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

Simpsons-in-the-Strand - Old English Elegance by StarCrossd

StarCrossd — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:53:56 +0000

Review by StarCrossd

Rating: 5.00

Tags: breakfast, entertainment, business

Simpsons is one of the oldest eating establishments in London, having formally been a club in which to play chess and eat in the 1828. Many of these original historical pieces are on display, with the original booths (where members would play) still used as seating and roast meats wheeled to the tables in original silver serving trolleys to be carved.
The restaurant is now owned and run by the Savoy group (the hotel is just down the road) which is usually a byword for luxury, and Simpsons does not disappoint. The food and wine selection is excellent and very much traditional English offerings â¬ even to the point that there is no â¬ÜMenuâ¬"; instead a â¬ÜBill of Fayreâ¬" and CrÃ¨me Brulee is given its proper name of â¬ÜBurnt Cambridge Creamâ¬". Simpsons certainly isnâ¬"t cheap however, (Â£130ish for 3 courses with wine for 2) but it is definitely worth it for a special occasion, or every day if someone else is paying.
Simpsons is one of the oldest eating establishments in London, having formally been a club in which to play chess and eat in the 1828. Many of these original historical pieces are on display, with the original booths (where members would play) still used as seating and roast meats wheeled to the tables in original silver serving trolleys to be carved.
The restaurant is now owned and run by the Savoy group (the hotel is just down the road) which is usually a byword for luxury, and Simpsons does not disappoint. The food and wine selection is excellent and very much traditional English offerings â¬ even to the point that there is no â¬ÜMenuâ¬"; instead a â¬ÜBill of Fayreâ¬" and CrÃ¨me Brulee is given its proper name of â¬ÜBurnt Cambridge Creamâ¬". Simpsons certainly isnâ¬"t cheap however, (Â£130ish for 3 courses with wine for 2) but it is definitely worth it for a special occasion, or every day if someone else is paying.

Piccolo Diavolo - very average by doctorc

doctorc — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:22:07 +0000

Review by doctorc

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 1024

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

Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value

read the previous reviews so thought this would be good. Starters of garlic pizza bread and Tuna salad were ok.they didn't do children's meals which for a supposed"family Restaurant" is a little disappointing.

my wife had veal for main which was ok but very basic with no vegetables at all. I ordered Mushroom Risotto which was very overcooked and very bland. I think it had been cooked at 12pm and waiting for me to order it at 1345.....Pizza my daughter had was good although too big as they didn't do children's meals...

All in all very disappointing.read the previous reviews so thought this would be good. Starters of garlic pizza bread and Tuna salad were ok.they didn't do children's meals which for a supposed"family Restaurant" is a little disappointing.

my wife had veal for main which was ok but very basic with no vegetables at all. I ordered Mushroom Risotto which was very overcooked and very bland. I think it had been cooked at 12pm and waiting for me to order it at 1345.....Pizza my daughter had was good although too big as they didn't do children's meals...

All in all very disappointing.

Abeno Too - AbenOrdinary by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:53:06 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7376 1160

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

Tags: japanese, crowded, expensive

Abeno Too is an 'Okonomi-yaki' restaurant. I have no idea of the literal translation of this phrase, but as far as I can make out from my lunch there on Saturday afternoon, it's probably something like "egg and rice patties, cooked on a hot plate in front of you". Which isn't quite as catchy as 'Okonomi-yaki', so I can see why they've gone with the Japanese.

Apparently these kind of gaffs are all the rage over in Japan, and it certainly felt very authentic with the all-Japanese waiting staff and wooden bench seating. As for the food itself, well, maybe I'm missing something. I got the impression it was a twisted Japanese take on American food, in much the same way we consider Chicken Tikka Masala to be Indian. I ordered a Pork (actually bacon) Deluxe and a vegetable noodle omelette thingy, the omelette thingy arriving first and rather disappointingly already cooked from an extra hidden kitchen out the back somewhere. It was dressed with what was billed as "Japanese brown sauce and Japanese mayonnaise", but which tasted for all the world like Heinz and Helman's. It tasted pretty much like you'd expect - noodles and vegetables, wrapped in egg.

