Latest reviews for Restaurants in Reading, United Kingdom

London Street Brasserie - by ageething

ageething — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:16:05 +0000

Review by ageething

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0118 950 5036

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

Where to startâ¬¦â¬¦..
Well I guess being left standing at the door for 5 minutes, even though I made eye contact with two members of the waiting staff should have been enough to send me on way to somewhere a little more hospitable.

I canâ¬"t recommend highly enough that people avoid this establishment, anyone who serves mCCain's oven chips with their bland chewy steak really only deserves 1 star.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a nice treat, somewhere far from the pizza expresses, tootsies and other chain stores of the Reading high street, but we really should have just made it ourselves. The only way I can think of describing the whole eating experience is deflated, it had all the hype and glamour of something truly wonderful but once we took the wrapping of it truly fell flat on its face, it really did fail to deliver on all levels.

Just to break it down:
Food was bland, it did look nice but the flavours â¬ what flavours!
The waiting staff were absent at best and rude at worst
The prices were way too high for the food that was delivered, we usually eat at bluebeckers and I can honestly say we wonâ¬"t be straying into town again for such a nightmare of a meal.
Where to startâ¬¦â¬¦..
Well I guess being left standing at the door for 5 minutes, even though I made eye contact with two members of the waiting staff should have been enough to send me on way to somewhere a little more hospitable.

I canâ¬"t recommend highly enough that people avoid this establishment, anyone who serves mCCain's oven chips with their bland chewy steak really only deserves 1 star.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a nice treat, somewhere far from the pizza expresses, tootsies and other chain stores of the Reading high street, but we really should have just made it ourselves. The only way I can think of describing the whole eating experience is deflated, it had all the hype and glamour of something truly wonderful but once we took the wrapping of it truly fell flat on its face, it really did fail to deliver on all levels.

Just to break it down:
Food was bland, it did look nice but the flavours â¬ what flavours!
The waiting staff were absent at best and rude at worst
The prices were way too high for the food that was delivered, we usually eat at bluebeckers and I can honestly say we wonâ¬"t be straying into town again for such a nightmare of a meal.

Pepe Sale - by shanaz42

shanaz42 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:53:21 +0000

Review by shanaz42

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0118 959 7700

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

Tags: italian, romantic, mediterranean

wicked food, shame about the service.wicked food, shame about the service.

Strada - Quite good by rhoobarb

rhoobarb — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:13:08 +0000

Review by rhoobarb

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0118 939 4861

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

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

Quite good. Which means neither here nor there. The starters were good, if not a bit salty. The main courses were the pollo alla millanese - good, and the rib eye steak was over seasoned with too much salt and rosemary - overpoweringly so. We asked for medium to rare - it was medium to well done.
Quite expensive too, with drinks. The service was brisk. Overall, a nice environment and atmosphere let down by the average food.Quite good. Which means neither here nor there. The starters were good, if not a bit salty. The main courses were the pollo alla millanese - good, and the rib eye steak was over seasoned with too much salt and rosemary - overpoweringly so. We asked for medium to rare - it was medium to well done.
Quite expensive too, with drinks. The service was brisk. Overall, a nice environment and atmosphere let down by the average food.

East West - best meal we've had in a while. by jenniferJJ

jenniferJJ — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:17:41 +0000

Review by jenniferJJ

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0118 958 8866

Tags: chinese, good value, oriental

We had intensions of going to Thai corner on sat, but came accross this place.
we sat, by the bar lookin out which was nice because of the weather.
The mela was the best we've had in a while!! We were pleasently surprised. when the aromatic duck came out it had the best aroma from any chinese restaurant we've been. The waitress recommended us some dim sum whic we were unsure of but it is definitley something we will be going back for! we recommend the chung fun and ciu mai
Service was good, they made an effort to make us feel at comfortable. Wil definitely be back with the misses. would def recommend this place to tryWe had intensions of going to Thai corner on sat, but came accross this place.
we sat, by the bar lookin out which was nice because of the weather.
The mela was the best we've had in a while!! We were pleasently surprised. when the aromatic duck came out it had the best aroma from any chinese restaurant we've been. The waitress recommended us some dim sum whic we were unsure of but it is definitley something we will be going back for! we recommend the chung fun and ciu mai
Service was good, they made an effort to make us feel at comfortable. Wil definitely be back with the misses. would def recommend this place to try

