Latest reviews for Restaurants in Southwark, London, United Kingdom

Tsuru - by thamshere

thamshere — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:31:54 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 2228

Website: http://www.tsuru-sushi.co.uk/

Obviously still young, this place suffers from the staff's confused behaviour. On entering the cafe it is not obvious how to continue. A cash register sits at the back, at which one can order food and booze, but the waiting staff will also come to your table to take orders. This confuses the staff as much as customers and we were repeatedly asked if we had ordered, as were those people sitting around us.

The food was good quality sushi with some tasty moments, but I wouldn't say it stands out above anything else I have had. I might try the sashimi if I visit again to get a better idea of the chef's prowess.

The wait for food was long, but this was perhaps due to the place being unusually busy. Wednesday nights at Tsuru are currently home to music and arts. We were treated to a series of small peices from a string quartet, followed by performance art accompanied on violin. It certainly makes the sushi more interesting and it would be interesting to see it continue.

I wouldn't recommend it as a destination, but if you're in the area it's not half bad.

Currently TsuruObviously still young, this place suffers from the staff's confused behaviour. On entering the cafe it is not obvious how to continue. A cash register sits at the back, at which one can order food and booze, but the waiting staff will also come to your table to take orders. This confuses the staff as much as customers and we were repeatedly asked if we had ordered, as were those people sitting around us.

The food was good quality sushi with some tasty moments, but I wouldn't say it stands out above anything else I have had. I might try the sashimi if I visit again to get a better idea of the chef's prowess.

The wait for food was long, but this was perhaps due to the place being unusually busy. Wednesday nights at Tsuru are currently home to music and arts. We were treated to a series of small peices from a string quartet, followed by performance art accompanied on violin. It certainly makes the sushi more interesting and it would be interesting to see it continue.

I wouldn't recommend it as a destination, but if you're in the area it's not half bad.

Currently Tsuru

Viva Verdi - by thamshere

thamshere — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:25:54 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 6867

Website: http://www.vivaverdiwinebar.com/

Tags: italian, wine, south bank

Dropped in here yesterday for a quick bite and a glass of wine. It's well decked out and very modern with a fantastic light fitting in the ceiling in the shape of a ten-foot-wide rose. The space is quite clinical - rows of tables and chairs don't leave much space for imagination or large groups. It's essentially a posh after-work or lunch-time venue for local business folk.

Saying that, it works extremely well as such. They have gone to lengths to make it a little more intimate in the evenings with low, red lighting, but I still felt very exposed.

The wine and food are good. I've not been exposed to high-quality Italian ham before but I would have to say what they have is not quite comparable to the good Spanish hams (Jamon Serrano & Iberico) I have had in the past. Still, at a less than a fiver the Parma ham plate is pretty good as a snack.
Dropped in here yesterday for a quick bite and a glass of wine. It's well decked out and very modern with a fantastic light fitting in the ceiling in the shape of a ten-foot-wide rose. The space is quite clinical - rows of tables and chairs don't leave much space for imagination or large groups. It's essentially a posh after-work or lunch-time venue for local business folk.

Saying that, it works extremely well as such. They have gone to lengths to make it a little more intimate in the evenings with low, red lighting, but I still felt very exposed.

The wine and food are good. I've not been exposed to high-quality Italian ham before but I would have to say what they have is not quite comparable to the good Spanish hams (Jamon Serrano & Iberico) I have had in the past. Still, at a less than a fiver the Parma ham plate is pretty good as a snack.

Culture Grub - Love this place! by jes1uk

jes1uk — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:08:17 +0000

Review by jes1uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 9972

Website: http://www.culturegrub.com

Tags: chinese, crowded, good value

This is one of my favourite Chinese restaurants.
They serve large portions of good quality food at a very reasonable price. The service is efficient and friendly, and they don't try and rush you out of the restaurant once you have eaten.
This is a smallish restaurant and gets very busy at peak times; there is a maximum of 4 place settings per table. One dish I'd recommend is the Treasure Rice. There is also a complimentary Jasmine tea available with your meal if you ask for it.
The restaurant is very close to Waterloo station and Southwark underground station.This is one of my favourite Chinese restaurants.
They serve large portions of good quality food at a very reasonable price. The service is efficient and friendly, and they don't try and rush you out of the restaurant once you have eaten.
This is a smallish restaurant and gets very busy at peak times; there is a maximum of 4 place settings per table. One dish I'd recommend is the Treasure Rice. There is also a complimentary Jasmine tea available with your meal if you ask for it.
The restaurant is very close to Waterloo station and Southwark underground station.

