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

Dehesa - Warm atmos, amazing food by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:24:37 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7494 4170

I've been to Dehasa twice now - once in the wonderful wonderful private dining room downstairs, and once in the lively tapas bar on the ground level. I've been impressed both times, for different reasons.

When I had dinner in the downstairs room (a corporate evening out) we had plate after plate of wonderful tapas the real standouts were some basics (tortilla, patatas fritas) and also the aforementioned courgette flowers which were awesome. I was seriously impressed by how many great vegetarian tapas there were, and the meaty stuff looked good too. The service was excellent, and we swilled Manzanilla and had a grand old time.

I returned with my own money last weekend to see if it could match the corporate evening out. Me and two friends rushed to Dehasa after a film, hoping to take advantage of their 'no bookings' policy on a busy Saturday night - only to find that the had changed the policy and now take bookings! Oh dear. Out we went onto the pavement, trying to figure out where to go instead - when one of the staff members ushered us back in. "We would be heartbroken if we couldn't find a seat for you"- and hence we found ourselves in the middle of a lively shared table, sitting on (comfortable) stools and occasionally joining in the conversations around us - a very unique experience for London!

The food continued to be stellar - standouts included the scallops on cauliflower puree and some amazing puddings- a Clementine tart for me, poached pears with sorbet for my friends. We left Â£40 each lighter, but that included lots of tapas, a glass of sherry each, a bottle of wine, and puddings and coffee- so pretty good value - the smallish sizes of the tapas left room for dessert, but I can understand how you could leave a bit peckish if you didn't indulge in a pud at the end.

I'm really looking forward to going back - love the atmosphere and ambiance... and the food!

But forewarned: call and book first if you can!I've been to Dehasa twice now - once in the wonderful wonderful private dining room downstairs, and once in the lively tapas bar on the ground level. I've been impressed both times, for different reasons.

When I had dinner in the downstairs room (a corporate evening out) we had plate after plate of wonderful tapas the real standouts were some basics (tortilla, patatas fritas) and also the aforementioned courgette flowers which were awesome. I was seriously impressed by how many great vegetarian tapas there were, and the meaty stuff looked good too. The service was excellent, and we swilled Manzanilla and had a grand old time.

I returned with my own money last weekend to see if it could match the corporate evening out. Me and two friends rushed to Dehasa after a film, hoping to take advantage of their 'no bookings' policy on a busy Saturday night - only to find that the had changed the policy and now take bookings! Oh dear. Out we went onto the pavement, trying to figure out where to go instead - when one of the staff members ushered us back in. "We would be heartbroken if we couldn't find a seat for you"- and hence we found ourselves in the middle of a lively shared table, sitting on (comfortable) stools and occasionally joining in the conversations around us - a very unique experience for London!

The food continued to be stellar - standouts included the scallops on cauliflower puree and some amazing puddings- a Clementine tart for me, poached pears with sorbet for my friends. We left Â£40 each lighter, but that included lots of tapas, a glass of sherry each, a bottle of wine, and puddings and coffee- so pretty good value - the smallish sizes of the tapas left room for dessert, but I can understand how you could leave a bit peckish if you didn't indulge in a pud at the end.

I'm really looking forward to going back - love the atmosphere and ambiance... and the food!

But forewarned: call and book first if you can!

Ran - Not a great value by Solarpanels

Solarpanels — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:16:36 +0000

Review by Solarpanels

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7434 1650

Tags: korean, good value, lively

The meet was ok, but very poor value for the price. The deco was not great either. For this price, you would either expect bigger portion or a better atmosphere. The whole place looked a bit tired. Surprisingly crowded and that's why we thought this might be a place for good value and good food from outside! Not quite so. There was never enough meet on the table and we had to keep ordering Â£7-8 worth portions. Never felt satisfied after spending quite a lot and had to fill up with rice.The meet was ok, but very poor value for the price. The deco was not great either. For this price, you would either expect bigger portion or a better atmosphere. The whole place looked a bit tired. Surprisingly crowded and that's why we thought this might be a place for good value and good food from outside! Not quite so. There was never enough meet on the table and we had to keep ordering Â£7-8 worth portions. Never felt satisfied after spending quite a lot and had to fill up with rice.

Yauatcha - Mixed reports by mandylayton

mandylayton — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:38:57 +0000

Review by mandylayton

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7494 8888

Tags: chinese, lively, expensive

Went for afternoon tea with the family. The food is excellent and the quality and range of green tea's are superb. The service is not very good though. I kept asking for water and after asking for the forth time I went and got it myself from the bar. It is a mystery to me how varied the service can be when the food is so great and actually pretty reasonable priced.Went for afternoon tea with the family. The food is excellent and the quality and range of green tea's are superb. The service is not very good though. I kept asking for water and after asking for the forth time I went and got it myself from the bar. It is a mystery to me how varied the service can be when the food is so great and actually pretty reasonable priced.