L'Ortolan - Disappointing by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:53:58 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 01189 888 500

Tags: expensive, pretentious, french

We came here for my husband's birthday. We decided to splash out (as they say, if you're going to do it, do it properly) and have the menu gourmand with the wine pairings. Coming in at £115 each we had high expectations - similar selections in other Michelin starred restaurants have been delightful. And this was before we had had aperitifs, the extra wine course, the extra cheese course and tea and coffee...

It was a bit of a disappointment. Some of the dishes were exquisite (especially the foie gras - buttery smooth and served with a wafer thin gingerbread crisp and the Venison with spiced red cabbage, blackberries and chocolate sauce). Many of the dishes were very good. We had no real complaints about the food. There was a lack of excitement and for one course we had to chase after our wine pairings which seemed to have been forgotten.

The wine pairings were interesting and the sommelier was very friendly but we did feel that his pairings had been chosen to show off the selection of wines they had rather than compliment the food. In particular the decision to serve a grappa (82% by vol) with the dessert course was baffling - the sommelier even suggested breathing out as we sipped it, it was that strong. We saw lots of tables ordering traditional dessert wines to go with their desserts. Not sure if this was a money making ploy or a genuine error.

The worst complaint I can level at L'Ortolan, however, was its lack of soul. Past experiences at upper strata restaurants, with or without Michelin stars, have been warm, enjoyable and friendly.A much more joyful occasion. This felt cold and soul-less, like the food was more important than the customers.

I have paid more for meals in the past but on this occasion I really wished I'd gone somewhere more local and friendly (Mya Lacarte springs to mind). When the bill came we bth baulked a bit because it just didn't seem like it was worth the money. Sad.We came here for my husband's birthday. We decided to splash out (as they say, if you're going to do it, do it properly) and have the menu gourmand with the wine pairings. Coming in at £115 each we had high expectations - similar selections in other Michelin starred restaurants have been delightful. And this was before we had had aperitifs, the extra wine course, the extra cheese course and tea and coffee...

It was a bit of a disappointment. Some of the dishes were exquisite (especially the foie gras - buttery smooth and served with a wafer thin gingerbread crisp and the Venison with spiced red cabbage, blackberries and chocolate sauce). Many of the dishes were very good. We had no real complaints about the food. There was a lack of excitement and for one course we had to chase after our wine pairings which seemed to have been forgotten.

The wine pairings were interesting and the sommelier was very friendly but we did feel that his pairings had been chosen to show off the selection of wines they had rather than compliment the food. In particular the decision to serve a grappa (82% by vol) with the dessert course was baffling - the sommelier even suggested breathing out as we sipped it, it was that strong. We saw lots of tables ordering traditional dessert wines to go with their desserts. Not sure if this was a money making ploy or a genuine error.

The worst complaint I can level at L'Ortolan, however, was its lack of soul. Past experiences at upper strata restaurants, with or without Michelin stars, have been warm, enjoyable and friendly.A much more joyful occasion. This felt cold and soul-less, like the food was more important than the customers.

I have paid more for meals in the past but on this occasion I really wished I'd gone somewhere more local and friendly (Mya Lacarte springs to mind). When the bill came we bth baulked a bit because it just didn't seem like it was worth the money. Sad.

