Latest reviews for Restaurants in South Kensington, London, United Kingdom

Kwality Tandoori - The "Tandoori" grills are not Quality! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:12:59 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7589 3663

I have not been here in years but remember it as being OK, but not up to some of the better Indian restaurants in South Kensington (Khan's of Kensington, Noor Jahan, Mothi Mahal, Little India, & Memories of India are ALL superior) and surrounding areas.

The thing that gets it 2 stars instead of 3 is the fact the actual TANDOORI grilled meats are average, at best.
I think if you have the word "Tandoori" in your title it should be at least slightly above average.

The one time I have eaten in and twice walked in for takewaway the service was polite & effiicent.I have not been here in years but remember it as being OK, but not up to some of the better Indian restaurants in South Kensington (Khan's of Kensington, Noor Jahan, Mothi Mahal, Little India, & Memories of India are ALL superior) and surrounding areas.

The thing that gets it 2 stars instead of 3 is the fact the actual TANDOORI grilled meats are average, at best.
I think if you have the word "Tandoori" in your title it should be at least slightly above average.

The one time I have eaten in and twice walked in for takewaway the service was polite & effiicent.

The Good Earth - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:54:15 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7584 3658

Tags: chinese, takeaway, romantic

The Good Earth on Brompton Road remains one the better places for Chinese food in my experience.

I have only ever used this branch but if the others are similar I would say 'The Good Earth' group ia almost on a par with the 'Royal China' chain of restaurants but perhaps lacking such a large & varied menu and legendary Dim Sum.

The rice & noodles are always cooked just right and the Char siu is up there with the best I have had anywhere.
Chicken & Black Bean tends to be a little milder then I like but is still good.

Service is good and the atmosphere is pleasant.

I have used their delivery service a few times and although it takes longer to arrive (avg 45-60mins) the food was always hot enough.
That was a couple of years ago thoug as I am no longer in their delivery area.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!The Good Earth on Brompton Road remains one the better places for Chinese food in my experience.

I have only ever used this branch but if the others are similar I would say 'The Good Earth' group ia almost on a par with the 'Royal China' chain of restaurants but perhaps lacking such a large & varied menu and legendary Dim Sum.

The rice & noodles are always cooked just right and the Char siu is up there with the best I have had anywhere.
Chicken & Black Bean tends to be a little milder then I like but is still good.

Service is good and the atmosphere is pleasant.

I have used their delivery service a few times and although it takes longer to arrive (avg 45-60mins) the food was always hot enough.
That was a couple of years ago thoug as I am no longer in their delivery area.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Mr Wing - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:41:45 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7370 2624

Tags: romantic, takeaway, chinese

'Mr Wing' is the ONLY Chinese restaurant worth visiting in Earl's Court.

The food is on a par with 'The Good Earth' & 'Royal China' restaurants with a character all of its own.

It is fairly expensive and you are paying for the atmosphere and decorations such as the waterfall but for a treat it is worth.
You could always take-away your favourite dishes as, trust me, they will be easily better than their local competitors.
They also deliver via 'Room Service' for an addtional fee.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!'Mr Wing' is the ONLY Chinese restaurant worth visiting in Earl's Court.

The food is on a par with 'The Good Earth' & 'Royal China' restaurants with a character all of its own.

It is fairly expensive and you are paying for the atmosphere and decorations such as the waterfall but for a treat it is worth.
You could always take-away your favourite dishes as, trust me, they will be easily better than their local competitors.
They also deliver via 'Room Service' for an addtional fee.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

No. 10 Restaurant - by AliZebu

AliZebu — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:34:07 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7373 7000

Tags: chinese, vegetarian dishes

I went here after being informed 'No. 10' was a decent Chinese restaurant of the few scattered around Earl's Court.

I found it disappointing as it was closer to the inferior quality places in Chinatown for food.
The Char Siu was fatty and had an unpleasant aftertaste (not MSG!) and the rice & noodles were merely adequete.

The atmosphere inside is very nice and relxed and service is commendable. I really wish the food was up to standard as I liked everything else.

I was hoping my first visit was a bad day but a subsequent take-away of different dishes was just as lacklustre.

The prices are more expensive then most of the chinese cheapies in Earl's Court and the place itself is pleasant but the food is sadly the same.

