Latest reviews for Restaurants in Tottenham Court Road, London, United Kingdom

The French House Dining Room - An oasis of relative sanity in Soho by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:51:39 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 2477

I'm a bit of a Francophile, if I'm honest. I'm generally appreciative of things Italian, Spanish and so on, but it's earthy, rustic French cooking that does it for me every time. The sort of cuisine that says zinc bar, forthright vin de pays, brasserie, noncommittal shrugs, Gauloises. I'm happy to languish in a cliche like this.

I like the way aspects of Frenchness have remained stoically untouched by the modern world - the continuing love affair with rollnecks, the sanctity of lunch and the merry disregard for personal safety once behind the wheel of an automobile.

The French House is like this impression of Frenchness made brick and mortar. Whilst the rest of Soho either went uber-exclusive and expensive, or touristy and expensive, the French House has carried on being friendly, knocking out lager in half pints, and serving great, simple food in a tiny room upstairs, accompanied by an excellent wine list.

The food is generally excellent, robust fare. Think things like salades tiedes to kick off, and carefully grilled beasts to follow, with hearty accompaniments and desserts to excite the child in you. The wine list is predictably Gallic, but unusually diverse for it and exceptionally well-priced. You'll get out of here for about Â£40-50 a head, I reckon. In fact everything, down to the gently self-deprecating telephone system, is so pleasant at this place it's a wonder I'm not there every week.

I should also note that booking ahead is pretty much essential on most nights, and although there's a bit of room between tables, you'll be reasonably well-known to your neighbours by the end of the night. Weirdly though, whilst in some places this is Really Irritating, here it's sort of part of the charm.I'm a bit of a Francophile, if I'm honest. I'm generally appreciative of things Italian, Spanish and so on, but it's earthy, rustic French cooking that does it for me every time. The sort of cuisine that says zinc bar, forthright vin de pays, brasserie, noncommittal shrugs, Gauloises. I'm happy to languish in a cliche like this.

I like the way aspects of Frenchness have remained stoically untouched by the modern world - the continuing love affair with rollnecks, the sanctity of lunch and the merry disregard for personal safety once behind the wheel of an automobile.

The French House is like this impression of Frenchness made brick and mortar. Whilst the rest of Soho either went uber-exclusive and expensive, or touristy and expensive, the French House has carried on being friendly, knocking out lager in half pints, and serving great, simple food in a tiny room upstairs, accompanied by an excellent wine list.

The food is generally excellent, robust fare. Think things like salades tiedes to kick off, and carefully grilled beasts to follow, with hearty accompaniments and desserts to excite the child in you. The wine list is predictably Gallic, but unusually diverse for it and exceptionally well-priced. You'll get out of here for about Â£40-50 a head, I reckon. In fact everything, down to the gently self-deprecating telephone system, is so pleasant at this place it's a wonder I'm not there every week.

I should also note that booking ahead is pretty much essential on most nights, and although there's a bit of room between tables, you'll be reasonably well-known to your neighbours by the end of the night. Weirdly though, whilst in some places this is Really Irritating, here it's sort of part of the charm.

Garlic & Shots - Skulls & blood shots... by CristinaA

CristinaA — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:17:07 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 9505

Website: http://www.garlicandshots.com

Tags: lively, good value, swedish

Firstly thank you to some newly acquainted friends who introduced me to this place.

Goth metal Swedish style.

I sing a Swedish lullaby, I learnt years ago, to win over the owner to give a quick interview and brief history of Garlic and Shots bar/ restaurant. Independently owned and started by the Olsson brothers in Stockholm over 16 years ago, they bought the concept over to London in 1992 when they secured their place amongst the old Soho scene. It always has been and always will be alternative, but donâ¬"t be scared to step in everyoneâ¬"s welcome.

The hearty food is guaranteed to be laced with garlic, so donâ¬"t go crying and complaining that thereâ¬"s too much garlic in your dinner, youâ¬"ve been warned. Iâ¬"ll be going back to try the garlic ice cream. Make sure you book a table.

Serving 101 shots of all different varieties, I was deceived by the charming bar maids chant â¬ÜHoney & Spice and all things niceâ¬", as I happily knocked back their signature spicy blood shot with a beer chaser (trust me the chaser is essential). If youâ¬"re lucky you and your crew will nab the candle lit alcove, a very private extension of the underground bar with a bare wooden table balancing on a coffin!

All puns aside this place is a dying breed, it has a history theyâ¬"re very proud of, and clearly stood the test of time.
Firstly thank you to some newly acquainted friends who introduced me to this place.

Goth metal Swedish style.

I sing a Swedish lullaby, I learnt years ago, to win over the owner to give a quick interview and brief history of Garlic and Shots bar/ restaurant. Independently owned and started by the Olsson brothers in Stockholm over 16 years ago, they bought the concept over to London in 1992 when they secured their place amongst the old Soho scene. It always has been and always will be alternative, but donâ¬"t be scared to step in everyoneâ¬"s welcome.