Mar I Terra - Tapas bar by jan08

jan08 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:29:13 +0000

Review by jan08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 7628

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

Tags: spanish, lively, good value

Atmospheric tapas bar close to Blackfriars, south of the Thames. Standard tapas but excellent wine list and attentive waiter service. Only downside is that it is always busy - both with the office crowd at lunch and locals in the evening - and they don't take reservationsAtmospheric tapas bar close to Blackfriars, south of the Thames. Standard tapas but excellent wine list and attentive waiter service. Only downside is that it is always busy - both with the office crowd at lunch and locals in the evening - and they don't take reservations

Tas Ev - Turkish paradise by jan08

jan08 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:06:26 +0000

Review by jan08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7620 6191

Website: http://www.tasrestaurant.com

Tags: turkish, lively, romantic

Tucked away off the street close to Southwark tube, this is a great value restaurant with the option to dine 'al fresco' or in their cavernous restaurant - so usually no need to book in advance. Part of the Tas empire of Turkish restaurants, it has a varied menu, including set lunches, dinners and meze to share. Great shop next door.Tucked away off the street close to Southwark tube, this is a great value restaurant with the option to dine 'al fresco' or in their cavernous restaurant - so usually no need to book in advance. Part of the Tas empire of Turkish restaurants, it has a varied menu, including set lunches, dinners and meze to share. Great shop next door.

Chopsticks - always changing by larkin

larkin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:35:01 +0000

Review by larkin

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8693 2318

Tags: chinese, expensive, pretentious

theres something about this place
I used to take my family here alot ages ago, but stopped back then, the food was fantastic (or so I remember) and I recently went here and the food wasnt so great.
I had some sort of noodle dish, but cant remember what it tasted like, so it must have been really mediocre, since I have a good memory.
it has a nice atmosphere, and looks good, but it seems to me all people care about these days is how good the furniture looks.
the service was alright, food took a long time to arrive, but it was hot, even if it wasnt all that tasty.
Like litro_k said, better places can be found in E.Dulwich. and I wouldnt recommend this placetheres something about this place
I used to take my family here alot ages ago, but stopped back then, the food was fantastic (or so I remember) and I recently went here and the food wasnt so great.
I had some sort of noodle dish, but cant remember what it tasted like, so it must have been really mediocre, since I have a good memory.
it has a nice atmosphere, and looks good, but it seems to me all people care about these days is how good the furniture looks.
the service was alright, food took a long time to arrive, but it was hot, even if it wasnt all that tasty.
Like litro_k said, better places can be found in E.Dulwich. and I wouldnt recommend this place

Dulwich Tandoori - very tasty by larkin

larkin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:28:36 +0000

Review by larkin

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 86933012

Tags: romantic, good value, family & home feel

very tasty food!!!!!
I go here alot with my family for the buffet on sundays, and as always, I get alot of food for a reasonable price!
I would agree with the previous reviewer, sometimes I have to wait for a table, but I usually book a table in advance, since I got there alot with a large family.
The staff are always, I mean always are polite, and the food comes not quickly, but not so long that one gets bored waiting.
They have a large range of alchoholic drinks, and if you are to order one, I would strongly recommend the Cobra beer, which is my favourite beer and I can only get in indian restaurants.
Happy feasting!very tasty food!!!!!
I go here alot with my family for the buffet on sundays, and as always, I get alot of food for a reasonable price!
I would agree with the previous reviewer, sometimes I have to wait for a table, but I usually book a table in advance, since I got there alot with a large family.
The staff are always, I mean always are polite, and the food comes not quickly, but not so long that one gets bored waiting.
They have a large range of alchoholic drinks, and if you are to order one, I would strongly recommend the Cobra beer, which is my favourite beer and I can only get in indian restaurants.
Happy feasting!

