Latest reviews for Restaurants in Upper Norwood, London, United Kingdom

Gurkha Cottage - Standard curry by Cate_Brisby

Cate_Brisby — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:32:42 +0000

Review by Cate_Brisby

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8771 7372

I tried the Gurkha Cottage a week ago with my boyfriend. The interior is pretty standard as curry houses go and the service was good. The curries themselves were reasonably good, but nothing special. We ordered from the Nepalese section but the duck and lamb were relativley dry and not heated through as well as they could have been. Nothing wrong with the food- I've just had better elsewhere.I tried the Gurkha Cottage a week ago with my boyfriend. The interior is pretty standard as curry houses go and the service was good. The curries themselves were reasonably good, but nothing special. We ordered from the Nepalese section but the duck and lamb were relativley dry and not heated through as well as they could have been. Nothing wrong with the food- I've just had better elsewhere.

The Exhibition Rooms - Amazing Grates by intoxicating

intoxicating — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:05:34 +0000

Review by intoxicating

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8761 1175

Website: www.theexhibitionrooms.com

Tags: british, lively, good value

â¬ÜTHE EXHIBITION ROOMSâ¬" wears very different expressions. At street level, it is urban and open and apparently inspired by â¬ÜRafflesâ¬". Rather curious to find a slice of Singapore kitsch in the vicinity of Penge. Cast iron fireplaces cling midway to the walls like paintings. Teak tables are generous. Glowing jellyfish chandeliers and large mirror panels which look like windows reflect the nod in name to the Great Exhibition of 1851 (actually held in Hyde Park). Down stairs backlit in orange, a decadent, purple space flows. Loos are unisex. Louis XV style chairs are swathed in zebra fabric. This culminates in a low, candlelit 'cave' dressed in suede with a wall-to-wall leather mattress.

A Latvian mixologist with bibulous knowledge operates from a small but seriously stocked bar. His Spitfire martini was a soft sedative. My purple-trousered friend, nicknamed â¬ÜLucy Liuâ¬" by the daring manager, chose a pert, slightly sweet, Plymouth Gin and tonic.

As well as wine and cocktails, I am a water fanatic. I have visited the Buxton factory and the spring at Vittel of my own free well (sorry, will). At The Exhibition Rooms, I drank enough H2O to irrigate several countries. This was because 50pence from each sale of attractive canister proceeds to improving supply in Africa.

My collage of Freshly Picked Cornish Crab with Green Papaya, Mango, Coriander and Spring Onion Salad was as busy and bright as it sounds, and ultimately refreshing. It was tamed to some extent by umami suffusing, deeply aromatic Nam Jim dressing.Liu was pleased that her pan-fried Queenie Scallops were delicately cooked, although she would have prefered them raw. A lick of hazelnut oil added an interesting, savoury surfeit.

If ever a wine could be chirpy, then our Hungarian Pinot Gris was just that. Described as 'quite full and rip', the only problem was the format it veered to our table in. By supplying only 250ml measures, oneâ¬"s head can feel tender come the sobering brightness of day. An

Asian influence continued to creep onto the plate in the main courses. The Queens County actress had Twice Cooked Pork Belly with Asian Pear Salad, Soy and Ginger Reduction. The belly was moist and cosseting, although it was a surprise to find it swaddled in breadcrumbs. Apparently this procedure occurs after it is braised to "protect it". My almost downy Roasted Pollack was scattered with a clammy duo: SautÃ©ed and Razor, and Mussels too (which sounds like a wacky film title). The sauce was a balanced, nervy composition: fresh Tomato, vivid Parsley, White Wine and Garlic.

Glancing around the softly lit space, it seemed people were wrapped around every widely spaced table â¬ a grand turnout at The Exhibiton considering it was a damp, arctic Wednesday. An innovatively presented, post modern smorgasbord of British cheeses and bittersweet grapes came with a new item of gastronomy in my book: couscous bread. It resembled Yorkshire pudding in all but brittle, crunchy, easily fractured texture.

After a brief hibernation in the cave, it was all over (or almost). Other than dining collaborator, the Emmy actress had one more role to play in SE19. She wheeled out that old chestnut beloved of her critics â¬ to feign loss of a favourite item of clothing. The restaurant responded admirably, summoning every pair of hands to search for the Starâ¬"s scarf (also purple).

It turned out to be up her sleeve...

I enjoyed The Exhibition Rooms a great deal. Built with - and intended for - fun rather than pretence, it seems to have easily courted the affection of the locals. As critics glean admission, it will no doubt establish a popularity for its playful philosophy and transparent value far outside its postcode.â¬ÜTHE EXHIBITION ROOMSâ¬" wears very different expressions. At street level, it is urban and open and apparently inspired by â¬ÜRafflesâ¬". Rather curious to find a slice of Singapore kitsch in the vicinity of Penge. Cast iron fireplaces cling midway to the walls like paintings. Teak tables are generous. Glowing jellyfish chandeliers and large mirror panels which look like windows reflect the nod in name to the Great Exhibition of 1851 (actually held in Hyde Park). Down stairs backlit in orange, a decadent, purple space flows. Loos are unisex. Louis XV style chairs are swathed in zebra fabric. This culminates in a low, candlelit 'cave' dressed in suede with a wall-to-wall leather mattress.