Kettners - Soho stalwart by Fortess

Fortess — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:57:57 +0000

Review by Fortess

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 6112

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

Tags: good value, lively, romantic

When I saw that the boards had been cleared and Kettners was open again, I thought I'd give it a go. I had a meeting in Soho, and afterwards, popped in to try out the new menu. I only had the french onion soup, but it was delicious. I resisted a glass of red wine as it was early afternoon, but I will come back with friends. The staff were really friendly and I was made to feel welcome on my own. Perfect for a pit stop before the Curzon Soho.

When I saw that the boards had been cleared and Kettners was open again, I thought I'd give it a go. I had a meeting in Soho, and afterwards, popped in to try out the new menu. I only had the french onion soup, but it was delicious. I resisted a glass of red wine as it was early afternoon, but I will come back with friends. The staff were really friendly and I was made to feel welcome on my own. Perfect for a pit stop before the Curzon Soho.

Quo Vadis - Behind the coloured glass by Fortess

Fortess — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:11:34 +0000

Review by Fortess

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 9585

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

Tags: expensive, british, pretentious

Having worked in Soho, I'd often tried peer through the coloured glass. I'm big Barrafino fan, and wanted to try out another from Sam and Eddie Hart and with theatre tickets booked, an opportunity to grab a bite from the pre-theatre menu (Â£16.95 for 2 courses). I'd read how beautiful the building was but my hopes were very much dampened when faced with dreary furniture.

The staff were friendly and attentive. We looked at the set menu, then went for small plates from the starters. Our side of salsify was too salty. The menu read well, and I am sure they do it well, but the restaurant was all taupe and tame, so I'll stick to looking through the glass, and to Barrafino.Having worked in Soho, I'd often tried peer through the coloured glass. I'm big Barrafino fan, and wanted to try out another from Sam and Eddie Hart and with theatre tickets booked, an opportunity to grab a bite from the pre-theatre menu (Â£16.95 for 2 courses). I'd read how beautiful the building was but my hopes were very much dampened when faced with dreary furniture.

The staff were friendly and attentive. We looked at the set menu, then went for small plates from the starters. Our side of salsify was too salty. The menu read well, and I am sure they do it well, but the restaurant was all taupe and tame, so I'll stick to looking through the glass, and to Barrafino.

Malaysia Kopi Tiam - Authentic yummy Malaysian hawker food! by samantha_tan

samantha_tan — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:53:01 +0000

Review by samantha_tan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 7881

Tags: lively, thai, malaysian

Malaysia Kopi Tiam has opened and shut down in several different locations over the years, but I'm glad to say it has now reopened on Charing Cross Road and is dishing up amazing authentic food up to the standards of critical Malaysians like myself! :)

Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng and handmade Hakka Mee are all gorgeous and come very highly recommended. I have also been told by friends that the Bak Kut Teh, Hokkien Mee and Cantonese Style Hor Fun are good too, and from what I've seen on nearby tables they certainly look the part!

One thing I would say to avoid is the Prawn Mee, which is far too clear and bland (the manager actually agreed when I mentioned this to him, saying they are unable to get enough prawn shells to make the soup rich and thick enough!). Also the Curry Mee was not really to my personal taste (I prefer it more liquid and with steamed shredded chicken, not actual Curry Chicken portions).

At the moment desserts are limited (only ice kacang) but I've been told they will expand it in future. In any case I am happy enough that grass jelly ("cincau" or "leong fun" in Chinese) is on the drinks menu.

At about Â£5.50 per dish, it's definitely a place for cheap authentic robust Malaysian food to satisfy those cravings!Malaysia Kopi Tiam has opened and shut down in several different locations over the years, but I'm glad to say it has now reopened on Charing Cross Road and is dishing up amazing authentic food up to the standards of critical Malaysians like myself! :)

Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng and handmade Hakka Mee are all gorgeous and come very highly recommended. I have also been told by friends that the Bak Kut Teh, Hokkien Mee and Cantonese Style Hor Fun are good too, and from what I've seen on nearby tables they certainly look the part!

One thing I would say to avoid is the Prawn Mee, which is far too clear and bland (the manager actually agreed when I mentioned this to him, saying they are unable to get enough prawn shells to make the soup rich and thick enough!). Also the Curry Mee was not really to my personal taste (I prefer it more liquid and with steamed shredded chicken, not actual Curry Chicken portions).

At the moment desserts are limited (only ice kacang) but I've been told they will expand it in future. In any case I am happy enough that grass jelly ("cincau" or "leong fun" in Chinese) is on the drinks menu.

At about Â£5.50 per dish, it's definitely a place for cheap authentic robust Malaysian food to satisfy those cravings!

Lido - Horrible rude staff, terrible food by whre4arthou

whre4arthou — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:39:05 +0000

Review by whre4arthou

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7437 4431

Tags: chinese, takeaway, good value

We went to Lido because a friend had been there before and he said the food had previously been good.. boy were we disappointed..