Meson Don Felipe - Mi Casa Su Casa by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:15:13 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 3237

Tags: spanish, lively, crowded

One of my favourite places when I first started eating out in London 3 or 4 years ago, but has since been rather eclipsed by the likes of Brindisa and Barrafina, who do the tapas thing with so much more class and finesse. That's not to say there's nothing to like at Don Felipe - their albondigas are great, and last time I went they had lovely fresh calamari - but considering the effort to get in (like any tapas joint it can be a struggle in peak hours) you can probably do better. Brindisa is a short walk away in Borough Market, and beats them hands down I'm afraid.One of my favourite places when I first started eating out in London 3 or 4 years ago, but has since been rather eclipsed by the likes of Brindisa and Barrafina, who do the tapas thing with so much more class and finesse. That's not to say there's nothing to like at Don Felipe - their albondigas are great, and last time I went they had lovely fresh calamari - but considering the effort to get in (like any tapas joint it can be a struggle in peak hours) you can probably do better. Brindisa is a short walk away in Borough Market, and beats them hands down I'm afraid.

Masters Super Fish - Super! by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:19:59 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 6924

Tags: seafood, takeaway, cheap eat

It's a clichÃ©, and one you will hear often repeated by Northern expats around these parts, that you can't get a decent Fish and Chips in London. Of course, given that deep fried fish and chipped potatoes is hardly the most complex takeaway food, there are plenty of places in London that do a pretty passable F&C, and equally, like anywhere else in the country there are far, far more that do a terrible one. Given that, in the interests of my pocket and my pulmonary artery, I'm not about to try every chippy I come across in the capital just in case it turns out to be good, I did a bit of research and last Saturday turned up at Masters Superfish in Waterloo at the very 'Northern Chippy' time of 5:30pm.

Considered one of the few "real" chippies in the capital (along with The Golden Hind in Marylebone and Seafresh in Victoria, amongst others), Masters has built up quite a reputation amongst foodies and bloggers and I was quite excited to see what the fuss was about. First impressions of the room were pleasingly authentic - plain, no-nonsense dÃ©cor with a little takeaway hatch on the way in and - delightfully - like any good Northern chippy a wall containing fading pictures of faded light entertainment stars who have popped in for a photo opportunity over the years. The menu was slightly more extensive than I was used to up north, with more premium options such as Dover Sole and Halibut alongside the traditional Cod and Haddock fillets. We all went for fish and chips.

First up was served a free plate of prawns each, which were sweet and tasty but some of our party were put off by the orange eggs - it must be the time of year. Also dished up extra were some lovely tasty pickles: a large white onion and a sweet gherkin, top marks again for those.

Fortunately, the Main Event, when it arrived, didn't disappoint either. Lovely crunchy chips in all sorts of sizes, and a healthy slab of flaky white fish covered in a dark, dense batter. If I'm going to be picky, the fish was probably slightly overcooked - the extra crunchy batter wasn't to everyone's tastes, and the fish was just a smidgen on the dry side - but these were minor quibbles and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy my plate of food.

I'd be happy to call Masters Superfish my local chippy, and once you add in the London markup it wasn't too expensive either. It's understandably popular, and although our fellow diners in the early evening consisted of an elderly couple and a table of Japanese tourists timidly extracting their fish from its batter and eating it separately, I am told the queue can stretch out of the door. In an area of London becoming famous for its varied and excellent dining options (The Anchor and Hope, Meson Don Felipe), Masters can hold its head high. I'll certainly be back.It's a clichÃ©, and one you will hear often repeated by Northern expats around these parts, that you can't get a decent Fish and Chips in London. Of course, given that deep fried fish and chipped potatoes is hardly the most complex takeaway food, there are plenty of places in London that do a pretty passable F&C, and equally, like anywhere else in the country there are far, far more that do a terrible one. Given that, in the interests of my pocket and my pulmonary artery, I'm not about to try every chippy I come across in the capital just in case it turns out to be good, I did a bit of research and last Saturday turned up at Masters Superfish in Waterloo at the very 'Northern Chippy' time of 5:30pm.

