Latest reviews in Turnham Green, London, United Kingdom

Yupa's Thai Kitchen - Really good food by blackpenwriter

blackpenwriter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:35:18 +0000

Review by blackpenwriter

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8995 2424

I really do love thai restaurants, and this place is no different. Actually thatâ¬"s a lie. This place is fantastic in all respects! The atmosphere is amazing â¬ you can feel the friendliness and warmth when you walk in and the service is first rate. The staff are so friendly and inviting and canâ¬"t do enough to help you. They will walk you through the menu and give choices and recommendations â¬ they have always hit the nail on the head when they do this! They know what they are talking about! The food here is delicious and I love it! I canâ¬"t get enough of it!I really do love thai restaurants, and this place is no different. Actually thatâ¬"s a lie. This place is fantastic in all respects! The atmosphere is amazing â¬ you can feel the friendliness and warmth when you walk in and the service is first rate. The staff are so friendly and inviting and canâ¬"t do enough to help you. They will walk you through the menu and give choices and recommendations â¬ they have always hit the nail on the head when they do this! They know what they are talking about! The food here is delicious and I love it! I canâ¬"t get enough of it!

Gravy - Closed again by ceedoubleu

ceedoubleu — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:13:22 +0000

Review by ceedoubleu

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8994 6816

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

Tags: bar, family & home feel, good value

Probably for good this time.Probably for good this time.

Le Vacherin - Delicious French Cuisine in Chiswick by sulin

sulin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:01:08 +0000

Review by sulin

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8742 2121

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

Tags: french, expensive, good value

Blai and I had a little occasion to treat ourselves the other weekend and of course, we took it. After a few days of scouring restaurant review websites, I settled on Le Vacherin in Chiswick - a restaurant within the budget Iâ¬"d selected, not too far from where we live, and one with terrific reviews.

Itâ¬"s pretty obvious why the first criterion existed; if you havenâ¬"t guessed already, weâ¬"re far from rich, folks. As for the second criterion, nothing ruins a lovely night out (a rare occasion for us!) faster than a terrible trip on the tube home; a quick and easy bus ride is surely preferable. As for the last, well, thatâ¬"s tied to the first - when every penny counts, you donâ¬"t want to waste it on rubbish food! While thereâ¬"s always the desire to try new restaurants, especially in London where new ones pop out one every second it seems, thereâ¬"s a high risk of having just not-that-great a dinner. Best to do my research instead and guarantee a fantastic meal.

Enough about my penny-pinching! I had booked a table for 7pm on a Sunday night and unsurprisingly, we were the first people there. The place was full by the time we left at about 10pm though.

I started with the warm salad of hand dived scallops, black pudding and Ayrshire bacon. This was a bed of dressed lettuce leaves topped with four tender scallops (four! wow!), two long streaky strips of bacon and a lump, for that is what it was, of squidgy and flavoursome black pudding. Blai had the cocotte of egg with smoked haddock in a mustard sauce. The egg came in a tiny little cocotte while the saucy haddock (ha!) came in a tumbler beside it with a long spoon. Both delicious and the haddock was actually available as a main course too.

I persuaded Blai to share the Chateaubriand for 2, with roast bone marrow, frites and green beans when he mentionned that he wanted another beef dish on the menu. He was kind enough to let me order it! We had asked for it to be cooked to medium but it came very rare (how French!) but it was very good so I canâ¬"t really complain. It came ready carved on a wooden board along with the green beans and the waitress portionned it all out between us. The green beans were so perfectly cooked with a bit of a bite and were soaked in butter and meat juices. We each also got a single mushroom and a beef bone from which to dig out the marrow. Mine had only a little in thereâ¬¦boo hoo. Skinny frites came in individual bowls with even littler bowls of bearnaise sauce alongside. Ohâ¬¦itâ¬"s been a while since I had a good steak and this really hit the spot!