'Mr Wing' remains the only Chinese outlet in Earl's Court I have found worth visiting.I went here after being informed 'No. 10' was a decent Chinese restaurant of the few scattered around Earl's Court.

I found it disappointing as it was closer to the inferior quality places in Chinatown for food.
The Char Siu was fatty and had an unpleasant aftertaste (not MSG!) and the rice & noodles were merely adequete.

The atmosphere inside is very nice and relxed and service is commendable. I really wish the food was up to standard as I liked everything else.

I was hoping my first visit was a bad day but a subsequent take-away of different dishes was just as lacklustre.

The prices are more expensive then most of the chinese cheapies in Earl's Court and the place itself is pleasant but the food is sadly the same.

'Mr Wing' remains the only Chinese outlet in Earl's Court I have found worth visiting.

Beirut Express - by robmccoll

robmccoll — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:44:54 +0000

Review by robmccoll

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 75910123

Website: http://www.maroush.com/

Tags: lively, good value, middle eastern

I have been frequenting the Beirut Express on my trips to london, the wraps are very tasty and excellent value for money. Everything is cooked fresh and you can see the chefs take great pride in their work. Not often a write a review - made the effort this time.
I have been frequenting the Beirut Express on my trips to london, the wraps are very tasty and excellent value for money. Everything is cooked fresh and you can see the chefs take great pride in their work. Not often a write a review - made the effort this time.

Bosphorous - One of the top 5 Kebab outlets in London! by AliZebu

AliZebu — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:39:15 +0000

Review by AliZebu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7584 4048

Tags: turkish, kebab, good value

I have been coming here for over 20 years. These guys certainly know their business!

When I first came to Bosphorus they did not have the huge selection they have now (various kofte, various chicken, spicy shish, saddle chops, lamb burger, different mixes etc.) but their Doner, Kofte & especially Shish were better than any other kebabs I had tasted in Central London.

They are the Gold standard by which I judge other Kebabs. In recent years their Chilli Sauce has become thinner in consistency but having a Spicy Shish (marinated in a thick red glaze) is my answer. ALL the kebabs are less fatty tasting then the average kebab shop and the Shish is lean, tasty & fairly tender. Another "new" feature of recent years is serving the kebab in foil containers with the Pitta on the side - I am not the only one who prefers it the old way of everything wrapped in the bread, so remember to say how you like it as the regulars do.

Good service - even for those who arent locals. There is not a lot of Kebab shops in South Kensington, (a Lebanese Schwarma chain (Maroush/Ranoush) has just opened a 'Beirut Express' 4 doors down though!) but this place serves the area just fine.

If you like kebabs - especially if you want to try some types you have not seen or had before - Go to Bosphorus!I have been coming here for over 20 years. These guys certainly know their business!

When I first came to Bosphorus they did not have the huge selection they have now (various kofte, various chicken, spicy shish, saddle chops, lamb burger, different mixes etc.) but their Doner, Kofte & especially Shish were better than any other kebabs I had tasted in Central London.

They are the Gold standard by which I judge other Kebabs. In recent years their Chilli Sauce has become thinner in consistency but having a Spicy Shish (marinated in a thick red glaze) is my answer. ALL the kebabs are less fatty tasting then the average kebab shop and the Shish is lean, tasty & fairly tender. Another "new" feature of recent years is serving the kebab in foil containers with the Pitta on the side - I am not the only one who prefers it the old way of everything wrapped in the bread, so remember to say how you like it as the regulars do.

Good service - even for those who arent locals. There is not a lot of Kebab shops in South Kensington, (a Lebanese Schwarma chain (Maroush/Ranoush) has just opened a 'Beirut Express' 4 doors down though!) but this place serves the area just fine.

If you like kebabs - especially if you want to try some types you have not seen or had before - Go to Bosphorus!

Elistano - by bernardjs

bernardjs — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:42:06 +0000

Review by bernardjs

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7584 5248

Tags: italian, terrace, good value

My favourite restaurant when I visit London. My wife adores this venue and after a disaster with another venue, Brinkley's (they forgot to put my reservation in their book), my PA made with a booking for a business dinner, she got us a table at Elistano. Antonia Tingey and her team were so attentive and I've been back many times since. The food is just superb and if you're looking for classic Italian dishes, this is the perfect place - and best of all the bill is extremely reasonable.My favourite restaurant when I visit London. My wife adores this venue and after a disaster with another venue, Brinkley's (they forgot to put my reservation in their book), my PA made with a booking for a business dinner, she got us a table at Elistano. Antonia Tingey and her team were so attentive and I've been back many times since. The food is just superb and if you're looking for classic Italian dishes, this is the perfect place - and best of all the bill is extremely reasonable.