Considered one of the few "real" chippies in the capital (along with The Golden Hind in Marylebone and Seafresh in Victoria, amongst others), Masters has built up quite a reputation amongst foodies and bloggers and I was quite excited to see what the fuss was about. First impressions of the room were pleasingly authentic - plain, no-nonsense dÃ©cor with a little takeaway hatch on the way in and - delightfully - like any good Northern chippy a wall containing fading pictures of faded light entertainment stars who have popped in for a photo opportunity over the years. The menu was slightly more extensive than I was used to up north, with more premium options such as Dover Sole and Halibut alongside the traditional Cod and Haddock fillets. We all went for fish and chips.

First up was served a free plate of prawns each, which were sweet and tasty but some of our party were put off by the orange eggs - it must be the time of year. Also dished up extra were some lovely tasty pickles: a large white onion and a sweet gherkin, top marks again for those.

Fortunately, the Main Event, when it arrived, didn't disappoint either. Lovely crunchy chips in all sorts of sizes, and a healthy slab of flaky white fish covered in a dark, dense batter. If I'm going to be picky, the fish was probably slightly overcooked - the extra crunchy batter wasn't to everyone's tastes, and the fish was just a smidgen on the dry side - but these were minor quibbles and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy my plate of food.

I'd be happy to call Masters Superfish my local chippy, and once you add in the London markup it wasn't too expensive either. It's understandably popular, and although our fellow diners in the early evening consisted of an elderly couple and a table of Japanese tourists timidly extracting their fish from its batter and eating it separately, I am told the queue can stretch out of the door. In an area of London becoming famous for its varied and excellent dining options (The Anchor and Hope, Meson Don Felipe), Masters can hold its head high. I'll certainly be back.

OXO Tower Restaurant - One of those places you have to try by LukeG

LukeG — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:38:18 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7803 3888

Website: http://www.harveynichols.com/output/Page128.asp

Tags: expensive, lively, romantic

I went to the Oxo Tower with with my partner after the theatre recently. We were greeted and seated at the door by a gentleman called Hein.

The food was excellent if overpriced, the view outstanding and the choice of wine from the Sommelier jaw dropping.
However what made our evening was this guy Hein. I think he is one of the managers and he orchestrated the floor like he was leading a symphony.

His recommendations for the food were excellent and his overall manner and helpfulness we'd rate as the best we have ever experienced. He was so calm and assured whilst making us laugh and comfortable. Top guy.
In fact, it says alot about him that it was Hein we were talking about in the taxi home and not the Â£195 bill (3 courses and a bottle of red wine).

We'll come again...once we've saved up!

I went to the Oxo Tower with with my partner after the theatre recently. We were greeted and seated at the door by a gentleman called Hein.

The food was excellent if overpriced, the view outstanding and the choice of wine from the Sommelier jaw dropping.
However what made our evening was this guy Hein. I think he is one of the managers and he orchestrated the floor like he was leading a symphony.

His recommendations for the food were excellent and his overall manner and helpfulness we'd rate as the best we have ever experienced. He was so calm and assured whilst making us laugh and comfortable. Top guy.
In fact, it says alot about him that it was Hein we were talking about in the taxi home and not the Â£195 bill (3 courses and a bottle of red wine).

We'll come again...once we've saved up!

Tas Restaurant - Good for visiting cousins arriving at Waterloo! by Ludovic

Ludovic — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:34:05 +0000

Review by Ludovic

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7928 2111

Website: http://www.tasrestaurant.com

Tags: turkish, live music, mediterranean

It's not often I enjoy a good and fairly priced restaurant in London. But it's exactely what we came across last week-end when we went to have dinner at Tas, a Turkish eaterie on The Cut, close to Waterloo station -perfect to finish a day of rambling through the capital and visit some attractions such as Tate Modern.

We had several dishes, all quite pleasing: a lentil soup, grilled chicken, hummous, falafel, tabouleh salads, etc... All mediteranean dishes, simple and honest, washed with a good rosÃ© (Don Jacobo Rijoa, Â£15.35).