The Jazz Cafe - I don't think so by superman

superman — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:33:43 +0000

Review by superman

Rating: 2.00

Tags: expensive, good value, poor food

In January, for a 'special night out', I was taken to the Jazz Club to dine and 'groove'. We arrived a little early and had to wait at the bar, even though most of the tables were free. Our starter, soup, arrived at the table very promptly and was pleasant but not exceptional. Our main-course was served almost as soon as our soup bowls were cleared and looked ok, but we soon realised that the 'chef' might not be on top form that night. The food was not as good as we'd anticipated; it was edible but not cooked and served as well as we have at home!
Because we had eaten our meal rather quickly, we had to wait what for what seemed like an hour for the entertainment to start, so we amused ourselves by watching other diners' experiences, noting that their food looked no more exciting than ours. During this time the club had become very busy and a bit too noisy to be able to chat and I would have loved to have had a more comfortable chair!
We actually left the club early and went to the Hotel bar (and noticed that their restaurant looked very good). I might give it another try one day especially if I hear that they have employed a chef, but will book the table for as late as possible so that I can dine and 'groove', not dine and get 'bored and jolly uncomfortable'.
In January, for a 'special night out', I was taken to the Jazz Club to dine and 'groove'. We arrived a little early and had to wait at the bar, even though most of the tables were free. Our starter, soup, arrived at the table very promptly and was pleasant but not exceptional. Our main-course was served almost as soon as our soup bowls were cleared and looked ok, but we soon realised that the 'chef' might not be on top form that night. The food was not as good as we'd anticipated; it was edible but not cooked and served as well as we have at home!
Because we had eaten our meal rather quickly, we had to wait what for what seemed like an hour for the entertainment to start, so we amused ourselves by watching other diners' experiences, noting that their food looked no more exciting than ours. During this time the club had become very busy and a bit too noisy to be able to chat and I would have loved to have had a more comfortable chair!
We actually left the club early and went to the Hotel bar (and noticed that their restaurant looked very good). I might give it another try one day especially if I hear that they have employed a chef, but will book the table for as late as possible so that I can dine and 'groove', not dine and get 'bored and jolly uncomfortable'.

Suwanna - Rubbish by as2078

as2078 — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 23:21:40 +0000

Review by as2078

Rating: 1.00Far from authentic Thai.
1) Ribs for starter came out freezing cold.
2) We never got the water we ordered.
3) One of the mains was Pineapple and Tomato Chicken - But it came with no Pineapple!
4) The other main course was allegedly Sweet & Sour - I am 100% certain it was in fact based on Tomato Ketchup with Chiili!

It's the last time we'll ever go there!!Far from authentic Thai.
1) Ribs for starter came out freezing cold.
2) We never got the water we ordered.
3) One of the mains was Pineapple and Tomato Chicken - But it came with no Pineapple!
4) The other main course was allegedly Sweet & Sour - I am 100% certain it was in fact based on Tomato Ketchup with Chiili!

It's the last time we'll ever go there!!

Colleys Supper Rooms - lovely food and lots of it! by belindap

belindap — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:57:04 +0000

Review by belindap

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0118 966 4221

Website: www.colleyssupperrooms.co.uk

Tags: expensive, english, international

There is a single sitting, with all diners turning up at 7.30pm. We went mid-week - the meal was a fixed price of £24.95 for 4 courses. You have a choice of 3 starters, 4 mains, and 6 or 7 puddings. There is also a soup course. The mains usually consist of one meat choice, one poultry, one fish and a veggie option. The dishes are brought out for you to view before you order, which is really nice as you get to see what they all look like. Mind you - that does make it difficult to decide, as they all look so delicious!

Food:
The menus are changed fortnightly and posted on their website. The food was lovely, beautifully cooked, with wonderful rich flavours. The puddings are the highlight of the evening - lots of old fashioned traditional desserts like chocolate bread & butter pudding, fruit crumble, treacle suet pudding, white chocolate cheesecake with blueberries, etc! They also let you have 2 puddings! Watch out though - the portions are generous, and by the time you get to desserts, it's nearly impossible to manage 2!! I'd suggest ordering a mixture of things if you're going as a group, and then trying each other's dishes.

Service:
The service was good, and the waiters were able to talk about the dishes in detail. They also didn't make you feel foolish if you didn't understand any of the gastronomic terminology! The feta cheese beignet was described as a "cheese doughnut".

Ambience:
The restaurant is opulently decorated with floral wallpaper, huge mirrors with ornate gilt frames, lots of paintings, etc. A bit garish for my taste. When you first go in, it feels like going into someone's house, as at first glance the dining room seems quite small. However, there are a number of off-shoot rooms, so the overall capacity is quite ample, but the effect is cosy and intimate. When we went, there were only 10 diners. I gather the mid week tends to be quite quiet, but the weekends are full capacity. So if you're planning to go at the weekend, make sure you book plenty of time in advance. (We weren't asked for a deposit when booking).

