Latest reviews in Westminster, London, United Kingdom

Young Cheng - Only been going here for 30 years by ajwilcox

ajwilcox — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:46:24 +0000

Review by ajwilcox

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 0237

Great place for a quick chinese upstairs. Fantastic bowls of noodles, meat and veg.

Downstairs I have entertained various groups of people with the crispy pigs intestines.

Once sat next to an English guy who said this was the only place that compared to Hong Kong where he spent most of his time working.Great place for a quick chinese upstairs. Fantastic bowls of noodles, meat and veg.

Downstairs I have entertained various groups of people with the crispy pigs intestines.

Once sat next to an English guy who said this was the only place that compared to Hong Kong where he spent most of his time working.

Silk - Tasty food, but empty by Browners

Browners — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:34:28 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7297 5555

Website: http://www.courthouse-hotel.com

Tags: international, indian, expensive

Their concept is pretty interesting: they serve a range of dishes from along the ancient silk trading route. A mix between Indian, Middle and Far Eastern cuisine with a of sibtle spicing and dishes with amusing names.

Neither of us could find the restaurant to begin with. This isn't helped by the map they provide on their website. Neither is it helped by the lack of any prominent signage outside. Probably the result of some weird planning restrictions. It's tucked away inside a hotel so needless to say the restaurant was empty.

Gilly and I settled down and immediately started chatting only to be interupted in order to be told about the concept and how old the room was. Given that we were in mid conversation and that we had read about the fact that the dining room is located in an old courtroom on the Top Table and Silk website, we really didn't need to be told again. This kept happening throughout the meal which was annoying.

We shared both of our starters and main courses... the scallops with a zesty foam were succulent and accurately cooked. The zingy foam was tremendous. It made for a fantastic change from cauliflower or pea puree.

My medium rare venison was more medium well than medium rare which was odd because they made quite a fuss of telling me how their chef was going to cook it. Putting that to one side, like Gilly did with a stray peanut on his plate, the venison was very cleverly spiced and accompanied by a cheeky green sauce. The best thing about my starter was the name. I simply couldn't resist a dish called "Jangli Maan".

Main courses were good too. My lamb chops were accurately cooked. Singed on the outside and juicy in the middle. They had been marinaded delicately in a range of yoghurty spices. Not much heat, but a lot of flavour. I wish I had a better grasp of Easter flavours so I could tell you what it involved... but I don't!

Gilly's vast wild tiger prawns were sweet and juciy. Well cooked once more and full of interesting and slightly unexpected flavours.

The food is really very good. But the atmosphere and service are both big negative factors. There's probably a reason that courtrooms are unusual in the restaurant business. They remind you of school dining rooms and the prospect of being in prison. Neither school's nor prisons have a great reputation for fine food... apart from that one in Italy of course.

If it hadn't been on a 2 for 1 offer from Top Table it would have been very expensive, but this way it made for a great chance to catch up and try some interesting food. Neither of us could see this one staying around for very long. So get here whilst you can, or wait for the next one which will probably be called Phoenix.Their concept is pretty interesting: they serve a range of dishes from along the ancient silk trading route. A mix between Indian, Middle and Far Eastern cuisine with a of sibtle spicing and dishes with amusing names.

Neither of us could find the restaurant to begin with. This isn't helped by the map they provide on their website. Neither is it helped by the lack of any prominent signage outside. Probably the result of some weird planning restrictions. It's tucked away inside a hotel so needless to say the restaurant was empty.

Gilly and I settled down and immediately started chatting only to be interupted in order to be told about the concept and how old the room was. Given that we were in mid conversation and that we had read about the fact that the dining room is located in an old courtroom on the Top Table and Silk website, we really didn't need to be told again. This kept happening throughout the meal which was annoying.

We shared both of our starters and main courses... the scallops with a zesty foam were succulent and accurately cooked. The zingy foam was tremendous. It made for a fantastic change from cauliflower or pea puree.

