Latest reviews for Restaurants in Somerstown, London, United Kingdom

Spaghetti House - Re: Genuine, delicious Italian cuisine by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:22:51 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 6658

Website: http://www.spaghetti-house.co.uk

I cannot rate this place highly enough. I shall leave a more comprehensive review when I have the time but for now suffice it to say that this is the best Italian eatery I have been to. Quality fare, simply cooked. Hugely generous servings, reasonably priced, charming staff, and just excellent, excellent delious fresh food.I cannot rate this place highly enough. I shall leave a more comprehensive review when I have the time but for now suffice it to say that this is the best Italian eatery I have been to. Quality fare, simply cooked. Hugely generous servings, reasonably priced, charming staff, and just excellent, excellent delious fresh food.

Busaba Eathai - The best chain for oriental food in London by mvk0016

mvk0016 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:01:57 +0000

Review by mvk0016

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7299 7900

Website: http://www.busaba.com

Tags: thai, lively, crowded

Busaba Eathai is a very good quality chain of 3 restaurants, and the one in Store Street is in my opinion the best out of the 3. They offer simple food in a Wagamama-style setting (everyone shares a table and you are seating next to other people, sometimes with barely enough space for your plate to fit) although the decor is much nicer than Wagamama and more atmospheric. The dishes on offer vary from the everpresnt Thai curries (the duck curry and the pumpkin one are highly recommended) to more unique dishes of Chicken in Pandan leaf (a favorite for most, as you can see it in almost every table) and Thai calamari (a starter you shouldn't miss!) and some good noodle and stir-fry dishes. The hot and cold tea are all wonderful (hot tea comes in a little pot and is accompanied by coconut cookies) but unfortunately there are no desserts which is a surprise. The food is quite cheap (a tiny bit more expensive than Wagamama prices) and worth every penny of the money you will pay for it.Busaba Eathai is a very good quality chain of 3 restaurants, and the one in Store Street is in my opinion the best out of the 3. They offer simple food in a Wagamama-style setting (everyone shares a table and you are seating next to other people, sometimes with barely enough space for your plate to fit) although the decor is much nicer than Wagamama and more atmospheric. The dishes on offer vary from the everpresnt Thai curries (the duck curry and the pumpkin one are highly recommended) to more unique dishes of Chicken in Pandan leaf (a favorite for most, as you can see it in almost every table) and Thai calamari (a starter you shouldn't miss!) and some good noodle and stir-fry dishes. The hot and cold tea are all wonderful (hot tea comes in a little pot and is accompanied by coconut cookies) but unfortunately there are no desserts which is a surprise. The food is quite cheap (a tiny bit more expensive than Wagamama prices) and worth every penny of the money you will pay for it.

Ciao Bella - Boring I know - it gets 5 stars from me as well ! by fivestarfrankie

fivestarfrankie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:12:01 +0000

Review by fivestarfrankie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 4119

Tags: italian, lively, good value

I've stayed quite a few timeson business in a hotel on Great Russell St. near the British Museam and there are a lot of nice places to eat and drink in the area. I found this little cafe on my last visit and I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed my Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toast with real Italian coffee. It is a bit of a stereotypical Italian cafe but when it's this good who cares. This is the first place I've seen on this site with a full set of 5 star reviews. Well done to them !I've stayed quite a few timeson business in a hotel on Great Russell St. near the British Museam and there are a lot of nice places to eat and drink in the area. I found this little cafe on my last visit and I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed my Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toast with real Italian coffee. It is a bit of a stereotypical Italian cafe but when it's this good who cares. This is the first place I've seen on this site with a full set of 5 star reviews. Well done to them !