The hearty food is guaranteed to be laced with garlic, so donâ¬"t go crying and complaining that thereâ¬"s too much garlic in your dinner, youâ¬"ve been warned. Iâ¬"ll be going back to try the garlic ice cream. Make sure you book a table.

Serving 101 shots of all different varieties, I was deceived by the charming bar maids chant â¬ÜHoney & Spice and all things niceâ¬", as I happily knocked back their signature spicy blood shot with a beer chaser (trust me the chaser is essential). If youâ¬"re lucky you and your crew will nab the candle lit alcove, a very private extension of the underground bar with a bare wooden table balancing on a coffin!

All puns aside this place is a dying breed, it has a history theyâ¬"re very proud of, and clearly stood the test of time.

Little Italy - by herb

herb — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:54:24 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 4737

Tags: italian, vegetarian dishes, terrace

after a couple of drinks in a bar nearby, we came to this restaurant to found out that they just dont have a good pasta, but a good pizza as well, good selection of salads, and a good service as well.after a couple of drinks in a bar nearby, we came to this restaurant to found out that they just dont have a good pasta, but a good pizza as well, good selection of salads, and a good service as well.

Bertorelli's - great food for a much as you want by herb

herb — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:05:24 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7494 3491

Website: http://www.chezgerard.com

Tags: italian, good value, lively

great place to be in, i have been a couple of times and place is a good for night out with friend good value for money and great for a date...nice

great place to be in, i have been a couple of times and place is a good for night out with friend good value for money and great for a date...nice

La Spiga - viva la bela pasta by herb

herb — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:01:07 +0000

Review by herb

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 3444

Tags: italian, crowded, good value

this is one of my best experiance i have had in soho great pasta with a great service.

this is one of my best experiance i have had in soho great pasta with a great service.

Viet - Better than the 'Pho' Chain by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:36:21 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7494 9888

Tags: vietnamese, cheap eat, crowded

After some rather naughty Tuesday night binge drinking, we decided to come here at around 10pm for some food. I have to say, a big factor was that it was BYOB.

Furnishings are very basic and lighting is stark. We chose a red curry, a green curry and a beef pho for myself, with some summer rolls nad banh xeo on the side.

The summer rolls were gorgeous; really fresh tasting and crunchy, definitely reminiscent of (our non-existent) summer as the name suggests. The beef pho I had was excellent. Tender slices of pink beef with a big bundle of rice noodles sat in a a fragrant broth accompanied by a plate of lime wedges, beansprouts, chillis and herbs. It was immensely satisfying.

I have to agree with other reviewers; the service wasn't exactly 'with a smile'. When our mains came, they brought out two bowls of pho, 2 green curries and a red; the extra pho we hadn't ordered. When we told the waitress this, she looked at us doubtfully and didn't seem to believe us until one of our party said "can you tell us why we would order 5 mains plus starters for a table of 4?"

All in all, a great cheap eat and nothing fancy. It definitely beat the insipid pho I had at the Great Titchfield Street branch of the Pho chain.After some rather naughty Tuesday night binge drinking, we decided to come here at around 10pm for some food. I have to say, a big factor was that it was BYOB.

Furnishings are very basic and lighting is stark. We chose a red curry, a green curry and a beef pho for myself, with some summer rolls nad banh xeo on the side.

The summer rolls were gorgeous; really fresh tasting and crunchy, definitely reminiscent of (our non-existent) summer as the name suggests. The beef pho I had was excellent. Tender slices of pink beef with a big bundle of rice noodles sat in a a fragrant broth accompanied by a plate of lime wedges, beansprouts, chillis and herbs. It was immensely satisfying.

I have to agree with other reviewers; the service wasn't exactly 'with a smile'. When our mains came, they brought out two bowls of pho, 2 green curries and a red; the extra pho we hadn't ordered. When we told the waitress this, she looked at us doubtfully and didn't seem to believe us until one of our party said "can you tell us why we would order 5 mains plus starters for a table of 4?"

All in all, a great cheap eat and nothing fancy. It definitely beat the insipid pho I had at the Great Titchfield Street branch of the Pho chain.

Haozhan - Hakkasan inspired Chinese Cuisine... by foodbymark

foodbymark — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:44:52 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 3838

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

Tags: chinese, lively, good value

It is a brave move for any restauranteur, in this case Jimmy Kong of New Fook Lam Moon, to open a new chinese restaurant in China town, and part of the attraction was former Hakkasan chef, Chee Loong Cheong, in the kitchen. Earlier in the day I came come across a review of Haozhan on Eat Like A Girl (Niamh from Trustedplaces).

The menu is not like that of an ordinary Chinese restaurant with much shorter list of tinges of Japanese, Taiwanese and Malay inspired Chinese dishes. I have to add that there are other inspired dishes such as Marmite prawns and baked silver cod with champagne and honey (very Hakkasan!).