The service was very, very poor.. we were practically rushed into making an order, plates were taken away before we were done and rushed to pay and leave.. it was not as if we were even taking our own sweet time or that the restaurant was packed..

The food was not too nice either.. they seem to like taking 'shortcuts' to their food.. the lotus leaf rice was microwaved instead of steamed as it had a chewy texture (and there were a lot of peanuts in it.. whoever puts peanuts in their lotus leaf rice?) and the pork dumpling wasn't fresh - tasted like it was from a frozen pack..

Price wise, it is good but I think there are better places where I can spend my money..

Will NEVER go back again and would advise against anyone paying a visit..We went to Lido because a friend had been there before and he said the food had previously been good.. boy were we disappointed..

The service was very, very poor.. we were practically rushed into making an order, plates were taken away before we were done and rushed to pay and leave.. it was not as if we were even taking our own sweet time or that the restaurant was packed..

The food was not too nice either.. they seem to like taking 'shortcuts' to their food.. the lotus leaf rice was microwaved instead of steamed as it had a chewy texture (and there were a lot of peanuts in it.. whoever puts peanuts in their lotus leaf rice?) and the pork dumpling wasn't fresh - tasted like it was from a frozen pack..

Price wise, it is good but I think there are better places where I can spend my money..

Will NEVER go back again and would advise against anyone paying a visit..

Salvador & Amanda - Dull by martinsmac

martinsmac — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:45:53 +0000

Review by martinsmac

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7240 1551

Website: http://www.salvadorandamanda.com/

Tags: lively, dancing, spanish

Dull food, with the taste of cheap ingredients. The Bravas was a thin tomato sauce with nothing brave about it.

There are so many better Tapas bars in London. This is probably great for groups to drink large amounts of Sangria, but is not recommended for anyone who thinks a Spanish restaurant should serve Manchego rather than unspecified 'cheese.'Dull food, with the taste of cheap ingredients. The Bravas was a thin tomato sauce with nothing brave about it.

There are so many better Tapas bars in London. This is probably great for groups to drink large amounts of Sangria, but is not recommended for anyone who thinks a Spanish restaurant should serve Manchego rather than unspecified 'cheese.'

The Stockpot - Classic Caff by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:07:19 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7839 5142

Tags: crowded, british, family & home feel

Open 365 days of the year from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.(thats what the sign says!) this is a welcome haven for any cheap nosh fan that's on the prowl. This is my favourite of what's now a Stockpot mini-chain. Nice snug wooden booths and a menu full of traditional English grub. Steak and Kidney Pie, Custard puddings you know the sort of thing. Considering that everything else is gazzumping lunch prices haven't gone up much over the years. While I wouldn't describe the food as wonderfully top notch and scintillating. It's sturdy and reliable - kind of like an excellent school dinner. Staff are friendly and amazingly efficient. Lunchtimes are busy but frantic free.Open 365 days of the year from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.(thats what the sign says!) this is a welcome haven for any cheap nosh fan that's on the prowl. This is my favourite of what's now a Stockpot mini-chain. Nice snug wooden booths and a menu full of traditional English grub. Steak and Kidney Pie, Custard puddings you know the sort of thing. Considering that everything else is gazzumping lunch prices haven't gone up much over the years. While I wouldn't describe the food as wonderfully top notch and scintillating. It's sturdy and reliable - kind of like an excellent school dinner. Staff are friendly and amazingly efficient. Lunchtimes are busy but frantic free.

Sartoria - Good italian food - ambience? by Guy_Hutch

Guy_Hutch — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:42:05 +0000

Review by Guy_Hutch

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7534 7000

Website: www.sartoriabar.co.uk

Tags: italian, takeaway, cocktails

Recently came here on a top-table fixed price deal.
The restaurant looks very smart but is a little tucked away a bit off the bright lights of Regent Street.
The menu is excellent and the kitchen's execution is superb. In terms of value for money you couldn't be dissapointed.
However the restaurant was very quiet on the Saturday night we went and with the large open dining room the atmosphere was not as welcoming at is should have been.
The aircon was a bit OTT too - and when we highlighted it the staff didn't really seem to believe there was much they could do to ease the chill. Which didn't make much sense as it was snowing outside.
Great food, good value on fixed price menu but so many details to work on otherwise.Recently came here on a top-table fixed price deal.
The restaurant looks very smart but is a little tucked away a bit off the bright lights of Regent Street.
The menu is excellent and the kitchen's execution is superb. In terms of value for money you couldn't be dissapointed.
However the restaurant was very quiet on the Saturday night we went and with the large open dining room the atmosphere was not as welcoming at is should have been.
The aircon was a bit OTT too - and when we highlighted it the staff didn't really seem to believe there was much they could do to ease the chill. Which didn't make much sense as it was snowing outside.
Great food, good value on fixed price menu but so many details to work on otherwise.