Ooze Risotto Bar - Creamy, silky risottos by mseckington

mseckington — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:17:57 +0000

Review by mseckington

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7436 9444

Website: http://www.ooze.biz

Tags: lively, good value, italian

I love Italian food, but I worship risottos. Every time I visit Italy I try to find restaurants with good risottos. Some time ago I was wondering why most Italian places here only serve pastas and pizzas. Just think about it: how many Italian restaurants do you know will serve risotto? A lot of pubs will, but actual Italian restaurants? Not that many.

I was telling this to my boyfriend, when discussing where we would go for our 5-year anniversary. Just for fun he typed in "risotto restaurant" in Google. Not even with 'London' added. And Ooze restaurant rolled out...

So we tried out Ooze. We had theatre tickets booked for 7, so came to the place quite early. It was (of course) still empty, but then we had the choice to sit anywhere we wanted. In the back there are nice comfy benches, but a bit too close all together. You're practically sitting in on somebody else's conversation!

The food though was perfect. We had bruschetta as a starter and it was the best brushetta I've had. Warm, crisp and crunchy and served with a yummy pesto, it's a great precursor to the rest of your meal.

For the main course, I had the Coda di rospo con zafferano - Pan fried monkfish and saffron. It was creamy and silky, exactly what you want from a risotto. My boyfriend had the Frutti di Mare and that too was great.

It was a bit on the pricy side though (about Â£60 for 2 people) and as students we can't really afford it for non-special occasions. Plus the place itself isn't as romantic and cosy as you'd expect it to be. The food though is great and if that's what you're mainly going for, you'll love this place.I love Italian food, but I worship risottos. Every time I visit Italy I try to find restaurants with good risottos. Some time ago I was wondering why most Italian places here only serve pastas and pizzas. Just think about it: how many Italian restaurants do you know will serve risotto? A lot of pubs will, but actual Italian restaurants? Not that many.

I was telling this to my boyfriend, when discussing where we would go for our 5-year anniversary. Just for fun he typed in "risotto restaurant" in Google. Not even with 'London' added. And Ooze restaurant rolled out...

So we tried out Ooze. We had theatre tickets booked for 7, so came to the place quite early. It was (of course) still empty, but then we had the choice to sit anywhere we wanted. In the back there are nice comfy benches, but a bit too close all together. You're practically sitting in on somebody else's conversation!

The food though was perfect. We had bruschetta as a starter and it was the best brushetta I've had. Warm, crisp and crunchy and served with a yummy pesto, it's a great precursor to the rest of your meal.

For the main course, I had the Coda di rospo con zafferano - Pan fried monkfish and saffron. It was creamy and silky, exactly what you want from a risotto. My boyfriend had the Frutti di Mare and that too was great.

It was a bit on the pricy side though (about Â£60 for 2 people) and as students we can't really afford it for non-special occasions. Plus the place itself isn't as romantic and cosy as you'd expect it to be. The food though is great and if that's what you're mainly going for, you'll love this place.

Soho Japan - Good food by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:43:39 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7323 4661

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

Tags: japanese, good value, business

I've only ever come here for a takeaway, but I ate in for lunch the other day. Gorgeous food - I had the sashimi lunch. A bowl of steamed rice, miso soup, and a great platter of sashimi with big slabs of tuna, salmon, snapper, yellowtail and a scallop. I finished off with a green tea and red bean ice cream which was also good. The only dud note was the cold spinach side - it tasted like it was dressed with a thin peanut butter which wasn't to my taste.

However, I called up recently to order a takeaway of chicken teriyaki, listed on the website at Â£6.50. When I got there, I was told I must pay Â£7.80 as the prices have changed. Fine, but when I pointed out that they should change their website-listed prices, I got a tirade: "The website is wrong! It's old! Don't look at the website, you shouldn't look at the website".

This really did get my goat; it's not my problem that they haven't updated the website. Given their attitude over this and the accusatory stares afterwards as if I were trying to fiddle them, I will not be returning no matter how good it is.I've only ever come here for a takeaway, but I ate in for lunch the other day. Gorgeous food - I had the sashimi lunch. A bowl of steamed rice, miso soup, and a great platter of sashimi with big slabs of tuna, salmon, snapper, yellowtail and a scallop. I finished off with a green tea and red bean ice cream which was also good. The only dud note was the cold spinach side - it tasted like it was dressed with a thin peanut butter which wasn't to my taste.