Our dinner started with Curried Soft Shell Crab and Grilled Dumplings. Both delicious and presented well. Mains, served with perfectly steamed fragrant Thai rice were Sanpei Chicken, a clay pot dish of chicken cooked with three wines, and Haozhan Tofu, four silk-soft dessert tofu cubes with a purÃ©ed spinach top, carefully deep-fried topped with a firm sweet scallops garnished with fish roe - the contrast of texture and flavour of which are perfect. The meal was finished with Banana Kataifi and the Cream of Pumpkin. First being hard to eat and messy and the latter probably the most perfect way to finish the dinner if you must insist on having a dessert after a chinese meal.

I really like what Haozhan is doing. Clean, friendly and modern Chinese... in often unreliable China Town. The service is polite, prompt and friendly. Our waiters were eager to help. Just a touch over Â£46 for two appertisers, two mains, two dessert and tea for two plus tip.

This review is shortened version of the review which can be found on my blog with photos: http://foodbymark.blogspot.com/2008/10/haozhan-china-town-w1.htmlIt is a brave move for any restauranteur, in this case Jimmy Kong of New Fook Lam Moon, to open a new chinese restaurant in China town, and part of the attraction was former Hakkasan chef, Chee Loong Cheong, in the kitchen. Earlier in the day I came come across a review of Haozhan on Eat Like A Girl (Niamh from Trustedplaces).

The menu is not like that of an ordinary Chinese restaurant with much shorter list of tinges of Japanese, Taiwanese and Malay inspired Chinese dishes. I have to add that there are other inspired dishes such as Marmite prawns and baked silver cod with champagne and honey (very Hakkasan!).

Our dinner started with Curried Soft Shell Crab and Grilled Dumplings. Both delicious and presented well. Mains, served with perfectly steamed fragrant Thai rice were Sanpei Chicken, a clay pot dish of chicken cooked with three wines, and Haozhan Tofu, four silk-soft dessert tofu cubes with a purÃ©ed spinach top, carefully deep-fried topped with a firm sweet scallops garnished with fish roe - the contrast of texture and flavour of which are perfect. The meal was finished with Banana Kataifi and the Cream of Pumpkin. First being hard to eat and messy and the latter probably the most perfect way to finish the dinner if you must insist on having a dessert after a chinese meal.

I really like what Haozhan is doing. Clean, friendly and modern Chinese... in often unreliable China Town. The service is polite, prompt and friendly. Our waiters were eager to help. Just a touch over Â£46 for two appertisers, two mains, two dessert and tea for two plus tip.

This review is shortened version of the review which can be found on my blog with photos: http://foodbymark.blogspot.com/2008/10/haozhan-china-town-w1.html

Belgo Centraal - Oktoberfeast at Belgo by slagdog

slagdog — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:33:41 +0000

Review by slagdog

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7813 2233

Website: http://www.belgo-restaurants.com

Tags: lively, crowded, good value

Throughout October, the four Belgo restaurants - all in London - are celebrating Oktoberfeast with a food and beer matching menu. This is a great opportunity to sample the wonderful world of Belgian beer beyond the likes of Stella Artois.

We had the rich and smooth Chicken Terrine with raspberry beer chutney with a glass of DeKoninck, and asparagus with a Brugs white beer & chive sauce and the delicious Vedett Extra Blond beer.

For mains, the pork belly is to die for - must be the best crackling i've ever had - and it is paired with the unusual Rodenbach Grand Cru which is aged in wine casks to give it a delicious sour edge. Mussels are a speciality at Belgo, and the ones on this menu are steamed in beer - pure heaven for mussel lovers.

And puddings don't escape the beer matching magic - the the Leffe Ice Cream is a must, with its delicious syrup and praline.

This is a menu that will make you see (or should that be drink) beer in a whole new light...

Throughout October, the four Belgo restaurants - all in London - are celebrating Oktoberfeast with a food and beer matching menu. This is a great opportunity to sample the wonderful world of Belgian beer beyond the likes of Stella Artois.

We had the rich and smooth Chicken Terrine with raspberry beer chutney with a glass of DeKoninck, and asparagus with a Brugs white beer & chive sauce and the delicious Vedett Extra Blond beer.

For mains, the pork belly is to die for - must be the best crackling i've ever had - and it is paired with the unusual Rodenbach Grand Cru which is aged in wine casks to give it a delicious sour edge. Mussels are a speciality at Belgo, and the ones on this menu are steamed in beer - pure heaven for mussel lovers.

And puddings don't escape the beer matching magic - the the Leffe Ice Cream is a must, with its delicious syrup and praline.

This is a menu that will make you see (or should that be drink) beer in a whole new light...

Gay Hussar - Better than Buda by thamshere

thamshere — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:17:12 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 0973

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

Tags: romantic, good value, east european

The big problem with Hungary is that it just isn't very Hungarian any more. I challenge you to find good, solid, traditional Hungarian food within a mile of the center of Budapest. Sure, there's some excellent Italian grub to be had, and of course there are all those awful 'restaurants' along the tourist strip, but where oh where has all the *real* food gone?

To the Gay Hussar. That's where.