The Okonomi-yaki patty itself was, thankfully, cooked with a bit more theatre. The ingredients arrived raw in a metal bowl, with a whole egg yolk perched proudly on top. Our waiter then unceremoniously mashed up everything together vigorously and poured the mixture onto the hot plate. Once ready, we split up the patty with our little paint scraper tools into bitesize portions and wolfed it down. It tasted, again, rather like you'd expect fried egg and rice with bacon to taste - "familiar" I think is the word. In fact, it's probably true to say that were it not for the extra excitement of seeing your food prepared in front of you, the cuisine at Abeno would be considered too dull to be worthy of a prime location in the centre of our nations capital. I can perhaps see how this kind of thing would work in Japan, where the fusion of European and Japanese ingredients may seem exotic and different, but when I saw the contents of the metal bowl being mashed up and dropped onto the heat all I could think was "I could have done this myself, at home, and it would have cost about 50p".

But then again, maybe I'm missing something.Abeno Too is an 'Okonomi-yaki' restaurant. I have no idea of the literal translation of this phrase, but as far as I can make out from my lunch there on Saturday afternoon, it's probably something like "egg and rice patties, cooked on a hot plate in front of you". Which isn't quite as catchy as 'Okonomi-yaki', so I can see why they've gone with the Japanese.

Apparently these kind of gaffs are all the rage over in Japan, and it certainly felt very authentic with the all-Japanese waiting staff and wooden bench seating. As for the food itself, well, maybe I'm missing something. I got the impression it was a twisted Japanese take on American food, in much the same way we consider Chicken Tikka Masala to be Indian. I ordered a Pork (actually bacon) Deluxe and a vegetable noodle omelette thingy, the omelette thingy arriving first and rather disappointingly already cooked from an extra hidden kitchen out the back somewhere. It was dressed with what was billed as "Japanese brown sauce and Japanese mayonnaise", but which tasted for all the world like Heinz and Helman's. It tasted pretty much like you'd expect - noodles and vegetables, wrapped in egg.

The Okonomi-yaki patty itself was, thankfully, cooked with a bit more theatre. The ingredients arrived raw in a metal bowl, with a whole egg yolk perched proudly on top. Our waiter then unceremoniously mashed up everything together vigorously and poured the mixture onto the hot plate. Once ready, we split up the patty with our little paint scraper tools into bitesize portions and wolfed it down. It tasted, again, rather like you'd expect fried egg and rice with bacon to taste - "familiar" I think is the word. In fact, it's probably true to say that were it not for the extra excitement of seeing your food prepared in front of you, the cuisine at Abeno would be considered too dull to be worthy of a prime location in the centre of our nations capital. I can perhaps see how this kind of thing would work in Japan, where the fusion of European and Japanese ingredients may seem exotic and different, but when I saw the contents of the metal bowl being mashed up and dropped onto the heat all I could think was "I could have done this myself, at home, and it would have cost about 50p".

But then again, maybe I'm missing something.

Kettners - Soho stalwart by Fortess

Fortess — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:57:57 +0000

Review by Fortess

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 6112

Website: http://www.kettners.com/

Tags: good value, lively, romantic

When I saw that the boards had been cleared and Kettners was open again, I thought I'd give it a go. I had a meeting in Soho, and afterwards, popped in to try out the new menu. I only had the french onion soup, but it was delicious. I resisted a glass of red wine as it was early afternoon, but I will come back with friends. The staff were really friendly and I was made to feel welcome on my own. Perfect for a pit stop before the Curzon Soho.

When I saw that the boards had been cleared and Kettners was open again, I thought I'd give it a go. I had a meeting in Soho, and afterwards, popped in to try out the new menu. I only had the french onion soup, but it was delicious. I resisted a glass of red wine as it was early afternoon, but I will come back with friends. The staff were really friendly and I was made to feel welcome on my own. Perfect for a pit stop before the Curzon Soho.

