steak salad.

The shop upstairs is great. I bought a drink bottle for my niece and she loved it, and her brothers were jealous so I was immediately ordered to go back for more. And again when one of the bottles was brokenâ¬¦ They sell a wide variety of animal themed products.
Staff were friendly, though our food did come a little slowly, but we weren't in any hurry so that was fine by us. The restaurant was a little busy when we went but not overly crowded.

Refuel Bar & Restaurant - All style, no substance by Weeboo

Weeboo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:15:29 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7559 3000

Website: http://www.sohohotel.com

Tags: expensive, international, business

If you are looking for a place to "see and be seen", then Refuel in Firmdale's Soho Hotel is the spot.

As with all Firmdale properties, Refuel is beautifully designed...or painfully trendy depending on how you look at it. Its a perfect fit for its Soho surroundings and a regular haunt of the local media companies. The hotel itself sits on the doorstep of a couple of high profile film studios, and thus the restaurant and bar is an ideal perch from which to star-spot.

The food? Well, the food is okay. Quite edible, very expensive (to suit the surroundings), and instantly forgettable. Refuel was one of three restaurants I lunched at last week and for the life of me I can't remember what I had for main course...and that's on only one glass of wine. This should be at least a 4 star restaurant (with a 5 star interior) but I can only muster 3 stars on account of its menu.

If you are looking for a place to "see and be seen", then Refuel in Firmdale's Soho Hotel is the spot.

As with all Firmdale properties, Refuel is beautifully designed...or painfully trendy depending on how you look at it. Its a perfect fit for its Soho surroundings and a regular haunt of the local media companies. The hotel itself sits on the doorstep of a couple of high profile film studios, and thus the restaurant and bar is an ideal perch from which to star-spot.

The food? Well, the food is okay. Quite edible, very expensive (to suit the surroundings), and instantly forgettable. Refuel was one of three restaurants I lunched at last week and for the life of me I can't remember what I had for main course...and that's on only one glass of wine. This should be at least a 4 star restaurant (with a 5 star interior) but I can only muster 3 stars on account of its menu.

Kettners - Posh Pizza Hut? by Weeboo

Weeboo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:55:46 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 6112

Website: http://www.kettners.com/

Tags: lively, pizzeria, expensive

I love, LOVE the interior of Kettners. It is absolutely gorgeous, with a real nostalgic cruise ship feel to it. However, I find the menu strangely ordinary for such lovely surroundings. If you want posh pizza then this is the place to visit. Its the next step up from Pizza Express. Good for family dinners, pre/post theatre or a birthday night out. Its the safe options when you don't know where else to book.

Despite its shortcomings, I keep going back to Kettners in the hope that one day the menu will meet the expectations so effectively raised by the interior.I love, LOVE the interior of Kettners. It is absolutely gorgeous, with a real nostalgic cruise ship feel to it. However, I find the menu strangely ordinary for such lovely surroundings. If you want posh pizza then this is the place to visit. Its the next step up from Pizza Express. Good for family dinners, pre/post theatre or a birthday night out. Its the safe options when you don't know where else to book.

Despite its shortcomings, I keep going back to Kettners in the hope that one day the menu will meet the expectations so effectively raised by the interior.

Quo Vadis - Stuffy by Weeboo

Weeboo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:47:48 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 9585

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

Tags: expensive, british, european

Personally I find Quo Vadis to be a somewhat hit or miss dining experience. The surroundings are lovely, but the general ambience is stuffy and the service can be slow. This is a safe bet for a business lunch with guests who enjoy a level of pomposity in their venues. The food is generally good, but over priced. Quo Vadis obviously has aspirations, but lacks the grandeur of other fine dining restaurants. And its somewhat a mismatch to the contemporary, arty feel of the Soho area and the many media companies that call it home.

Definitely a good choice for entertaining clients, but I wouldn't recommend it for a romantic dinner.Personally I find Quo Vadis to be a somewhat hit or miss dining experience. The surroundings are lovely, but the general ambience is stuffy and the service can be slow. This is a safe bet for a business lunch with guests who enjoy a level of pomposity in their venues. The food is generally good, but over priced. Quo Vadis obviously has aspirations, but lacks the grandeur of other fine dining restaurants. And its somewhat a mismatch to the contemporary, arty feel of the Soho area and the many media companies that call it home.