Unpretentious and unassuming. Rich, heavy and powerful. You're not going to need a dessert at the Gay Hussar

We came here after a play at the Soho Theatre, just around the corner. Arriving late we found the restaurant to have a fair few empty chairs, a surprise for a Friday night even at nine thirty. I guess the Hussar just isn't very hip.

Service was good. Attentive and helpful and the food came quickly. The restaurant is not large, so I don't imagine they would be over-taxed even with all seats taken.

The food is not fantastic and it is not stunning to look at. There are no diva-chefs prancing in the kitchen here. Still, it is good and there's a lot of it. You can expect to be well fed and experience a few flavours and combinations you might not find elsewhere.

Big hunks of meat attended by rich sauces and simple side-dishes are the name of the game. It's exactly what I wanted but could never find when I was in Hungary. Over there it's all street-cafes and rocket. What do they do in the winter, when the rocket's frozen and the streets are full of snow? I don't know, but I know I would prefer to be eating at the Gay Hussar.
The big problem with Hungary is that it just isn't very Hungarian any more. I challenge you to find good, solid, traditional Hungarian food within a mile of the center of Budapest. Sure, there's some excellent Italian grub to be had, and of course there are all those awful 'restaurants' along the tourist strip, but where oh where has all the *real* food gone?

To the Gay Hussar. That's where.

Unpretentious and unassuming. Rich, heavy and powerful. You're not going to need a dessert at the Gay Hussar

We came here after a play at the Soho Theatre, just around the corner. Arriving late we found the restaurant to have a fair few empty chairs, a surprise for a Friday night even at nine thirty. I guess the Hussar just isn't very hip.

Service was good. Attentive and helpful and the food came quickly. The restaurant is not large, so I don't imagine they would be over-taxed even with all seats taken.

The food is not fantastic and it is not stunning to look at. There are no diva-chefs prancing in the kitchen here. Still, it is good and there's a lot of it. You can expect to be well fed and experience a few flavours and combinations you might not find elsewhere.

Big hunks of meat attended by rich sauces and simple side-dishes are the name of the game. It's exactly what I wanted but could never find when I was in Hungary. Over there it's all street-cafes and rocket. What do they do in the winter, when the rocket's frozen and the streets are full of snow? I don't know, but I know I would prefer to be eating at the Gay Hussar.

Souk Medina - ok, not fantastic by curlynewf

curlynewf — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:14:58 +0000

Review by curlynewf

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7240 1796

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

Tags: good value, north african, moroccan

I wasn't all that impressed with the food here. Admittedly we didn't eat much, but what we did have didn't really whet my appetite for more. We had the mezze plate for two, grilled halloumi, calamari and a bottle of of Cuvee Du President (Moroccan red wine). We enjoyed the wine, but the halloumi was dry, the falafel was too hard and the calamari was too rubbery. The tabouleh wasn't bad and the pita was nice and warm but there was too much of it. We also ordered a bottle of sparkling water which arrived warm (when we asked for ice we were given a gigantic bowl of ice cubes with a spoon :-)) I'm pretty sure the tiny tables and low-lighting are meant to be part of the charm, but we sat at a *really* cramped table downstairs which was literally squished up against the next table, and it was so dimly lit that we could barely see the food on our plate. The wait staff was friendly though (and like amandaharrison our waitress spoke little English). But considering it was extremely busy and we'd no reservation the staff were all really attentive and accommodating. The belly dancer was good too - and it was pretty cheap! Considering the location, the vibrancy and the cost I might go again and try some other dishes. Maybe it was just an off-night.I wasn't all that impressed with the food here. Admittedly we didn't eat much, but what we did have didn't really whet my appetite for more. We had the mezze plate for two, grilled halloumi, calamari and a bottle of of Cuvee Du President (Moroccan red wine). We enjoyed the wine, but the halloumi was dry, the falafel was too hard and the calamari was too rubbery. The tabouleh wasn't bad and the pita was nice and warm but there was too much of it. We also ordered a bottle of sparkling water which arrived warm (when we asked for ice we were given a gigantic bowl of ice cubes with a spoon :-)) I'm pretty sure the tiny tables and low-lighting are meant to be part of the charm, but we sat at a *really* cramped table downstairs which was literally squished up against the next table, and it was so dimly lit that we could barely see the food on our plate. The wait staff was friendly though (and like amandaharrison our waitress spoke little English). But considering it was extremely busy and we'd no reservation the staff were all really attentive and accommodating. The belly dancer was good too - and it was pretty cheap! Considering the location, the vibrancy and the cost I might go again and try some other dishes. Maybe it was just an off-night.

Giaconda Dining Room - Sydney's loss is London's gain. by bellaphon

bellaphon — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:59:49 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 3334

Tags: french, good value, british

Most of what I want to say about this place has already been said on the well-judged and well-conceived reviews from the triumvirate of Sue, Gastro1 and Chrisp.

