Latest reviews in Swiss Cottage, London, United Kingdom

Marine Ices - great local Italian by DeborahD

DeborahD — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:38:50 +0000

Review by DeborahD

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7482 9000

Tags: mediterranean, ice cream, bargain

The ice-cream is great, but let's not forget about the restaurant. This is a local, family type place, cheep and cheerful but really good, basic Italian. Their linguine al scoglio is fantastic, and they do pretty good pizzas as well. I wouldn't bother with the starters, but for a great plate of pasta or pizza with some house red wine, it's a winner.
Plus, the dessert menu is gigantic and you can invent your own sundaes. Coconut ice-cream with ginger pieces was a recent one of mine. The ice-cream is great, but let's not forget about the restaurant. This is a local, family type place, cheep and cheerful but really good, basic Italian. Their linguine al scoglio is fantastic, and they do pretty good pizzas as well. I wouldn't bother with the starters, but for a great plate of pasta or pizza with some house red wine, it's a winner.
Plus, the dessert menu is gigantic and you can invent your own sundaes. Coconut ice-cream with ginger pieces was a recent one of mine.

Curry Paradise - Good Indian food by hibiscus

hibiscus — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:08:06 +0000

Review by hibiscus

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7794 9352

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes

Been going there for years. Never disappointed. Good food. Friendly service. Our favourite Indian restaurant in North London.Been going there for years. Never disappointed. Good food. Friendly service. Our favourite Indian restaurant in North London.

Goldfish - Relaxed by de_uk

de_uk — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:37:00 +0000

Review by de_uk

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7794 6238

Tags: chinese, takeaway

The first time I ate here, I had mocca chocolate ribs - I didn't think they worked at all. But ordering more standard fare seemed to be much more satisfying.

Look out for the strange shredded wheat pudding!The first time I ate here, I had mocca chocolate ribs - I didn't think they worked at all. But ordering more standard fare seemed to be much more satisfying.

Look out for the strange shredded wheat pudding!

The Freemasons Arms - Great Post-Heath option by sokratis

sokratis — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:16:40 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7433 6811

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

Tags: relaxed, traditional, food

The Freemasons Arms is a great ending to a nice day in Hampsted Heath if youâ¬"re finishing on the south-west (if youâ¬"re heading north-east then Cafe Mozart on Swains Lane is a excellent option too). Very spacious and with a modern, slick finish it serves a variety of beers and ciders. One of the best outdoor spaces in the area and a great kitchen that serves what youâ¬"d expect by the â¬ÜWinner of the Sunday Independent/ LBC Gastro Pub of the Year!â¬". Be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny Sunday afternoon as the place gets very busy. Of course be also prepared to be surrounded by yummy mummies, Â£500+ baby carts, noisy small children and generally the rest of the Sunday family squad that descends on Hampsteadâ¬"s surrounding areas on a weekend.
Donâ¬"t let that put you off though. The Freemasons is still one of the best places to enjoy a drink and a bite after a hard days navigating the heights of the Heath.
The Freemasons Arms is a great ending to a nice day in Hampsted Heath if youâ¬"re finishing on the south-west (if youâ¬"re heading north-east then Cafe Mozart on Swains Lane is a excellent option too). Very spacious and with a modern, slick finish it serves a variety of beers and ciders. One of the best outdoor spaces in the area and a great kitchen that serves what youâ¬"d expect by the â¬ÜWinner of the Sunday Independent/ LBC Gastro Pub of the Year!â¬". Be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny Sunday afternoon as the place gets very busy. Of course be also prepared to be surrounded by yummy mummies, Â£500+ baby carts, noisy small children and generally the rest of the Sunday family squad that descends on Hampsteadâ¬"s surrounding areas on a weekend.
Donâ¬"t let that put you off though. The Freemasons is still one of the best places to enjoy a drink and a bite after a hard days navigating the heights of the Heath.