However, I called up recently to order a takeaway of chicken teriyaki, listed on the website at Â£6.50. When I got there, I was told I must pay Â£7.80 as the prices have changed. Fine, but when I pointed out that they should change their website-listed prices, I got a tirade: "The website is wrong! It's old! Don't look at the website, you shouldn't look at the website".

This really did get my goat; it's not my problem that they haven't updated the website. Given their attitude over this and the accusatory stares afterwards as if I were trying to fiddle them, I will not be returning no matter how good it is.

Bam-Bou - by joslyoung

joslyoung — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:49:13 +0000

Review by joslyoung

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7323 9130

Website: http://www.bam-bou.co.uk/

Tags: romantic, lively, vietnamese

S'funny, because years ago when I used to come here a lot (I had an expense account then - those were the days) this was always somewhere I thought of as quite expensive, and yet on a recent visit after a long absence, I was surprised to find that the prices were actually quite palatable. I suspect that that's because everywhere else has just caught up...!
The food at Bam Bou is excellent. It doesn't necessarily leap out at you from the menu as being different or better than any of the other asian restaurants that have proliferated around it in recent years, but what they do Bam Bou just simply does better. Its duck dishes are particularly good, and the salads (though it seems a little dour to order a salad with so many other mouthwatering dishes on offer) are really worth a go. They're unusual in flavour and really inspire you to try different flavour combinations at home in your own cooking - to me, a restaurant that inspires you to try and recreate dishes at home is absolutely on a winner.
The coconut rice, similarly, is the best I've ever had, and goes brilliantly with the poultry and ginger main meals on offer. The portions are not enormous but this is to be expected and isn't resented; Bam Bou is very far from the pile it high, sell it cheap philosophy of the Gerrard Street fare not too far away, and is all the better for it.S'funny, because years ago when I used to come here a lot (I had an expense account then - those were the days) this was always somewhere I thought of as quite expensive, and yet on a recent visit after a long absence, I was surprised to find that the prices were actually quite palatable. I suspect that that's because everywhere else has just caught up...!
The food at Bam Bou is excellent. It doesn't necessarily leap out at you from the menu as being different or better than any of the other asian restaurants that have proliferated around it in recent years, but what they do Bam Bou just simply does better. Its duck dishes are particularly good, and the salads (though it seems a little dour to order a salad with so many other mouthwatering dishes on offer) are really worth a go. They're unusual in flavour and really inspire you to try different flavour combinations at home in your own cooking - to me, a restaurant that inspires you to try and recreate dishes at home is absolutely on a winner.
The coconut rice, similarly, is the best I've ever had, and goes brilliantly with the poultry and ginger main meals on offer. The portions are not enormous but this is to be expected and isn't resented; Bam Bou is very far from the pile it high, sell it cheap philosophy of the Gerrard Street fare not too far away, and is all the better for it.

