Latest reviews for Restaurants in Turnham Green, London, United Kingdom

Karma - An Indian Delight by dyanand

dyanand — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:21:06 +0000

Review by dyanand

Rating: 5.00

I live quite locally in Westcroft Square and was quite excited by the opening of this place as it looked so nice from outside. Once I got there and had the food I was proverbially over the moon. The food was all delicious, I have tried all the Indian restaurants locally and this has to be the best looking, I can only describe it as fresh and modern which makes such a pleasant change and the food arived in good time and truly hit the mark. It was spicy without being too hot but there were a multitude of other flavours in all the dishes we tried, the chef has got the balance of different spices spot on. I was told the prawn makhani that I tried had cashews, cardomoms, bay leaves, cinammon and fenugreek. Highly recommended and great value as it was not expensive.
I live quite locally in Westcroft Square and was quite excited by the opening of this place as it looked so nice from outside. Once I got there and had the food I was proverbially over the moon. The food was all delicious, I have tried all the Indian restaurants locally and this has to be the best looking, I can only describe it as fresh and modern which makes such a pleasant change and the food arived in good time and truly hit the mark. It was spicy without being too hot but there were a multitude of other flavours in all the dishes we tried, the chef has got the balance of different spices spot on. I was told the prawn makhani that I tried had cashews, cardomoms, bay leaves, cinammon and fenugreek. Highly recommended and great value as it was not expensive.

Le Vacherin - Le Vacherin by foodrambler

foodrambler — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:04:27 +0000

Review by foodrambler

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8742 2121

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

Tags: french, romantic, expensive

White tablecloths and weighty sparkling cutlery in this bistro named after a fine French cheese. Starter of fat scallops, melt-in-your-mouth black pudding and crispy rashers of bacon. Mains (Â£12.50-Â£19) of sea bass on a bed of griddled aubergines, with tomatoes roasted on the vine; swordfish with capers and raisons, battered whitebait and creamy mash. Side dishes of fresh seasonal vegetables, including peas, the youngest of asparagus spears, spring onions and baby carrots. Incredible desserts: hot chocolate pudding that exploded on contact with the spoon, oozing rich chocolate sauce, served with amaretto icecream; cherry and almond tart with pistachio icecream. I can't wait to go back.White tablecloths and weighty sparkling cutlery in this bistro named after a fine French cheese. Starter of fat scallops, melt-in-your-mouth black pudding and crispy rashers of bacon. Mains (Â£12.50-Â£19) of sea bass on a bed of griddled aubergines, with tomatoes roasted on the vine; swordfish with capers and raisons, battered whitebait and creamy mash. Side dishes of fresh seasonal vegetables, including peas, the youngest of asparagus spears, spring onions and baby carrots. Incredible desserts: hot chocolate pudding that exploded on contact with the spoon, oozing rich chocolate sauce, served with amaretto icecream; cherry and almond tart with pistachio icecream. I can't wait to go back.

Ground - A* service and the milkshakes are pretty good too. by SallyYSP

SallyYSP — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:14:48 +0000

Review by SallyYSP

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8747 9113

Tags: american, family & home feel, good value

Rocked up here for some grub on a Saturday night and were very pleasantly surprised. Thought we'd just get a good burger and be off, but not the case.

The staff provided some of the best service we've had in London - polite, friendly and good banter. They really take care of you (and put up with difficult orders)

The menu is mainly just burgers but veggies are well accomodated and all the burgers are fantastic.

Milkshakes are delish, they even put half in a takeaway slurpie for you if you can't finish it!

All in all, great nosh, great service, great place.Rocked up here for some grub on a Saturday night and were very pleasantly surprised. Thought we'd just get a good burger and be off, but not the case.

The staff provided some of the best service we've had in London - polite, friendly and good banter. They really take care of you (and put up with difficult orders)

The menu is mainly just burgers but veggies are well accomodated and all the burgers are fantastic.

Milkshakes are delish, they even put half in a takeaway slurpie for you if you can't finish it!

All in all, great nosh, great service, great place.