Definitely a must-visit restaurant if you're in the Reading area.There is a single sitting, with all diners turning up at 7.30pm. We went mid-week - the meal was a fixed price of £24.95 for 4 courses. You have a choice of 3 starters, 4 mains, and 6 or 7 puddings. There is also a soup course. The mains usually consist of one meat choice, one poultry, one fish and a veggie option. The dishes are brought out for you to view before you order, which is really nice as you get to see what they all look like. Mind you - that does make it difficult to decide, as they all look so delicious!

Food:
The menus are changed fortnightly and posted on their website. The food was lovely, beautifully cooked, with wonderful rich flavours. The puddings are the highlight of the evening - lots of old fashioned traditional desserts like chocolate bread & butter pudding, fruit crumble, treacle suet pudding, white chocolate cheesecake with blueberries, etc! They also let you have 2 puddings! Watch out though - the portions are generous, and by the time you get to desserts, it's nearly impossible to manage 2!! I'd suggest ordering a mixture of things if you're going as a group, and then trying each other's dishes.

Service:
The service was good, and the waiters were able to talk about the dishes in detail. They also didn't make you feel foolish if you didn't understand any of the gastronomic terminology! The feta cheese beignet was described as a "cheese doughnut".

Ambience:
The restaurant is opulently decorated with floral wallpaper, huge mirrors with ornate gilt frames, lots of paintings, etc. A bit garish for my taste. When you first go in, it feels like going into someone's house, as at first glance the dining room seems quite small. However, there are a number of off-shoot rooms, so the overall capacity is quite ample, but the effect is cosy and intimate. When we went, there were only 10 diners. I gather the mid week tends to be quite quiet, but the weekends are full capacity. So if you're planning to go at the weekend, make sure you book plenty of time in advance. (We weren't asked for a deposit when booking).

Definitely a must-visit restaurant if you're in the Reading area.

Wa Japanese Restaurant - Wa Japanese by bevally

bevally — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:50:50 +0000

Review by bevally

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0118 950 3773

Tags: romantic, expensive, japanese

Wa offers a selection of typical Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi and noodles. We decided to go for one of the set meals that would enable us to get a taster of most of the menu! We started with some of the sushi and sashimi, which you can have on its own or with some wasabi. As it was only a small selection, it left me wanting more, but I needed to remember there were more dishes to come! The highlight was the barbeque, which was cooked in front of us by the waiter on the barbeque which is set into the table! And it was delicious! The meal finished off with ice cream, a perfect light end. A soup dish was missed from our meal and when we mentioned it to the waiter the charge was credited to our bill. We visited midweek and it was very quiet, with a nice ambience. The staff were friendly and efficient. The whole menu was fairly expensive, but worth it.Wa offers a selection of typical Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi and noodles. We decided to go for one of the set meals that would enable us to get a taster of most of the menu! We started with some of the sushi and sashimi, which you can have on its own or with some wasabi. As it was only a small selection, it left me wanting more, but I needed to remember there were more dishes to come! The highlight was the barbeque, which was cooked in front of us by the waiter on the barbeque which is set into the table! And it was delicious! The meal finished off with ice cream, a perfect light end. A soup dish was missed from our meal and when we mentioned it to the waiter the charge was credited to our bill. We visited midweek and it was very quiet, with a nice ambience. The staff were friendly and efficient. The whole menu was fairly expensive, but worth it.