Blai had the pear and almond tart, vanilla ice cream while I chose the apple beignet, vanilla ice cream, 25mL Calvados. Blai had the better dessert - his tart was more of a pear and almond pastry tart but it was good! Mine was a relatively small slice of apple in batter and deep fried, topped with ice cream. My Calvados came a little bit after my dessert and provided a bit of a digestif for the both of us!

The damage came to a reasonable Â£35 per head but that doesnâ¬"t include wine because we arenâ¬"t big drinkersâ¬¦ and we had work the following day. Not exactly a budget restaurant but worth every penny. Weâ¬"ll definitely be returning to Le Vacherin when we need another date night!

Originally posted here: http://tamarindandthyme.wordpress.com/2007/10/14/le-vacherin-in-chiswick/Blai and I had a little occasion to treat ourselves the other weekend and of course, we took it. After a few days of scouring restaurant review websites, I settled on Le Vacherin in Chiswick - a restaurant within the budget Iâ¬"d selected, not too far from where we live, and one with terrific reviews.

Itâ¬"s pretty obvious why the first criterion existed; if you havenâ¬"t guessed already, weâ¬"re far from rich, folks. As for the second criterion, nothing ruins a lovely night out (a rare occasion for us!) faster than a terrible trip on the tube home; a quick and easy bus ride is surely preferable. As for the last, well, thatâ¬"s tied to the first - when every penny counts, you donâ¬"t want to waste it on rubbish food! While thereâ¬"s always the desire to try new restaurants, especially in London where new ones pop out one every second it seems, thereâ¬"s a high risk of having just not-that-great a dinner. Best to do my research instead and guarantee a fantastic meal.

Enough about my penny-pinching! I had booked a table for 7pm on a Sunday night and unsurprisingly, we were the first people there. The place was full by the time we left at about 10pm though.

I started with the warm salad of hand dived scallops, black pudding and Ayrshire bacon. This was a bed of dressed lettuce leaves topped with four tender scallops (four! wow!), two long streaky strips of bacon and a lump, for that is what it was, of squidgy and flavoursome black pudding. Blai had the cocotte of egg with smoked haddock in a mustard sauce. The egg came in a tiny little cocotte while the saucy haddock (ha!) came in a tumbler beside it with a long spoon. Both delicious and the haddock was actually available as a main course too.

I persuaded Blai to share the Chateaubriand for 2, with roast bone marrow, frites and green beans when he mentionned that he wanted another beef dish on the menu. He was kind enough to let me order it! We had asked for it to be cooked to medium but it came very rare (how French!) but it was very good so I canâ¬"t really complain. It came ready carved on a wooden board along with the green beans and the waitress portionned it all out between us. The green beans were so perfectly cooked with a bit of a bite and were soaked in butter and meat juices. We each also got a single mushroom and a beef bone from which to dig out the marrow. Mine had only a little in thereâ¬¦boo hoo. Skinny frites came in individual bowls with even littler bowls of bearnaise sauce alongside. Ohâ¬¦itâ¬"s been a while since I had a good steak and this really hit the spot!

Blai had the pear and almond tart, vanilla ice cream while I chose the apple beignet, vanilla ice cream, 25mL Calvados. Blai had the better dessert - his tart was more of a pear and almond pastry tart but it was good! Mine was a relatively small slice of apple in batter and deep fried, topped with ice cream. My Calvados came a little bit after my dessert and provided a bit of a digestif for the both of us!

The damage came to a reasonable Â£35 per head but that doesnâ¬"t include wine because we arenâ¬"t big drinkersâ¬¦ and we had work the following day. Not exactly a budget restaurant but worth every penny. Weâ¬"ll definitely be returning to Le Vacherin when we need another date night!

Originally posted here: http://tamarindandthyme.wordpress.com/2007/10/14/le-vacherin-in-chiswick/

High Road Brasserie - by Beccamf

Beccamf — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:56:38 +0000

Review by Beccamf

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8742 1717

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

Tags: lively, brasserie, french

HRH has, for me, everything I need in a venue. It consistently has very good food and a menu that covers almost any whim, sensible prices, great coffee (and cocktails, fantastic service and a laid back atmosphere which I really like.