My medium rare venison was more medium well than medium rare which was odd because they made quite a fuss of telling me how their chef was going to cook it. Putting that to one side, like Gilly did with a stray peanut on his plate, the venison was very cleverly spiced and accompanied by a cheeky green sauce. The best thing about my starter was the name. I simply couldn't resist a dish called "Jangli Maan".

Main courses were good too. My lamb chops were accurately cooked. Singed on the outside and juicy in the middle. They had been marinaded delicately in a range of yoghurty spices. Not much heat, but a lot of flavour. I wish I had a better grasp of Easter flavours so I could tell you what it involved... but I don't!

Gilly's vast wild tiger prawns were sweet and juciy. Well cooked once more and full of interesting and slightly unexpected flavours.

The food is really very good. But the atmosphere and service are both big negative factors. There's probably a reason that courtrooms are unusual in the restaurant business. They remind you of school dining rooms and the prospect of being in prison. Neither school's nor prisons have a great reputation for fine food... apart from that one in Italy of course.

If it hadn't been on a 2 for 1 offer from Top Table it would have been very expensive, but this way it made for a great chance to catch up and try some interesting food. Neither of us could see this one staying around for very long. So get here whilst you can, or wait for the next one which will probably be called Phoenix.

Joe Allen - Great hamburgers in retro location by ProfMagellan

ProfMagellan — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:33:55 +0000

Review by ProfMagellan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 0651

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

Tags: american, crowded, lively

In the 1980s, that golden decade for London, three restaurants vyed to attract the super-cool: Coconut Grove, Peppermint Park and Joe Allen. Only the latter has survived
and what a great place it is in its cozy Covent Garden basement. The service is very professional, the menu excellent and unchanging and, by London standards, not outrageously expensive either. It is on the Magellan half dozen favourite casual lunching places in central London.
Offering probably the tastiest burger in London, this is the place to go for casual dining. Other restaurants come and go: but Joe Allen is a constant. On this occasion, I was the guest of a top city lawyer, a discerning diner, who agreed with my conclusion that this is the best American food in London; but why oh why did Joe Allen ditch the wonderful red gingham table clothes for Paris-style white?In the 1980s, that golden decade for London, three restaurants vyed to attract the super-cool: Coconut Grove, Peppermint Park and Joe Allen. Only the latter has survived
and what a great place it is in its cozy Covent Garden basement. The service is very professional, the menu excellent and unchanging and, by London standards, not outrageously expensive either. It is on the Magellan half dozen favourite casual lunching places in central London.
Offering probably the tastiest burger in London, this is the place to go for casual dining. Other restaurants come and go: but Joe Allen is a constant. On this occasion, I was the guest of a top city lawyer, a discerning diner, who agreed with my conclusion that this is the best American food in London; but why oh why did Joe Allen ditch the wonderful red gingham table clothes for Paris-style white?

Kaslik - Lounge Lizards by amandaharrison

amandaharrison — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:55:31 +0000

Review by amandaharrison

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7851 1585

Website: http://www.kasliksoho.com/

Tags: lebanese, cosy, soho

I actually booked this place by accident, not remembering the name of Maison Touaregue just down the road, which is a great place.

I'm all for lounging around on cushions but the seats were so uncomfortable. Mezze for two was a bunch of dishes that all tasted the same. Hoummous blah, vine leave blah, other stuff blah.I actually booked this place by accident, not remembering the name of Maison Touaregue just down the road, which is a great place.

I'm all for lounging around on cushions but the seats were so uncomfortable. Mezze for two was a bunch of dishes that all tasted the same. Hoummous blah, vine leave blah, other stuff blah.

Wong Kei - Super noodle soup by coldclimate

coldclimate — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:10:18 +0000

Review by coldclimate

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 8408

Tags: chinese, lively, cheap eat

Wagamama's it's not - and thank goodness.

Wonkies is about as close as you get to Hong Kong noodle houses in the UK as far as I can tell. It's busy, you share tables, the waiters are curt (I refuse to call them rude, they're just very business like), and the food is very fast. Everything comes in plastic bowls, the tables have soy and chilli oil, and there's a good chance that you'll be sitting with somebody you don't know (always more fun).