Just as well I booked for lunch, the dining room was already packed with business lunchers and arty luvvies by the time we turned up at 1pm. The service is akin to travelling First Class on Qantas (Iâ¬"m only assuming please), efficient and to the point but boy did I start to wonder whatâ¬"s going to be like during dinner instead. My signature starter of Crisped Pigs Trotters and Eggs Mayonnaise was perfectly balanced and delicately unctuous; I might request this as a mains option on my next visit. My dining companionâ¬"s Shellfish Bisque was unfortunately a little under-salted, personally I think this couldâ¬"ve been remedied with the addition of some grated GruyÃ¨re. For the main course I decided to go "off-piste", as everyone else in the room seemed to opt for either the Roast Salmon or Grilled Sirloin; my delicious Tripe Braised with Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Butter Beans was basically grown up baked beans for the discerning palate. The companionâ¬"s Duck Confit and Roast Potatoes was pretty much epic in proportions, it took him forever to finish the plate up (obviously good enough as a dish as he has a habit of leaving most of his food half-finished). We ended up the meal with a shared pudding of Poached Peach and Eton Mess; this was the star dish of the meal for me at The GDR for it was so fruity, crunchy and sensibly creamy, it was the perfect end to a delicious and good value meal.

The location is great, one can now rid of the lunch excesses by window shopping around the guitar stores on the same street or admiring that fine carbuncle nearby otherwise known as the Centre Point tower.
Most of what I want to say about this place has already been said on the well-judged and well-conceived reviews from the triumvirate of Sue, Gastro1 and Chrisp.

Just as well I booked for lunch, the dining room was already packed with business lunchers and arty luvvies by the time we turned up at 1pm. The service is akin to travelling First Class on Qantas (Iâ¬"m only assuming please), efficient and to the point but boy did I start to wonder whatâ¬"s going to be like during dinner instead. My signature starter of Crisped Pigs Trotters and Eggs Mayonnaise was perfectly balanced and delicately unctuous; I might request this as a mains option on my next visit. My dining companionâ¬"s Shellfish Bisque was unfortunately a little under-salted, personally I think this couldâ¬"ve been remedied with the addition of some grated GruyÃ¨re. For the main course I decided to go "off-piste", as everyone else in the room seemed to opt for either the Roast Salmon or Grilled Sirloin; my delicious Tripe Braised with Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Butter Beans was basically grown up baked beans for the discerning palate. The companionâ¬"s Duck Confit and Roast Potatoes was pretty much epic in proportions, it took him forever to finish the plate up (obviously good enough as a dish as he has a habit of leaving most of his food half-finished). We ended up the meal with a shared pudding of Poached Peach and Eton Mess; this was the star dish of the meal for me at The GDR for it was so fruity, crunchy and sensibly creamy, it was the perfect end to a delicious and good value meal.

The location is great, one can now rid of the lunch excesses by window shopping around the guitar stores on the same street or admiring that fine carbuncle nearby otherwise known as the Centre Point tower.

Taro Japanese Restaurant - "Fast" Food by foodbymark

foodbymark — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:46:50 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 2275

Tags: japanese, takeaway, good value

This Taro is conveniently tucked away just off Charing Cross on Old Compton Road. It is the second of three restaurants with the original just nearby. The ground flood serves as the kitchens where you can see the team of busy chefs working away. With a single set of stairs leading down to the basement you arrive at the restaurant which has a very open layout with wooden tables and benches along the walls and tables and chairs dotted around the middle and towards the back.

We ordered the Toro Rolls (4 pieces), Gyoza (5 fried pieces), 2 portions of Beef Teriyaki, 2 cups of green tea and glasses of tap water. Our friendly waiter hurried back with our drinks almost immediately and within a couple of minutes the Toro Rolls arrived. Almost melt in mouth, the fatty tuna rolls were a perfect light start. Almost immediately our Gyoza arrived, fresh and light with a crispy underside and not drenched in oil. Again, perfectly timed for out "fast" food dinner, the beef teriyaki arrived. Thinly grilled strips of steak, sliced and placed on top of steamed rice and a small amount of fried vegetables. A medley of julienned carrots, cabbage, onions and bean sprouts. The beef was succulent and although stated on the menu as being medium done, the medium rare result in mine was perfect.

An early evening meal for two, the restaurant wasn't too busy and there never seems to be many tourist there, if any at all. Â£29 including service at 10% is just right.
This Taro is conveniently tucked away just off Charing Cross on Old Compton Road. It is the second of three restaurants with the original just nearby. The ground flood serves as the kitchens where you can see the team of busy chefs working away. With a single set of stairs leading down to the basement you arrive at the restaurant which has a very open layout with wooden tables and benches along the walls and tables and chairs dotted around the middle and towards the back.

