Latest reviews for Restaurants in Vauxhall, London, United Kingdom

Sirena Restaurant - Hole in the wall by nopstar

nopstar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:15:32 +0000

Review by nopstar

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7587 0683

Sirenaâ¬"s is located in the basement of the southbank house a non-descript office building in between nowhere and nothing interesting. That being said if you work near Vauxhall and youâ¬"re into thin crust pizza, this is the place for you. Iâ¬"m giving this place 4 stars, but the rating is only for its pizza. I think the food is about a 3.

The other fare is decent with generous portions... the place is as loud and boisterous as its waiters. (Word of warning... if youâ¬"re an attractive lady youâ¬"re getting snogged by owner)
The pizza is off the hook... go with the signature Sirena (artichoke, tomato, parma ham and sausage)
Sirenaâ¬"s is located in the basement of the southbank house a non-descript office building in between nowhere and nothing interesting. That being said if you work near Vauxhall and youâ¬"re into thin crust pizza, this is the place for you. Iâ¬"m giving this place 4 stars, but the rating is only for its pizza. I think the food is about a 3.

The other fare is decent with generous portions... the place is as loud and boisterous as its waiters. (Word of warning... if youâ¬"re an attractive lady youâ¬"re getting snogged by owner)
The pizza is off the hook... go with the signature Sirena (artichoke, tomato, parma ham and sausage)

Hot Stuff - Super Stuff by Browners

Browners — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:59:17 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7720 1480

Tags: indian, lively, crowded

Having read Jay Rayner's review of Hot Stuff in the Observer a few weeks ago I seized the first opportunity that presented itself and dragged a whole bunch of friends down to deepest darkest Vauxhal for what turned out to be the best curry I've ever had.

A very diverse group of us are going skiing next week so it seemed like a good idea to have a pre skiing get together so we all make friends and get excited about zooming around on some snow. We tried to keep the 1850 and 1650 chat to a minumum given that South Lamberth isn't exactly Fulham. Thank God!

The advanced party met at a very straightforward pub called the Gladstone which I was hoping was going to be situated opposite the Disraeli or the Queen Vic. No such luck. It was in fact directly opposite an enormous Sainsbury. Cowie had a lot of trouble finding us and landed up being picked up by a cabby from the Battersea Dog Home and delivered for free because he was fearful for her safety. Pearls and a trouser suit tend to stand out in the wasteland of Vauxhal.

We sloped off down the cul de sac to Hot Stuff for our 9pm reservation and fuelled up on beer and wine from the off licence next door. The restaurant is tiny. It probably seats about 25 people at a squeeze. The walls are covered in murals and a range of reviews that veer from the brilliant to the dazzling. This place has a long history of cooking great curry.

Our waiter was hillarious and very helpful. He gave us all menus and then said that he'd prefer it if we didn't order from them. In fact he asked for them back and asked if we were happy for him to just serve us the food that his kitchen thought would suit us best! Who were we to argue!

A couple of metres of naan bread appeared which he balanaced very cleverly on top of our beer bottles. It was scorching hot and incredibly good. But not as brilliant as the starters that then appeared. Spicy paneer and chilli chicken were both delicious. As was the bowlful of enormous prawns. By this point we were already feeling quite full.

After a few minutes of banter from our waiter and a few trips to the very dodgy loo our main courses arrived relentlessly. A collection of dishes that I can't even begin to describe or remember. The only one that I can clearly recall was a corriander lamb curry which I think may have been a dopiazza. It was gorgeous. And has since become my curry of choice. So long Rogan Josh. It's been fun. But a tastier number has outdone you!

There was no fish on the menu. You have to visit them after Wednesday in the week for that treat. I simply can't wait to go back and give it another go. It's a brilliant find in a place that you'd never go. I've raved about it to everyone I've seen in the last week. It's the kind of place that I'd like to lift up and plonk down on the end of Chivalry Road and then not tell anyone about!Having read Jay Rayner's review of Hot Stuff in the Observer a few weeks ago I seized the first opportunity that presented itself and dragged a whole bunch of friends down to deepest darkest Vauxhal for what turned out to be the best curry I've ever had.