I really enjoyed their barbequed pork noodle soup, and the won ton soup was good too. The crispy chilli beef was excellent, the lemon chick less so. The whole bill came to Â£23 quid for two of us, and was way more than we could eat between us. The "starters" definitely outshone the mains, but then again the roast pork and rice on the table next to me looked and smelled excellent.

Worth noting that the dÃ©cor is dated, the stairway less that clean and your chances of being disgruntled high is you aren't willing to bend you head down and crack on.

Take a bunch of non-fussy eaters, and you'll have a great meal for not a huge amount of cash. Take one fussy person, or be annoyed but one dish being just ok not great, and you'll all hate it.

Wagamama's it's not - and thank goodness.

Wonkies is about as close as you get to Hong Kong noodle houses in the UK as far as I can tell. It's busy, you share tables, the waiters are curt (I refuse to call them rude, they're just very business like), and the food is very fast. Everything comes in plastic bowls, the tables have soy and chilli oil, and there's a good chance that you'll be sitting with somebody you don't know (always more fun).

I really enjoyed their barbequed pork noodle soup, and the won ton soup was good too. The crispy chilli beef was excellent, the lemon chick less so. The whole bill came to Â£23 quid for two of us, and was way more than we could eat between us. The "starters" definitely outshone the mains, but then again the roast pork and rice on the table next to me looked and smelled excellent.

Worth noting that the dÃ©cor is dated, the stairway less that clean and your chances of being disgruntled high is you aren't willing to bend you head down and crack on.

Take a bunch of non-fussy eaters, and you'll have a great meal for not a huge amount of cash. Take one fussy person, or be annoyed but one dish being just ok not great, and you'll all hate it.

Goya - Fun, friendly but perhaps a little ordinary... by MouseTrapMark

MouseTrapMark — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:37:39 +0000

Review by MouseTrapMark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7976 5309

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

Tags: spanish, mediterranean, lively

Having stumbled on this place after finding 'Nutmeg' down the road closed and crumbling, Goya delighted our party with witty, friendly service.

Our Spanish was much improved by the attentive waiters, but there seems to be an issue with sugar in this restaurant: the Sangria was too sweet for my taste, and the 'crema' that arrived for dessert must have had an inch of uncarmalised sugar on it. The rest of our tapas was ample, served quickly and tasted fresh.

The decor is simple and atmospheric. Try and get one of the alcove tables downstairs if you can: very cosy.Having stumbled on this place after finding 'Nutmeg' down the road closed and crumbling, Goya delighted our party with witty, friendly service.

Our Spanish was much improved by the attentive waiters, but there seems to be an issue with sugar in this restaurant: the Sangria was too sweet for my taste, and the 'crema' that arrived for dessert must have had an inch of uncarmalised sugar on it. The rest of our tapas was ample, served quickly and tasted fresh.

The decor is simple and atmospheric. Try and get one of the alcove tables downstairs if you can: very cosy.

The Footstool Restaurant - Lunch at Footstool by WendyV

WendyV — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:18:32 +0000

Review by WendyV

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7222 2779

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

Tags: brasserie, business, good value

Lovely lunch for a group of 7 of us on 23rd June.
Speedy service (which you want for a working lunch), delicious food and a very reasonable price.

I love this unusual venue (in the Crypt of the church) and will visit again.Lovely lunch for a group of 7 of us on 23rd June.
Speedy service (which you want for a working lunch), delicious food and a very reasonable price.

I love this unusual venue (in the Crypt of the church) and will visit again.