The French House Dining Room - great steaks! by gilka

gilka — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:30:01 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 2477

Tags: french, lively, romantic

From outside it looks very mundane but the steaks at French House are a must!From outside it looks very mundane but the steaks at French House are a must!

Flash - Restaurant in a Box by intoxicating

intoxicating — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:11:37 +0000

Review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8880 6111

Website: http://www.bookflashnow.com/

Tags: american, crowded, lively

'The art of dining well is no slight art, the pleasure no slight pleasure...'
[Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, C.16]

THIS REVIEW is about a dining room called â¬ÜFlashâ¬", so please allow me to purge the clichÃ©s within the first paragraph. â¬SFlash in the pan, Flash fried, Flashy, you need to be flush at Flash, Flash light, gone in a Flashâ¬¦â¬ (etc. etc.) Suffice to say that all evidence of this rather couth restaurantâ¬"s 80 day existence will have been removed (or auctioned off) by February next year. It is part of the Royal Academyâ¬"s â¬ÜG.S.K.â¬" (Glaxo SmithKline) exhibition, which explores â¬Üart, performance, experimental theatreâ¬" and â¬Üan apocalyptic visionâ¬". Entering from Burlington Gardens, I was greeted by a soundtrack from the latter category: intensely unappetising, pitiful sobbingâ¬¦

Normally, I prefer to give a restaurant a little time to set into its stride rather than turn-up at the very first sitting, poised to poison it in print. I know that the Evening Standardâ¬"s Fay Maschler famously observed that if a venue is already charging full prices, they should expect little mercy. But I believe that the business of establishing something as intricate as a restaurant requires a little empathy from professional eaters. At least initially. But seeing that Flash shines for such a short season â¬ and because I was excited about the concept â¬ I ventured to the room within a room on opening night. My enthusiasm was only mildly dampened by a telephone call beforehand, which advised that the extraction system was as unhappy as the weeper in the foyer. There would be no grills tonight, although a half-price discount would be applied. This was later be annotated as â¬ÜPractice makes perfectâ¬" on the bill.

At least one loud stomach has already assessed a terminal gut reaction, describing Flash as pointless â¬ â¬Üit serves no purposeâ¬". In my opinion there is raison dâ¬"Ãªtre and integrity to this space, and that is pleasure by design. The large, but welcoming room is a collage of creative commissions. 191 plywood art storage crates form the structure. These are inlaid to resemble a trellis â¬ a reference to the original gardens once laid out where the site now stands. Behind this, various animals lurk in the â¬Üundergrowthâ¬". An opalescent painting of parrot pairs hangs above. The centrepiece of the room is a bold black, oversized snowflake of a chandellier, known as the â¬Üdeath starâ¬" by its designer. â¬ÜBrutal but beautifulâ¬", it is made of Swarovski crystal. China is supplied by Wedgewood, although the childlike dog, cat, bear and other animal heads that grace the crockery must be amongst the most avant-garde of designs in the firms 250 year history.

The menu itself is made of various layers of card lasered into a geometric pattern. We began with mauve Flash Ritaâ¬"s, ordered via a clued-up waitresses portable Play Station. From an unseen bar, gently American oak matured tequila was flawlessly blended with thick winterberry purÃ©e and a little cranberry juice. A small, cantaloupe coloured flower floated on top like a water lily.

It could be argued that a venue like Flash is more about concept and surroundings than anything culinary. The menu, which is stirred into life by Californian influences, hallowed the season. Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with braised rabbit leg was languid: earthy, kind and comforting. The leg did not materialise, however: just a little knoll of lean meat, pulled from the bone, orbited by a truffle oil ring of Saturn. A pandaâ¬"s face emerged from the bowl's floor during the final excavations. My Ham Hock and Smoked Eel Terrine with Watercress Sauce was flawless. The moistly fatty, slightly sweet pink hock combined well with the discreetly smoked eel, jostled by the heady, inimitable cress. Incidentally, as a student, I remember trying to roast a hock in a Baby Belling, to little practical avail...Duck Confit with Spinach, Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Sauce was crisp and substantial and â¬ forgivably - mildly ugly. The slug-soft mushrooms were notably over-salted, however, a small opening night clanger with the sodium chloride. My Roast Cod with Baby Fennel, Sauce Vierge, Cherry Tomatoes and Fennel Cress (whatever that may be) was a joy. Soft white flesh with a crisp top urged into life by the nervy dressing. A side order of British racing green, lightly leathery curly kale was glossily bathed in blood orange juice.

From a short and snappy, interesting list, a glass of Western Australian Chardonnay (Cape Mentelle â¬"05) tidied up my palate: incisive lime, fig and flint within an unobtrusive oak picture-frame. Lemon trifle, almond cake and lemon granite was a little too spirited in the pith and acid department. Fig, raspberry, mascarpone custard, basil and praline pastry looked messy too (the coulis was thickly applied like squirted ketchup). The soft, sugary sandwich was given a hint of dynamism however thanks to the tangy baby basil leaves weaved within.