Manna - Delightful return! by paulash134

paulash134 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:29:05 +0000

Review by paulash134

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 8028

Website: http://www.manna-veg.com

Tags: vegetarian, good value, romantic

I visited Manna many years ago, enjoyed the food then as I did on this occasion. I'm not vegetarian, but would recommend Manna to anyone. The menu is eclectic, you can't go wrong, I was with four other diners and everyone had something different no one was disappointed, all had starters, main course and dessert, two bottles of wine, drinks, coffee, tea and water. Service was attentive and very friendly, timing was perfect. Â£45 each including service charge. The Chef Salad is massive. The place was full but you didn't feel crowded. The decor is pleasing and the ambiance great. If you like the finer things in life then this is the place to take your friends for a lovely intimate meal.I visited Manna many years ago, enjoyed the food then as I did on this occasion. I'm not vegetarian, but would recommend Manna to anyone. The menu is eclectic, you can't go wrong, I was with four other diners and everyone had something different no one was disappointed, all had starters, main course and dessert, two bottles of wine, drinks, coffee, tea and water. Service was attentive and very friendly, timing was perfect. Â£45 each including service charge. The Chef Salad is massive. The place was full but you didn't feel crowded. The decor is pleasing and the ambiance great. If you like the finer things in life then this is the place to take your friends for a lovely intimate meal.

Bradley's - An outstanding experience by dave_aw1

dave_aw1 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:28:48 +0000

Review by dave_aw1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 3457

Tags: french, vegetarian dishes, modern british

I had an absolutely fabulous meal here, as did my other 3 friends. It is a small restaurant, just off the beaten track. We all sampled each other's food and would have been happy to eat each meal several times over so that we could have had other dishes. Service was attentive, friendly, and high quality. The menu had an excellent selection of different dishes, and the wine-list was impressive. Ambience was warm, but not too noisy. We ended up paying around Â£60 per head for three courses, a couple of bottles of wine, cheese, pudding wines and coffee/tea.
Absolutely first rate, highly recommended.I had an absolutely fabulous meal here, as did my other 3 friends. It is a small restaurant, just off the beaten track. We all sampled each other's food and would have been happy to eat each meal several times over so that we could have had other dishes. Service was attentive, friendly, and high quality. The menu had an excellent selection of different dishes, and the wine-list was impressive. Ambience was warm, but not too noisy. We ended up paying around Â£60 per head for three courses, a couple of bottles of wine, cheese, pudding wines and coffee/tea.
Absolutely first rate, highly recommended.

Arabesque - Best restaurant in London???!!! by CharlotteEvett

CharlotteEvett — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:43:47 +0000

Review by CharlotteEvett

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7449 9658

Tags: mediterranean, vegetarian dishes, middle eastern

If you want to eat reasonably priced clean healthy food then Arabesque is the place for you. Centrally located a short walk from the Swiss Cottage tube this place is the best!!! I have eaten there so many times and have never been disappointed. Also a great option for a healthy take away when you dont want to eat out but don't feel like cooking.If you want to eat reasonably priced clean healthy food then Arabesque is the place for you. Centrally located a short walk from the Swiss Cottage tube this place is the best!!! I have eaten there so many times and have never been disappointed. Also a great option for a healthy take away when you dont want to eat out but don't feel like cooking.

Royal China - Not the best royal china by Sangjune

Sangjune — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:43:28 +0000

Review by Sangjune

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7586 4280

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

Tags: chinese, expensive, takeaway

It is a decent place, but a little small. Foods are expensive. Foods are better in Baker st. royal china.It is a decent place, but a little small. Foods are expensive. Foods are better in Baker st. royal china.

Sir Richard Steele - Olde Worlde by freestanding

freestanding — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:23:29 +0000

Review by freestanding

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7483 1261

Tags: food, real ale

In my opinion its the 2nd best boozer in NW3 after the hill across the road. First up its a huge old victorian boozer that retains its olde world charm.The locals are friendly enough around here. Good selection of beers on offer and the Thai food is excellent at Â£5 a plate. I love the upstairs with its battered leather sofas. A good spot for a party. Downstairs the beer garden is a must in the summer. big and plenty of seats.
Lovely olde pub thats not been changed inside for a long long time. I only hope it stays that wayIn my opinion its the 2nd best boozer in NW3 after the hill across the road. First up its a huge old victorian boozer that retains its olde world charm.The locals are friendly enough around here. Good selection of beers on offer and the Thai food is excellent at Â£5 a plate. I love the upstairs with its battered leather sofas. A good spot for a party. Downstairs the beer garden is a must in the summer. big and plenty of seats.
Lovely olde pub thats not been changed inside for a long long time. I only hope it stays that way