La Trompette - I want to go back! by sulin

sulin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:42:20 +0000

Review by sulin

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8747 1836

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

Tags: french, expensive, lively

Sometimeâ¬"s we all need a little treat - and what better occasion than a birthday! To be specific, two birthdays, as both my and Blaiâ¬"s birthdays fall in the month of July. Iâ¬"d been wanting to try La Trompette for a while after reading such marvellous reviews online, and the fact that they were recently awarded their first Michelin star didnâ¬"t hurt either, and so I booked a table for the two of us last Sunday at 7pm. We turned out to be the second couple in the restaurant, following close at the heels of the first couple. The restaurant did fill up throughout the night with many groups coming in at about 8pm.

After ordering, the bread basket made its way to our table and we were presented with a choice of three breads; there was a walnut bread flecked with bits of raisin, a heavily speckled black olive bread, and a white bread heavy with olive oil. Needless to say, throughout the course of our meal, we managed to try all three. All three were extremely delicious and perhaps we ate more than we should have. Upon inquiring, we were told that they baked all the bread daily on the premises.

I started with the Confit sea trout, crab and cucumber salad, crab croquettes, vichyssoise and pea shoots. There were two generous slices of soft, melting fish sat in a bit of vichyssoise, acting more as a sauce than a soup. Inside the lettuce parcel was the crab and cucumber salad - just lots of crab meat with a bit of diced cucumber in a mayonnaise dressing. While the salad contained white crab meat, the crunchy crab croquettes were made of brown meat. I loved this dish.

Blai had the Soft polenta, English asparagus, cured ham, poached egg, black truffle and olive dressing. While everything on the plate was very well cooked and delicious, Blai did not feel that all the ingredients worked altogether as a single dish. This was the only minor thing we could quibble about. Of the bits I did try, I very much liked the truffle and olive dressing and thought it worked well with the egg and polenta. I can understand though - I feel that some hams can be too assertive when combined with other ingredients.

For my main, I chose the Breast of duck, pastilla of confit leg, hot foie gras, cherry compote and caramelized endive. The breast was cooked as I requested (pink inside) and sat on a bed of spinach. It was incredibly meaty and the cherry compote was beautiful with it. I never would have thought of caramelizing endive as they had here but its bitterness combined with just about everything on the plate, especially the foie gras and compote. A gorgeous dish.

After much deliberation, Blai settled with the Braised legs of poulet noir, with potato gnocchi, leek hearts, vin jaune and tarragon. I tried a bit of everything off his plate and I can vouch that that chicken was as soft as it looks. It just fell off the bone and the sauce that went with itâ¬¦.mmmmm. We ended up having a discussion about what â¬Syellow wineâ¬ was and we thought it was perhaps a typo and should be vin jeune, a young, not aged wine. However, it turns out that there is a vin jaune that is similar to sherry. Whatever it was, it made that sauce so wonderful! The gnocchi was chewy and potatoey and reminiscent of a German potato dumpling.

All the desserts sounded good but I chose the one that really stood out for me. This was the Fresh citrus fruits, banana sorbet, passion fruit jelly, Earl Grey tea, financiers. Rarely does a dessert make me sit up and say, â¬SWow!â¬, and this one did. The photo doesnâ¬"t do this dessert justice - it doesnâ¬"t show that underneath that Earl Grey tea granitÃ© was a layer of citrus fruit segments, and under that was a scoop of banana sorbet, and under that was the passion fruit jelly. While all the ingredients sound disparate, together they blend together: the creaminess of the banana, the citrus note of the fruits and the tea, the zing of the passion fruit. Gorgeous. The financiers were equally fabulous, but I knew they would be after the quality of the bread!

Blai opted for another dessert that sounded just as refreshing, the Iced coconut parfait with lime granitÃ©, tropical fruits and lychee sorbet. With the creamy coconut parfait sitting on a pastry base, his dessert was more substantial than mine but still very light and summery. I again only tried a bit of it and it was very good and judging by the way Blai cleaned his plate, I would say that he adored it too!