Quo Vadis - Behind the coloured glass by Fortess

Fortess — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:11:34 +0000

Review by Fortess

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 9585

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

Tags: expensive, british, pretentious

Having worked in Soho, I'd often tried peer through the coloured glass. I'm big Barrafino fan, and wanted to try out another from Sam and Eddie Hart and with theatre tickets booked, an opportunity to grab a bite from the pre-theatre menu (Â£16.95 for 2 courses). I'd read how beautiful the building was but my hopes were very much dampened when faced with dreary furniture.

The staff were friendly and attentive. We looked at the set menu, then went for small plates from the starters. Our side of salsify was too salty. The menu read well, and I am sure they do it well, but the restaurant was all taupe and tame, so I'll stick to looking through the glass, and to Barrafino.Having worked in Soho, I'd often tried peer through the coloured glass. I'm big Barrafino fan, and wanted to try out another from Sam and Eddie Hart and with theatre tickets booked, an opportunity to grab a bite from the pre-theatre menu (Â£16.95 for 2 courses). I'd read how beautiful the building was but my hopes were very much dampened when faced with dreary furniture.

The staff were friendly and attentive. We looked at the set menu, then went for small plates from the starters. Our side of salsify was too salty. The menu read well, and I am sure they do it well, but the restaurant was all taupe and tame, so I'll stick to looking through the glass, and to Barrafino.

World Food Cafe - by Niamheen

Niamheen — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:46:10 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7379 0298

Website: http://www.worldfoodcafe.com

Tags: vegetarian, airy, quick bite

I love the World Food Cafe. Tucked away in Neal's Yard above Neal's Yard remedies and in the former Monty Python studio, it's a gorgeous space, with high ceilings and big windows. Seating is at a counter surrounding the open kitchen or at one of a few large communal tables next to the windows.

The food is vegetarian and mighty fine it is too. As you'd expect from the name, it's of an international nature. Prices are reasonable and portions large.

The opening hours are funny, 11.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri and 11.30am-5pm Sat, which means that, as I don't work nearby I can only go on a Saturday if I'm in town. I wish it were open later as it's such a lovely spot to catch up with friends but I feel I rarely get the opportunity to.I love the World Food Cafe. Tucked away in Neal's Yard above Neal's Yard remedies and in the former Monty Python studio, it's a gorgeous space, with high ceilings and big windows. Seating is at a counter surrounding the open kitchen or at one of a few large communal tables next to the windows.

The food is vegetarian and mighty fine it is too. As you'd expect from the name, it's of an international nature. Prices are reasonable and portions large.

The opening hours are funny, 11.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri and 11.30am-5pm Sat, which means that, as I don't work nearby I can only go on a Saturday if I'm in town. I wish it were open later as it's such a lovely spot to catch up with friends but I feel I rarely get the opportunity to.

Malaysia Kopi Tiam - Authentic yummy Malaysian hawker food! by samantha_tan

samantha_tan — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:53:01 +0000

Review by samantha_tan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 7881

Tags: lively, thai, malaysian

Malaysia Kopi Tiam has opened and shut down in several different locations over the years, but I'm glad to say it has now reopened on Charing Cross Road and is dishing up amazing authentic food up to the standards of critical Malaysians like myself! :)

Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng and handmade Hakka Mee are all gorgeous and come very highly recommended. I have also been told by friends that the Bak Kut Teh, Hokkien Mee and Cantonese Style Hor Fun are good too, and from what I've seen on nearby tables they certainly look the part!

One thing I would say to avoid is the Prawn Mee, which is far too clear and bland (the manager actually agreed when I mentioned this to him, saying they are unable to get enough prawn shells to make the soup rich and thick enough!). Also the Curry Mee was not really to my personal taste (I prefer it more liquid and with steamed shredded chicken, not actual Curry Chicken portions).

At the moment desserts are limited (only ice kacang) but I've been told they will expand it in future. In any case I am happy enough that grass jelly ("cincau" or "leong fun" in Chinese) is on the drinks menu.