Villandry - by joslyoung

joslyoung — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:19:15 +0000

Review by joslyoung

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7631 3131

Website: http://www.villandry.com

Tags: expensive, french, brasserie

It's interesting to read such mixed reviews for Villandry, because it's one of my favourite places and I've always found it to be of an exceptional standard, both in terms of food and service (the latter seemingly being quite a persistent problem where other people's experiences are concerned). For what it's worth - and I don't dispute the possibility of service being a problem because they're a laid back bunch at Villandry, which could easily spill over into lacksadasical - I've never had any issues and always had a good meal.
The most recent occasion I ate there was only a month or so back, when I went with my partner. I had a really fresh and lovely salad to start, and calves liver with mashed potato and bacon, crispy sage and a light gravy. Very nice, simple food, well cooked. No real surprises, but that's not what Villandry's about, to me: it excels on the quality of its ingredients and their freshness. It also scores points on the relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant and indeed throughout - other areas in the place are great for coffees, meetings and lazy brunches.
It's true that Villandry isn't cheap: you could top Â£100 on a lunch for two without trying too hard, which is steep by most non-expense-account-holder's standards. So I'd say it was a special occasion place, really, one that I always enjoy.It's interesting to read such mixed reviews for Villandry, because it's one of my favourite places and I've always found it to be of an exceptional standard, both in terms of food and service (the latter seemingly being quite a persistent problem where other people's experiences are concerned). For what it's worth - and I don't dispute the possibility of service being a problem because they're a laid back bunch at Villandry, which could easily spill over into lacksadasical - I've never had any issues and always had a good meal.
The most recent occasion I ate there was only a month or so back, when I went with my partner. I had a really fresh and lovely salad to start, and calves liver with mashed potato and bacon, crispy sage and a light gravy. Very nice, simple food, well cooked. No real surprises, but that's not what Villandry's about, to me: it excels on the quality of its ingredients and their freshness. It also scores points on the relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant and indeed throughout - other areas in the place are great for coffees, meetings and lazy brunches.
It's true that Villandry isn't cheap: you could top Â£100 on a lunch for two without trying too hard, which is steep by most non-expense-account-holder's standards. So I'd say it was a special occasion place, really, one that I always enjoy.

Archipelago - Unusual menu by misstravelbug

misstravelbug — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:23:59 +0000

Review by misstravelbug

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7383 3346

Tags: lively, romantic, expensive

This restaurant serves some crazy meats, definitely come here with an open mind as you may be tempted by peacock, gnu, beatles, scorpions. It's definitely an experience and with the kitschy decor and great service, it's a pretty cool experience.This restaurant serves some crazy meats, definitely come here with an open mind as you may be tempted by peacock, gnu, beatles, scorpions. It's definitely an experience and with the kitschy decor and great service, it's a pretty cool experience.

Snazz Sichuan - Numbing territory. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:42:40 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7388 0808

Tags: chinese, good value, sichuan

Paresthesia (sensation of numbness) of the mouth is part and parcel of dining at this place. Thankfully this manifestation is not at all chronic, but downright alluring. Secondly thereâ¬"s also the small matter of the Scoville scale, if you thought that the Vindaloo dish was only fit for the chilli heroes; well not here it doesnâ¬"t, it simply turns the hotness of the Vindaloo into the pussycat category. Lastly, discerning foodies who crave entrails and offal, your nirvana is here.

Iâ¬"ve been here a few times and I still canâ¬"t make my mind whether Bar Shu or Snazz Sichuan is the definitive Sichuan joint in London. I suppose that the ambience of Bar Shu is more luxurious and warmer and the cooking at Snazz measurably more authentic. We started with some outstanding Sichuan-style marinated beef slices (a very hot tasting cold dish). The next two dishes ordered were not for the offally challenged; Fire-exploded beef tripe (mild!!) and Special cooked pigâ¬"s blood (think red tofu) casserole (devastatingly hot, my dining companion thought it was very nearly inedible). These dishes were a testament to the chefâ¬"s understanding on turning the acquired blandness of offal into total yumminess. The final dish of Fried bitter melon with green and red pepper was requisite in providing calm and normality to the taste buds after the chilli frenzy. Dishes I also recommend from my past visits include Fish soup with pickled greens and Fire-exploded kidney flowers.