More importantly, they don't mind if you run in for cocktails or just coffee or a snack instead of a proper meal. I can't say enough about this place. I think other businesses in the area would be well advised to take a look at HRH and improve their own offerings.

This place will be here in years to come.HRH has, for me, everything I need in a venue. It consistently has very good food and a menu that covers almost any whim, sensible prices, great coffee (and cocktails, fantastic service and a laid back atmosphere which I really like.

More importantly, they don't mind if you run in for cocktails or just coffee or a snack instead of a proper meal. I can't say enough about this place. I think other businesses in the area would be well advised to take a look at HRH and improve their own offerings.

This place will be here in years to come.

Est Est Est Ltd - good venue, nice time by eatmeat

eatmeat — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:49:04 +0000

Review by eatmeat

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8747 8777

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

Tags: lively, expensive, french

Been here quite a few times now. Each time itâ¬"s been on a Saturday evening, and the restaurant has been very busy. There is a bar downstairs if you are waiting for a table previously booked, or if you just want to go in for a drink. The place has a lively, clean cut feel to it. The food is really nice, however I feel the portions could be a little bigger for the price you pay. The menu is clear and easy to understand, however I found the service a bit cold. They could have been more friendly and helpful. Even taking this into account, I still go back to Est Est Est as I enjoy the experience overall.Been here quite a few times now. Each time itâ¬"s been on a Saturday evening, and the restaurant has been very busy. There is a bar downstairs if you are waiting for a table previously booked, or if you just want to go in for a drink. The place has a lively, clean cut feel to it. The food is really nice, however I feel the portions could be a little bigger for the price you pay. The menu is clear and easy to understand, however I found the service a bit cold. They could have been more friendly and helpful. Even taking this into account, I still go back to Est Est Est as I enjoy the experience overall.

Sam's Brasserie - by RachelC

RachelC — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:58:54 +0000

Review by RachelC

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8987 0555

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

Tags: lively, expensive, brasserie

I've used this place a lot during the day. Great lunches and most importantly free wifi with no pressure to move on.

I've also been along to some of their wine tastings, which are a good night out.I've used this place a lot during the day. Great lunches and most importantly free wifi with no pressure to move on.

I've also been along to some of their wine tastings, which are a good night out.

Tootsies - Good for parties by Foodie_319

Foodie_319 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:46:45 +0000

Review by Foodie_319

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8747 1869

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

Tags: american, crowded, lively

This is one of the first restaurants I ever went to in London, so I do think of it fondly and my views on it are possibly softened by nostalgia.
Tootsies is your typical American type eatery - (VERY good) burgers, grills, salads etc. And that is the main problem.

Tootsies is not distinct enough and is not head and shoulders above others in an area highly populated by some very good restaurants in either the qualty, standard or variety of food or service. It has no USP. Personally I have always found the quality of the food is very very good, but it simply isn't worth a journey to go there too often.

I would put this down to the at times patchy service - if you go at the wrong time on the wrong day the service can be next to non-existent and you run the risk of having your expereince tarnished.

I have always found the atmosphere lively and friendly, although afternoons have been known to be a little flat. It has a nice open front and has a good location on Chiswick High Road.

Prices are average (maybe even marginally too high) for what you get - a typical starter, main and dessert will set you back around Â£20-Â£25 and drinks aren't the cheapest either.This is one of the first restaurants I ever went to in London, so I do think of it fondly and my views on it are possibly softened by nostalgia.
Tootsies is your typical American type eatery - (VERY good) burgers, grills, salads etc. And that is the main problem.

Tootsies is not distinct enough and is not head and shoulders above others in an area highly populated by some very good restaurants in either the qualty, standard or variety of food or service. It has no USP. Personally I have always found the quality of the food is very very good, but it simply isn't worth a journey to go there too often.