After dessert, I had an espresso, while they offered some hot water steeped with lemon to Blai as a refreshing alternative. Or as my brother so eloquently put it - â¬Sit sounds like you kinda drank a finger bowlâ¬. But honestly, it was nice and really helped us relax and it possibly aided digestion; who knows? Alongside came a few chocolate truffles.

Looking at the photos again is killing me; I cannot wait to return to La Trompette! Of course, this is unlikely to be very soon as all this deliciousness comes at a price; I would never try to convince anyone that this place is a budget restaurant! Two three course menus, 1 bottle of sparkling water, 1 glass of a red Bordeaux, 1 espresso, 1 hot water with lemon (no charge!) - this all came to Â£100 for the two of us.

Photos at the blog post.Sometimeâ¬"s we all need a little treat - and what better occasion than a birthday! To be specific, two birthdays, as both my and Blaiâ¬"s birthdays fall in the month of July. Iâ¬"d been wanting to try La Trompette for a while after reading such marvellous reviews online, and the fact that they were recently awarded their first Michelin star didnâ¬"t hurt either, and so I booked a table for the two of us last Sunday at 7pm. We turned out to be the second couple in the restaurant, following close at the heels of the first couple. The restaurant did fill up throughout the night with many groups coming in at about 8pm.

After ordering, the bread basket made its way to our table and we were presented with a choice of three breads; there was a walnut bread flecked with bits of raisin, a heavily speckled black olive bread, and a white bread heavy with olive oil. Needless to say, throughout the course of our meal, we managed to try all three. All three were extremely delicious and perhaps we ate more than we should have. Upon inquiring, we were told that they baked all the bread daily on the premises.

I started with the Confit sea trout, crab and cucumber salad, crab croquettes, vichyssoise and pea shoots. There were two generous slices of soft, melting fish sat in a bit of vichyssoise, acting more as a sauce than a soup. Inside the lettuce parcel was the crab and cucumber salad - just lots of crab meat with a bit of diced cucumber in a mayonnaise dressing. While the salad contained white crab meat, the crunchy crab croquettes were made of brown meat. I loved this dish.

Blai had the Soft polenta, English asparagus, cured ham, poached egg, black truffle and olive dressing. While everything on the plate was very well cooked and delicious, Blai did not feel that all the ingredients worked altogether as a single dish. This was the only minor thing we could quibble about. Of the bits I did try, I very much liked the truffle and olive dressing and thought it worked well with the egg and polenta. I can understand though - I feel that some hams can be too assertive when combined with other ingredients.

For my main, I chose the Breast of duck, pastilla of confit leg, hot foie gras, cherry compote and caramelized endive. The breast was cooked as I requested (pink inside) and sat on a bed of spinach. It was incredibly meaty and the cherry compote was beautiful with it. I never would have thought of caramelizing endive as they had here but its bitterness combined with just about everything on the plate, especially the foie gras and compote. A gorgeous dish.

After much deliberation, Blai settled with the Braised legs of poulet noir, with potato gnocchi, leek hearts, vin jaune and tarragon. I tried a bit of everything off his plate and I can vouch that that chicken was as soft as it looks. It just fell off the bone and the sauce that went with itâ¬¦.mmmmm. We ended up having a discussion about what â¬Syellow wineâ¬ was and we thought it was perhaps a typo and should be vin jeune, a young, not aged wine. However, it turns out that there is a vin jaune that is similar to sherry. Whatever it was, it made that sauce so wonderful! The gnocchi was chewy and potatoey and reminiscent of a German potato dumpling.

All the desserts sounded good but I chose the one that really stood out for me. This was the Fresh citrus fruits, banana sorbet, passion fruit jelly, Earl Grey tea, financiers. Rarely does a dessert make me sit up and say, â¬SWow!â¬, and this one did. The photo doesnâ¬"t do this dessert justice - it doesnâ¬"t show that underneath that Earl Grey tea granitÃ© was a layer of citrus fruit segments, and under that was a scoop of banana sorbet, and under that was the passion fruit jelly. While all the ingredients sound disparate, together they blend together: the creaminess of the banana, the citrus note of the fruits and the tea, the zing of the passion fruit. Gorgeous. The financiers were equally fabulous, but I knew they would be after the quality of the bread!