Definitely a good choice for entertaining clients, but I wouldn't recommend it for a romantic dinner.

Ed's Easy Diner - Comfort Food by Weeboo

Weeboo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:35:47 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 1955

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

Tags: american, lively, good value

Ed's is a tad pricey in my opinion, but it does fantastically sloppy, calorie-laden comfort food. Chips and gravy...says it all, really! And their banana and peanut butter milkshakes are to die for.

The diner surroundings possess the appropriate 50's feel, but some of them are quite small and get crowded very quickly. I frequent the Soho branch and I find the surroundings have become quite worn, so I wouldn't recommend this as a destination if you're looking to capture that 50's nostalgia for a night out. Fortunately, Ed's can deliver food to addresses in the local area (on roller skates *hee*). Perfect for a Friday afternoon lunch in the office.Ed's is a tad pricey in my opinion, but it does fantastically sloppy, calorie-laden comfort food. Chips and gravy...says it all, really! And their banana and peanut butter milkshakes are to die for.

The diner surroundings possess the appropriate 50's feel, but some of them are quite small and get crowded very quickly. I frequent the Soho branch and I find the surroundings have become quite worn, so I wouldn't recommend this as a destination if you're looking to capture that 50's nostalgia for a night out. Fortunately, Ed's can deliver food to addresses in the local area (on roller skates *hee*). Perfect for a Friday afternoon lunch in the office.

Arbutus - Good choice for a business lunch by Weeboo

Weeboo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:22:04 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 4545

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

Tags: good value, lively, french

I've been going to this restaurant for a couple of years now and it has never disappointed food-wise. There is a nice mixture of dishes on the menu. Their fish dishes are fantastic...better than some of the big-name fish restaurants I've dined at. In particular, they do a mean Dorset crab which I've had on several occasions. My boss can recommend the risotto *grin*.

In terms of the surroundings, Arbutus is the atypical pokey Soho restaurant. Undoubtedly stylish, but a bit of a squeeze when busy.

If you're looking to book a business lunch in Soho for the boss, this is a solid choice.I've been going to this restaurant for a couple of years now and it has never disappointed food-wise. There is a nice mixture of dishes on the menu. Their fish dishes are fantastic...better than some of the big-name fish restaurants I've dined at. In particular, they do a mean Dorset crab which I've had on several occasions. My boss can recommend the risotto *grin*.

In terms of the surroundings, Arbutus is the atypical pokey Soho restaurant. Undoubtedly stylish, but a bit of a squeeze when busy.

If you're looking to book a business lunch in Soho for the boss, this is a solid choice.

Jom Makan - this place rocks by claireboo

claireboo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:16:05 +0000

Review by claireboo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7925 2402

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

Tags: malaysian, cheap eat, lively

i don't usually write reviews but i feel compelled to stand up for this great new restaurant. its just round the corner from where i work and ive been a few times.

it would seem that a small band of bitter and twisted malaysians (probably people who are jealous) have got it in for this place and it is disgusting.

jom makan is one of the best new restaurants in london, with great food, a lovely ambience and fab staff. its strange that the reviewer before me couldnt spot a malaysian in the kitchen there as ive never been near malaysia in my life but managed to spot at least 3! (its the way they say lah at the end of sentences)

the reviewer below should maybe stick to going into the sad twisted restaurants he enjoys and leave this place for normal people who do not feel the need to totally slag off a perfectly great place to eat and drink. or maybe he could go back to malaysia and eat there is he is that offended??

jom makan rocks and i will make sure i tell everyone i know to eat there as much as they can even if it to just keep absolute idiots like you out!

claire xxxi don't usually write reviews but i feel compelled to stand up for this great new restaurant. its just round the corner from where i work and ive been a few times.

it would seem that a small band of bitter and twisted malaysians (probably people who are jealous) have got it in for this place and it is disgusting.