We ordered the Toro Rolls (4 pieces), Gyoza (5 fried pieces), 2 portions of Beef Teriyaki, 2 cups of green tea and glasses of tap water. Our friendly waiter hurried back with our drinks almost immediately and within a couple of minutes the Toro Rolls arrived. Almost melt in mouth, the fatty tuna rolls were a perfect light start. Almost immediately our Gyoza arrived, fresh and light with a crispy underside and not drenched in oil. Again, perfectly timed for out "fast" food dinner, the beef teriyaki arrived. Thinly grilled strips of steak, sliced and placed on top of steamed rice and a small amount of fried vegetables. A medley of julienned carrots, cabbage, onions and bean sprouts. The beef was succulent and although stated on the menu as being medium done, the medium rare result in mine was perfect.

An early evening meal for two, the restaurant wasn't too busy and there never seems to be many tourist there, if any at all. Â£29 including service at 10% is just right.

Food For Thought - A London institution! by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:09:09 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 0239

Tags: vegetarian, crowded, good value

As one of the other reviewers has noted, Food for Thought is a London institution! From the outside it is a tiny restaurant in Neal Street, but the whole basement is in use. Traditionally, you queue upstairs to take food away, and queue down the stairs (and the queue at lunchtimes always reaches down the length of the stairs and along the street) to eat at the benches or on cushions downstairs.

This is a vegetarianâ¬"s paradise (they serve only veggie food), but is also a delicious experience for meat eaters. Every day there are 2 or 3 different soups, 3 main meals, and a salad, plus 2 or 3 scrummy desserts. The menu changes each day. You can have anything you like for less than Â£5, but plan to spend more if it is your first visit, go when you are hungry and try a dessert as well!

As one of the other reviewers has noted, Food for Thought is a London institution! From the outside it is a tiny restaurant in Neal Street, but the whole basement is in use. Traditionally, you queue upstairs to take food away, and queue down the stairs (and the queue at lunchtimes always reaches down the length of the stairs and along the street) to eat at the benches or on cushions downstairs.

This is a vegetarianâ¬"s paradise (they serve only veggie food), but is also a delicious experience for meat eaters. Every day there are 2 or 3 different soups, 3 main meals, and a salad, plus 2 or 3 scrummy desserts. The menu changes each day. You can have anything you like for less than Â£5, but plan to spend more if it is your first visit, go when you are hungry and try a dessert as well!

Randall & Aubin - They can be a bit Shellfish at times by MrB

MrB — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:31:45 +0000

Review by MrB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 4447

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

Tags: seafood, lively, french

I have dined here four times and on each occasion I have consumed, taken pleasure, and been impressed by the plate of food in front of me. The Lobster is wonderful, the date cake pudding is superb. Even the bread and olive appetiser (that appears free, until the cheque arrives) excites the tongue and increase the expectation of what is to come. The real bug-bear that I have with this place is the service level. The staff, mostly male, seem more concerned with their ability to look gorgeous around the proliferation of female clientele than they do with making sure our dishes arrive at the same time, and that we are happy with the food. It becomes a bit annoying that you have to have a pair of extended breasts to get attention from some of them, or a hugely inflated groin to attract the others. Please guys, leave that attitude at the door and get on with serving and attending to the customer. Service is added to the bill, and I have yet to pay this charge, as I have never once felt they had earned the 12% â¬Üdiscretionaryâ¬" payment.
The food is good though, but it is let down by the preening, narcissistic dunder-heeds who bring it to your table.
I have dined here four times and on each occasion I have consumed, taken pleasure, and been impressed by the plate of food in front of me. The Lobster is wonderful, the date cake pudding is superb. Even the bread and olive appetiser (that appears free, until the cheque arrives) excites the tongue and increase the expectation of what is to come. The real bug-bear that I have with this place is the service level. The staff, mostly male, seem more concerned with their ability to look gorgeous around the proliferation of female clientele than they do with making sure our dishes arrive at the same time, and that we are happy with the food. It becomes a bit annoying that you have to have a pair of extended breasts to get attention from some of them, or a hugely inflated groin to attract the others. Please guys, leave that attitude at the door and get on with serving and attending to the customer. Service is added to the bill, and I have yet to pay this charge, as I have never once felt they had earned the 12% â¬Üdiscretionaryâ¬" payment.
The food is good though, but it is let down by the preening, narcissistic dunder-heeds who bring it to your table.

The Polo - First time Korean by foodbymark

foodbymark — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:12:23 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 3781

Tags: korean, takeaway, cheap eat

I had never knowingly eaten Korean food before and the idea of eating here had been sprung upon me as a last minute Friday pre drinking idea by my assistant. They were not fussy but did prefer to go to The Polo and I had a read a great review of The Polo on the Londonelicious blog. Not having eaten Korean before appealed to me... it was going to be impossible to be objective about it!

There were six of us and the tiny restaurant with probably less space than for 40 covers manages to squeeze us around one of the few tables. My girlfriend and I had to sit at the end on stools. Very cosy in terms of space. In the middle of the table is a built in burner with some hidden buttons and knobs. Looking around at the other, Korean diners, it seems that they don't use and opt for the standard tabletop rectangular white burners. I saw that they used them for shared dishes and pots and perhaps in a similar way to South East Asian steamboat and communal/at the table cooking and eating.