Keenly caffeinated Espresso Martinis were presented with floating beans arranged in the shape of the Mercedes star.

Flash is the second â¬Üpop-upâ¬" restaurant that the trio of minds behind (Pablo Flack, David Waddington and Tom Collins) have launched. Their first, â¬ÜReindeerâ¬", occurred two years ago at a â¬Ügrubbyâ¬", almost secret location. That three week rather than three month operation was to all accounts (most of them nostalgic) such a 'wildly exciting' success that neither love, money nor celebrity could secure a reservation once the diary was full.

From what I understand, Flash is not as immediately playful as that. Its punishment for daring to be less daring? -Scorn (it seems). Regardless, i is a shame that life will be short for Flash. It is one of the most relevant gallery restaurants I could imagine, especially when compared to culinary calamaties like the â¬ÜRex Whistlerâ¬" (Tate Britain). But then again, the most touching, most memorable narratives are brief encountersâ¬¦'The art of dining well is no slight art, the pleasure no slight pleasure...'
[Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, C.16]

THIS REVIEW is about a dining room called â¬ÜFlashâ¬", so please allow me to purge the clichÃ©s within the first paragraph. â¬SFlash in the pan, Flash fried, Flashy, you need to be flush at Flash, Flash light, gone in a Flashâ¬¦â¬ (etc. etc.) Suffice to say that all evidence of this rather couth restaurantâ¬"s 80 day existence will have been removed (or auctioned off) by February next year. It is part of the Royal Academyâ¬"s â¬ÜG.S.K.â¬" (Glaxo SmithKline) exhibition, which explores â¬Üart, performance, experimental theatreâ¬" and â¬Üan apocalyptic visionâ¬". Entering from Burlington Gardens, I was greeted by a soundtrack from the latter category: intensely unappetising, pitiful sobbingâ¬¦

Normally, I prefer to give a restaurant a little time to set into its stride rather than turn-up at the very first sitting, poised to poison it in print. I know that the Evening Standardâ¬"s Fay Maschler famously observed that if a venue is already charging full prices, they should expect little mercy. But I believe that the business of establishing something as intricate as a restaurant requires a little empathy from professional eaters. At least initially. But seeing that Flash shines for such a short season â¬ and because I was excited about the concept â¬ I ventured to the room within a room on opening night. My enthusiasm was only mildly dampened by a telephone call beforehand, which advised that the extraction system was as unhappy as the weeper in the foyer. There would be no grills tonight, although a half-price discount would be applied. This was later be annotated as â¬ÜPractice makes perfectâ¬" on the bill.

At least one loud stomach has already assessed a terminal gut reaction, describing Flash as pointless â¬ â¬Üit serves no purposeâ¬". In my opinion there is raison dâ¬"Ãªtre and integrity to this space, and that is pleasure by design. The large, but welcoming room is a collage of creative commissions. 191 plywood art storage crates form the structure. These are inlaid to resemble a trellis â¬ a reference to the original gardens once laid out where the site now stands. Behind this, various animals lurk in the â¬Üundergrowthâ¬". An opalescent painting of parrot pairs hangs above. The centrepiece of the room is a bold black, oversized snowflake of a chandellier, known as the â¬Üdeath starâ¬" by its designer. â¬ÜBrutal but beautifulâ¬", it is made of Swarovski crystal. China is supplied by Wedgewood, although the childlike dog, cat, bear and other animal heads that grace the crockery must be amongst the most avant-garde of designs in the firms 250 year history.

The menu itself is made of various layers of card lasered into a geometric pattern. We began with mauve Flash Ritaâ¬"s, ordered via a clued-up waitresses portable Play Station. From an unseen bar, gently American oak matured tequila was flawlessly blended with thick winterberry purÃ©e and a little cranberry juice. A small, cantaloupe coloured flower floated on top like a water lily.

It could be argued that a venue like Flash is more about concept and surroundings than anything culinary. The menu, which is stirred into life by Californian influences, hallowed the season. Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with braised rabbit leg was languid: earthy, kind and comforting. The leg did not materialise, however: just a little knoll of lean meat, pulled from the bone, orbited by a truffle oil ring of Saturn. A pandaâ¬"s face emerged from the bowl's floor during the final excavations. My Ham Hock and Smoked Eel Terrine with Watercress Sauce was flawless. The moistly fatty, slightly sweet pink hock combined well with the discreetly smoked eel, jostled by the heady, inimitable cress. Incidentally, as a student, I remember trying to roast a hock in a Baby Belling, to little practical avail...Duck Confit with Spinach, Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Sauce was crisp and substantial and â¬ forgivably - mildly ugly. The slug-soft mushrooms were notably over-salted, however, a small opening night clanger with the sodium chloride. My Roast Cod with Baby Fennel, Sauce Vierge, Cherry Tomatoes and Fennel Cress (whatever that may be) was a joy. Soft white flesh with a crisp top urged into life by the nervy dressing. A side order of British racing green, lightly leathery curly kale was glossily bathed in blood orange juice.