A Latvian mixologist with bibulous knowledge operates from a small but seriously stocked bar. His Spitfire martini was a soft sedative. My purple-trousered friend, nicknamed â¬ÜLucy Liuâ¬" by the daring manager, chose a pert, slightly sweet, Plymouth Gin and tonic.

As well as wine and cocktails, I am a water fanatic. I have visited the Buxton factory and the spring at Vittel of my own free well (sorry, will). At The Exhibition Rooms, I drank enough H2O to irrigate several countries. This was because 50pence from each sale of attractive canister proceeds to improving supply in Africa.

My collage of Freshly Picked Cornish Crab with Green Papaya, Mango, Coriander and Spring Onion Salad was as busy and bright as it sounds, and ultimately refreshing. It was tamed to some extent by umami suffusing, deeply aromatic Nam Jim dressing.Liu was pleased that her pan-fried Queenie Scallops were delicately cooked, although she would have prefered them raw. A lick of hazelnut oil added an interesting, savoury surfeit.

If ever a wine could be chirpy, then our Hungarian Pinot Gris was just that. Described as 'quite full and rip', the only problem was the format it veered to our table in. By supplying only 250ml measures, oneâ¬"s head can feel tender come the sobering brightness of day. An

Asian influence continued to creep onto the plate in the main courses. The Queens County actress had Twice Cooked Pork Belly with Asian Pear Salad, Soy and Ginger Reduction. The belly was moist and cosseting, although it was a surprise to find it swaddled in breadcrumbs. Apparently this procedure occurs after it is braised to "protect it". My almost downy Roasted Pollack was scattered with a clammy duo: SautÃ©ed and Razor, and Mussels too (which sounds like a wacky film title). The sauce was a balanced, nervy composition: fresh Tomato, vivid Parsley, White Wine and Garlic.

Glancing around the softly lit space, it seemed people were wrapped around every widely spaced table â¬ a grand turnout at The Exhibiton considering it was a damp, arctic Wednesday. An innovatively presented, post modern smorgasbord of British cheeses and bittersweet grapes came with a new item of gastronomy in my book: couscous bread. It resembled Yorkshire pudding in all but brittle, crunchy, easily fractured texture.

After a brief hibernation in the cave, it was all over (or almost). Other than dining collaborator, the Emmy actress had one more role to play in SE19. She wheeled out that old chestnut beloved of her critics â¬ to feign loss of a favourite item of clothing. The restaurant responded admirably, summoning every pair of hands to search for the Starâ¬"s scarf (also purple).

It turned out to be up her sleeve...

I enjoyed The Exhibition Rooms a great deal. Built with - and intended for - fun rather than pretence, it seems to have easily courted the affection of the locals. As critics glean admission, it will no doubt establish a popularity for its playful philosophy and transparent value far outside its postcode.

Joanna's - Excellent food but lacking a little on atmosphere by Cate_Brisby

Cate_Brisby — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:06:01 +0000

Review by Cate_Brisby

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 87614005

Tags: expensive, brasserie

I've only eaten here once and the food was extremely good and the service was good too. I would say, however, that the place lacked a bit in atmosphere. The service was slightly impersonal and they seemed to have crammed in a few too many tables as my boyfriend and I were sandwiched against the wall and another table, so it was quite as romantic as planned.I've only eaten here once and the food was extremely good and the service was good too. I would say, however, that the place lacked a bit in atmosphere. The service was slightly impersonal and they seemed to have crammed in a few too many tables as my boyfriend and I were sandwiched against the wall and another table, so it was quite as romantic as planned.

Numidie - Amazing food, lovely surroundings by Cate_Brisby

Cate_Brisby — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:00:42 +0000

Review by Cate_Brisby

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8766 6166

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

Tags: good value, lively, romantic

Food was superb as usual. They're currently doing a set menu, 3 courses for Â£14. It's fantastic value and the standard of the food and service doesn't suffer.Food was superb as usual. They're currently doing a set menu, 3 courses for Â£14. It's fantastic value and the standard of the food and service doesn't suffer.

Pizza Hut - CLOSED - by phillipazevedo

phillipazevedo — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:37:58 +0000

Review by phillipazevedo

Rating: 1.00Closed down!Closed down!

Mr Kai - by phillipazevedo

phillipazevedo — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:36:39 +0000

Review by phillipazevedo

Rating: 4.00I really like Mr Kai... really good food, reasonably priced, but it's been 'closed for refurbishments' for what must be more than a year, so I wonder if it will ever re-open.I really like Mr Kai... really good food, reasonably priced, but it's been 'closed for refurbishments' for what must be more than a year, so I wonder if it will ever re-open.