jom makan is one of the best new restaurants in london, with great food, a lovely ambience and fab staff. its strange that the reviewer before me couldnt spot a malaysian in the kitchen there as ive never been near malaysia in my life but managed to spot at least 3! (its the way they say lah at the end of sentences)

the reviewer below should maybe stick to going into the sad twisted restaurants he enjoys and leave this place for normal people who do not feel the need to totally slag off a perfectly great place to eat and drink. or maybe he could go back to malaysia and eat there is he is that offended??

jom makan rocks and i will make sure i tell everyone i know to eat there as much as they can even if it to just keep absolute idiots like you out!

claire xxx

Floridita Restaurant - Gorrrrgeous food! by sparklepants

sparklepants — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:10:37 +0000

Review by sparklepants

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7314 4000

Website: http://www.floridita.co.uk/london/

Tags: relaxed, cool & smart, bar

I went to Floridita mid-week and so it wasn't too busy, therefore we got served very quickly. The food was amazing, really scrummy! And the cocktails were equally as yummy! The cuban band were great, but no dancing going on unforch!!I went to Floridita mid-week and so it wasn't too busy, therefore we got served very quickly. The food was amazing, really scrummy! And the cocktails were equally as yummy! The cuban band were great, but no dancing going on unforch!!

Randall & Aubin - Fantastic fun!! by sparklepants

sparklepants — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:48:53 +0000

Review by sparklepants

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 4447

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

Tags: seafood, lively, french

I decided to give this place a go during 'gay pride', and what an amazing atmosphere!! The music was great (a selection of old school house). The staff were really friendly and very helpful in explaining the different varieties of Oyster, and the food was absolutely fantastic! I only had oysters but they were delicious, really fresh. They came with a selection of sauces including a red onion vinegar which was to die for! They also gave us some complementary bread and olives which was a nice touch seeing as we really didnâ¬"t order much. And the champagne was, of course, fabulous! Highly recommended!I decided to give this place a go during 'gay pride', and what an amazing atmosphere!! The music was great (a selection of old school house). The staff were really friendly and very helpful in explaining the different varieties of Oyster, and the food was absolutely fantastic! I only had oysters but they were delicious, really fresh. They came with a selection of sauces including a red onion vinegar which was to die for! They also gave us some complementary bread and olives which was a nice touch seeing as we really didnâ¬"t order much. And the champagne was, of course, fabulous! Highly recommended!

Planet Hollywood - Good burger, bit touristy by Rhydster

Rhydster — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:51:14 +0000

Review by Rhydster

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7287 1000

Website: http://www.planethollywoodlondon.com/

Tags: american, lively, expensive

The good: as you would want from any American food venue, they have good burgers with plenty of options to choose from. The theme of Hollywood stars also makes an interesting environment with various figures of Arnie and Bruce, but after a while it can get boring. The table service is quick and helpful, offering you many of the varieties, if not just to encourage you to take all the options.

The bad: itâ¬"s quite overpriced at a minimum of around Â£10 for burger. Itâ¬"s also a bit on the touristy side and pretty noisy with various party rooms surrounding the dining area.
The good: as you would want from any American food venue, they have good burgers with plenty of options to choose from. The theme of Hollywood stars also makes an interesting environment with various figures of Arnie and Bruce, but after a while it can get boring. The table service is quick and helpful, offering you many of the varieties, if not just to encourage you to take all the options.

The bad: itâ¬"s quite overpriced at a minimum of around Â£10 for burger. Itâ¬"s also a bit on the touristy side and pretty noisy with various party rooms surrounding the dining area.

Angus Steak Houses - Nice but expensive by Super_Mum

Super_Mum — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:16:19 +0000

Review by Super_Mum

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7839 9269

Tags: british, vegetarian dishes, air conditioning

Like most people I enjoy a really good steak and I suppose that the steaks served here are probably some of the best around,especially in and around London. Well cooked, great sauces and served with large portions. I tried to have a go at the Angus T bone, but at 16 oz it definitely had me beat. Surroundings are very plush and have had a face lift in the last few years. The only issue I have is with the prices. Why are they so expensive? OK, the restaurants are located in London and are a real tourist trap, but by the time you buy the starter, drinks, main meal and desert, you almost need to arrange a loan just to pay the bill.Like most people I enjoy a really good steak and I suppose that the steaks served here are probably some of the best around,especially in and around London. Well cooked, great sauces and served with large portions. I tried to have a go at the Angus T bone, but at 16 oz it definitely had me beat. Surroundings are very plush and have had a face lift in the last few years. The only issue I have is with the prices. Why are they so expensive? OK, the restaurants are located in London and are a real tourist trap, but by the time you buy the starter, drinks, main meal and desert, you almost need to arrange a loan just to pay the bill.