I would put this down to the at times patchy service - if you go at the wrong time on the wrong day the service can be next to non-existent and you run the risk of having your expereince tarnished.

I have always found the atmosphere lively and friendly, although afternoons have been known to be a little flat. It has a nice open front and has a good location on Chiswick High Road.

Prices are average (maybe even marginally too high) for what you get - a typical starter, main and dessert will set you back around Â£20-Â£25 and drinks aren't the cheapest either.

Oriental Brasserie - The best Chinese restaurant in Chiswick!! by punkypickle

punkypickle — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:13:11 +0000

Review by punkypickle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8747 8899

Tags: romantic, good value, chinese

The Oriental Brasserie, as an unassuming Chinese restaurant in Devonshire Road, which is heaving with other restaurants. Don't be put off by it's exterior, once you are inside, you'll be glad of your decision!

I have to say that it's only in recent years that I've actually visited the restaurant, as I had used only it's takeaway service, which I feel is one of the best. Everytime I've ordered, the staff on the other end of the phone have always been friendly and the delivery driver is so smiley, and always makes conversation with you! Also if you order takeaway, you always get complimentary prawn crackers and orange slices...not many of them do that!

The restaurant is clean and tidy, staff are very welcoming and polite, and service is swift. The one thing that makes it quite unusual is that the kitchen is open, so you can see the Chef's preparing your food...and the kitchen is always immaculate!

One dish that really stood out for me, was the crab claws. Usually they are made from reformed meat and covered in bright orange breadcrumbs...not these ones, they really are the real deal! They came with a yummy sweet and sour sauce presented impressively with a carrot, hand carved into the shape of a bird on a branch! I would die happy if I could eat them every day! Other dishes worth a mention are the Crispy Gourmet duck, the drunken fish and the Char sui pork.

The wine list is also quite extensive, and I was really surprised by the quality of the Sauvignon Blanc that I ordered!The Oriental Brasserie, as an unassuming Chinese restaurant in Devonshire Road, which is heaving with other restaurants. Don't be put off by it's exterior, once you are inside, you'll be glad of your decision!

I have to say that it's only in recent years that I've actually visited the restaurant, as I had used only it's takeaway service, which I feel is one of the best. Everytime I've ordered, the staff on the other end of the phone have always been friendly and the delivery driver is so smiley, and always makes conversation with you! Also if you order takeaway, you always get complimentary prawn crackers and orange slices...not many of them do that!

The restaurant is clean and tidy, staff are very welcoming and polite, and service is swift. The one thing that makes it quite unusual is that the kitchen is open, so you can see the Chef's preparing your food...and the kitchen is always immaculate!

One dish that really stood out for me, was the crab claws. Usually they are made from reformed meat and covered in bright orange breadcrumbs...not these ones, they really are the real deal! They came with a yummy sweet and sour sauce presented impressively with a carrot, hand carved into the shape of a bird on a branch! I would die happy if I could eat them every day! Other dishes worth a mention are the Crispy Gourmet duck, the drunken fish and the Char sui pork.

The wine list is also quite extensive, and I was really surprised by the quality of the Sauvignon Blanc that I ordered!

Zizzi - Fantastic place for a catch up! by punkypickle

punkypickle — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:50:52 +0000

Review by punkypickle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8747 9400

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

Tags: italian, lively, good value

I do love Zizzi's. I have been to the Chiswick branch several times since I've lived here. The one thing I really do like about it is it's outsite eating area. Ok, it's on the pavement, and you have to put up with other people's cigarette smoke and the noise of the buses passing by, but it almost puts you in the holiday mood, like you've been whisked away to the mediterannean!

They have a large wood fired oven, and I will say that if it's a hot day, you really won't want to site inside as it is literally roasting! But the pizzas that come out of that oven are absolutely delicious!