The Restaurant - The Restaurant by bevally

bevally — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:19:44 +0000

Review by bevally

Rating: 3.00

Tags: good value

Stopped in here for a tea and cake to recharge the batteries whilst Christmas shopping and will definitely be going back. The staff couldnâ¬"t have been more helpful and carried my tray to a table while I carried my bags. The lady even picked up my milk for me! The food looked delicious and appeared to be freshly cooked. For those with children thereâ¬"s the â¬ÜVIPâ¬" range, with a special pick and mix selection to make a packed lunch, as well as hot meals, with baby food being on sale too. Debenhams gold card holders also get 20% off if they pay with their card!Stopped in here for a tea and cake to recharge the batteries whilst Christmas shopping and will definitely be going back. The staff couldnâ¬"t have been more helpful and carried my tray to a table while I carried my bags. The lady even picked up my milk for me! The food looked delicious and appeared to be freshly cooked. For those with children thereâ¬"s the â¬ÜVIPâ¬" range, with a special pick and mix selection to make a packed lunch, as well as hot meals, with baby food being on sale too. Debenhams gold card holders also get 20% off if they pay with their card!

PizzaExpress - Pizza Express by bevally

bevally — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:48:29 +0000

Review by bevally

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0118 957 4411

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

Tags: italian, lively, pizzeria

Stopped here whilst Christmas shopping last Sunday and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the speed of service. I had expected quite a wait as it was fairly busy, but the waitress who served us was very prompt, without making us feel rushed. There is a good selection of pizzaâ¬"s on the menu, all of which are freshly cooked to order. You can even swap toppings for your favourite if you wish! A small selection of pasta dishes and salads complete the menu. The childrenâ¬"s menu offers three courses for a set price, plus a colouring pack to keep them entertained. An enjoyable lunchtime treat which I certainly plan on repeating!Stopped here whilst Christmas shopping last Sunday and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the speed of service. I had expected quite a wait as it was fairly busy, but the waitress who served us was very prompt, without making us feel rushed. There is a good selection of pizzaâ¬"s on the menu, all of which are freshly cooked to order. You can even swap toppings for your favourite if you wish! A small selection of pasta dishes and salads complete the menu. The childrenâ¬"s menu offers three courses for a set price, plus a colouring pack to keep them entertained. An enjoyable lunchtime treat which I certainly plan on repeating!

Ginger - Cracking new Indian by marktim

marktim — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:54:30 +0000

Review by marktim

Rating: 4.00

Tags: indian, good value, family & home feel

Had a takeaway from this new place further up and opposite Alfred Sutton School and enjoyed it so tried the restaurant itself. Streets ahead of most Reading neighbourhood indians and much better than the absurdly popular but not-very-good Miah just 150 yards away.Had a takeaway from this new place further up and opposite Alfred Sutton School and enjoyed it so tried the restaurant itself. Streets ahead of most Reading neighbourhood indians and much better than the absurdly popular but not-very-good Miah just 150 yards away.

Spice Oven Restaurant - Not recommended... by jhodgski

jhodgski — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:38:18 +0000

Review by jhodgski

Rating: 1.00

Tags: indian, vegetarian

Having informed the restaurant we were vegan when booking and, on arrival, felt re-assured when our dietary requirements were confirmed by the waiter seeing us to our table.

We ordered our meal from a dedicated vegan menu. There were lots of vegan options, and the ones we went for were delicous, and we were very pleased with our choice of restaurant. However...

...towards the end of the night, a waiter came over to us, expressing his sincere apologies that some of the dishes we were served were not vegan after all (as they contained butter), assuring us that we would only have to pay for our three drinks - a compromise which we accepted.

The drinks were only Â£13, but he returned later asking for Â£26, totally retracting his previous promise!

What ensued was a good 30 minutes of arguing between us and various members of staff, whilst we stuck to our principle that if you tell them you're vegan, they serve you non-vegan food, they apologise profusely then they say you don't have to pay for any of the food... then we expect not to have to pay for any of the food! Not, to end up having the same laborious argument with 3 members of staff.

We ended up feeling sorry for the guy who mistook our order: his mistake was unintentional but he had the decency to admit to us what had happened. But we were really disappointed by the management, who evidently lacked that decency, behaved quite aggressive towards us, and seemed only to care about their bottom line.Having informed the restaurant we were vegan when booking and, on arrival, felt re-assured when our dietary requirements were confirmed by the waiter seeing us to our table.

We ordered our meal from a dedicated vegan menu. There were lots of vegan options, and the ones we went for were delicous, and we were very pleased with our choice of restaurant. However...