Hampstead Tea Rooms - Cheats by gendafamily

gendafamily — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:36:48 +0000

Review by gendafamily

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7435 9563

Tags: takeaway

I work locally and had the misfortune to order a birthday cake for a very special person from this local cafe. It was recommended by my work colleagues. The price quoted was not only exorbitant along with a Â£5/- surcharge for writing the name of the person the cake was intended for. I was asked to pay the amount in full at the time of placing the order. When I landed to collect my cake to my horror the cake prepared for me was half the size of what was shown. At the time of ordering I was told the cake will be atleast 1 KG in weight but this was less than 500gms. The name on the cake was unclear and to top it all there was no apology for the incorrect size or offer of refund. I was told that I must have mistaken the size. This is nothing but thuggery. I was extremely disappointed and I was told I could take 2 pastries since they could not bake the size at that time. It did definitely spoil the special day for my loved one. I would never again order anything from these crooks.I work locally and had the misfortune to order a birthday cake for a very special person from this local cafe. It was recommended by my work colleagues. The price quoted was not only exorbitant along with a Â£5/- surcharge for writing the name of the person the cake was intended for. I was asked to pay the amount in full at the time of placing the order. When I landed to collect my cake to my horror the cake prepared for me was half the size of what was shown. At the time of ordering I was told the cake will be atleast 1 KG in weight but this was less than 500gms. The name on the cake was unclear and to top it all there was no apology for the incorrect size or offer of refund. I was told that I must have mistaken the size. This is nothing but thuggery. I was extremely disappointed and I was told I could take 2 pastries since they could not bake the size at that time. It did definitely spoil the special day for my loved one. I would never again order anything from these crooks.

ASK - Relax and cosy by MaryamF

MaryamF — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:52:28 +0000

Review by MaryamF

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7433 3896

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

Tags: italian, bar, family & home feel

ASK chain Italian Restaurant is quite a nice place to go with friends and family to spend a quiet and relax evening.... The one in Belsize park is quite nice and cosy, but the service wasn't what we expected.... The food wasn't bad, but not so tasty comparing to other Italian chain restaurants in London. Pasta was over cooked and smashed! Bruschetta had big chunks of tasteless tomatoes which wasn't very professional.ASK chain Italian Restaurant is quite a nice place to go with friends and family to spend a quiet and relax evening.... The one in Belsize park is quite nice and cosy, but the service wasn't what we expected.... The food wasn't bad, but not so tasty comparing to other Italian chain restaurants in London. Pasta was over cooked and smashed! Bruschetta had big chunks of tasteless tomatoes which wasn't very professional.

Nando's Chickenland - Experi-perience! by MaryamF

MaryamF — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:43:14 +0000

Review by MaryamF

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 4644

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

Tags: portuguese, family & home feel, air conditioning

As a chicken lover, i can highly recommend Nando's Restaurant for their great chicken and friendly atmosphere. Nando's has got so many branches in UK, but the O2 Centre branch has got the essence of Peri Peri experience! As a chicken lover, i can highly recommend Nando's Restaurant for their great chicken and friendly atmosphere. Nando's has got so many branches in UK, but the O2 Centre branch has got the essence of Peri Peri experience!

The Horseshoe - Wetherspoons reborn by iamroninator

iamroninator — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 07:30:01 +0000

Review by iamroninator

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7431 7206

Tags: gastro pub, lively, food

Replacing the Wetherspoons' 3 Horseshoes which was here prob a good idea? But where will all the old codgers and underage kids go to drink?

Ah well, had cheap lunchtime special - 7.50 for a stew and an orange juice - nice, though a little school dinner-esque.

The ale was average. When I went downstairs for a slash, the door to the kitchen was open, and an almighty smell of not-so-fresh fish was around.

Glad I didn't have the fish dish. Phew...Replacing the Wetherspoons' 3 Horseshoes which was here prob a good idea? But where will all the old codgers and underage kids go to drink?

Ah well, had cheap lunchtime special - 7.50 for a stew and an orange juice - nice, though a little school dinner-esque.

The ale was average. When I went downstairs for a slash, the door to the kitchen was open, and an almighty smell of not-so-fresh fish was around.

Glad I didn't have the fish dish. Phew...

King William IV - Cozy gay-friendly pub by Sami

Sami — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:08:13 +0000

Review by Sami

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 5747

Website: http://www.kw4.co.uk/

Tags: food, hampstead, pub

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a native Londoner and do not know much of the insider's knowledge regarding this city. So when my native Londoner friend took me to this pub this past week-end, I was curious as to why there was a gay pub smack in the middle of Northwest London's bastion of uptight, WASP-y, middle-class existence - until she informed me that Hampstead Heath has long been a gay cruising ground - and the KW4 is at the foot of the Heath.