At about Â£5.50 per dish, it's definitely a place for cheap authentic robust Malaysian food to satisfy those cravings!Malaysia Kopi Tiam has opened and shut down in several different locations over the years, but I'm glad to say it has now reopened on Charing Cross Road and is dishing up amazing authentic food up to the standards of critical Malaysians like myself! :)

Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng and handmade Hakka Mee are all gorgeous and come very highly recommended. I have also been told by friends that the Bak Kut Teh, Hokkien Mee and Cantonese Style Hor Fun are good too, and from what I've seen on nearby tables they certainly look the part!

One thing I would say to avoid is the Prawn Mee, which is far too clear and bland (the manager actually agreed when I mentioned this to him, saying they are unable to get enough prawn shells to make the soup rich and thick enough!). Also the Curry Mee was not really to my personal taste (I prefer it more liquid and with steamed shredded chicken, not actual Curry Chicken portions).

At the moment desserts are limited (only ice kacang) but I've been told they will expand it in future. In any case I am happy enough that grass jelly ("cincau" or "leong fun" in Chinese) is on the drinks menu.

At about Â£5.50 per dish, it's definitely a place for cheap authentic robust Malaysian food to satisfy those cravings!

Salvador & Amanda - Dull by martinsmac

martinsmac — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:45:53 +0000

Review by martinsmac

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7240 1551

Website: http://www.salvadorandamanda.com/

Tags: lively, dancing, spanish

Dull food, with the taste of cheap ingredients. The Bravas was a thin tomato sauce with nothing brave about it.

There are so many better Tapas bars in London. This is probably great for groups to drink large amounts of Sangria, but is not recommended for anyone who thinks a Spanish restaurant should serve Manchego rather than unspecified 'cheese.'Dull food, with the taste of cheap ingredients. The Bravas was a thin tomato sauce with nothing brave about it.

There are so many better Tapas bars in London. This is probably great for groups to drink large amounts of Sangria, but is not recommended for anyone who thinks a Spanish restaurant should serve Manchego rather than unspecified 'cheese.'

Italian Kitchen - Popular Italian - classic dishes at good prices by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:33:40 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7836 1011

Tags: italian, quick bite, crowded

The Italian Kitchen is popular. How do I know? Just pass by around 7pm and onward, any night, and you are likely to find people queuing. Best to book in advance like I did and breeze past all those queuers to your seat!

It's a relatively small space and they squeeze quite a lot of tables in. Therefore, it can be a little loud and, due to the line at the door, the service can appear to be rushing you a little for your order.

However, these are mere testaments to the Italian Kitchen's popularity. The service is still friendly, even if overtly busy. The food delivers - nothing out of the ordinary, but all the staples done well - and both pizzas and the pastas are good bets.

I think what makes this place so popular is the prices mixed with the generously portioned and tasty food... clearly a winning combination, especially in this neck of the woods. So the queue out the door is not because the food is just so incredible (you won't leave thinking it was the absolute best italian ever - but you also won't leave feeling disappointed)... I think it's because the food is good, especially for the price!

Italian Kitchen is a great one to know about if you are in this area... but book in advance or you might find yourself in a 30 minute queue.The Italian Kitchen is popular. How do I know? Just pass by around 7pm and onward, any night, and you are likely to find people queuing. Best to book in advance like I did and breeze past all those queuers to your seat!

It's a relatively small space and they squeeze quite a lot of tables in. Therefore, it can be a little loud and, due to the line at the door, the service can appear to be rushing you a little for your order.

However, these are mere testaments to the Italian Kitchen's popularity. The service is still friendly, even if overtly busy. The food delivers - nothing out of the ordinary, but all the staples done well - and both pizzas and the pastas are good bets.

I think what makes this place so popular is the prices mixed with the generously portioned and tasty food... clearly a winning combination, especially in this neck of the woods. So the queue out the door is not because the food is just so incredible (you won't leave thinking it was the absolute best italian ever - but you also won't leave feeling disappointed)... I think it's because the food is good, especially for the price!

Italian Kitchen is a great one to know about if you are in this area... but book in advance or you might find yourself in a 30 minute queue.