A very diverse group of us are going skiing next week so it seemed like a good idea to have a pre skiing get together so we all make friends and get excited about zooming around on some snow. We tried to keep the 1850 and 1650 chat to a minumum given that South Lamberth isn't exactly Fulham. Thank God!

The advanced party met at a very straightforward pub called the Gladstone which I was hoping was going to be situated opposite the Disraeli or the Queen Vic. No such luck. It was in fact directly opposite an enormous Sainsbury. Cowie had a lot of trouble finding us and landed up being picked up by a cabby from the Battersea Dog Home and delivered for free because he was fearful for her safety. Pearls and a trouser suit tend to stand out in the wasteland of Vauxhal.

We sloped off down the cul de sac to Hot Stuff for our 9pm reservation and fuelled up on beer and wine from the off licence next door. The restaurant is tiny. It probably seats about 25 people at a squeeze. The walls are covered in murals and a range of reviews that veer from the brilliant to the dazzling. This place has a long history of cooking great curry.

Our waiter was hillarious and very helpful. He gave us all menus and then said that he'd prefer it if we didn't order from them. In fact he asked for them back and asked if we were happy for him to just serve us the food that his kitchen thought would suit us best! Who were we to argue!

A couple of metres of naan bread appeared which he balanaced very cleverly on top of our beer bottles. It was scorching hot and incredibly good. But not as brilliant as the starters that then appeared. Spicy paneer and chilli chicken were both delicious. As was the bowlful of enormous prawns. By this point we were already feeling quite full.

After a few minutes of banter from our waiter and a few trips to the very dodgy loo our main courses arrived relentlessly. A collection of dishes that I can't even begin to describe or remember. The only one that I can clearly recall was a corriander lamb curry which I think may have been a dopiazza. It was gorgeous. And has since become my curry of choice. So long Rogan Josh. It's been fun. But a tastier number has outdone you!

There was no fish on the menu. You have to visit them after Wednesday in the week for that treat. I simply can't wait to go back and give it another go. It's a brilliant find in a place that you'd never go. I've raved about it to everyone I've seen in the last week. It's the kind of place that I'd like to lift up and plonk down on the end of Chivalry Road and then not tell anyone about!

Rebato's Wine & Tapas Bar - Authentic and agreeable tapas bar by ilovelucy

ilovelucy — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:25:05 +0000

Review by ilovelucy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7735 6388

Website: http://www.rebatos.com

Tags: lively, family & home feel, spanish

On Saturday night after watching some teenage girls perform some flashy dance routines for charity, the Barrister fancied tapas. So i thought we could go to Rebato's which was reccommended by my Spanish teacher as being the best tapas in London - and she had tried many places.

Rebatos is situated at the end of a long row of Portugese shops, bars and restaurants as you walk down South Lambeth Road from Vauxhall Station - the walk will take you a good 7 minutes. The restaurant itself is decorated in a traditional spanish style with the tapas bar in the front and the formal dining room in the back. Arriving at about 7pm, we were able to sit at one of the few tables and stools in the bar area. It got very busy later on. Service was prompt though a bit scatty - the waiters hovered around us like flies at the beginning but we had to ask three times to get our bill. The tapas menu offered much of what a spanish tapas place would offer for about Â£4.75 a dish but there also was a good selection of specials which the waiter read out. Off the specials menu we choose the grilled gambas, grilled razor clam, the oxtail and the suckling pigs liver. We also chose the chorizo sausage, artichokes and the croquettes. I did enjoy most of it especially the seafood - which were succulent and fresh. The croquettes were tasty too - perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Wasn't keen on the suckling pig's liver as it was far too strong for my liking. And the waiter gave a bit too much information away when he said the chorizo was microwaved....leaving me to wonder what else was?

Overall a nice night out - Rebato's brings me back to fond memories of Spain. But in my humble opinion, El Rincon Latino in Clapham is my favourite tapas place although its been awhile since I've been back. I must go soon and check it out...! On Saturday night after watching some teenage girls perform some flashy dance routines for charity, the Barrister fancied tapas. So i thought we could go to Rebato's which was reccommended by my Spanish teacher as being the best tapas in London - and she had tried many places.