All of us ordered various dishes based around in a searing hot stoneware bowl. I chose the seafood version and it arrived within 5 minutes with a small condiment bowl of red sauce - a sort of red soya bean and mild chilli blend. There was slices of squid, four prawns neatly arranged on top and probably some other fish/seafood but it was actually a bit too dark to see. Without any prior knowledge, and the bowl obviously superheating everything, we started to make our own fried rice at the table in our bowls. Only after eating the egg yolk in whole did I realise that perhaps I was supposed to break it like in fried rice... better luck next time hey?

The overall experience was fun and certainly a cheap eat. If you were to order this dish and a bottle of delicious plum wine, you would end up paying around Â£13... and for just the dish Â£6.50. Obviously popular with Korean couples waiting patiently in queue I am looking forward to going back some time. Fun and cheap!I had never knowingly eaten Korean food before and the idea of eating here had been sprung upon me as a last minute Friday pre drinking idea by my assistant. They were not fussy but did prefer to go to The Polo and I had a read a great review of The Polo on the Londonelicious blog. Not having eaten Korean before appealed to me... it was going to be impossible to be objective about it!

There were six of us and the tiny restaurant with probably less space than for 40 covers manages to squeeze us around one of the few tables. My girlfriend and I had to sit at the end on stools. Very cosy in terms of space. In the middle of the table is a built in burner with some hidden buttons and knobs. Looking around at the other, Korean diners, it seems that they don't use and opt for the standard tabletop rectangular white burners. I saw that they used them for shared dishes and pots and perhaps in a similar way to South East Asian steamboat and communal/at the table cooking and eating.

All of us ordered various dishes based around in a searing hot stoneware bowl. I chose the seafood version and it arrived within 5 minutes with a small condiment bowl of red sauce - a sort of red soya bean and mild chilli blend. There was slices of squid, four prawns neatly arranged on top and probably some other fish/seafood but it was actually a bit too dark to see. Without any prior knowledge, and the bowl obviously superheating everything, we started to make our own fried rice at the table in our bowls. Only after eating the egg yolk in whole did I realise that perhaps I was supposed to break it like in fried rice... better luck next time hey?

The overall experience was fun and certainly a cheap eat. If you were to order this dish and a bottle of delicious plum wine, you would end up paying around Â£13... and for just the dish Â£6.50. Obviously popular with Korean couples waiting patiently in queue I am looking forward to going back some time. Fun and cheap!

Malabar Junction - Decent food, disappointing portions by Litro_K

Litro_K — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:09:21 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7580 5230

Tags: indian, south indian, takeaway

We came here for a work lunch and booked in advance for a table of seven. (I found out about the restaurant from the TasteLondon website, and wanted to use my card there.) There wasn't any need to book at all, because the restaurant was empty, bar three other tables. In such a large room, this was a little disconcerting, but the room is bright and pleasantly old-fashioned, with a glass conservatory roof, and it was quite nice to be able to hear one another well at such a big table.

It has to be said, the staff were not overly friendly, and asked me for both my tastelondon card and some ID (!) up front. After taking our orders, we were left alone for quite a while to wait for drinks. We decided to order poppadums, which were wonderfully light and golden, and the assorted dips were also excellent.

Food arrived maybe 20 minutes later, and portions were small. It was enough for a lunch, but would be disappointing for a dinner. It has to be said, however, that the food was great, if a little pricey for the portion size. Keralan fish curry was voted the tastiest dish around our table, but coconut rice and vegetarian chickpea curry came a close second and third.

I would come again, but would definitely use the tastelondon card to get two meals for the price of one. The dining room and the service could do with a little update, but the food cannot really be faulted.
We came here for a work lunch and booked in advance for a table of seven. (I found out about the restaurant from the TasteLondon website, and wanted to use my card there.) There wasn't any need to book at all, because the restaurant was empty, bar three other tables. In such a large room, this was a little disconcerting, but the room is bright and pleasantly old-fashioned, with a glass conservatory roof, and it was quite nice to be able to hear one another well at such a big table.

It has to be said, the staff were not overly friendly, and asked me for both my tastelondon card and some ID (!) up front. After taking our orders, we were left alone for quite a while to wait for drinks. We decided to order poppadums, which were wonderfully light and golden, and the assorted dips were also excellent.

Food arrived maybe 20 minutes later, and portions were small. It was enough for a lunch, but would be disappointing for a dinner. It has to be said, however, that the food was great, if a little pricey for the portion size. Keralan fish curry was voted the tastiest dish around our table, but coconut rice and vegetarian chickpea curry came a close second and third.

I would come again, but would definitely use the tastelondon card to get two meals for the price of one. The dining room and the service could do with a little update, but the food cannot really be faulted.