Best news was the price: the menus are less than a tenner, making it possible to eat for under Â£20, a rare feat. Even the teenagers we had with us were pleased!!!

Highly recommended!It's not often I enjoy a good and fairly priced restaurant in London. But it's exactely what we came across last week-end when we went to have dinner at Tas, a Turkish eaterie on The Cut, close to Waterloo station -perfect to finish a day of rambling through the capital and visit some attractions such as Tate Modern.

We had several dishes, all quite pleasing: a lentil soup, grilled chicken, hummous, falafel, tabouleh salads, etc... All mediteranean dishes, simple and honest, washed with a good rosÃ© (Don Jacobo Rijoa, Â£15.35).

Best news was the price: the menus are less than a tenner, making it possible to eat for under Â£20, a rare feat. Even the teenagers we had with us were pleased!!!

Highly recommended!

Baltic - Nice but... by paulash134

paulash134 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:22:05 +0000

Review by paulash134

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 1111

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

Tags: east european, expensive, lively

Three of us decided to go to Baltic as it was close to where we were and we fancied trying something different, I don't remember when I last tried Polish quisine.

The place is amazingly deceptive, hidden at the back of the bar is a spacious, light and comfortable dining room, the tables are crammed into the area, even so, as the night progressed it wasn't difficult to exit.

The decor is pleasing with accents of amber in the fixtures and lighting including a large piece of artwork as the focal point at the far end of the room.

We hadn't booked and were told we could be seated as long as we left before 9.30 p.m. The menu is good and has a variety of starters and main courses, however, I found it difficult to choose. I settled on the Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with potato, cheese and served with sour cream, as a main course. The food is enjoyable but I didn't feel challenged by my choice. One of my fellow diners had the starter of Jewish Fish, which was very nice but tasted flat even with the dressing on the accompanying celeriac. The main course of Schnitzel was a little dry but very good. The Salmon in pastry was also good, the salmon was full of flavour.

The experience overall was very nice but I didn't feel as if I was satisfied. I'll go again and choose something else. The setting is brilliant for a romantic dinner or a party, good also for the business crowd, ideal for meeting friends. Service level is acceptable and the staff are knowledgeable. For what we ate I thought that it was a little expensive. With two beers and sparkling water we paid Â£69 for three, service included.Three of us decided to go to Baltic as it was close to where we were and we fancied trying something different, I don't remember when I last tried Polish quisine.

The place is amazingly deceptive, hidden at the back of the bar is a spacious, light and comfortable dining room, the tables are crammed into the area, even so, as the night progressed it wasn't difficult to exit.

The decor is pleasing with accents of amber in the fixtures and lighting including a large piece of artwork as the focal point at the far end of the room.

We hadn't booked and were told we could be seated as long as we left before 9.30 p.m. The menu is good and has a variety of starters and main courses, however, I found it difficult to choose. I settled on the Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with potato, cheese and served with sour cream, as a main course. The food is enjoyable but I didn't feel challenged by my choice. One of my fellow diners had the starter of Jewish Fish, which was very nice but tasted flat even with the dressing on the accompanying celeriac. The main course of Schnitzel was a little dry but very good. The Salmon in pastry was also good, the salmon was full of flavour.

The experience overall was very nice but I didn't feel as if I was satisfied. I'll go again and choose something else. The setting is brilliant for a romantic dinner or a party, good also for the business crowd, ideal for meeting friends. Service level is acceptable and the staff are knowledgeable. For what we ate I thought that it was a little expensive. With two beers and sparkling water we paid Â£69 for three, service included.

Livebait - Great food, crap staff by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:20:19 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7928 7211

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

Tags: seafood, good value, lively

Post-theatre on a Friday night, the missus and I went here mainly as it was nearby, partly as the menu looked pretty good. The food was indeed brilliant, from the bread to the grilled tiger prawns (her) and a perfectly cooked seabass, both of which were beautifully fresh. The wine list, although as you might expect very heavy on the white side, was well-picked and relatively reasonably priced.