Rebatos is situated at the end of a long row of Portugese shops, bars and restaurants as you walk down South Lambeth Road from Vauxhall Station - the walk will take you a good 7 minutes. The restaurant itself is decorated in a traditional spanish style with the tapas bar in the front and the formal dining room in the back. Arriving at about 7pm, we were able to sit at one of the few tables and stools in the bar area. It got very busy later on. Service was prompt though a bit scatty - the waiters hovered around us like flies at the beginning but we had to ask three times to get our bill. The tapas menu offered much of what a spanish tapas place would offer for about Â£4.75 a dish but there also was a good selection of specials which the waiter read out. Off the specials menu we choose the grilled gambas, grilled razor clam, the oxtail and the suckling pigs liver. We also chose the chorizo sausage, artichokes and the croquettes. I did enjoy most of it especially the seafood - which were succulent and fresh. The croquettes were tasty too - perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Wasn't keen on the suckling pig's liver as it was far too strong for my liking. And the waiter gave a bit too much information away when he said the chorizo was microwaved....leaving me to wonder what else was?

Overall a nice night out - Rebato's brings me back to fond memories of Spain. But in my humble opinion, El Rincon Latino in Clapham is my favourite tapas place although its been awhile since I've been back. I must go soon and check it out...!

Yao Fu - Spacious Treasure Trove by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:46:58 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7401 3976

Tags: lively, vegetarian, romantic

Yao fu is a long stones throw away from Waterloo, the South Bank and the Royal Court Theatre but worth the trudge, as the nosh is as good as anywhere in Chinatown. More importantly, the restaurant is calmer and the prices more than a shade cheaper. The green bamboo lined walls are quieting. The place has a two-tier aspect - with some secluded spots up above the main dining area. The service friendly. People are hipping to just what a godsend this place is. Most times I go there they are hosting a small bash, not just office get-togethers but other more fringe looking, party stuff. The sushi is good, fresh although not as good value as the Inshoku just around the corner. They serve the tea in cups - you have to ask for a pot and they'll rustle you up one. Almost everything I tried was fresh & cooked with warmth and precision. They change cooks regularly - the last one was from Fuijan and the food had a more local flavour. The Fuijan Rice was awesome. with tasty shards of lovely fish and vegetables.So good it was almost real home cooking. Knocking in at Â£5.50. I call that a cheap feast. If your in the area check it out. Or if you like Chinese and can handle a long schlep go for it.Yao fu is a long stones throw away from Waterloo, the South Bank and the Royal Court Theatre but worth the trudge, as the nosh is as good as anywhere in Chinatown. More importantly, the restaurant is calmer and the prices more than a shade cheaper. The green bamboo lined walls are quieting. The place has a two-tier aspect - with some secluded spots up above the main dining area. The service friendly. People are hipping to just what a godsend this place is. Most times I go there they are hosting a small bash, not just office get-togethers but other more fringe looking, party stuff. The sushi is good, fresh although not as good value as the Inshoku just around the corner. They serve the tea in cups - you have to ask for a pot and they'll rustle you up one. Almost everything I tried was fresh & cooked with warmth and precision. They change cooks regularly - the last one was from Fuijan and the food had a more local flavour. The Fuijan Rice was awesome. with tasty shards of lovely fish and vegetables.So good it was almost real home cooking. Knocking in at Â£5.50. I call that a cheap feast. If your in the area check it out. Or if you like Chinese and can handle a long schlep go for it.

Chino Latino - Can't get into Nobu? You won't be disappointed here by hallen

hallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:49:12 +0000

Review by hallen

Rating: 5.00

Tags: japanese, fusion, sushi

Chino Latino, a name intended to signify fusion cuisine. More than a passing similarity to Nobu and Zuma - I gather one of the founders was an ex-Nobu Chef.

First opening in the Park Plaza hotel in Nottingham and followed by a second restaurant in Leeds, Chino Latino recently opened a third instalment in the Park Plaza hotel in London... itself newly developed.