Made In Italy - Made in italy really is italian food! by marialondon

marialondon — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:40:31 +0000

Review by marialondon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7352 1880

Website: http://www.madeinitalygroup.co.uk/restaurants-madeinitaly.asp

Tags: italian, crowded, good value

Had dinner on sunday. Great food great pÃ¨ople. Fantastic italian pizza. And yesterday we went in regina Margherita! Same story. Don't miss the chance. Made in italy really is italian food!Had dinner on sunday. Great food great pÃ¨ople. Fantastic italian pizza. And yesterday we went in regina Margherita! Same story. Don't miss the chance. Made in italy really is italian food!

The Kensington Creperie - Mouthwatering crepes by mif

mif — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:56:19 +0000

Review by mif

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7589 8947

Tags: cute, takeaway, crowded

This unassuming little cafe just a stone's throw from South Kensington tube station offers the best and cheap crepes in London. There is an extensive range of savoury and sweet crisp crepes to choose from. My favourites are the sweet crepes - anything with Belgian chocolate folded in it! The beauty of being able to sit and eat at this cafe is that the crepe won't get soggy at the end which it does if you buy from a stall and eat standing. Great way to unwind on a Saturday afternoon after a busy bout of retail therapy... or any other time you feel like indulging!This unassuming little cafe just a stone's throw from South Kensington tube station offers the best and cheap crepes in London. There is an extensive range of savoury and sweet crisp crepes to choose from. My favourites are the sweet crepes - anything with Belgian chocolate folded in it! The beauty of being able to sit and eat at this cafe is that the crepe won't get soggy at the end which it does if you buy from a stall and eat standing. Great way to unwind on a Saturday afternoon after a busy bout of retail therapy... or any other time you feel like indulging!

Nam Long Le Shaker - NAM LONG IS SIMPLY THE WORTS PLACE ON EARTH by williams09

williams09 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:56:29 +0000

Review by williams09

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7373 1926

Tags: hitler, vietnamese, vegetarian dishes

Quite simply the most rediculous place i've ever been. All due to the owner who reminds me of Hitler. Do not line the pockets of a guy who treats his staff like dirt because as a result you'll have the worst service ever, s*** food and possibly the worst experience ever. This place should be closed down purely for humanity sake but secondly as a total rip off. If you go expect to be treated like cattle, kicked, punched and possibly end up in hospital.Quite simply the most rediculous place i've ever been. All due to the owner who reminds me of Hitler. Do not line the pockets of a guy who treats his staff like dirt because as a result you'll have the worst service ever, s*** food and possibly the worst experience ever. This place should be closed down purely for humanity sake but secondly as a total rip off. If you go expect to be treated like cattle, kicked, punched and possibly end up in hospital.

Cafe Consort - Cafe Consort - Royal Albert Hall by Grahame

Grahame — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:21:14 +0000

Review by Grahame

Rating: 1.00

Tags: expensive

OMG - just awful. Over-priced, badly cooked food and served way too quickly to be anything other than pre-prepared.OMG - just awful. Over-priced, badly cooked food and served way too quickly to be anything other than pre-prepared.

Cous Cous Darna - Overpriced tourist destination by DelC

DelC — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:02:50 +0000

Review by DelC

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7584 2919

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

Tags: good value, moroccan, romantic

Not worth the incredibly high prices they charge for cous cous - even when you go with the 50% discount! (which works out at about 40% by the way as they stick on a 20% service charge). There are so many better places to try instead!Not worth the incredibly high prices they charge for cous cous - even when you go with the 50% discount! (which works out at about 40% by the way as they stick on a 20% service charge). There are so many better places to try instead!

Pasha - Embarrassingly empty by amandaharrison

amandaharrison — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:44:14 +0000

Review by amandaharrison

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7589 7969

Website: http://www.pasha-restaurant.co.uk/

Tags: romantic, north african, expensive

Maybe it's different in the evenings but Pasha was more or less empty on a recent Thursday lunchtime. Too many things from the menu weren't available apparently due to a forthcoming menu change. Should we read into that the place is closing? The waiter said the owner was abroad...