The Rock & Sole Plaice - Battered by KateGreat

KateGreat — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:07:23 +0000

Review by KateGreat

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 3785

Tags: cheap eat, british, lively

I went in for a take away full of hope and came away disappointed. Maybe they were having a bad fry day.

The chips are an old shape- not the original chunky fish and chip shop variety that my local Chinese Take Away manages to perfect, not sure if it's the oil, potato or shape, somehow they rendered the chips inedible.

The batter is soggy and oily. I didn't enjoy the meal.

If you are after good fish and chips look else where, it's fair to say that there aren't many around central London, however just a few minutes walk away on Theobald Road is the best one for miles around, and it offers better value for money and atmosphere.
I went in for a take away full of hope and came away disappointed. Maybe they were having a bad fry day.

The chips are an old shape- not the original chunky fish and chip shop variety that my local Chinese Take Away manages to perfect, not sure if it's the oil, potato or shape, somehow they rendered the chips inedible.

The batter is soggy and oily. I didn't enjoy the meal.

If you are after good fish and chips look else where, it's fair to say that there aren't many around central London, however just a few minutes walk away on Theobald Road is the best one for miles around, and it offers better value for money and atmosphere.

The French House Dining Room - great steaks! by gilka

gilka — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:30:01 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 2477

Tags: french, lively, romantic

From outside it looks very mundane but the steaks at French House are a must!From outside it looks very mundane but the steaks at French House are a must!

Trattoria Da Aldo - Authentic cheap & cheerful Italian in Soho by Niamheen

Niamheen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:17:18 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 3985

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

I've always had a really nice experience in Da Aldo, the other reviews really surprise me. They offer authentic Italian food at reasonable prices, the set menu especially is good value. Expect the likes of polenta with rabbit stew on the specials list and they do a good authentic carbonara.

The owner is a character and it's always a really pleasant evening. I've become semi-regular there over the years, it is what it is and offers a good quick, cheap & cheerful bite.I've always had a really nice experience in Da Aldo, the other reviews really surprise me. They offer authentic Italian food at reasonable prices, the set menu especially is good value. Expect the likes of polenta with rabbit stew on the specials list and they do a good authentic carbonara.

The owner is a character and it's always a really pleasant evening. I've become semi-regular there over the years, it is what it is and offers a good quick, cheap & cheerful bite.

Spacca Napoli - La vita e bella by nat08

nat08 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:03:39 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, crowded, lively

I first discovered this restaurant about 10 years ago in its first incarnation as "Bella Napoli" - and what a true find it was! Thanks Miranda! It was the most traditional restaurant in Soho, as far as I could see, and it made a welcome difference to all the other places trying to be cool and trendy and not focusing on the main event - the food!!

It was such a gem that of course it's popularity grew and fans kept coming back for some wonderful food along with the personal touch that the owner Mimmo gives to each and every customer that walks through his door.

A facelift came but still his fans poured through the door each and every night. Food is wonderful and portions are big - just the way I like my Italian food! It's true comfort food at it's best - i love the Vitello Milanese - mouth-watering and just so tender and succulent - not chewy and bland as you can find many times with this dish.

Pizzas are great and if you are in a big party it makes sense to get it by the meter and share - such a great way of making food fun as well as delicious! And the atmosphere and service is first class. It's a great location too on Dean Street.

So why not mosey on down to Dean Street and say Ciao to Spacca Napoli....I first discovered this restaurant about 10 years ago in its first incarnation as "Bella Napoli" - and what a true find it was! Thanks Miranda! It was the most traditional restaurant in Soho, as far as I could see, and it made a welcome difference to all the other places trying to be cool and trendy and not focusing on the main event - the food!!

It was such a gem that of course it's popularity grew and fans kept coming back for some wonderful food along with the personal touch that the owner Mimmo gives to each and every customer that walks through his door.

A facelift came but still his fans poured through the door each and every night. Food is wonderful and portions are big - just the way I like my Italian food! It's true comfort food at it's best - i love the Vitello Milanese - mouth-watering and just so tender and succulent - not chewy and bland as you can find many times with this dish.