What let this place down, unfortunately, was the staff, doing that sort of mindlessly aimable incompetence that seems to be standard these days. They blotted their copybook early on by offering us (in a largely empty restaurant) a table right in the middle by the door, and although they accommodated our polite request to sit somewhere else, it doesn't really say 'welcome', does it? Moving on, my order of a pre-dinner martini was met with a blank look followed by a request for instructions on how to make it. I don't think I'm being unduly harsh here, but it's a pretty basic thing for a barman not to know and personally this is verging on the unforgivable. I had a Peroni instead.

Lastly, following the main course, the waitress who'd been ignoring the empty plates covering our table for some time, chose precisely the one moment when the missus and I were deeply involved in a bit of a heart to heart, holding hands over the table and sharing a kiss, to decide to barge in and clear our table. Way to ruin the moment. Given that we were one of only two other parties in the place, I can only guess that she'd actually been waiting for just the right time.

So there you go, possibly a bit harsh, but it doesn't take much to learn some basic manners and cocktails. Both of which are kind of important to me. Post-theatre on a Friday night, the missus and I went here mainly as it was nearby, partly as the menu looked pretty good. The food was indeed brilliant, from the bread to the grilled tiger prawns (her) and a perfectly cooked seabass, both of which were beautifully fresh. The wine list, although as you might expect very heavy on the white side, was well-picked and relatively reasonably priced.

What let this place down, unfortunately, was the staff, doing that sort of mindlessly aimable incompetence that seems to be standard these days. They blotted their copybook early on by offering us (in a largely empty restaurant) a table right in the middle by the door, and although they accommodated our polite request to sit somewhere else, it doesn't really say 'welcome', does it? Moving on, my order of a pre-dinner martini was met with a blank look followed by a request for instructions on how to make it. I don't think I'm being unduly harsh here, but it's a pretty basic thing for a barman not to know and personally this is verging on the unforgivable. I had a Peroni instead.

Lastly, following the main course, the waitress who'd been ignoring the empty plates covering our table for some time, chose precisely the one moment when the missus and I were deeply involved in a bit of a heart to heart, holding hands over the table and sharing a kiss, to decide to barge in and clear our table. Way to ruin the moment. Given that we were one of only two other parties in the place, I can only guess that she'd actually been waiting for just the right time.

So there you go, possibly a bit harsh, but it doesn't take much to learn some basic manners and cocktails. Both of which are kind of important to me.

Hisar Restaurant - Can't go wrong! by benjaminty

benjaminty — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:28:31 +0000

Review by benjaminty

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8299 2948

Tags: turkish, cheap eat, good value

Oh my god ... where do I start?

This place is fantastic value for money, terrific quality meat and cooked very very well.

This place is busy every night of the week .. a testament surely.

May I recommend the Beyti with rice. mmmmmmm Oh my god ... where do I start?

This place is fantastic value for money, terrific quality meat and cooked very very well.

This place is busy every night of the week .. a testament surely.

May I recommend the Beyti with rice. mmmmmmm

Tate Modern Restaurant - Blue pill or red pill? by Browners

Browners — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:33:57 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7887 8888

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/eatanddrink/restaurant.htm

Tags: lively, good value, british

Swallow the blue pill and you emerge in a dungeon serving offal, greasy meat and portions so large you feel like you're in Las Vegas.

Choose the red pill and you're whisked off to a penthouse with a view like St Peter gets from his gates, serving delicate, feminine food in a venue steeped in culture.

We went to Tate Modern's private view of their Duchamp, Man Ray and Picabia exhibition. Our general feeling was that the three of them were essentially very witty, artistic commentators on the world of art and culture. They could almost be seen as the grand fathers of post-modernism. It's an exhibition full of clever parodies, knowing pastiches and inspired cultural commentary. We pottered upstairs to the buzzing restaurant to chat about all the ideas we'd had on our way round.

We had cured salmon and smoked duck for starter. The duck came with a chicory salad with a bitter orange dressing. It made for a dish full of clashing contrasts. Sweet, smokey duck punched in the face by the bitter salad... in a pleasing way.