I can imagine the place could be fun if full, but SO expensive. Without the 50% off food offered currently, it'd have been ridiculous for OK food.Maybe it's different in the evenings but Pasha was more or less empty on a recent Thursday lunchtime. Too many things from the menu weren't available apparently due to a forthcoming menu change. Should we read into that the place is closing? The waiter said the owner was abroad...

I can imagine the place could be fun if full, but SO expensive. Without the 50% off food offered currently, it'd have been ridiculous for OK food.

Gilmour's - Gilmour's on Park Walk by moreteavicar

moreteavicar — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:38:42 +0000

Review by moreteavicar

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 6800

Website: http://www.gilmoursparkwalk.com/

Tags: british, good value, business

I much prefer writing reviews about poor meals and bad service. Not through any sort of vindictive evilness, but I enjoy offering genuine feedback and giving restaurants the chance to improve.

Establishments which offer a good meal are much harder to talk about with less opportunity for witty comments which entertain readers so much.
So this is a straight up review.

Gilmour's is a good place.

A warm, friendly establishment off the Fulham Road, Gilmour's is what British food is about. Interesting dishes with good produce. The open kitchen at the back of the dining area makes you feel part of the creativity. This is my second visit, and this time we were a group of 17 (a late Christmas party for staff at my father's delicatessen a bit further down Fulham Road, Tray Gourmet). The staff coped admirably with the various demands which come with large groups.

Before I speak about the food, I'm going to mention a little something on the wine. The red was particularly good (Saint Etalon 2007 Merlot) and was good value at Â£18. Gilmour's has a fantastic policy regarding their discretionary service charge and wine. Owner Christopher Gilmour says "Wine is another passion of mine and I hope you will agree that our wine list is modestly priced, and I have extended this great value to our 12.5% service charge which will never exceed Â£3.75 a bottle. In other words the service charge for a bottle of Â£30 wine will be the same as that of a Â£130 bottle." For me this demonstrates a true passion for delivering affordable quality service.

Starters were good: A tasty Soused Mackrel with a baby gem, tomato and mint salad. The sweet/sour conflict was well balanced. Something was missing from the Beef Carpaccio. The capers providing potted saltiness could have been helped along by some parmesan shavings.

I was slightly disappointed with my main course: Roast Chicken with tarragon, spring vegetable ragout and truffled cauliflower mash. Whilst well cooked, it was boring and didn't dance on my palate. The truffle deliciousness was lost in the sourness of the cauliflower. My partner's ribeye steak was perfect - mouth melting and perfectly rare. And my sister's fishcakes were plentiful and jam packed with fish rather than the usual mashed potato.

If you're a dessert person then I highly recommend the Honey and Lavender CrÃ¨me Brulee (although maybe a little less honey and a bit more lavender to make it truly perfect). The Chocolate Marquis with Pistachio Cream was tastey but too dense.

My summary is that Gilmour's is an honest, friendly place which cares about its customers, whether local or from afar. Some minor changes would bring this restaurant up to greatness. I'll definitely be back though.

Food: 3/5 - just a few tweaks
Service: 4/5 - Friendly and attentive
Environment: 4/5 - Your cosy local
I much prefer writing reviews about poor meals and bad service. Not through any sort of vindictive evilness, but I enjoy offering genuine feedback and giving restaurants the chance to improve.

Establishments which offer a good meal are much harder to talk about with less opportunity for witty comments which entertain readers so much.
So this is a straight up review.

Gilmour's is a good place.

A warm, friendly establishment off the Fulham Road, Gilmour's is what British food is about. Interesting dishes with good produce. The open kitchen at the back of the dining area makes you feel part of the creativity. This is my second visit, and this time we were a group of 17 (a late Christmas party for staff at my father's delicatessen a bit further down Fulham Road, Tray Gourmet). The staff coped admirably with the various demands which come with large groups.