The friendly waiter kept reminding us that this is the real Chinese food and it has no equals. Thatâ¬"s all very well, but methinks Cantonese cuisine is more universally acceptable. I love this place and so should Fergus Henderson, what with pigâ¬"s tail, chitterlings, ears, tripe, tongue, etc.
Paresthesia (sensation of numbness) of the mouth is part and parcel of dining at this place. Thankfully this manifestation is not at all chronic, but downright alluring. Secondly thereâ¬"s also the small matter of the Scoville scale, if you thought that the Vindaloo dish was only fit for the chilli heroes; well not here it doesnâ¬"t, it simply turns the hotness of the Vindaloo into the pussycat category. Lastly, discerning foodies who crave entrails and offal, your nirvana is here.

Iâ¬"ve been here a few times and I still canâ¬"t make my mind whether Bar Shu or Snazz Sichuan is the definitive Sichuan joint in London. I suppose that the ambience of Bar Shu is more luxurious and warmer and the cooking at Snazz measurably more authentic. We started with some outstanding Sichuan-style marinated beef slices (a very hot tasting cold dish). The next two dishes ordered were not for the offally challenged; Fire-exploded beef tripe (mild!!) and Special cooked pigâ¬"s blood (think red tofu) casserole (devastatingly hot, my dining companion thought it was very nearly inedible). These dishes were a testament to the chefâ¬"s understanding on turning the acquired blandness of offal into total yumminess. The final dish of Fried bitter melon with green and red pepper was requisite in providing calm and normality to the taste buds after the chilli frenzy. Dishes I also recommend from my past visits include Fish soup with pickled greens and Fire-exploded kidney flowers.

The friendly waiter kept reminding us that this is the real Chinese food and it has no equals. Thatâ¬"s all very well, but methinks Cantonese cuisine is more universally acceptable. I love this place and so should Fergus Henderson, what with pigâ¬"s tail, chitterlings, ears, tripe, tongue, etc.

Fitzrovia Restaurant - Relaxed eating by CPaskell

CPaskell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:39:28 +0000

Review by CPaskell

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7636 2744

Tags: italian, crowded, cheap eat

I have been here for both large parties and romantic dinners - this tiny restaurant was suited to both occasions. There are only about 8 tables upstairs so it does get crowded and can feel like you are eating inside a shoe box - you can hear everyone else's conversations very clearly, although since this place seems frequented by actors, artists and phd students more than anything else (I know from listening to their converations!) this adds to the atmosphere and makes it a relaxed and entertaining place to eat. The menu is quite basic and not a great range of choice (pizza, calzone and pasta are the core dishes) but the food is very cheap and decent - about Â£4 a dish. The staff are friendly and always laughing and watching football on a small telly like true Italians - if you join in the banter and good humour as a customer you are well rewarded: the staff rearranged the whole restaurant layout for our large birthday party even though we hadn't made a reservation and we even got extra pizza and coffee for the special occasion! I prefer the pizza to the pasta, which tastes more homemade and fresher, whilst the pasta can sometimes be a little over-cooked for my own al-dente tastes, but if you are looking for somewhere cheap and unpretentious, come here.I have been here for both large parties and romantic dinners - this tiny restaurant was suited to both occasions. There are only about 8 tables upstairs so it does get crowded and can feel like you are eating inside a shoe box - you can hear everyone else's conversations very clearly, although since this place seems frequented by actors, artists and phd students more than anything else (I know from listening to their converations!) this adds to the atmosphere and makes it a relaxed and entertaining place to eat. The menu is quite basic and not a great range of choice (pizza, calzone and pasta are the core dishes) but the food is very cheap and decent - about Â£4 a dish. The staff are friendly and always laughing and watching football on a small telly like true Italians - if you join in the banter and good humour as a customer you are well rewarded: the staff rearranged the whole restaurant layout for our large birthday party even though we hadn't made a reservation and we even got extra pizza and coffee for the special occasion! I prefer the pizza to the pasta, which tastes more homemade and fresher, whilst the pasta can sometimes be a little over-cooked for my own al-dente tastes, but if you are looking for somewhere cheap and unpretentious, come here.