On a recent visit, I ordered the bread selection (one of the breads is really gorgeous!) still warm from the oven and served with oil and vinegar. I had the raveoli, which despite on first examination, looking in lack of a sauce, was really tasty and very filling...would definitely recommend it. I also ordered a very palatable glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

I would recommend booking, as some nights it does get very busy, although you probably wouldn't need to wait for too long before they found you a table if you just turned up.I do love Zizzi's. I have been to the Chiswick branch several times since I've lived here. The one thing I really do like about it is it's outsite eating area. Ok, it's on the pavement, and you have to put up with other people's cigarette smoke and the noise of the buses passing by, but it almost puts you in the holiday mood, like you've been whisked away to the mediterannean!

They have a large wood fired oven, and I will say that if it's a hot day, you really won't want to site inside as it is literally roasting! But the pizzas that come out of that oven are absolutely delicious!

On a recent visit, I ordered the bread selection (one of the breads is really gorgeous!) still warm from the oven and served with oil and vinegar. I had the raveoli, which despite on first examination, looking in lack of a sauce, was really tasty and very filling...would definitely recommend it. I also ordered a very palatable glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

I would recommend booking, as some nights it does get very busy, although you probably wouldn't need to wait for too long before they found you a table if you just turned up.

Budsara - Great local gem! by punkypickle

punkypickle — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:42:58 +0000

Review by punkypickle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8995 5774

Tags: thai, good value, cheap eat

There are quite a few good thai restaurants in Chiswick, but I have to admit that Budsara is the one that I frequent the most. It used to be called, simply, the Thai Kitchen, with wooden canteen style benches, but recently it had a makeover, and good job too, as it morphed from a great restaurant to a fabulous one!.

Budsara now has a very modern interior, high backed brown leather chairs, paintings of lilies on the walls, and it is adorned with beautiful thai sculputes and handicrafts.

The staff have always been very attentive and polite, and make your experience an enjoyable one.

And of course...the food! The dishes are very authentic here, and I think the lady that owns it has produced several books on thai cookery...and it shows!
I will admit, I am liable to go for my favourite dish, Pad Thai Noodles! I always have that and Thai fish cakes....hmmm I'm hungry just typing it! My boyfriend usually has the fiery jungle curry and the Massumam (sic) with potatoes and peanuts...delicious!

I would definitely recommend this initimate restaurant for a cheap romantic meal, or a good place to catch up with friends.There are quite a few good thai restaurants in Chiswick, but I have to admit that Budsara is the one that I frequent the most. It used to be called, simply, the Thai Kitchen, with wooden canteen style benches, but recently it had a makeover, and good job too, as it morphed from a great restaurant to a fabulous one!.

Budsara now has a very modern interior, high backed brown leather chairs, paintings of lilies on the walls, and it is adorned with beautiful thai sculputes and handicrafts.

The staff have always been very attentive and polite, and make your experience an enjoyable one.

And of course...the food! The dishes are very authentic here, and I think the lady that owns it has produced several books on thai cookery...and it shows!
I will admit, I am liable to go for my favourite dish, Pad Thai Noodles! I always have that and Thai fish cakes....hmmm I'm hungry just typing it! My boyfriend usually has the fiery jungle curry and the Massumam (sic) with potatoes and peanuts...delicious!

I would definitely recommend this initimate restaurant for a cheap romantic meal, or a good place to catch up with friends.

Taste Of Raj - Chiswick's best kept secret by punkypickle

punkypickle — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:29:21 +0000

Review by punkypickle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8742 0881

Website: http://www.tasteofrajw4.com/

Tags: indian, lively, takeaway

Ok, I'm really lucky. Taste of Raj is the closest Indian restaurant to me.
From the outside, it doesn't look like much. The darkened glass, makes for a stange choice for a restaurant, and a lot of the time there's not many customers but, please don't let that put you off! If you eat in the restaurant you can bring your own booze (handy there's a couple of shops nearby). You will recieve great service and be looked after well!. Most dishes can be adapted to your choice, and you can ask if you don't see your favourite dish.