Before I speak about the food, I'm going to mention a little something on the wine. The red was particularly good (Saint Etalon 2007 Merlot) and was good value at Â£18. Gilmour's has a fantastic policy regarding their discretionary service charge and wine. Owner Christopher Gilmour says "Wine is another passion of mine and I hope you will agree that our wine list is modestly priced, and I have extended this great value to our 12.5% service charge which will never exceed Â£3.75 a bottle. In other words the service charge for a bottle of Â£30 wine will be the same as that of a Â£130 bottle." For me this demonstrates a true passion for delivering affordable quality service.

Starters were good: A tasty Soused Mackrel with a baby gem, tomato and mint salad. The sweet/sour conflict was well balanced. Something was missing from the Beef Carpaccio. The capers providing potted saltiness could have been helped along by some parmesan shavings.

I was slightly disappointed with my main course: Roast Chicken with tarragon, spring vegetable ragout and truffled cauliflower mash. Whilst well cooked, it was boring and didn't dance on my palate. The truffle deliciousness was lost in the sourness of the cauliflower. My partner's ribeye steak was perfect - mouth melting and perfectly rare. And my sister's fishcakes were plentiful and jam packed with fish rather than the usual mashed potato.

If you're a dessert person then I highly recommend the Honey and Lavender CrÃ¨me Brulee (although maybe a little less honey and a bit more lavender to make it truly perfect). The Chocolate Marquis with Pistachio Cream was tastey but too dense.

My summary is that Gilmour's is an honest, friendly place which cares about its customers, whether local or from afar. Some minor changes would bring this restaurant up to greatness. I'll definitely be back though.

Food: 3/5 - just a few tweaks
Service: 4/5 - Friendly and attentive
Environment: 4/5 - Your cosy local

La Pizzeria - Rude & Arrogant Man at la pizzeria by battersea

battersea — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:46:58 +0000

Review by battersea

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7376 7600

Tags: italian, pizzeria, garden

The most rude restauranteur I have come across. If bad service, having your change witheld, been told to "listen to me because I'm old enough to be your father" and "good" as a response to you not coming back, you will love this place. Shame as the food wasn't half bad; but not worth the agro.The most rude restauranteur I have come across. If bad service, having your change witheld, been told to "listen to me because I'm old enough to be your father" and "good" as a response to you not coming back, you will love this place. Shame as the food wasn't half bad; but not worth the agro.

Racine Restaurant - Great French Inspired Bourgeois Cooking by gastro1

gastro1 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:50:09 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7584 4477

Tags: french, good value, business

Henry Harris is back as Chef Patron at Racine after a shortish stint as Executive Chef of the Soho House Group. I have eaten Henry's fine Bourgeois cooking for more years than I care to count going back to Hilare, Bibendum and 5h Floor at Harvey Nicholls.

It turns out that Henry also knows and worked with one of my best friends from University at The Old Ship in Brighton many moons ago. Strangely all this became apparent when Henry and I engaged on Twitter in a discussion on La Meranda in Nice.

Racine reminds me of several Paris restaurants that now fall into the category with a delightful room that has a wood floor, brown leather banquettes with mirrors above them and pale yellow walls.

Racine though is really about the food and as you can imagine when the Chef Patron has spent his formative years working with Simon Hopkinson you are most likely to be guaranteed well executed classic Bourgeois cooking.

John, Henryâ¬"s old colleague from Brighton and I had an exemplary lunch on Friday July 3rd 2009. The food and service was really top notch and as it turns out it was Henryâ¬"s last service before a well-earned holiday.

We were greeted by Henry who gave us some of his own home made delightful cured middle white proscuito .

I strated with Smoked duck, French bean and girolle salad which was really very good indeed. The beans were perfectly cooked â¬Sal denteâ¬ and the duck was succulent with the delightful small girolles complimenting the ensemble of ingredients.

John was delighted with his Lincolnshire smoked eel, salmon roe, watercress and horseradish salad.

To follow I had Filet au poivre made with a lovely piece of well hung Filet served with hand cut chips and simple mixed leaf salad. The sauce presumably made with a veal stock reduction was really delicious and worked well with the tenderest but not necessarily the most flavorful cut of beef.

John said his Breast of guinea fowl, peas, broad beans and tarragon was really outstanding.

We drank a half bottle of Gewurztraminer, Cote de Rouffach, Rene Mure and a chilled Brouilly, Chateau de la Perriere as well as â¬Sseveralâ¬ Marcâ¬"s de Bourgogne with our espressos; we were reay to full to be tempted by the classic deserts or cheeses from La Fromagerie.