From a short and snappy, interesting list, a glass of Western Australian Chardonnay (Cape Mentelle â¬"05) tidied up my palate: incisive lime, fig and flint within an unobtrusive oak picture-frame. Lemon trifle, almond cake and lemon granite was a little too spirited in the pith and acid department. Fig, raspberry, mascarpone custard, basil and praline pastry looked messy too (the coulis was thickly applied like squirted ketchup). The soft, sugary sandwich was given a hint of dynamism however thanks to the tangy baby basil leaves weaved within.

Keenly caffeinated Espresso Martinis were presented with floating beans arranged in the shape of the Mercedes star.

Flash is the second â¬Üpop-upâ¬" restaurant that the trio of minds behind (Pablo Flack, David Waddington and Tom Collins) have launched. Their first, â¬ÜReindeerâ¬", occurred two years ago at a â¬Ügrubbyâ¬", almost secret location. That three week rather than three month operation was to all accounts (most of them nostalgic) such a 'wildly exciting' success that neither love, money nor celebrity could secure a reservation once the diary was full.

From what I understand, Flash is not as immediately playful as that. Its punishment for daring to be less daring? -Scorn (it seems). Regardless, it is a shame that life will be short for Flash. It is one of the most relevant gallery restaurants I could imagine, especially when compared to culinary calamaties like the â¬ÜRex Whistlerâ¬" (Tate Britain). But then again, the most touching, most memorable narratives are brief encountersâ¬¦

Thai Buffet - thai buffet by shuska

shuska — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:57:50 +0000

Review by shuska

Rating: 5.00

Tags: healthy food, bargain

brilliant place, fast cheap and great folkbrilliant place, fast cheap and great folk

Bob Bob Ricard - Great new find by Bourbon

Bourbon — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:43:22 +0000

Review by Bourbon

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, british, good value

Fantastic new all day dining upscale brasserie. Cool decor by David Collins with great turquoise booths, friendly staff and great vibe.
I had a great dinner with shepherds pie and a fabulous knickerbocker glory. They even do baked alaska for memory lane.
There's also a champagne button to call champers to your table and a great cocktail list - recommend the rhubarb gin and tonic. You feel the place could kick off really well at night.
But you can go for brekky or a snack too - they have good tables for one so you can get a decent coffee and snack as you work. Visit soon before it gets packed!Fantastic new all day dining upscale brasserie. Cool decor by David Collins with great turquoise booths, friendly staff and great vibe.
I had a great dinner with shepherds pie and a fabulous knickerbocker glory. They even do baked alaska for memory lane.
There's also a champagne button to call champers to your table and a great cocktail list - recommend the rhubarb gin and tonic. You feel the place could kick off really well at night.
But you can go for brekky or a snack too - they have good tables for one so you can get a decent coffee and snack as you work. Visit soon before it gets packed!

Sketch - wow! by sarah2009

sarah2009 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:55:56 +0000

Review by sarah2009

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0870 777 4488

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

Tags: expensive, lively, trendy

I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.I had dinner with friends in the Gallery last week and wow! I have never seen anything like it before; the food was delicious and we were entertained by the most amazing video art projections. I will definately visit again soon, if not for dinner then just to the bar.

Trattoria Da Aldo - Authentic cheap & cheerful Italian in Soho by Niamheen

Niamheen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:17:18 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 3985

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

I've always had a really nice experience in Da Aldo, the other reviews really surprise me. They offer authentic Italian food at reasonable prices, the set menu especially is good value. Expect the likes of polenta with rabbit stew on the specials list and they do a good authentic carbonara.

The owner is a character and it's always a really pleasant evening. I've become semi-regular there over the years, it is what it is and offers a good quick, cheap & cheerful bite.I've always had a really nice experience in Da Aldo, the other reviews really surprise me. They offer authentic Italian food at reasonable prices, the set menu especially is good value. Expect the likes of polenta with rabbit stew on the specials list and they do a good authentic carbonara.

The owner is a character and it's always a really pleasant evening. I've become semi-regular there over the years, it is what it is and offers a good quick, cheap & cheerful bite.

Leong’s Legends - Soupy goodness in a dumpling. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:12:39 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 0288

Tags: chinese, lively, crowded

At long last and Iâ¬"m more than glad to have made this pilgrimage. This place has been talked and blogged about among the cognoscenti and followers of the â¬Üalternativeâ¬" Chinese food scene. I came primarily for one thing and thatâ¬"s the Xiaolongbao (Siu Loong Bao in Cantonese)- the remarkable soup dumplings thatâ¬"s so easy to cock up during preparation and recipes often tempered with to ease mass production for the freezer and delivery to restaurants who donâ¬"t make them on site.