Los Toreros - by phillipazevedo

phillipazevedo — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:32:19 +0000

Review by phillipazevedo

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 8771 0087

Tags: live music, friendly, tapas

Below average food and service, but overpriced. Horrible.Below average food and service, but overpriced. Horrible.

Il Ponte - by phillipazevedo

phillipazevedo — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:29:49 +0000

Review by phillipazevedo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8761 3371

Website: http://www.sinclairnet.co.uk/ilponte

Tags: italian, good value, lively

Have only ever had lunch here, but it's been good food, reasonably priced. A bit quiet at lunchtime, so not much of an atmosphere.Have only ever had lunch here, but it's been good food, reasonably priced. A bit quiet at lunchtime, so not much of an atmosphere.

Tamnag Thai - Great Food, Great Food, Great - highly recommended by jdesa

jdesa — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:56:07 +0000

Review by jdesa

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8761 5959

Website: http://www.tamnagthai.com/

Tags: thai, crowded, good value

In my opinion the Tamnag Thai serves some of the best Thai food in London (and possibly the UK) - It is on par with my other favourite Thai restaurants The Blue Elephant and the The Crazy Bear.

We tend to go to the Tamnag Thai for all our important events such as Birthdays, Anniversaries and even Valentines Day - And before you ask the Tamnag does not rip you off on this day with elevated prices (well not too much).

The food as I said is excellent. We tend to start off with the house special, the Tamnag Thai Platter - an assortment of starters, followed by Pud Thai noodles, Chicken in Red Curry, Jasmine Rice and either a Prawn or a Beef dish.

The service is a bit hit or miss, so we tend to go in for the early evening sitting to avoid the rush and ensure we have the place mostly to ourselves.

Great Food, Great Food, Great Food. What more can you want from a restaurant.In my opinion the Tamnag Thai serves some of the best Thai food in London (and possibly the UK) - It is on par with my other favourite Thai restaurants The Blue Elephant and the The Crazy Bear.

We tend to go to the Tamnag Thai for all our important events such as Birthdays, Anniversaries and even Valentines Day - And before you ask the Tamnag does not rip you off on this day with elevated prices (well not too much).

The food as I said is excellent. We tend to start off with the house special, the Tamnag Thai Platter - an assortment of starters, followed by Pud Thai noodles, Chicken in Red Curry, Jasmine Rice and either a Prawn or a Beef dish.

The service is a bit hit or miss, so we tend to go in for the early evening sitting to avoid the rush and ensure we have the place mostly to ourselves.

Great Food, Great Food, Great Food. What more can you want from a restaurant.

South East Thai Restaurant - by Cate_Brisby

Cate_Brisby — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:15:36 +0000

Review by Cate_Brisby

Rating: 5.00I went here after reading a favourable online review. The surroundings aren't amazing, but they're clean and tidy. The food and service, however, were superb. The service was extremely polite and the food was delicious and served very quickly. Really light and really fresh flavours. Extremely good value for money.I went here after reading a favourable online review. The surroundings aren't amazing, but they're clean and tidy. The food and service, however, were superb. The service was extremely polite and the food was delicious and served very quickly. Really light and really fresh flavours. Extremely good value for money.

Lorenzo - Lorenzo by Snowy

Snowy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:29:22 +0000

Review by Snowy

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, good value, friendly

We went here for lunch and it was recommended by a friend as they do a cheap lunch which is great value for a fiver. The lunch includes one dish and either garlic bread or salad. We hoped to take my mum and dad there as well but went another time on a Sunday and the lunch special oddly isn't offered then. The staff were friendly and helpful and we enjoyed watching a waiter taking a pint of lager to a table and jokingly placing it down in front of the a boy before moving it to his dad. The boys face was a complete picture! Would go back a lot.We went here for lunch and it was recommended by a friend as they do a cheap lunch which is great value for a fiver. The lunch includes one dish and either garlic bread or salad. We hoped to take my mum and dad there as well but went another time on a Sunday and the lunch special oddly isn't offered then. The staff were friendly and helpful and we enjoyed watching a waiter taking a pint of lager to a table and jokingly placing it down in front of the a boy before moving it to his dad. The boys face was a complete picture! Would go back a lot.

Cuisines Of India - by TrustedBot

TrustedBot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:20:10 +0000

Review by TrustedBot

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 8761 1515

Website: www.cuisinesofindia.co.uk

Tags: party, tastelondon, discount

Please note: 50% off the food bill (maximum of 2 people can dine using 1 Taste card)

Cuisines of India is an Indian restaurant on Westow Hill serving delicious high quality cuisine at reasonable prices.

The menu is wide ranging, sampling a variety of plates from all over India.

The Syrian duck and the Prawn Balchão come highly recommended.
Please note: 50% off the food bill (maximum of 2 people can dine using 1 Taste card)

Cuisines of India is an Indian restaurant on Westow Hill serving delicious high quality cuisine at reasonable prices.

The menu is wide ranging, sampling a variety of plates from all over India.

The Syrian duck and the Prawn Balchão come highly recommended.