I love the lamb passander!

They also do takeaway, and if you need to wait in the restaurant, they give you complimentary poppadoms :). One thing I always love it the way the waiters always try to hold the door open for you. I bet you wouldn't get that in a lot of the most expensive restaurants!Ok, I'm really lucky. Taste of Raj is the closest Indian restaurant to me.
From the outside, it doesn't look like much. The darkened glass, makes for a stange choice for a restaurant, and a lot of the time there's not many customers but, please don't let that put you off! If you eat in the restaurant you can bring your own booze (handy there's a couple of shops nearby). You will recieve great service and be looked after well!. Most dishes can be adapted to your choice, and you can ask if you don't see your favourite dish.

I love the lamb passander!

They also do takeaway, and if you need to wait in the restaurant, they give you complimentary poppadoms :). One thing I always love it the way the waiters always try to hold the door open for you. I bet you wouldn't get that in a lot of the most expensive restaurants!

Woodlands - by kranti

kranti — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:18:16 +0000

Review by kranti

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8994 9333

Tags: indian, toptable, vegetarian restaurant

I have been a regular at the Woodlands in Leicester Square and Marylebone Lane over the last few years. I recently tried their branch in Chiswick for a work meeting.

We were a group of 5. Surprisingly, the restaurant was fairly empty on a Saturday evening. At the Chiswick restaurant the menu is similar if not the same as their other restaurants. I was disappointed by the food and the service. The WC facilities had water across the floor and there was a leak from the ceiling. The waiters had not warned any of us about this and made no apology. I do not think that I will be trying any of their branches in the near future.... maybe stick to SakoniI have been a regular at the Woodlands in Leicester Square and Marylebone Lane over the last few years. I recently tried their branch in Chiswick for a work meeting.

We were a group of 5. Surprisingly, the restaurant was fairly empty on a Saturday evening. At the Chiswick restaurant the menu is similar if not the same as their other restaurants. I was disappointed by the food and the service. The WC facilities had water across the floor and there was a leak from the ceiling. The waiters had not warned any of us about this and made no apology. I do not think that I will be trying any of their branches in the near future.... maybe stick to Sakoni

Gourmet Burger Kitchen - mmmmm burger by Barney752

Barney752 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:53:15 +0000

Review by Barney752

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8995 4548

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

Tags: burgers, good value, cheap

burgers have a bad name theese days, linked with obese americans and fast food. Well, not any more. Gourmet burger is not new (its been around for at least 5 years) but it has only recently begun to build up momentum and brach out. Their USP is simple. Good quality meat, good quality service, good quality locations, GOOD QUALTITY BURGERS. And on the whole they deliver. Lets start with the burgers themselves. A simple hamburger will set you back around Â£6, but do you get what you've paid for? Well, yes. The meat is juicy and thick, so much so that its hard to fit the burger in your mouth. The restaurands are clean and lively and though the staff are friendly its mostly self service, i.e you go to the counter to order. All in all you cant go wrong with a GBK burger.burgers have a bad name theese days, linked with obese americans and fast food. Well, not any more. Gourmet burger is not new (its been around for at least 5 years) but it has only recently begun to build up momentum and brach out. Their USP is simple. Good quality meat, good quality service, good quality locations, GOOD QUALTITY BURGERS. And on the whole they deliver. Lets start with the burgers themselves. A simple hamburger will set you back around Â£6, but do you get what you've paid for? Well, yes. The meat is juicy and thick, so much so that its hard to fit the burger in your mouth. The restaurands are clean and lively and though the staff are friendly its mostly self service, i.e you go to the counter to order. All in all you cant go wrong with a GBK burger.