Like all new Chinese restaurants of this ilk, the dining room is dark, in fact theyâ¬"re all getting darker; I think weâ¬"ve got Alan Yau to thank for with his pioneering chic â¬Ülack of lightâ¬" ambience at Hakkasan. Before I talk about the food, thereâ¬"s one thing I ought to point out; the service at this place has been constantly lambasted as being rude and callous, I think this may well be true but Iâ¬"m not in a position to judge on this alone. This is because I just about speak the same lingo as the waiting staff, this advantage alone will prevent me from getting mentally frustrated, being ejected from the table before finishing the meal and receiving the final bill thatâ¬"s inflated with a double dose of that dreaded gratuity charge. Take heed and good luck.

Came here for a solo lunch and after careful perusal of the â¬Ütick yourselfâ¬" dim sum menu, I started to regret that I came on my own. Thereâ¬"s simply no way I could try out all the appetising sounding dishes that you donâ¬"t normally find at your Royal Chinas and Ping Pongs (sniff). The Noodle with Oyster ordered was certainly stodgy in appearance, which is due to the thickset gravy that the noodles and oysters were swimming in. This heavy tasting dish was surprisingly yummy, mildly spicy and Iâ¬"m pretty sure it was meant to be slurped without a care in the world of what your next door diner thinks! Now for the piÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance- Iâ¬"ve certainly found soup dumpling nirvana in London. Leongâ¬"s Xiaolongbao came in a basket consisting of eight of the most perfectly formed and heavenly tasting dumplings. I was lucky enough to savour all the dumplings intact without any of them being pre-punctured. These dumplings should come with a warning or two; like McDâ¬"s apple pie, the contents are very hot and likely to cause an injury to the uninitiated, and when you bite onto them the soup within is likely to splurt everywhere (goodbye finest cotton shirt!).

As ever with all new-found treasures like Leongâ¬"s Legends, I have this unfeigned desire and hope that at the very least the good cooking is maintained and the mere thought of complacence should be banished without ado.

At long last and Iâ¬"m more than glad to have made this pilgrimage. This place has been talked and blogged about among the cognoscenti and followers of the â¬Üalternativeâ¬" Chinese food scene. I came primarily for one thing and thatâ¬"s the Xiaolongbao (Siu Loong Bao in Cantonese)- the remarkable soup dumplings thatâ¬"s so easy to cock up during preparation and recipes often tempered with to ease mass production for the freezer and delivery to restaurants who donâ¬"t make them on site.

Like all new Chinese restaurants of this ilk, the dining room is dark, in fact theyâ¬"re all getting darker; I think weâ¬"ve got Alan Yau to thank for with his pioneering chic â¬Ülack of lightâ¬" ambience at Hakkasan. Before I talk about the food, thereâ¬"s one thing I ought to point out; the service at this place has been constantly lambasted as being rude and callous, I think this may well be true but Iâ¬"m not in a position to judge on this alone. This is because I just about speak the same lingo as the waiting staff, this advantage alone will prevent me from getting mentally frustrated, being ejected from the table before finishing the meal and receiving the final bill thatâ¬"s inflated with a double dose of that dreaded gratuity charge. Take heed and good luck.

Came here for a solo lunch and after careful perusal of the â¬Ütick yourselfâ¬" dim sum menu, I started to regret that I came on my own. Thereâ¬"s simply no way I could try out all the appetising sounding dishes that you donâ¬"t normally find at your Royal Chinas and Ping Pongs (sniff). The Noodle with Oyster ordered was certainly stodgy in appearance, which is due to the thickset gravy that the noodles and oysters were swimming in. This heavy tasting dish was surprisingly yummy, mildly spicy and Iâ¬"m pretty sure it was meant to be slurped without a care in the world of what your next door diner thinks! Now for the piÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance- Iâ¬"ve certainly found soup dumpling nirvana in London. Leongâ¬"s Xiaolongbao came in a basket consisting of eight of the most perfectly formed and heavenly tasting dumplings. I was lucky enough to savour all the dumplings intact without any of them being pre-punctured. These dumplings should come with a warning or two; like McDâ¬"s apple pie, the contents are very hot and likely to cause an injury to the uninitiated, and when you bite onto them the soup within is likely to splurt everywhere (goodbye finest cotton shirt!).

As ever with all new-found treasures like Leongâ¬"s Legends, I have this unfeigned desire and hope that at the very least the good cooking is maintained and the mere thought of complacence should be banished without ado.

Spacca Napoli - La vita e bella by nat08

nat08 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:03:39 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, crowded, lively

I first discovered this restaurant about 10 years ago in its first incarnation as "Bella Napoli" - and what a true find it was! Thanks Miranda! It was the most traditional restaurant in Soho, as far as I could see, and it made a welcome difference to all the other places trying to be cool and trendy and not focusing on the main event - the food!!

It was such a gem that of course it's popularity grew and fans kept coming back for some wonderful food along with the personal touch that the owner Mimmo gives to each and every customer that walks through his door.