Pizzas are great and if you are in a big party it makes sense to get it by the meter and share - such a great way of making food fun as well as delicious! And the atmosphere and service is first class. It's a great location too on Dean Street.

So why not mosey on down to Dean Street and say Ciao to Spacca Napoli....

Mon Plaisir - Former glory or a bad day?? by amandaharrison

amandaharrison — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:10:52 +0000

Review by amandaharrison

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7240 3757

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

Tags: french, crowded, romantic

I haven't been for years but I was very much looking forward to a return trip to Mon Plaisir. After hunting high and low on Monmouth Street to find it (a sense of direction was never my strong point)I entered into one of those traffic jam situations when everyone stands around looking gormless with a kerfuffle of coat-taking and the like.

It was worse for me as my nose was chilly wind-induced running(nice)and the first thing I did was to ask for a tissue which got 'em. By the time I was offered a serviette (napkin?)my host thought I was being most strange just hovering there not going to the table.

Anyway. At the table, I sat myself down, and said host offered me a sip of his kir royale, saying it had taken him ages to get a drink. I don't know about you but that's not what I want to hear when I go to a restaurant. I want to unwind from the journey before being hassled head-first into ordering food.

So I had to do that wave thing and try and catch the eye of a waiter/ress/ron ANYone to get me a drink, whilst trying to hold a "hello how are you isn't this nice thanks for inviting me to lunch" conversation. With my nose running. Not good.

Food was just OK. I didn't have the snails as I was going to the dentist the next day and didn't want to freak him out, particularly as he looks like he should be in a boyband. I had scallops (too salty) and I forget what else, and I only went last week. Just shows. I think there were all sorts of comfort food on the menu from what I recall, coq au vin and the such, but nothing waved any flags at me.

Happy to be taken (sort of); I wouldn't host lunch there myself.I haven't been for years but I was very much looking forward to a return trip to Mon Plaisir. After hunting high and low on Monmouth Street to find it (a sense of direction was never my strong point)I entered into one of those traffic jam situations when everyone stands around looking gormless with a kerfuffle of coat-taking and the like.

It was worse for me as my nose was chilly wind-induced running(nice)and the first thing I did was to ask for a tissue which got 'em. By the time I was offered a serviette (napkin?)my host thought I was being most strange just hovering there not going to the table.

Anyway. At the table, I sat myself down, and said host offered me a sip of his kir royale, saying it had taken him ages to get a drink. I don't know about you but that's not what I want to hear when I go to a restaurant. I want to unwind from the journey before being hassled head-first into ordering food.

So I had to do that wave thing and try and catch the eye of a waiter/ress/ron ANYone to get me a drink, whilst trying to hold a "hello how are you isn't this nice thanks for inviting me to lunch" conversation. With my nose running. Not good.

Food was just OK. I didn't have the snails as I was going to the dentist the next day and didn't want to freak him out, particularly as he looks like he should be in a boyband. I had scallops (too salty) and I forget what else, and I only went last week. Just shows. I think there were all sorts of comfort food on the menu from what I recall, coq au vin and the such, but nothing waved any flags at me.

Happy to be taken (sort of); I wouldn't host lunch there myself.