The Ivy - The Ivy by topruss

topruss — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:20:38 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 4751

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

Tags: romantic, good value, crowded

Love it , the best place for great food and even though you have to book well in advance its all worth it. These guys do the best sunday roast too Love it , the best place for great food and even though you have to book well in advance its all worth it. These guys do the best sunday roast too

Dolce - High Quality roast everyday! by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:58:52 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 5373

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, quick bite

Dolce, run by a friendly, charming Italian guy, is a great place to pick up a sandwich, I have to say that the Roast chicken, which they roast in house each day, is fantastic, as they always serve generous helpings.
The Pork sandwhich with apple saunce, salt & pepper, again great with the Ciabatta.
Or the Salt Beef on Ryebread, again great!
These guys also know how to make a good coffee, also on offer, is a selection of pasta's, from tradition Cabonara, to italian meatballs in ragu sauce, bangers on Mash, salads, and a stroganoff to die for, made with rump, again generous portions.
SO if your looking for a bit of diversity in a cosy cafe feel, this is the place to visit.Dolce, run by a friendly, charming Italian guy, is a great place to pick up a sandwich, I have to say that the Roast chicken, which they roast in house each day, is fantastic, as they always serve generous helpings.
The Pork sandwhich with apple saunce, salt & pepper, again great with the Ciabatta.
Or the Salt Beef on Ryebread, again great!
These guys also know how to make a good coffee, also on offer, is a selection of pasta's, from tradition Cabonara, to italian meatballs in ragu sauce, bangers on Mash, salads, and a stroganoff to die for, made with rump, again generous portions.
SO if your looking for a bit of diversity in a cosy cafe feel, this is the place to visit.

Zizzi - Zizzi by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:57:23 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7836 6101

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

Tags: italian, takeaway, good value

AS bland as the rest of the Zizzi chainsAS bland as the rest of the Zizzi chains

Wagamama - Wagamama by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:55:25 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 3330

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: japanese, expensive, crowded

Great food , in - out very quick but you dont always want sat down all night when there are all the cool bars within 5 mins walkGreat food , in - out very quick but you dont always want sat down all night when there are all the cool bars within 5 mins walk

The Langley - The Langley by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:53:32 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 836 5005

Website: www.thelangley.co.uk

Tags: friendly, trendy, cocktails

A cool hangout away from some of the drunken touristsA cool hangout away from some of the drunken tourists

Rock Garden - Rock Garden by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:48:57 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 4052

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

Tags: live music, romantic, american

Another tourist rip offAnother tourist rip off

Ping Pong Dim Sum - Ping Pong Dim Sum by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:42:31 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7851 6969

Website: http://www.pingpongdimsum.com

Tags: chinese, lively, crowded

ive never tried dim sum before but loved what i ate here , the resturaunt looked cool and quite a funky crowdive never tried dim sum before but loved what i ate here , the resturaunt looked cool and quite a funky crowd

Busaba Eathai - Busaba Eathai by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:36:09 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7255 8686

Website: http://www.busaba.com

Tags: thai, good value, crowded

Food is great but aviod evenings and weekends as the wait is stupid and no bookingsFood is great but aviod evenings and weekends as the wait is stupid and no bookings

Hi Sushi - Hi Sushi by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:31:18 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 9688

Tags: good value, lively, japanese

Go in starving as the all you can eat sushi is cheap and keeps on commingGo in starving as the all you can eat sushi is cheap and keeps on comming

The Stockpot - The Stockpot by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:29:02 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 1066

Tags: british, takeaway, good value

great value for money if you dont have muchgreat value for money if you dont have much

The Brass Rail - The Salt Beef Bar - The Brass Rail - The Salt Beef Bar by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:42:26 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 4.00

Website: http://www.selfridges.com/index.cfm?page=1186&ArticleID=6256

Tags: expensive, salt beef, quick bite

Great but soo exspensive . for the best and cheapest try the bagels shop on brick laneGreat but soo exspensive . for the best and cheapest try the bagels shop on brick lane

Randall & Aubin - Randall & Aubin by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:39:56 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 4447

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

Tags: seafood, lively, french

love the place , food always to a great standardlove the place , food always to a great standard

Cafe Boheme - Rude by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:35:31 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 0623

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

Tags: french, live music, romantic

Great food but staf are RUDE , RUDE, RUDE !Great food but staf are RUDE , RUDE, RUDE !