A facelift came but still his fans poured through the door each and every night. Food is wonderful and portions are big - just the way I like my Italian food! It's true comfort food at it's best - i love the Vitello Milanese - mouth-watering and just so tender and succulent - not chewy and bland as you can find many times with this dish.

Pizzas are great and if you are in a big party it makes sense to get it by the meter and share - such a great way of making food fun as well as delicious! And the atmosphere and service is first class. It's a great location too on Dean Street.

So why not mosey on down to Dean Street and say Ciao to Spacca Napoli....I first discovered this restaurant about 10 years ago in its first incarnation as "Bella Napoli" - and what a true find it was! Thanks Miranda! It was the most traditional restaurant in Soho, as far as I could see, and it made a welcome difference to all the other places trying to be cool and trendy and not focusing on the main event - the food!!

It was such a gem that of course it's popularity grew and fans kept coming back for some wonderful food along with the personal touch that the owner Mimmo gives to each and every customer that walks through his door.

A facelift came but still his fans poured through the door each and every night. Food is wonderful and portions are big - just the way I like my Italian food! It's true comfort food at it's best - i love the Vitello Milanese - mouth-watering and just so tender and succulent - not chewy and bland as you can find many times with this dish.

Pizzas are great and if you are in a big party it makes sense to get it by the meter and share - such a great way of making food fun as well as delicious! And the atmosphere and service is first class. It's a great location too on Dean Street.

So why not mosey on down to Dean Street and say Ciao to Spacca Napoli....

Ten Ten Tei - Ideal Japanese escape by Cedric

Cedric — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:25:05 +0000

Review by Cedric

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 1738

Tags: japanese, good value, crowded

TenTenTei is one of the great Japanese restaurant available to sushi and other nippon delicacy lovers. Ideally located off Piccadily Circus, it is a great place by the food, but small by the size. You might have to wait a bit to get served if it is packed...TenTenTei is one of the great Japanese restaurant available to sushi and other nippon delicacy lovers. Ideally located off Piccadily Circus, it is a great place by the food, but small by the size. You might have to wait a bit to get served if it is packed...

Mon Plaisir - Former glory or a bad day?? by amandaharrison

amandaharrison — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:10:52 +0000

Review by amandaharrison

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7240 3757

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

Tags: french, crowded, romantic

I haven't been for years but I was very much looking forward to a return trip to Mon Plaisir. After hunting high and low on Monmouth Street to find it (a sense of direction was never my strong point)I entered into one of those traffic jam situations when everyone stands around looking gormless with a kerfuffle of coat-taking and the like.

It was worse for me as my nose was chilly wind-induced running(nice)and the first thing I did was to ask for a tissue which got 'em. By the time I was offered a serviette (napkin?)my host thought I was being most strange just hovering there not going to the table.

Anyway. At the table, I sat myself down, and said host offered me a sip of his kir royale, saying it had taken him ages to get a drink. I don't know about you but that's not what I want to hear when I go to a restaurant. I want to unwind from the journey before being hassled head-first into ordering food.

So I had to do that wave thing and try and catch the eye of a waiter/ress/ron ANYone to get me a drink, whilst trying to hold a "hello how are you isn't this nice thanks for inviting me to lunch" conversation. With my nose running. Not good.

Food was just OK. I didn't have the snails as I was going to the dentist the next day and didn't want to freak him out, particularly as he looks like he should be in a boyband. I had scallops (too salty) and I forget what else, and I only went last week. Just shows. I think there were all sorts of comfort food on the menu from what I recall, coq au vin and the such, but nothing waved any flags at me.

Happy to be taken (sort of); I wouldn't host lunch there myself.I haven't been for years but I was very much looking forward to a return trip to Mon Plaisir. After hunting high and low on Monmouth Street to find it (a sense of direction was never my strong point)I entered into one of those traffic jam situations when everyone stands around looking gormless with a kerfuffle of coat-taking and the like.

It was worse for me as my nose was chilly wind-induced running(nice)and the first thing I did was to ask for a tissue which got 'em. By the time I was offered a serviette (napkin?)my host thought I was being most strange just hovering there not going to the table.

Anyway. At the table, I sat myself down, and said host offered me a sip of his kir royale, saying it had taken him ages to get a drink. I don't know about you but that's not what I want to hear when I go to a restaurant. I want to unwind from the journey before being hassled head-first into ordering food.

So I had to do that wave thing and try and catch the eye of a waiter/ress/ron ANYone to get me a drink, whilst trying to hold a "hello how are you isn't this nice thanks for inviting me to lunch" conversation. With my nose running. Not good.

Food was just OK. I didn't have the snails as I was going to the dentist the next day and didn't want to freak him out, particularly as he looks like he should be in a boyband. I had scallops (too salty) and I forget what else, and I only went last week. Just shows. I think there were all sorts of comfort food on the menu from what I recall, coq au vin and the such, but nothing waved any flags at me.

Happy to be taken (sort of); I wouldn't host lunch there myself.