Sketch - Let them eat cake! by Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:21:30 +0000

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0870 777 4488

Website: http://www.sketch.uk.com

Tags: expensive, trendy, pretentious

We dropped into Sketch for some post-dinner tea and cake on Saturday night and, having passed some life-sized models of greyhounds laying about in the hallway, were seated in the dining area - a striking mix of sugary white baroque furniture and contemporary multi-media imagery being projected around the walls. I liked it very much.

In the event we found we couldn't squeeze down any cake, so just ordered a pot of Earl Grey each. Er... what can I say? It was a very nice cup of tea. (I don't think having just a drink is normally allowed in the dining room, but the staff didn't make a fuss.)

On the way out I also had a quick look around the adjoining lounge bar - a haven of low lighting, low tables, low sofas, and brown and red decor which apparently looks just as good during the day as it does at night. To my everlasting regret, however, I didn't visit the toilets that everyone seems to be mentioning here. Damn!We dropped into Sketch for some post-dinner tea and cake on Saturday night and, having passed some life-sized models of greyhounds laying about in the hallway, were seated in the dining area - a striking mix of sugary white baroque furniture and contemporary multi-media imagery being projected around the walls. I liked it very much.

In the event we found we couldn't squeeze down any cake, so just ordered a pot of Earl Grey each. Er... what can I say? It was a very nice cup of tea. (I don't think having just a drink is normally allowed in the dining room, but the staff didn't make a fuss.)

On the way out I also had a quick look around the adjoining lounge bar - a haven of low lighting, low tables, low sofas, and brown and red decor which apparently looks just as good during the day as it does at night. To my everlasting regret, however, I didn't visit the toilets that everyone seems to be mentioning here. Damn!

Vietnamese Restaurant - Worst meal I've ever eaten by ilikegoodfood

ilikegoodfood — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:01:28 +0000

Review by ilikegoodfood

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7494 2592

Tags: vietnamese, cheap eat, vegetarian dishes

Went to this "restaurant" last night for the first and last time. The food was awful and an entire set menu came out the kitchen in no less than 2 minutes which was a little concerning. The service was very rude and rushed.

My boyfriend spent the night on the toilet when I wasn't vomiting in it.

I can honestly say this was the worst meal I've ever eaten in my entire life. Please never go to this restaurant.Went to this "restaurant" last night for the first and last time. The food was awful and an entire set menu came out the kitchen in no less than 2 minutes which was a little concerning. The service was very rude and rushed.

My boyfriend spent the night on the toilet when I wasn't vomiting in it.

I can honestly say this was the worst meal I've ever eaten in my entire life. Please never go to this restaurant.

Souk Bazaar - Magical by xLHGx

xLHGx — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:43:28 +0000

Review by xLHGx

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: romantic, good value, african & caribbean

This is possibly the most beautiful restaurant I have ever been to. We went for my 19th as I really love moroccan food but haven't been to a restaurant! Well it was like a dream walking in, all of a sudden it was like you weren't in the centre of London at all but in the centre of morocco. The atmosphere is lovely and intimate with draping fabrices, low seating and moroccan music playing softly in the background. Our food was just amazing and we ordered a bottle of their moroccan wine which was brilliant, especially for the price! I really want to come back and try it again, perhaps with a larger group. It's difficult to explain in words the charm of this restaurant but I would strongly recommend a visit! The staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful, making the experience an even better one.This is possibly the most beautiful restaurant I have ever been to. We went for my 19th as I really love moroccan food but haven't been to a restaurant! Well it was like a dream walking in, all of a sudden it was like you weren't in the centre of London at all but in the centre of morocco. The atmosphere is lovely and intimate with draping fabrices, low seating and moroccan music playing softly in the background. Our food was just amazing and we ordered a bottle of their moroccan wine which was brilliant, especially for the price! I really want to come back and try it again, perhaps with a larger group. It's difficult to explain in words the charm of this restaurant but I would strongly recommend a visit! The staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful, making the experience an even better one.