Racine is a delightful restaurant with excellent service providing very good and well executed Bourgeois cooking based on well selected ingredients from top suppliers.

Henry Harris is back as Chef Patron at Racine after a shortish stint as Executive Chef of the Soho House Group. I have eaten Henry's fine Bourgeois cooking for more years than I care to count going back to Hilare, Bibendum and 5h Floor at Harvey Nicholls.

It turns out that Henry also knows and worked with one of my best friends from University at The Old Ship in Brighton many moons ago. Strangely all this became apparent when Henry and I engaged on Twitter in a discussion on La Meranda in Nice.

Racine reminds me of several Paris restaurants that now fall into the category with a delightful room that has a wood floor, brown leather banquettes with mirrors above them and pale yellow walls.

Racine though is really about the food and as you can imagine when the Chef Patron has spent his formative years working with Simon Hopkinson you are most likely to be guaranteed well executed classic Bourgeois cooking.

John, Henryâ¬"s old colleague from Brighton and I had an exemplary lunch on Friday July 3rd 2009. The food and service was really top notch and as it turns out it was Henryâ¬"s last service before a well-earned holiday.

We were greeted by Henry who gave us some of his own home made delightful cured middle white proscuito .

I strated with Smoked duck, French bean and girolle salad which was really very good indeed. The beans were perfectly cooked â¬Sal denteâ¬ and the duck was succulent with the delightful small girolles complimenting the ensemble of ingredients.

John was delighted with his Lincolnshire smoked eel, salmon roe, watercress and horseradish salad.

To follow I had Filet au poivre made with a lovely piece of well hung Filet served with hand cut chips and simple mixed leaf salad. The sauce presumably made with a veal stock reduction was really delicious and worked well with the tenderest but not necessarily the most flavorful cut of beef.

John said his Breast of guinea fowl, peas, broad beans and tarragon was really outstanding.

We drank a half bottle of Gewurztraminer, Cote de Rouffach, Rene Mure and a chilled Brouilly, Chateau de la Perriere as well as â¬Sseveralâ¬ Marcâ¬"s de Bourgogne with our espressos; we were really to full to be tempted by the classic deserts or cheeses from La Fromagerie.

Racine is a delightful restaurant with excellent service providing very good and well executed Bourgeois cooking based on well selected ingredients from top suppliers.

Casa Brindisa - Casa Brindisa: AVOID AT ALL COSTS by Brendan

Brendan — Sat, 30 May 2009 07:30:52 +0000

Review by Brendan

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7590 0008

Tags: tapas, deli, spanish

Looking for a good tapas restaurant, we arrived at Casa Brindisa in South Ken. As we didn't have a reservation, we were asked to wait for 30-40 minutes. No problem. After an hour and noticing several empty tables, I decided to ask if the table was ready. I went to the front desk and noticed half a dozen names had been crossed off after mine. We finally got a seat. On seating we asked for some water, it never came. We ordered wine, it never came. We ordered tapas, after half an hour, the patatas bravas and bread arrived. We again ordered water and wine which never arrived. We seemed to have two waitresses, one who never seemed to take an order, the other who started to act like we had offended her somehow when she literally dropped the aforementioned dishes on our table and ripped the wine list away from my partner. Another half an hour later I went to the bar and asked for water again plus some drinks. Another 15 minutes, nothing. The surly waitress came back, I had to ask if we had offended her somehow. 'Don't Be Stupid' was the response. We asked where our meals were and she spat back that they were busy that night despite having half the restaurant now vacant. I went to the bar and ordered drinks, asked where our meals were to which I got vacant stares. The surly waitress then dropped, literally dropped our three further dishes on the table, sauce sliding off onto the table and walked away. I then went to another waitress to ask for water and wine. Nothing. We ate half of one dish and in disgust we decided to leave. I offered to pay for the meal and said I would refuse to pay the service charge. Thankfully the owner stepped in and said he would waive the cost of dinner. Now I am home, what's on my credit card? Yes, the cost of the meal.