Cowie's salmon was delicious. Cured in a lime dressing it was delicately balanced and as feminine as starters come. Tom Ilic's manly offal this was not! These starters oozed artistic, feline charm. Not the kind of food you want when you've just come back from rugby training. More the kind of grub you want to look at, inhale and not get fat! I swear you could eat these dishes all day and lose weight!

I had a Dover sole with a gorgeous caper butter sauce. the flesh teased away from the bone like only sole does. Soft, delicate and buttery, it was the perfect follow up to my bitter sweet duck. Cowie had an attractive piece of trout in a thin vegetable broth. Cowie was in heaven. It's the kind of meal that girls like Cowie crave. Light, interesting, attractive and well balanced. You get home not weighed down with the hefty fare you get at places like the Anchor and Hope and Tom Ilic.

The blue pill or the red pill... there's a time and a place for both.Swallow the blue pill and you emerge in a dungeon serving offal, greasy meat and portions so large you feel like you're in Las Vegas.

Choose the red pill and you're whisked off to a penthouse with a view like St Peter gets from his gates, serving delicate, feminine food in a venue steeped in culture.

We went to Tate Modern's private view of their Duchamp, Man Ray and Picabia exhibition. Our general feeling was that the three of them were essentially very witty, artistic commentators on the world of art and culture. They could almost be seen as the grand fathers of post-modernism. It's an exhibition full of clever parodies, knowing pastiches and inspired cultural commentary. We pottered upstairs to the buzzing restaurant to chat about all the ideas we'd had on our way round.

We had cured salmon and smoked duck for starter. The duck came with a chicory salad with a bitter orange dressing. It made for a dish full of clashing contrasts. Sweet, smokey duck punched in the face by the bitter salad... in a pleasing way.

Cowie's salmon was delicious. Cured in a lime dressing it was delicately balanced and as feminine as starters come. Tom Ilic's manly offal this was not! These starters oozed artistic, feline charm. Not the kind of food you want when you've just come back from rugby training. More the kind of grub you want to look at, inhale and not get fat! I swear you could eat these dishes all day and lose weight!

I had a Dover sole with a gorgeous caper butter sauce. the flesh teased away from the bone like only sole does. Soft, delicate and buttery, it was the perfect follow up to my bitter sweet duck. Cowie had an attractive piece of trout in a thin vegetable broth. Cowie was in heaven. It's the kind of meal that girls like Cowie crave. Light, interesting, attractive and well balanced. You get home not weighed down with the hefty fare you get at places like the Anchor and Hope and Tom Ilic.

The blue pill or the red pill... there's a time and a place for both.

Buddha Jazz - Modern vietnamese restaurant by lenalouise

lenalouise — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:31:44 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7737 1888

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

Tags: vietnamese, chinese, good value

Iâ¬"ve been meaning to try this place out for a while and eventually went with the ex last week. Itâ¬"s another Vietnamese place â¬ they seem to be popping up everywhere now. Itâ¬"s a lot more trendy than your typical Asian, family-owned restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised by how nicely decorated it is. Thereâ¬"s one main room with a smaller long room at the back, presumably used for private parties but I can see myself sitting in there in the day sipping on coffee with a good book in the near future!

They have the usual things on a Vietnamese menuâ¬¦ spring rolls, soft shell crab, pho noodle soups, Vietnamese chicken curry and also some dim sum. I wasnâ¬"t too hungry so I went for the Banh Xeo which is a thin, crepe-like pancake filled with pork, prawns and bean sprouts and served with fish sauce and fresh herbs. It was so tasty and actually really healthy as well. I canâ¬"t wait to go again to try the other things on the menu!

Iâ¬"ve been meaning to try this place out for a while and eventually went with the ex last week. Itâ¬"s another Vietnamese place â¬ they seem to be popping up everywhere now. Itâ¬"s a lot more trendy than your typical Asian, family-owned restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised by how nicely decorated it is. Thereâ¬"s one main room with a smaller long room at the back, presumably used for private parties but I can see myself sitting in there in the day sipping on coffee with a good book in the near future!