I have eaten in all three Chino restaurants nearly a hundred times. No exaggeration. The food is fantastic and the service is more than adequate. The prices are quite high, but when every single dish that arrives on your table is exceptional, you find yourself happy to pay. And next to Nobu and Zuma, the prices aren't actually that high.

Like many Japanese/fusion restaurants, the idea at Chino is to order fairly communally with your companions and to share every dish.

Edamame beans are the best I've had, lightly fried in a sauce with chillies.

The 'appetiser' size plates are delicious, my favourites usually involving scallops with lime, pork dumplings in a white sauce, raw tuna tataki, fantastic. Chino used to serve a range of kusiyaki (skewers) dishes which were very good, but for some reason they aren't on the latest menu.

The sushi is outstanding. Super fresh. Salmon and tuna are staples, with a generous fish-to-rice proportion for your nigiri, and lovely tasty chunks of sashimi. Some of the best ideas aren't on the menu (I ask for scallop and avocado maki rolls).

The main courses are exceptional, in almost every case. Chino has its own version of Nobu's famous black cod and it is exceptional - if you have never had it before, it will be a special experience for you. And may even corrupt your morals: I persuaded my best friend, a strictly non-fish-eating vegetarian of many years, to try it and she thought it was amazing and guiltily ordered it on her next visit.

Other main courses involve high-quality beef, sea bass, a delicious 'jungle curry' (why jungle?) of lobster and prawns, and several others.

Save room for dessert though, the Chocolate Fondant with homemade Ginger Ice Cream (in Nottingham) and Strawberry Ice Cream (in London) is also exceptional. I have treated more than a dozen friends to it and it scores 12/12.

My favourite place? Well they did give me one of their first loyalty cards - you can get your own online.

Highly recommended.

p.s. if you're not near the south bank (let's face it, there aren't many reasons to cross the river but Chino is compelling), try Yakitoria (qv) at Paddington Central for a solid though not overwhelming experience.
Chino Latino, a name intended to signify fusion cuisine. More than a passing similarity to Nobu and Zuma - I gather one of the founders was an ex-Nobu Chef.

First opening in the Park Plaza hotel in Nottingham and followed by a second restaurant in Leeds, Chino Latino recently opened a third instalment in the Park Plaza hotel in London... itself newly developed.

I have eaten in all three Chino restaurants nearly a hundred times. No exaggeration. The food is fantastic and the service is more than adequate. The prices are quite high, but when every single dish that arrives on your table is exceptional, you find yourself happy to pay. And next to Nobu and Zuma, the prices aren't actually that high.

Like many Japanese/fusion restaurants, the idea at Chino is to order fairly communally with your companions and to share every dish.

Edamame beans are the best I've had, lightly fried in a sauce with chillies.

The 'appetiser' size plates are delicious, my favourites usually involving scallops with lime, pork dumplings in a white sauce, raw tuna tataki, fantastic. Chino used to serve a range of kusiyaki (skewers) dishes which were very good, but for some reason they aren't on the latest menu.

The sushi is outstanding. Super fresh. Salmon and tuna are staples, with a generous fish-to-rice proportion for your nigiri, and lovely tasty chunks of sashimi. Some of the best ideas aren't on the menu (I ask for scallop and avocado maki rolls).

The main courses are exceptional, in almost every case. Chino has its own version of Nobu's famous black cod and it is exceptional - if you have never had it before, it will be a special experience for you. And may even corrupt your morals: I persuaded my best friend, a strictly non-fish-eating vegetarian of many years, to try it and she thought it was amazing and guiltily ordered it on her next visit.

Other main courses involve high-quality beef, sea bass, a delicious 'jungle curry' (why jungle?) of lobster and prawns, and several others.

Save room for dessert though, the Chocolate Fondant with homemade Ginger Ice Cream (in Nottingham) and Strawberry Ice Cream (in London) is also exceptional. I have treated more than a dozen friends to it and it scores 12/12.

My favourite place? Well they did give me one of their first loyalty cards - you can get your own online.

Highly recommended.

p.s. if you're not near the south bank (let's face it, there aren't many reasons to cross the river but Chino is compelling), try Yakitoria (qv) at Paddington Central for a solid though not overwhelming experience.