Hakkasan - they got everything right by missynm

missynm — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:11:40 +0000

Review by missynm

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7907 1888

Tags: expensive, lively, chinese

Yes its pretty pricey, but i'd say you definitely get what you pay for! An usual setting, Hakkasan is to be found down a side street of tottenham court road, very discreet. You are greeted at the door and make your way directly down steps into the basement of the building. Service is equally discreet but friendly and attentive. The way the restaurant is set out with decorative wooden screens separating the dining and bar areas work really well and even though the place is noisy (seating a couple of hundred people) the low lighting and choice of music creates a sense of privacy at your table. And the food completely matches up to the setting. The dim sum platters are great as is the clay pot poussin. I guess its possible some customers are pretentious types but if you pay attention to the environment that has been created rather than those sat at other tables i dont see why you wouldnt have a fabulous time. Perfect for a special occasion.Yes its pretty pricey, but i'd say you definitely get what you pay for! An usual setting, Hakkasan is to be found down a side street of tottenham court road, very discreet. You are greeted at the door and make your way directly down steps into the basement of the building. Service is equally discreet but friendly and attentive. The way the restaurant is set out with decorative wooden screens separating the dining and bar areas work really well and even though the place is noisy (seating a couple of hundred people) the low lighting and choice of music creates a sense of privacy at your table. And the food completely matches up to the setting. The dim sum platters are great as is the clay pot poussin. I guess its possible some customers are pretentious types but if you pay attention to the environment that has been created rather than those sat at other tables i dont see why you wouldnt have a fabulous time. Perfect for a special occasion.

Josephine's Filipino Restaurant - Authentic philipine food recommended by elite chef by Ann_Henderson

Ann_Henderson — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:18:06 +0000

Review by Ann_Henderson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 6551

Tags: good value, family & home feel, lively

Seeing all the reviews here, I thought it might be interesting to share the opinion by one of the culinary elites; Gordon Ramsayâ¬"s ProtÃ©gÃ©: Jason Atherton; about Josephineâ¬"s Restaurant:

â¬SMy favourite cuisine is Filipino, and you get the best Filipino food in the country at Josephineâ¬"s on Charlotte Street. My wife is loves it and sheâ¬"s from the Philippines, so it must be pretty authentic. Filipino dishes are an interesting mix between Spanish and Asian flavours. They use a lot of tamarind, fish sauce and sour mango, but their international dish is Paella, because of the influx of Spanish in the 18th Century. I go to Josephineâ¬"s for my regular fix of pork lechon, which is pork rubbed in herbs, roasted and served with garlic fried rice. Josephineâ¬"s is reasonably priced and traditionally designed with pictures of the Philippines. The owners make you feel really welcomed, so my advice is to get down there and try it.â¬

Jason Atherton, Executive Chef for Gordon Ramsayâ¬Üsâ¬SMazeâ¬
â¬SMazeâ¬ Restaurant was winner of Restaurant Magazineâ¬"s 2008 â¬SBest UK Restaurant Awardâ¬ and â¬SBest English Restaurant Awardâ¬
The BMW 1 SERIES GOOD FOOD RIDE. 101 GREAT BRITISH FOOD ADVENTURES

Based on that article, I was persuaded to go with some friends to Josephineâ¬"s e all had a wonderful time, staff were welcoming and friendly, and the food was full of flavour, varied and excellent. We had quite a lot of pork though and were quite stuffed, we waited about half an hour sipping port before going after the desserts!
Seeing all the reviews here, I thought it might be interesting to share the opinion by one of the culinary elites; Gordon Ramsayâ¬"s ProtÃ©gÃ©: Jason Atherton; about Josephineâ¬"s Restaurant:

â¬SMy favourite cuisine is Filipino, and you get the best Filipino food in the country at Josephineâ¬"s on Charlotte Street. My wife is loves it and sheâ¬"s from the Philippines, so it must be pretty authentic. Filipino dishes are an interesting mix between Spanish and Asian flavours. They use a lot of tamarind, fish sauce and sour mango, but their international dish is Paella, because of the influx of Spanish in the 18th Century. I go to Josephineâ¬"s for my regular fix of pork lechon, which is pork rubbed in herbs, roasted and served with garlic fried rice. Josephineâ¬"s is reasonably priced and traditionally designed with pictures of the Philippines. The owners make you feel really welcomed, so my advice is to get down there and try it.â¬

Jason Atherton, Executive Chef for Gordon Ramsayâ¬Üsâ¬SMazeâ¬
â¬SMazeâ¬ Restaurant was winner of Restaurant Magazineâ¬"s 2008 â¬SBest UK Restaurant Awardâ¬ and â¬SBest English Restaurant Awardâ¬
The BMW 1 SERIES GOOD FOOD RIDE. 101 GREAT BRITISH FOOD ADVENTURES

Based on that article, I was persuaded to go with some friends to Josephineâ¬"s and we all had a wonderful time, staff were welcoming and friendly, and the food was full of flavour, varied and excellent. We had quite a lot of pork though and were quite stuffed, we waited about half an hour sipping port before going after the desserts!