I cannot fully explain just how bad this restaurant is, it's owner and it's staff are worse. The food seems average at best, if you can get it. Despite offering to pay and get out of there, they did try to offer us a bottle of wine. Then, the two vodka, lime and sodas we ordered 1.5 hours ago arrived on the bar!! Not our table mind you, we had to walk to the bar!!, Despite that, we were offered the meal gratis and yet, it was put through on my credit card anyway. What a scam! We didn't drink the vodkas. The staff were unbearable.

This was a horrible, awful and embarrassing experience. I took a friend from New York there and she just had to laugh. My note to everyone, avoid this place at all costs, it's a rip off, it's run by charlatans and is not worth your time. How a restaurant like this survives in London is just beyond me. I won't stop until I have told this story on every food site in London. Just horrendous and the owners should be ashamed.Looking for a good tapas restaurant, we arrived at Casa Brindisa in South Ken. As we didn't have a reservation, we were asked to wait for 30-40 minutes. No problem. After an hour and noticing several empty tables, I decided to ask if the table was ready. I went to the front desk and noticed half a dozen names had been crossed off after mine. We finally got a seat. On seating we asked for some water, it never came. We ordered wine, it never came. We ordered tapas, after half an hour, the patatas bravas and bread arrived. We again ordered water and wine which never arrived. We seemed to have two waitresses, one who never seemed to take an order, the other who started to act like we had offended her somehow when she literally dropped the aforementioned dishes on our table and ripped the wine list away from my partner. Another half an hour later I went to the bar and asked for water again plus some drinks. Another 15 minutes, nothing. The surly waitress came back, I had to ask if we had offended her somehow. 'Don't Be Stupid' was the response. We asked where our meals were and she spat back that they were busy that night despite having half the restaurant now vacant. I went to the bar and ordered drinks, asked where our meals were to which I got vacant stares. The surly waitress then dropped, literally dropped our three further dishes on the table, sauce sliding off onto the table and walked away. I then went to another waitress to ask for water and wine. Nothing. We ate half of one dish and in disgust we decided to leave. I offered to pay for the meal and said I would refuse to pay the service charge. Thankfully the owner stepped in and said he would waive the cost of dinner. Now I am home, what's on my credit card? Yes, the cost of the meal.

I cannot fully explain just how bad this restaurant is, it's owner and it's staff are worse. The food seems average at best, if you can get it. Despite offering to pay and get out of there, they did try to offer us a bottle of wine. Then, the two vodka, lime and sodas we ordered 1.5 hours ago arrived on the bar!! Not our table mind you, we had to walk to the bar!!, Despite that, we were offered the meal gratis and yet, it was put through on my credit card anyway. What a scam! We didn't drink the vodkas. The staff were unbearable.

This was a horrible, awful and embarrassing experience. I took a friend from New York there and she just had to laugh. My note to everyone, avoid this place at all costs, it's a rip off, it's run by charlatans and is not worth your time. How a restaurant like this survives in London is just beyond me. I won't stop until I have told this story on every food site in London. Just horrendous and the owners should be ashamed.

Tom Aikens - by Agirlhastoeat

Agirlhastoeat — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:48:26 +0000

Review by Agirlhastoeat

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7584 2003

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

Tags: french, business, bar

http://agirlhastoeat.com/tom-aikens-one-star-michelin-restaurant-review

Ever since I started this food blog, I have come to realise just how tolerant my wonderful friends are. When we eat out together, they sit patiently by as I take photos of all our food. All the while they look hungrily on, twitching to start eating. I also suspect they silently groan every time I say â¬Sjust one more photoâ¬. But ever so supportive of my cause, they always let me taste their dishes without necessarily wanting to taste mine. One of my friends occasionally lets me order for her. (Am I spoilt or what?) I have therefore decided that there is definitely some merit in writing these restaurant reviews: Iget to eat my food, and I get to try everyone elseâ¬"s too. Could there possibly be a more winning combination? But in what was to be a first, I recently found out what it felt like to eat out with someone like me.

To read the rest of this review, please go to the link above.
http://agirlhastoeat.com/tom-aikens-one-star-michelin-restaurant-review

Ever since I started this food blog, I have come to realise just how tolerant my wonderful friends are. When we eat out together, they sit patiently by as I take photos of all our food. All the while they look hungrily on, twitching to start eating. I also suspect they silently groan every time I say â¬Sjust one more photoâ¬. But ever so supportive of my cause, they always let me taste their dishes without necessarily wanting to taste mine. One of my friends occasionally lets me order for her. (Am I spoilt or what?) I have therefore decided that there is definitely some merit in writing these restaurant reviews: I get to eat my food, and I get to try everyone elseâ¬"s too. Could there possibly be a more winning combination? But in what was to be a first, I recently found out what it felt like to eat out with someone like me.