...towards the end of the night, a waiter came over to us, expressing his sincere apologies that some of the dishes we were served were not vegan after all (as they contained butter), assuring us that we would only have to pay for our three drinks - a compromise which we accepted.

The drinks were only Â£13, but he returned later asking for Â£26, totally retracting his previous promise!

What ensued was a good 30 minutes of arguing between us and various members of staff, whilst we stuck to our principle that if you tell them you're vegan, they serve you non-vegan food, they apologise profusely then they say you don't have to pay for any of the food... then we expect not to have to pay for any of the food! Not, to end up having the same laborious argument with 3 members of staff.

We ended up feeling sorry for the guy who mistook our order: his mistake was unintentional but he had the decency to admit to us what had happened. But we were really disappointed by the management, who evidently lacked that decency, behaved quite aggressive towards us, and seemed only to care about their bottom line.

Lsq2 Bar & Brasserie - Great lunch venue by Kenty

Kenty — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:36:59 +0000

Review by Kenty

Rating: 4.00

Tags: lively, brasserie, good value

I have met clients at LSQ2 for lunch on several occasions and have always been very impressed. The food is excellent, well priced and generously proportioned. The menu is a little different to many of the restaurants I am used to and that makes for a welcome change. There is a nice ambiance within the restaurant, modern but not flashy, traditional levels of service but without the stuffiness and if the sun is shining the room is beautifully lit. Most importantly the service was fast and efficient so we could get down to business and get away again quickly. Because I have always been driving I have not had a chance to explore the wine menu. Maybe one day...I have met clients at LSQ2 for lunch on several occasions and have always been very impressed. The food is excellent, well priced and generously proportioned. The menu is a little different to many of the restaurants I am used to and that makes for a welcome change. There is a nice ambiance within the restaurant, modern but not flashy, traditional levels of service but without the stuffiness and if the sun is shining the room is beautifully lit. Most importantly the service was fast and efficient so we could get down to business and get away again quickly. Because I have always been driving I have not had a chance to explore the wine menu. Maybe one day...

Bina Tandoori - Good modern Indian by pgt38

pgt38 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:25:43 +0000

Review by pgt38

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0118 9462115

Tags: indian, curry, good value

Quite a popular restaurant on the outskirts of Reading.

Modern style and dÃ©cor. Extensive menu of traditional and contemporary of dishes combined with good attentive service.

The lamb tikka was good but nothing exciting.

My usual choice of chicken tikka dansak, pilau and plain nan was fresh and delicious whilst being reasonably priced.

Worth a visit.
Quite a popular restaurant on the outskirts of Reading.

Modern style and dÃ©cor. Extensive menu of traditional and contemporary of dishes combined with good attentive service.

The lamb tikka was good but nothing exciting.

My usual choice of chicken tikka dansak, pilau and plain nan was fresh and delicious whilst being reasonably priced.

Worth a visit.

Kyrenia - Great Greek Grub! by bevally

bevally — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:49:57 +0000

Review by bevally

Rating: 5.00

Tags: romantic, good value, family & home feel

A fantastic Greek restaurant with a real traditional feel. The staff are exceptionally friendly and the food is delicious. The traditional Greek meze, to be shared by two or more people, is available as either a fish or meat option and allows you to sample a variety of traditional Greek dishes over numerous courses. A great way to try out some of the dishes youâ¬"re not sure youâ¬"ll like, while still enjoying some of your favourites! The lamb, part of the main course, was so tender it just fell off the bone. The meze is completed with a platter of fruit, just perfect after all that you have consumed before.
I have visited this restaurant numerous times before and never had a bad experience.
A fantastic Greek restaurant with a real traditional feel. The staff are exceptionally friendly and the food is delicious. The traditional Greek meze, to be shared by two or more people, is available as either a fish or meat option and allows you to sample a variety of traditional Greek dishes over numerous courses. A great way to try out some of the dishes youâ¬"re not sure youâ¬"ll like, while still enjoying some of your favourites! The lamb, part of the main course, was so tender it just fell off the bone. The meze is completed with a platter of fruit, just perfect after all that you have consumed before.
I have visited this restaurant numerous times before and never had a bad experience.