Blai opted for another dessert that sounded just as refreshing, the Iced coconut parfait with lime granitÃ©, tropical fruits and lychee sorbet. With the creamy coconut parfait sitting on a pastry base, his dessert was more substantial than mine but still very light and summery. I again only tried a bit of it and it was very good and judging by the way Blai cleaned his plate, I would say that he adored it too!

After dessert, I had an espresso, while they offered some hot water steeped with lemon to Blai as a refreshing alternative. Or as my brother so eloquently put it - â¬Sit sounds like you kinda drank a finger bowlâ¬. But honestly, it was nice and really helped us relax and it possibly aided digestion; who knows? Alongside came a few chocolate truffles.

Looking at the photos again is killing me; I cannot wait to return to La Trompette! Of course, this is unlikely to be very soon as all this deliciousness comes at a price; I would never try to convince anyone that this place is a budget restaurant! Two three course menus, 1 bottle of sparkling water, 1 glass of a red Bordeaux, 1 espresso, 1 hot water with lemon (no charge!) - this all came to Â£100 for the two of us.

Photos at the blog post.

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

Tags: thai, good value, romantic

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Reef - Fish & Chips just got Glamorous by sue

sue — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:05:43 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8994 1988

Website: http://reefchiswick.co.uk

Tags: european, quirky, stylish

I do like the occasional meal of Fish & Chips. To be honest, it is more about the chips than the fish. I'm not a fan of battered fish and it seems near impossible to get grilled fish instead of battered in the UK. Anyhoo, when I heard about a new "glamorous" F&C place in Chiswick called Reef, owned by the same people that run the excellent Annie's (in Chiswick & Barnes) and Rock & Rose (in Richmond), I immediately added it to the wish list.

We tried to go for Sunday lunch the week they opened, but they were closed. Only open Mon-Sat at this stage. Then one evening, a couple of weeks later, we were heading off on our annual mecca to Ikea, and decided to pop in to Reef for a quick meal before stocking up on some flat-pack furniture and Swedish treats.

Reef is located opposite Chiswick British Rail station, so not handy to the High Street, but great for the Grove Park residents. I have actually eaten in the restaurant twice in the past - this is the third restaurant to be located here in the past 5 years. Let's hope they have more success than the previous tenants.

Thankfully we booked ahead, as the compact restaurant was full on the Thursday night we visited. We were given a warm welcome and seated at a comfortable table in the corridor to the side. There is a small courtyard at the rear which I am sure will be very popular as the weather improves. The dÃ©cor is quirky, with candles, chandeliers and fishy wallpaper.

The menu is fairly short and uncomplicated, and entirely seafood focused apart from a vegetarian pie. To eat, we had the Battered Cod, with a side of chips and a side of mushy peas, and the Reef Goan fish curry & rice. The piece of cod was huge, the mushy peas were perfectly mushy and the chips were delicious. The fish curry was pretty good too. My only complaint would be that the traditional battered fish didn't automatically come with chips, these had to be ordered as a side at an additional cost. But then they were so tasty I shouldn't quibble. We will return.I do like the occasional meal of Fish & Chips. To be honest, it is more about the chips than the fish. I'm not a fan of battered fish and it seems near impossible to get grilled fish instead of battered in the UK. Anyhoo, when I heard about a new "glamorous" F&C place in Chiswick called Reef, owned by the same people that run the excellent Annie's (in Chiswick & Barnes) and Rock & Rose (in Richmond), I immediately added it to the wish list.

We tried to go for Sunday lunch the week they opened, but they were closed. Only open Mon-Sat at this stage. Then one evening, a couple of weeks later, we were heading off on our annual mecca to Ikea, and decided to pop in to Reef for a quick meal before stocking up on some flat-pack furniture and Swedish treats.

Reef is located opposite Chiswick British Rail station, so not handy to the High Street, but great for the Grove Park residents. I have actually eaten in the restaurant twice in the past - this is the third restaurant to be located here in the past 5 years. Let's hope they have more success than the previous tenants.