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

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

Review by mvk0016

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7299 7900

Website: http://www.busaba.com

Tags: thai, lively, crowded

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

La Torre - strong Italian coffee by Alsation

Alsation — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:26:35 +0000

Review by Alsation

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 6069

Tags: italian, cheap eat, good value

Not a wild & wonderful place for a meal, but excellent for a morning or lunch time snack.
Sitting at the tables and chairs outside is a brilliant experience, as there is a large, natural canopy over, formed by the block of flats. This keeps you dry and sheltered in most weathers and saves having to sit in the small, stuffy shop itself.
The Italian owner is always there himself and has built up a good reputation locally. He tends to stock up on lovely Panetone and most of these are moist, fruity and yeasty.
Combine this with the strong, yet smooth coffee and the generous size cups and you have a wonderful excuse for recharging your batteries.
La Torre is just around the corner from the Oasis swimming pool (it backs onto the pool). There is no better place to let your hair dry after an invigorating swim, especially on a sunny spring morning. Bliss!
Not a wild & wonderful place for a meal, but excellent for a morning or lunch time snack.
Sitting at the tables and chairs outside is a brilliant experience, as there is a large, natural canopy over, formed by the block of flats. This keeps you dry and sheltered in most weathers and saves having to sit in the small, stuffy shop itself.
The Italian owner is always there himself and has built up a good reputation locally. He tends to stock up on lovely Panetone and most of these are moist, fruity and yeasty.
Combine this with the strong, yet smooth coffee and the generous size cups and you have a wonderful excuse for recharging your batteries.
La Torre is just around the corner from the Oasis swimming pool (it backs onto the pool). There is no better place to let your hair dry after an invigorating swim, especially on a sunny spring morning. Bliss!

The Rock & Sole Plaice - Al fresco chippie by Alsation

Alsation — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:20:24 +0000

Review by Alsation

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7836 3785

Tags: cheap eat, british, lively

Imagine cheap outdoor light, lots of them, with row upon row of benches and tables. Then, once youâ¬"re seated and look up, your mouth drops open in unbelief. Between the trees and the tacky lights is a huge shark, strung up from its nose to its tail fin.
Unfortunately, these occasions are rare, as the elderly Cypriot has handed over to his son, who seems less inclined to do something bold and imaginative.
There is plenty of space inside, but the big attraction of the Rock & Sole Plaice is the outdoor seating. Some of the seats are uncomfortably close to the endless row of taxis speeding down this narrow street, but generally speaking you can find a better or quieter place to sit.
One of the more annoying â¬Ütreatsâ¬" is the troupe of street musicians that tours the surrounding area. They are quite pushy and must be making a small fortune on a warm summerâ¬"s evening!
The fish is generally fresh and well cooked. The chips are big and chunky and tend to be cut on the premises by one of Ishmaelâ¬"s many assistants.
This is a great, traditional chippie in an unlikely location. Go and touch that sharkâ¬"s skin â¬ it feels amazing!
Imagine cheap outdoor light, lots of them, with row upon row of benches and tables. Then, once youâ¬"re seated and look up, your mouth drops open in unbelief. Between the trees and the tacky lights is a huge shark, strung up from its nose to its tail fin.
Unfortunately, these occasions are rare, as the elderly Cypriot has handed over to his son, who seems less inclined to do something bold and imaginative.
There is plenty of space inside, but the big attraction of the Rock & Sole Plaice is the outdoor seating. Some of the seats are uncomfortably close to the endless row of taxis speeding down this narrow street, but generally speaking you can find a better or quieter place to sit.
One of the more annoying â¬Ütreatsâ¬" is the troupe of street musicians that tours the surrounding area. They are quite pushy and must be making a small fortune on a warm summerâ¬"s evening!
The fish is generally fresh and well cooked. The chips are big and chunky and tend to be cut on the premises by one of Ishmaelâ¬"s many assistants.
This is a great, traditional chippie in an unlikely location. Go and touch that sharkâ¬"s skin â¬ it feels amazing!

Itsu - Great place to detour to while shopping by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:29:50 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7479 4794

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

Tags: lively, japanese, bar

One of my favourite places to escape from the bustle of Oxford Street! Itsu is a sushi â¬Üconveyor beltâ¬" restaurant but I like it much better than some other chains like Yo! Sushi. The food here is always extremely fresh and well prepared and with a good variety. Itâ¬"s not the most authentic Japanese food (California rolls, chocolate mousse for dessert etc) but good for all that - and of course very healthy.

Just a note to a reviewer before me â¬ this is NOT the restaurant where Litvinenko was irradiated, that was the tiny Itsu joint on Piccadilly. This one is officially polonium-free :-)
One of my favourite places to escape from the bustle of Oxford Street! Itsu is a sushi â¬Üconveyor beltâ¬" restaurant but I like it much better than some other chains like Yo! Sushi. The food here is always extremely fresh and well prepared and with a good variety. Itâ¬"s not the most authentic Japanese food (California rolls, chocolate mousse for dessert etc) but good for all that - and of course very healthy.

Just a note to a reviewer before me â¬ this is NOT the restaurant where Litvinenko was irradiated, that was the tiny Itsu joint on Piccadilly. This one is officially polonium-free :-)