Diwana Bhelpoori House - Great value veggie Indian buffet by CPaskell

CPaskell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:35:58 +0000

Review by CPaskell

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7387 5556

Tags: indian, vegetarian, cheap eat

I go here for the lunchtime buffet (mon-fri and Â£6.95 all you can eat) and the Thalis (a 3-course meal all served together in separate small pots), which are all fantastic. Great range of food and lovely taste - on the spicier side, so be warned if you like your Indian food bland, this place then may not be for you! The decor is basic - wooden benches in boothes and small tables and the service can be poor (I have had staff grunting at me for tips with hands out for the cash before). The reason to go here though is for the food - if you plan on enjoying the buffet, make sure you get in for between 12 - 1pm. The buffet is very, very popular with locals and business people and if you leave it too much later than 1pm to arrive, there won't be much food left for your money. If you arrive in good time, there's rice, breads, curries, fried spiced vegetables, salads, sauces - and all homecooked and fresh. Definitely try it!I go here for the lunchtime buffet (mon-fri and Â£6.95 all you can eat) and the Thalis (a 3-course meal all served together in separate small pots), which are all fantastic. Great range of food and lovely taste - on the spicier side, so be warned if you like your Indian food bland, this place then may not be for you! The decor is basic - wooden benches in boothes and small tables and the service can be poor (I have had staff grunting at me for tips with hands out for the cash before). The reason to go here though is for the food - if you plan on enjoying the buffet, make sure you get in for between 12 - 1pm. The buffet is very, very popular with locals and business people and if you leave it too much later than 1pm to arrive, there won't be much food left for your money. If you arrive in good time, there's rice, breads, curries, fried spiced vegetables, salads, sauces - and all homecooked and fresh. Definitely try it!

Kings Cross Tandoori - kings cross tandoooori by jakieahmed

jakieahmed — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:10:00 +0000

Review by jakieahmed

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 0506

Tags: indian, romantic, expensive

the food was mervolous
but the pricing was difficult
worth the money

was very delicious and spicy

top for business and romanticthe food was mervolous
but the pricing was difficult
worth the money

was very delicious and spicy

top for business and romantic

Spaghetti House - Goodge Street - Mediocre by t_moussa

t_moussa — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:42:47 +0000

Review by t_moussa

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7636 6582

Website: http://www.spaghetti-house.co.uk

Tags: italian, smoking, party

Although most chain restaurants serve okay food, I was disappointed by the quality of the food served here. The restaurant itself is a good size, and being in a part of five we were seated upstairs. There were not many appetizing vegetarian dishes on the menu for a reasonable price so I decided to settle on penne in a garlic sauce. The portion size was decent but my food was bland, and greasy. Could not taste any flavours at all! It was not worth it's price which was around Â£7? The food was not that great and I would definately not go back again.Although most chain restaurants serve okay food, I was disappointed by the quality of the food served here. The restaurant itself is a good size, and being in a part of five we were seated upstairs. There were not many appetizing vegetarian dishes on the menu for a reasonable price so I decided to settle on penne in a garlic sauce. The portion size was decent but my food was bland, and greasy. Could not taste any flavours at all! It was not worth it's price which was around Â£7? The food was not that great and I would definately not go back again.

Rasa Samudra - lunch at £3.50 untill 3pm by volcom883

volcom883 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:11:45 +0000

Review by volcom883

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7637 0222

Website: http://www.rasarestaurants.com

Tags: indian, romantic, good value

this is a very good restaurants serving traditional and south indian food.

i've never been in the main restaurants. their prices are slighly expensive but still ok for central london.

however, from midday till 3pm they serve box meals such as chicken curry and chicken biryani at Â£3.50 a box served with salad and even dessert.

the prices of cans are 1 pound.

plus they offer sittings too.

for their box deals, you have to get in from the back entrance. alternatively ask them as soon as you enter the shop.

this is definitely the best affordable indian restaurant in central london. meals at Â£3.50 is simply unbelievable.

you will not be disappointed.
this is a very good restaurants serving traditional and south indian food.

i've never been in the main restaurants. their prices are slighly expensive but still ok for central london.

however, from midday till 3pm they serve box meals such as chicken curry and chicken biryani at Â£3.50 a box served with salad and even dessert.

the prices of cans are 1 pound.

plus they offer sittings too.

for their box deals, you have to get in from the back entrance. alternatively ask them as soon as you enter the shop.

this is definitely the best affordable indian restaurant in central london. meals at Â£3.50 is simply unbelievable.

you will not be disappointed.