Thankfully we booked ahead, as the compact restaurant was full on the Thursday night we visited. We were given a warm welcome and seated at a comfortable table in the corridor to the side. There is a small courtyard at the rear which I am sure will be very popular as the weather improves. The dÃ©cor is quirky, with candles, chandeliers and fishy wallpaper.

The menu is fairly short and uncomplicated, and entirely seafood focused apart from a vegetarian pie. To eat, we had the Battered Cod, with a side of chips and a side of mushy peas, and the Reef Goan fish curry & rice. The piece of cod was huge, the mushy peas were perfectly mushy and the chips were delicious. The fish curry was pretty good too. My only complaint would be that the traditional battered fish didn't automatically come with chips, these had to be ordered as a side at an additional cost. But then they were so tasty I shouldn't quibble. We will return.

Giraffe - Dissappointing, Twice by Francis

Francis — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:21:27 +0000

Review by Francis

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8995 2100

Website: http://www.giraffe.net

Tags: international, family & home feel, american

Having visited this restaurant twice I was disappointed both times.
The menu is unexciting, and they often do not have things in stock which are on the menu.
They were very accomodating for my birthday party, but some guests food arrived cold and was generally over priced for the portions given.
I was on crutches at the time, the toilets are up two flights of stairs and I also had to wrestle with five or six very heavy doors to get to them, they were very dirty with water leaking over the floor and tissue on the floor aswell
There are lots of very good restaurants in Chiswick, avoid this one if possible
The only things going for it is that it is very family friendly (except for the price) and the staff are quite helpfulHaving visited this restaurant twice I was disappointed both times.
The menu is unexciting, and they often do not have things in stock which are on the menu.
They were very accomodating for my birthday party, but some guests food arrived cold and was generally over priced for the portions given.
I was on crutches at the time, the toilets are up two flights of stairs and I also had to wrestle with five or six very heavy doors to get to them, they were very dirty with water leaking over the floor and tissue on the floor aswell
There are lots of very good restaurants in Chiswick, avoid this one if possible
The only things going for it is that it is very family friendly (except for the price) and the staff are quite helpful

Carluccio's - Cafe look but Worth walking into by pglewis

pglewis — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:55:34 +0000

Review by pglewis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8995 8073

Website: http://www.carluccios.com

Tags: italian, good value, takeaway

When Carluccio's opened on the Chiswick Highstreet the first thing I noticed was the bright blue sign and it's cafe look and feel.. Now Chiswick has enough coffee houses so I didn't feel the need to pop in right away..

However, when my Wife and I finally made it in we were amazed at what we had missed.

An Italian eatery with emphasis on great quality and proper Italian food with pretty good service and enough specials to make choosing pretty hard.

I'd recommend sharing food and ordering items that you have not heard of before and you'll have a good choice of wines to drink with your meal.. Perfect.

Carluccios also has a take-away section where you can order all of their delicious items of home cooked food for home consumption. Worth bearing in mind for people under time constraints or who need good food for dinner parties.

A great place for couples, friends and very popular for families (especially on the weekend).. Not my first choice for a night time meal but I'd choose this place of many others for midday eating or later afternoon snacking/drinks.When Carluccio's opened on the Chiswick Highstreet the first thing I noticed was the bright blue sign and it's cafe look and feel.. Now Chiswick has enough coffee houses so I didn't feel the need to pop in right away..

However, when my Wife and I finally made it in we were amazed at what we had missed.

An Italian eatery with emphasis on great quality and proper Italian food with pretty good service and enough specials to make choosing pretty hard.

I'd recommend sharing food and ordering items that you have not heard of before and you'll have a good choice of wines to drink with your meal.. Perfect.

Carluccios also has a take-away section where you can order all of their delicious items of home cooked food for home consumption. Worth bearing in mind for people under time constraints or who need good food for dinner parties.

A great place for couples, friends and very popular for families (especially on the weekend).. Not my first choice for a night time meal but I'd choose this place of many others for midday eating or later afternoon snacking/drinks.