Roka - Roka n Rolla by Ann_Henderson

Ann_Henderson — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:12:50 +0000

Review by Ann_Henderson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 6464

Website: http://www.rokarestaurant.com

Tags: lively, japanese, expensive

Gloriously delicious Japanese food of the highest order, we stuck with the Â£75.00 tasting menu and the food was met by huge smiles on our faces, before, during and after eating. Came here for my birthday and left with our taste buds buzzing, if I close my eyes, I can still taste the scallops!
Gloriously delicious Japanese food of the highest order, we stuck with the Â£75.00 tasting menu and the food was met by huge smiles on our faces, before, during and after eating. Came here for my birthday and left with our taste buds buzzing, if I close my eyes, I can still taste the scallops!

The Ivy - Lively at The Ivy by Esther_Laurence

Esther_Laurence — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:34:48 +0000

Review by Esther_Laurence

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 4751

Website: http://www.the-ivy.co.uk/

Tags: romantic, good value, expensive

Went there wearing sunglasses indoors. People will think youâ¬"re a celebrity, a tw@t or maybe even both. Five of us ate Â£533.00 worth of food and it was absolutely worth every penny. Highly recommended, if a little noisy.Went there wearing sunglasses indoors. People will think youâ¬"re a celebrity, a tw@t or maybe even both. Five of us ate Â£533.00 worth of food and it was absolutely worth every penny. Highly recommended, if a little noisy.

Lorelei - An Institution by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:04:01 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 0954

Tags: italian, cheap eat, lively

This place is one of the heartbeats of old Boho Soho. Its always had that unfinished look, sandbags at the door and slightly rickety chairs - but the food is good homemade Italian fare. Smells excellent coming from the kitchen, and doesn't leave the wallet feeling like its been bled dry then thwapped repeatedly with a hammer. I remember one of my fussy Italian mates waffling on about its thin pizzas. He was right - they are good. As an extra plus you can bring your own wine in and they'll uncork it. Plain, unpretentious, no-frills - this is an escape from the hubbub of Soho and the doughy wastes of Pizzaland. Should have a Blue Plaque and a preservation order on it.This place is one of the heartbeats of old Boho Soho. Its always had that unfinished look, sandbags at the door and slightly rickety chairs - but the food is good homemade Italian fare. Smells excellent coming from the kitchen, and doesn't leave the wallet feeling like its been bled dry then thwapped repeatedly with a hammer. I remember one of my fussy Italian mates waffling on about its thin pizzas. He was right - they are good. As an extra plus you can bring your own wine in and they'll uncork it. Plain, unpretentious, no-frills - this is an escape from the hubbub of Soho and the doughy wastes of Pizzaland. Should have a Blue Plaque and a preservation order on it.

Woo Jung - Kool Korean by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:54:00 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 3103

Tags: cheap eat, korean, family & home feel

You often see queues outside. I wouldn't describe it as cheap - average cost of a 2 course meal will be Â£15-20. But the food is good, different and worth trying. Depending on what you order. The large bowls of spicy soup are excellent. They work out at around Â£9 each. Very tasty, warming and filling especially during the wet wintery weather. The marinated pork was pretty good as was the spicy soup with poached egg, beancurd and mussels. There are two other Korean restaurants in the same road - this is the most popular one! I'd come back again for the soup!You often see queues outside. I wouldn't describe it as cheap - average cost of a 2 course meal will be Â£15-20. But the food is good, different and worth trying. Depending on what you order. The large bowls of spicy soup are excellent. They work out at around Â£9 each. Very tasty, warming and filling especially during the wet wintery weather. The marinated pork was pretty good as was the spicy soup with poached egg, beancurd and mussels. There are two other Korean restaurants in the same road - this is the most popular one! I'd come back again for the soup!