To read the rest of this review, please go to the link above.

Riccardo's - by nicki9

nicki9 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:42:55 +0000

Review by nicki9

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7370 4917

Tags: italian, takeaway, terrace

Riccardo's on the Fulham road is one of my favourite places in london. Casual, great food, not too expensive, fantastic italian food like you'd want to cook at home but can't quite make it. Really easy going atmosphere and just the right side of noisy and busy.
126 Fulham Rd
London, SW3 6HU
Riccardo's on the Fulham road is one of my favourite places in london. Casual, great food, not too expensive, fantastic italian food like you'd want to cook at home but can't quite make it. Really easy going atmosphere and just the right side of noisy and busy.
126 Fulham Rd
London, SW3 6HU

Awana - Poor customer service ruined the food by Katiegi007

Katiegi007 — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:55:27 +0000

Review by Katiegi007

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7584 8880

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

Tags: malaysian, expensive, bar

I decided to go to Awana as it was my father's 65th birthday. I also ordered a birthday cake for my fatherâ¬"s 65th birthday by email. This was not acknowledged by any of the staff. When we first arrived we were early and sat at the bar. We were then promptly seated right at the front entrance. This table was in a poor location as people and the waiters/waitress were constantly walking past our table. Furthermore it was extremely cramped as people were continuously brushing past me and the waiters were always touching me when walking past.

On the whole the food was fine; however the seafood batter was too oily and had not been drained properly. The ayam berisi â¬ chicken with prawn was a strange combination and did not seem to work. The stuffed prawns inside the chicken were overcooked.

I was extremely unhappy with the service and atmosphere. I could not enjoy my food as the waiters/waitresses were constantly brushing past me and touching me. I felt that we had the worst table. The service was also rushed and somewhat clumsy, as plates and cutlery were dropped near us. I felt that I could not celebrate my fatherâ¬"s birthday in that sort of atmosphere. I do realise that Saturday is a busy day â¬ but when people are within touching distance of you whilst eating it is very unpleasant.

At the end of the meal, the waitress asked me if I enjoyed myself and was surprised when I said I was not happy at all. She quickly processed our bill and did not ask me why I was unhappy. I felt that this was not appropriate and did not demonstrate good customer service at all. We paid £140 for three people, which seemed excessive for the level of customer service. The website markets Awana as a fine dining experience. If I had wanted good food and inattentive customer service I would have gone to Chinatown instead. Oh well, at least I got my service charge money back.
I decided to go to Awana as it was my father's 65th birthday. I also ordered a birthday cake for my fatherâ¬"s 65th birthday by email. This was not acknowledged by any of the staff. When we first arrived we were early and sat at the bar. We were then promptly seated right at the front entrance. This table was in a poor location as people and the waiters/waitress were constantly walking past our table. Furthermore it was extremely cramped as people were continuously brushing past me and the waiters were always touching me when walking past.

On the whole the food was fine; however the seafood batter was too oily and had not been drained properly. The ayam berisi â¬ chicken with prawn was a strange combination and did not seem to work. The stuffed prawns inside the chicken were overcooked.

I was extremely unhappy with the service and atmosphere. I could not enjoy my food as the waiters/waitresses were constantly brushing past me and touching me. I felt that we had the worst table. The service was also rushed and somewhat clumsy, as plates and cutlery were dropped near us. I felt that I could not celebrate my fatherâ¬"s birthday in that sort of atmosphere. I do realise that Saturday is a busy day â¬ but when people are within touching distance of you whilst eating it is very unpleasant.

At the end of the meal, the waitress asked me if I enjoyed myself and was surprised when I said I was not happy at all. She quickly processed our bill and did not ask me why I was unhappy. I felt that this was not appropriate and did not demonstrate good customer service at all. We paid £140 for three people, which seemed excessive for the level of customer service. The website markets Awana as a fine dining experience. If I had wanted good food and inattentive customer service I would have gone to Chinatown instead. Oh well, at least I got my service charge money back.