Turnham Green Cafe - Excellent by andrewl

andrewl — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 19:39:36 +0000

Review by andrewl

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8994 3839

Tags: thai, cosy, lively

You could easily assume that this is a greasy spoon cafe, but whilst hit has shoddy dÃ©cor the food is excellent and staff friendly. Well worth it for an unpretentious and quick dinner.You could easily assume that this is a greasy spoon cafe, but whilst hit has shoddy dÃ©cor the food is excellent and staff friendly. Well worth it for an unpretentious and quick dinner.

Balans - Tara Palmer-Tomlinson meet Frank Lampard ... by nell4tune

nell4tune — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:48:11 +0000

Review by nell4tune

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8742 1435

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

Tags: american, romantic, lively

This place deserves the star rating I have given it. Okay so my heading is a bit naff but that is the vision I have of this place. It is trendy, hip, fantastic ambience inside & out. Service is second to none though not cheap but not expensive either. My favourite is the selection of freshly baked bread in a basket that they serve you with olive oil mixed with a dash of balsamic vinegar. Oh simply fantastic!!! I have never tasted such lovely bread and that is while you are waiting for your meal to arrive which by the way does not take long either. The trick is to drink a rose or red wine with the bread. The waiting staff will ask you first if you would like to have it or not - so please do not turn it down - you will not know what you are missing. They serve breakfast, lunch and of course dinner. In the summer it is absolutely lovely to sit outside although you have to contemplate with watching the High Road traffic but you know what it is worth you do not even notice it. The experience is so much better than sitting on the Champs Elysee in summer - especially you are guaranteed the food is more reasonably priced, the waiting staff are 'colourful characters', genuine and welcoming. The music is rock & pop and sometimes 80's music - frankly you will not be disappointed - and I am being modest about this. I have so much to say about the ambience frankly I will not do it justice so try it. They have Balans cafes in Soho and Brompton Road as well. Although the food is a tad pricey than most cafes believe me it is well worth it. This is not a place only for business lunches, I have taken my grand-daughter (when she was only 6 months young) and daughter already 3 times in the last year. We have had family meals there with our grown up children and my son has also taken his date there only last night. Okay okay let me get to the menu - Aperitifs = well I love my Bloody Marys - and I am pretty fussy about that - but this place does it just how I like it, a touch spicey! The food is served as nouvelle cuisine but believe me not pretentious at all. The kitchen is open concept so you can see how it is prepared and no messing!!! I have been cheeky on ocassions when I ordered smoked salmon benedicts for lunch, which is actually on the breakfast menu, but they kindly accommodated me with it at 4pm. It is simply out of this world - it has now become my favourite though I would recommend you work through the rest of their menu. The food is almost perfect - come on I never give a perfect score to anything!!! Even the simple sandwich is a whole new experience at Balans. Balans is always 80% full but get there quick but you will not see any queing outside as the staff have got the system worked to a fine art.This place deserves the star rating I have given it. Okay so my heading is a bit naff but that is the vision I have of this place. It is trendy, hip, fantastic ambience inside & out. Service is second to none though not cheap but not expensive either. My favourite is the selection of freshly baked bread in a basket that they serve you with olive oil mixed with a dash of balsamic vinegar. Oh simply fantastic!!! I have never tasted such lovely bread and that is while you are waiting for your meal to arrive which by the way does not take long either. The trick is to drink a rose or red wine with the bread. The waiting staff will ask you first if you would like to have it or not - so please do not turn it down - you will not know what you are missing. They serve breakfast, lunch and of course dinner. In the summer it is absolutely lovely to sit outside although you have to contemplate with watching the High Road traffic but you know what it is worth you do not even notice it. The experience is so much better than sitting on the Champs Elysee in summer - especially you are guaranteed the food is more reasonably priced, the waiting staff are 'colourful characters', genuine and welcoming. The music is rock & pop and sometimes 80's music - frankly you will not be disappointed - and I am being modest about this. I have so much to say about the ambience frankly I will not do it justice so try it. They have Balans cafes in Soho and Brompton Road as well. Although the food is a tad pricey than most cafes believe me it is well worth it. This is not a place only for business lunches, I have taken my grand-daughter (when she was only 6 months young) and daughter already 3 times in the last year. We have had family meals there with our grown up children and my son has also taken his date there only last night. Okay okay let me get to the menu - Aperitifs = well I love my Bloody Marys - and I am pretty fussy about that - but this place does it just how I like it, a touch spicey! The food is served as nouvelle cuisine but believe me not pretentious at all. The kitchen is open concept so you can see how it is prepared and no messing!!! I have been cheeky on ocassions when I ordered smoked salmon benedicts for lunch, which is actually on the breakfast menu, but they kindly accommodated me with it at 4pm. It is simply out of this world - it has now become my favourite though I would recommend you work through the rest of their menu. The food is almost perfect - come on I never give a perfect score to anything!!! Even the simple sandwich is a whole new experience at Balans. Balans is always 80% full but get there quick but you will not see any queing outside as the staff have got the system worked to a fine art.