Recently renovated, KW4 is cozy, with a large patio at the back of the bar and hosts a variety of gay nights, from gay pub quiz to drag queen nights. I was absolutely taken by it and have since enlisted my friend to take me here on a regular basis. The service was good, the crepes are supposed to be good, and it was friendly. I'm a fan. But as with the majority of gay bars, the pints were on the expensive side :(

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a native Londoner and do not know much of the insider's knowledge regarding this city. So when my native Londoner friend took me to this pub this past week-end, I was curious as to why there was a gay pub smack in the middle of Northwest London's bastion of uptight, WASP-y, middle-class existence - until she informed me that Hampstead Heath has long been a gay cruising ground - and the KW4 is at the foot of the Heath.

Recently renovated, KW4 is cozy, with a large patio at the back of the bar and hosts a variety of gay nights, from gay pub quiz to drag queen nights. I was absolutely taken by it and have since enlisted my friend to take me here on a regular basis. The service was good, the crepes are supposed to be good, and it was friendly. I'm a fan. But as with the majority of gay bars, the pints were on the expensive side :(

The Roebuck - Two thumbs up by mif

mif — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:51:10 +0000

Review by mif

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7433 6871

Tags: independent pub, standard pub food, beer garden

Been here at least a handful of times (when in the neighbourhood) and it has never disappointed. Terrific grub - the cottage pie is my favourite and I've heard their Sunday roast is to drool for. Service is pretty good. The place is eclectically decorated, managing to look very cool and comfortable at the same time. At the back, there is an outdoors area where it's lovely to sit when the sun is shining and also a conservatory for when the sun isn't shining. Basically it's a lovely laid-back pub that will please everyone.Been here at least a handful of times (when in the neighbourhood) and it has never disappointed. Terrific grub - the cottage pie is my favourite and I've heard their Sunday roast is to drool for. Service is pretty good. The place is eclectically decorated, managing to look very cool and comfortable at the same time. At the back, there is an outdoors area where it's lovely to sit when the sun is shining and also a conservatory for when the sun isn't shining. Basically it's a lovely laid-back pub that will please everyone.

Tobia - Fun evening by lenalouise

lenalouise — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:14:39 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0207 431 4213

Website: www.tobiarestaurant.co.uk

Tags: lively, smoking, friendly

I went to this place when it was the Ethiopian New Year or some similar sort of celebration so there was a private party downstairs, all the waitresses were wearing traditional dress and there were two dancers performing throughout the evening.

It made it a very special night since we also hadn't had ethiopian food before and didn't know it could be so delicious! The home brewed honey mead, Abyssinian Tej should definitely be sampled if you are into beer. It's very good value for money here. I went to this place when it was the Ethiopian New Year or some similar sort of celebration so there was a private party downstairs, all the waitresses were wearing traditional dress and there were two dancers performing throughout the evening.

It made it a very special night since we also hadn't had ethiopian food before and didn't know it could be so delicious! The home brewed honey mead, Abyssinian Tej should definitely be sampled if you are into beer. It's very good value for money here.

Green Cottage - by BenjaminDives

BenjaminDives — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:25:29 +0000

Review by BenjaminDives

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7722 7892

Tags: takeaway, vegetarian dishes, chinese

outstanding value, incredibly fresh, rapid service, excellent all round.outstanding value, incredibly fresh, rapid service, excellent all round.

Camden Art Centre - camden art centre by gilka

gilka — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:15:48 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 2643

Tags: modern art, quiet & relaxed, good brew

Camden Art centre is first of all, not in Camden...
It is on Finchley road!. It is an art space but not less important, a cafe. The Camden Art Centre's Cafe is great! They have a nice garden and if it English summer , you might be able to sit outside...
The coffee is very nice and surprising! only 1 star below Monmouth coffee... They have some nice home made looking food as well... It is great for relaxing Saturday afternoon- check the art as well, usually they have good stuff and also you might want to consider taking some drawing classes?Camden Art centre is first of all, not in Camden...
It is on Finchley road!. It is an art space but not less important, a cafe. The Camden Art Centre's Cafe is great! They have a nice garden and if it English summer , you might be able to sit outside...
The coffee is very nice and surprising! only 1 star below Monmouth coffee... They have some nice home made looking food as well... It is great for relaxing Saturday afternoon- check the art as well, usually they have good stuff and also you might want to consider taking some drawing classes?

Taro - Sushi & Table Barbeque by walid

walid — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:13:18 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7794 0190

Tags: japanese, takeaway, sushi

Last Friday I went out with a few friends to try out Taro on Finchley Road. I had been curious to try this place out as I had lived in Finchley Road a few years ago but never tried out Taro.