They have the usual things on a Vietnamese menuâ¬¦ spring rolls, soft shell crab, pho noodle soups, Vietnamese chicken curry and also some dim sum. I wasnâ¬"t too hungry so I went for the Banh Xeo which is a thin, crepe-like pancake filled with pork, prawns and bean sprouts and served with fish sauce and fresh herbs. It was so tasty and actually really healthy as well. I canâ¬"t wait to go again to try the other things on the menu!

Hiba - Excellent Lebanese by breathingdust

breathingdust — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:54:33 +0000

Review by breathingdust

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7357 9633

Website: www.hibarestaurant.com

Tags: lively, middle eastern, good value

I've been here a few times now and I'm already keen to go back.

The decor is very modern, lots of wood and feels very classy. It always seems busy but I've never had a problem getting a table but it might be an idea to book if you're not local. I had a selection of meze type dishes like baba ganoush, lebanese salad (very spicy but yum), little spicy sasuages and some plates of chicken and lamb shish all of which have been excellent. They have some lovely fresh juices on offer (the strawberry is great) and you are presented with baklava on the house when you leave.

Prices are very reasonable, considering the classy decor of the place I always feel like I've had a bargain!

I've been here a few times now and I'm already keen to go back.

The decor is very modern, lots of wood and feels very classy. It always seems busy but I've never had a problem getting a table but it might be an idea to book if you're not local. I had a selection of meze type dishes like baba ganoush, lebanese salad (very spicy but yum), little spicy sasuages and some plates of chicken and lamb shish all of which have been excellent. They have some lovely fresh juices on offer (the strawberry is great) and you are presented with baklava on the house when you leave.

Prices are very reasonable, considering the classy decor of the place I always feel like I've had a bargain!

Indigo - New Indian/Bangladeshi in Waterloo by jamiewallace

jamiewallace — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:26:09 +0000

Review by jamiewallace

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7593 0009

Website: http://www.indigorestaurant.net/

Tags: indian, business, good value

Just opened on Stamford Street. Sadly the atmosphere was pretty cold and soulless when we went - just one other set of diners at 10.15 on a Saturday evening.

Not for party animals.

But the food was really pretty good, and definitely plan to go back to try out more options. Staff friendly too.

Give them a go - independent restaurants are getting rarer in Waterloo as the chains move in.Just opened on Stamford Street. Sadly the atmosphere was pretty cold and soulless when we went - just one other set of diners at 10.15 on a Saturday evening.

Not for party animals.

But the food was really pretty good, and definitely plan to go back to try out more options. Staff friendly too.

Give them a go - independent restaurants are getting rarer in Waterloo as the chains move in.

Surma Curry House - God Awful by RichardKenney

RichardKenney — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 01:03:04 +0000

Review by RichardKenney

Rating: 1.00

Tags: indian

Do yourself a favour and go to Tandoori Nights up the road. The staff are really friendly and actually (shock horror) appear to be appreciative of your custom. The food is better too.

We thought we'd try Surma for a change. As they were carrying out alterations at the rear, the walls had been stripped of paper, and when we found the plaster to have covered my girlfriend's coat, we informed them about it. Their response was rude, uncaring, and dismissive.

I didn't leave a tip as I hastily removed myself.

Tandoori Nights all the way.Do yourself a favour and go to Tandoori Nights up the road. The staff are really friendly and actually (shock horror) appear to be appreciative of your custom. The food is better too.

We thought we'd try Surma for a change. As they were carrying out alterations at the rear, the walls had been stripped of paper, and when we found the plaster to have covered my girlfriend's coat, we informed them about it. Their response was rude, uncaring, and dismissive.

I didn't leave a tip as I hastily removed myself.

Tandoori Nights all the way.

Riviera - Relax and enjoy by labrantes

labrantes — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:50:11 +0000

Review by labrantes

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7401 7314

Tags: mediterranean, italian, romantic

Excellent food with a beatiful view of the river and warm welcome. Relax and enjoy. Open area has appropriate heater for cold days.Excellent food with a beatiful view of the river and warm welcome. Relax and enjoy. Open area has appropriate heater for cold days.