Smart Cafe - smart cafe is GOOD by Heroes

Heroes — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:28:28 +0000

Review by Heroes

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8222 6555

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed

This cafe has the best taste and excellent quality, and for a reasonable price...

Staff are very friendly and helpful.
The promotion methods are very good which include Dish of the day etc.This cafe has the best taste and excellent quality, and for a reasonable price...

Staff are very friendly and helpful.
The promotion methods are very good which include Dish of the day etc.

Foubert's - i like ice cream! by Dharminder

Dharminder — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:16:04 +0000

Review by Dharminder

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8994 5202

Tags: quick bite, good brew

Title kind of says it all, this place has ice cream that reminds you of the those Gelato's you have on holidays in Italy.

The service is also reminiscent of 'those small places in Italy that are run by older fellow's rather than the 'starbucks generation'. (In Fouberts theres an old couple there who have served me on the occasions i've been there).

Can also have coffee and other cafe style food there. On a hot day there can be queues.

Title kind of says it all, this place has ice cream that reminds you of the those Gelato's you have on holidays in Italy.

The service is also reminiscent of 'those small places in Italy that are run by older fellow's rather than the 'starbucks generation'. (In Fouberts theres an old couple there who have served me on the occasions i've been there).

Can also have coffee and other cafe style food there. On a hot day there can be queues.

The Gallery - Awful club by aledbatey

aledbatey — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:33:51 +0000

Review by aledbatey

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8987 9944

Tags: club, bar, restaurant

Absolutely awful restaurant and club!!! The manager / owner seems to think that he's a gangster and is perhaps the rudest individual I have ever met. The place is atmosphereless and very expensive. If going out in Chiswick, stick to the other bars - Carvossos, Shackology etc.Absolutely awful restaurant and club!!! The manager / owner seems to think that he's a gangster and is perhaps the rudest individual I have ever met. The place is atmosphereless and very expensive. If going out in Chiswick, stick to the other bars - Carvossos, Shackology etc.

La Trompette - Faultless by Browners

Browners — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:05:49 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8747 1836

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

Tags: french, expensive, lively

I'm lost for words and the only word I've found to describe how immense our 3 year anniversary meal at La Trompette was is...

"faultless".
I'm lost for words and the only word I've found to describe how immense our 3 year anniversary meal at La Trompette was is...

"faultless".

Caffe Nero - Lovely Atmosphere by MaryamF

MaryamF — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:56:46 +0000

Review by MaryamF

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8742 8495

Website: http://www.caffenero.com

Tags: cosy, takeaway, quick bite

Cafe Nero is well known for it's coffees and Paninis.... Cafe Nero in Turnham green has the view of the park which is very peaceful and as usual the coffee and Panatone is all you need to relax.... Cafe Nero is well known for it's coffees and Paninis.... Cafe Nero in Turnham green has the view of the park which is very peaceful and as usual the coffee and Panatone is all you need to relax....