Efes Restaurant - best turkish restaurant in central london by volcom883

volcom883 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:38:46 +0000

Review by volcom883

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7636 1953

Tags: turkish, good value, lively

bear in mind that there are two different efes restaurants in central london. this is the original one. the other one is located in great portland street and is called efes II.

the prices at this restaurants are really affordable. they main meals range from 7 to 12 pounds. they meet are always fresh and are marinated in the real Turkish way.

the staff are well courteous and the toilets are clean.

if you go there you have to try their lamb chops or simply chicken shish.

excellent restaurant. would recommend to all

dont forget to drink some "raki" which is the national Turkish drink. its very similar to the Greek ouzo and the French Ricard!bear in mind that there are two different efes restaurants in central london. this is the original one. the other one is located in great portland street and is called efes II.

the prices at this restaurants are really affordable. they main meals range from 7 to 12 pounds. they meet are always fresh and are marinated in the real Turkish way.

the staff are well courteous and the toilets are clean.

if you go there you have to try their lamb chops or simply chicken shish.

excellent restaurant. would recommend to all

dont forget to drink some "raki" which is the national Turkish drink. its very similar to the Greek ouzo and the French Ricard!

Hare & Tortoise - Cheap tasty food by realalelass

realalelass — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:25:31 +0000

Review by realalelass

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7278 9799

Website: http://www.hareandtortoise-restaurants.co.uk

Tags: oriental, lively, crowded

As a previous reviewer has already stated, this place is always busy. It used to be that you had to queue on the weekend, but since the Brunswick Centre was done up you have to queue most nights it is so popular.

The service is not overly friendly, and sometimes staff can be rude. I was once questioned as to why I was sending my vegetarian meal back when it had a scallop hiding amongst the noodles! However, the quality and price of the food makes up for this and makes me keep going back for more. There aren't many places in this part of town that you can get a huge meal for under a fiver.As a previous reviewer has already stated, this place is always busy. It used to be that you had to queue on the weekend, but since the Brunswick Centre was done up you have to queue most nights it is so popular.

The service is not overly friendly, and sometimes staff can be rude. I was once questioned as to why I was sending my vegetarian meal back when it had a scallop hiding amongst the noodles! However, the quality and price of the food makes up for this and makes me keep going back for more. There aren't many places in this part of town that you can get a huge meal for under a fiver.

Strada - Yummy Italian food by realalelass

realalelass — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:45:45 +0000

Review by realalelass

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 2777

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

Tags: italian, air conditioning, lively

I love Strada's pizza fiorentina, and so can't knock this place. It is located in the lively Brunswick Centre, and has a nice outside seating area. The food is good, you know what you're getting at Strada. They bring bottles of water to the table automatically, so you never have to ask for it. The staff are friendly too, which is always a bonus.

One thing that I don't like is when a service charge is automatically added to the bill, and I'm afraid this chain of Italian restaurants adds 12.5%. I do leave a tip, but just dislike being told how much I should be leaving irrelevant of how the service was. However, it is a discretionary charge, so don't feel obliged to pay it if your service is poor. Thankfully that has never been the case when I've visited.I love Strada's pizza fiorentina, and so can't knock this place. It is located in the lively Brunswick Centre, and has a nice outside seating area. The food is good, you know what you're getting at Strada. They bring bottles of water to the table automatically, so you never have to ask for it. The staff are friendly too, which is always a bonus.