Mint Leaf Restaurant - Interesting indian by 263481

263481 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:50:10 +0000

Review by 263481

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7930 9020

Website: http://www.mintleafrestaurant.com

Tags: indian, expensive, lively

Very funky dining experience, the food really is very tasty. This is defintely more for the younger crowd perhaps groups or couples.Very funky dining experience, the food really is very tasty. This is defintely more for the younger crowd perhaps groups or couples.

Gaucho Piccadilly - Great beef, great service by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:47:43 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 4040

Website: http://www.gauchosgrill.com

Tags: expensive, steak, lively

Now, for some reason, the below-mentioned hype surrounding this place has passed me by, which probably contributes to my positive review. All I'd heard was that the steaks were pretty good, and Gaucho more than delivered on that.

The missus took me here for my birthday, as she knows all too well how much I like a nicely-treated ribeye. It was a Wednesday night, and the place was rammed, but the sort of 'lively' rammed, rather than the 'sardines' type. Despite this, our waitress managed to deliver the sort of prompt, attentive and competent service that should really be standard in London, but which is sadly somewhat rare.

We kicked off by sharing a ceviche platter, partnered by a lovely light, crisp Torrontes which said waitress had recommended. Torrontes can be a bit oily and over-aromatic in the wrong hands, but this was spot on, cutting through the lime, chilli and herbs in the ceviches and gently underpinning the more delicate seafood notes with ease.

The steaks were indeed excellent, although the practice of bringing examples of all of them to the table was pretty superfluous and a bit gimmicky if I'm honest. Mine was as rare as I'd asked for, which in itself isn't that common for steaks in London. The Norton Privada that accompanied it was as great as always, so good to see that wine on the list too.

With a well-kept selection of cheeses to finish with and a complimentary glass of birthday Champagne too, I couldn't fault the entire experience.

I'm sure that, if you've been to Argentina, or if you've been told this is up there with the Fat Duck, you'll be disappointed. However, Argentina this is not, and it's a high-mid-priced central London restaurant, so with that in mind I think you'll find it's really pretty good.Now, for some reason, the below-mentioned hype surrounding this place has passed me by, which probably contributes to my positive review. All I'd heard was that the steaks were pretty good, and Gaucho more than delivered on that.

The missus took me here for my birthday, as she knows all too well how much I like a nicely-treated ribeye. It was a Wednesday night, and the place was rammed, but the sort of 'lively' rammed, rather than the 'sardines' type. Despite this, our waitress managed to deliver the sort of prompt, attentive and competent service that should really be standard in London, but which is sadly somewhat rare.

We kicked off by sharing a ceviche platter, partnered by a lovely light, crisp Torrontes which said waitress had recommended. Torrontes can be a bit oily and over-aromatic in the wrong hands, but this was spot on, cutting through the lime, chilli and herbs in the ceviches and gently underpinning the more delicate seafood notes with ease.

The steaks were indeed excellent, although the practice of bringing examples of all of them to the table was pretty superfluous and a bit gimmicky if I'm honest. Mine was as rare as I'd asked for, which in itself isn't that common for steaks in London. The Norton Privada that accompanied it was as great as always, so good to see that wine on the list too.

With a well-kept selection of cheeses to finish with and a complimentary glass of birthday Champagne too, I couldn't fault the entire experience.

I'm sure that, if you've been to Argentina, or if you've been told this is up there with the Fat Duck, you'll be disappointed. However, Argentina this is not, and it's a high-mid-priced central London restaurant, so with that in mind I think you'll find it's really pretty good.

Ten Ten Tei - lunch menu great value by kimkong

kimkong — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:02:42 +0000

Review by kimkong

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 1738

Tags: japanese, good value, family & home feel

Good value lunch set menu. Fresh food, friendly staff!Good value lunch set menu. Fresh food, friendly staff!