The place itself is alright, clean and airy. The food selection is what you'd expect of a typical Japanese restaurant with prizes all reasonable. For starters I had salmon sushi which had the right balance between the salmon and the rice which was nice. For main dish I had thick noodles with vegetables and chicken which was tasty however I did find the noodles a bit too soggy for my taste.

The staff where friendly and efficient. I would recommend this place if you're in the area but I probably wouldn't make a grand detour to go there though.Last Friday I went out with a few friends to try out Taro on Finchley Road. I had been curious to try this place out as I had lived in Finchley Road a few years ago but never tried out Taro.

The place itself is alright, clean and airy. The food selection is what you'd expect of a typical Japanese restaurant with prizes all reasonable. For starters I had salmon sushi which had the right balance between the salmon and the rice which was nice. For main dish I had thick noodles with vegetables and chicken which was tasty however I did find the noodles a bit too soggy for my taste.

The staff where friendly and efficient. I would recommend this place if you're in the area but I probably wouldn't make a grand detour to go there though.

XO - Hit me XO anytime! by girlswear

girlswear — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 01:11:48 +0000

Review by girlswear

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7433 0888

Website: http://www.rickerrestaurants.com

Tags: posh, romantic, cozy

XO is Will Ricker's fifth baby along with "Eight over Eight", "Cicada" and "The Great Eastern". Along the other restaurants, this also has the same pan-Asian theme.

We started our evening with a couple of Lychee martini's at the bar whilst we wait for our table. We went the third week since opening (back in February), unfortunately there was no Ewan McGregor, Paul McCartney nor Chris Martin the day we went.

The decor was contemporary, white ceiling, yellow accent walls with mirrors and mahogany wood trimmings and furniture. Ambience was excellent.

We had almost ordered everything from the menu:
" edamame, chilli soy & mirin
(3 - okay)
" chive & sesame silken tofu
(3 - nice)
" mushroom & spinach dumplings
(3 - nice)
" prawn & chive dumplings
(3.5 - i like this one better)
" chili salt squid
(5 - LOVE IT!!)
" crispy scallop & xo dumpling
(5 - LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Vermicelli wrapped scallop and then deep fried, top with XO sauce and served on the shell)
" tuna tartare futo maki rolls
(4.5 - this was very nice)
" sashimi platter
(4 - good)
" Red curry with augergine, asparagus & lychee
(5 - Love the lychee touch!)
" Black cod with sweet miso
(3 - I can make better)
" green beans with xo sauce
(4 - this was nice)
" chocolate pudding
(5 - This is more like a molten chocolate cake, excellent)
" iced berries with melted whilte chocolate
(5.5 - Best dessert ever!)

It was a shame that they've sold out the peking duck foire gras dumpling! I must go back and try that again.

Recently, they've started "XO TO GO", great for the impress your date dinner date if you don't really cook... XO is Will Ricker's fifth baby along with "Eight over Eight", "Cicada" and "The Great Eastern". Along the other restaurants, this also has the same pan-Asian theme.

We started our evening with a couple of Lychee martini's at the bar whilst we wait for our table. We went the third week since opening (back in February), unfortunately there was no Ewan McGregor, Paul McCartney nor Chris Martin the day we went.

The decor was contemporary, white ceiling, yellow accent walls with mirrors and mahogany wood trimmings and furniture. Ambience was excellent.

We had almost ordered everything from the menu:
" edamame, chilli soy & mirin
(3 - okay)
" chive & sesame silken tofu
(3 - nice)
" mushroom & spinach dumplings
(3 - nice)
" prawn & chive dumplings
(3.5 - i like this one better)
" chili salt squid
(5 - LOVE IT!!)
" crispy scallop & xo dumpling
(5 - LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Vermicelli wrapped scallop and then deep fried, top with XO sauce and served on the shell)
" tuna tartare futo maki rolls
(4.5 - this was very nice)
" sashimi platter
(4 - good)
" Red curry with augergine, asparagus & lychee
(5 - Love the lychee touch!)
" Black cod with sweet miso
(3 - I can make better)
" green beans with xo sauce
(4 - this was nice)
" chocolate pudding
(5 - This is more like a molten chocolate cake, excellent)
" iced berries with melted whilte chocolate
(5.5 - Best dessert ever!)

It was a shame that they've sold out the peking duck foire gras dumpling! I must go back and try that again.

Recently, they've started "XO TO GO", great for the impress your date dinner date if you don't really cook...