One thing that I don't like is when a service charge is automatically added to the bill, and I'm afraid this chain of Italian restaurants adds 12.5%. I do leave a tip, but just dislike being told how much I should be leaving irrelevant of how the service was. However, it is a discretionary charge, so don't feel obliged to pay it if your service is poor. Thankfully that has never been the case when I've visited.

Giraffe - Chaotic by realalelass

realalelass — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:38:47 +0000

Review by realalelass

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7812 1336

Website: http://www.giraffe.net

Tags: bar, vegetarian dishes, international

Came here on a busy, hot Saturday afternoon for some refreshment, and can only describe the place as chaotic. The waitresses were flustered and customers confused as to where to go to be seated (for your information, you should go inside and speak to someone, even if you want to sit outside).

The food was nice, standard Giraffe fare, a mixture of different influences - from Italian to Oriental. We went for a selection of snacks and starters.

The smoothies were good, refreshing and tasty, I would recommend them.

It's not a cheap option, and being a chain is nothing out of the ordinary, but the food was good.Came here on a busy, hot Saturday afternoon for some refreshment, and can only describe the place as chaotic. The waitresses were flustered and customers confused as to where to go to be seated (for your information, you should go inside and speak to someone, even if you want to sit outside).

The food was nice, standard Giraffe fare, a mixture of different influences - from Italian to Oriental. We went for a selection of snacks and starters.

The smoothies were good, refreshing and tasty, I would recommend them.

It's not a cheap option, and being a chain is nothing out of the ordinary, but the food was good.

Curry Leaf - Creamy curry by realalelass

realalelass — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Review by realalelass

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7436 7402

Tags: indian, lively, expensive

Popped in here on a night out, having been recommended by friends (it's their favourite place to eat in the area). The food was nice but nothing special, and everything that we ordered was very creamy and rich. The portions weren't very big either, so if you have a good appetite, make sure you order a few side dishes.

The one thing that most put me off returning here was tha we were sitting upstairs, where there were maybe five or six tables, and a member of staff stood up there looking around the whole time, so we felt like we were being watched.

The food was fine, nothing special, so I don't think it justifies the relatively high prices charged.Popped in here on a night out, having been recommended by friends (it's their favourite place to eat in the area). The food was nice but nothing special, and everything that we ordered was very creamy and rich. The portions weren't very big either, so if you have a good appetite, make sure you order a few side dishes.

The one thing that most put me off returning here was tha we were sitting upstairs, where there were maybe five or six tables, and a member of staff stood up there looking around the whole time, so we felt like we were being watched.

The food was fine, nothing special, so I don't think it justifies the relatively high prices charged.

Zizzi - Delicious by t_moussa

t_moussa — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:07:39 +0000

Review by t_moussa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7436 9440

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

Tags: italian, good value, lively

A friend and I came across this place one evening after work and we were both starving so thought that a good hearty italian dish would satisfy our rumbling stomachs. Although Zizzi does pizzas, salads and calzone, we decided to order the pasta. There were many pasta dishes to choose from and most of them were suitable for vegetarians. Although we were spoilt for choice we ended up ordering the same thing - playing it safe by going for the most simple dish and we were more than satisfied! The portions were very generous - a large plate brimming with pasta, and very quick to arrive. The service was very good also. Nice, cosy atmosphere. Would definately go back again.A friend and I came across this place one evening after work and we were both starving so thought that a good hearty italian dish would satisfy our rumbling stomachs. Although Zizzi does pizzas, salads and calzone, we decided to order the pasta. There were many pasta dishes to choose from and most of them were suitable for vegetarians. Although we were spoilt for choice we ended up ordering the same thing - playing it safe by going for the most simple dish and we were more than satisfied! The portions were very generous - a large plate brimming with pasta, and very quick to arrive. The service was very good also. Nice, cosy atmosphere. Would definately go back again.