Carluccio's - Carluccio's by bevally

bevally — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:54:56 +0000

Review by bevally

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, lively, good value

A busy and vibrant restaurant with a very relaxed feel and nice atmosphere. All the usual Italian fayre is available on the menu, but be warned if you are after a pizza - there aren't any!! The food is very reasonable with good portion sizes. It's a very family friendly place with lots of highchairs and a great children's menu with a drink, main meal and ice cream for a set price, plus a pack of colouring pencils to keep the little one's busy whilst waiting! Booking is recommended, we visited on a Sunday lunchtime and there were very few spare tables, but the service was still good and we didn't wait long for our food. A word of warning.... you walk out through the shop selling all the raw ingredients you need to help you recreate the food you've just enjoyed - very tempting to spend a fortune!!A busy and vibrant restaurant with a very relaxed feel and nice atmosphere. All the usual Italian fayre is available on the menu, but be warned if you are after a pizza - there aren't any!! The food is very reasonable with good portion sizes. It's a very family friendly place with lots of highchairs and a great children's menu with a drink, main meal and ice cream for a set price, plus a pack of colouring pencils to keep the little one's busy whilst waiting! Booking is recommended, we visited on a Sunday lunchtime and there were very few spare tables, but the service was still good and we didn't wait long for our food. A word of warning.... you walk out through the shop selling all the raw ingredients you need to help you recreate the food you've just enjoyed - very tempting to spend a fortune!!

Cerise Restaurant & Bar at The Forbury Hotel - Nice grill by mmillmor

mmillmor — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:55:14 +0000

Review by mmillmor

Rating: 3.00

Tags: business, romantic, french

I went to the Cerise really wanting to like it. It's in a nice location, and the menu on the web site looked fantastic. The restaurant itself is very tastefully decorated, and the staff are good, taking their time to look after you.

I had a great meal there, with one of the best steaks I have eaten in a long time, and a really nice goats cheese ice cream for desert - I was attracted by the unusualness, and wasn't let down. My only gripe though was the selection on the menu. I don't eat seafood, and I am not too partial to offal. Unfortunately, about 75% of the menu was seafood or offal, and out of the remainder, all that I really fancied was the steak - which, lets face it, is a bit of a boring cliche. I like to try new dishes (just not seafood or liver), and I am always a bit let down when steak is the only thing that I fancy on a menu. That said, though, it really was a good steak.

Overall, well worth a visit, but it's not going to be at the very top of my list.I went to the Cerise really wanting to like it. It's in a nice location, and the menu on the web site looked fantastic. The restaurant itself is very tastefully decorated, and the staff are good, taking their time to look after you.

I had a great meal there, with one of the best steaks I have eaten in a long time, and a really nice goats cheese ice cream for desert - I was attracted by the unusualness, and wasn't let down. My only gripe though was the selection on the menu. I don't eat seafood, and I am not too partial to offal. Unfortunately, about 75% of the menu was seafood or offal, and out of the remainder, all that I really fancied was the steak - which, lets face it, is a bit of a boring cliche. I like to try new dishes (just not seafood or liver), and I am always a bit let down when steak is the only thing that I fancy on a menu. That said, though, it really was a good steak.

Overall, well worth a visit, but it's not going to be at the very top of my list.

Cafe Iguana - CLOSED - CLOSED by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:42:41 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0118 959 7191

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

Tags: vegetarian, closed, vegetarian dishes

This cafe is now closed and has been replaced by a newsagent.This cafe is now closed and has been replaced by a newsagent.

Wagamama - Fast, cheap and informal by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:19:38 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0118 951 1599

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: japanese, lively, good value

Great place for something quick and relatively light.
The restaurant is laid out canteen style, with new arrivals seated wherever there is space - you may end up sharing with someone else, but it is never cramped or awkward.

The food is tasty and arrives as it is cooked, though it is normally only a couple of minutes between each dish arriving. Service is quick but friendly.

I'd recommend the yaki udon and the plum wine. Lovely.Great place for something quick and relatively light.
The restaurant is laid out canteen style, with new arrivals seated wherever there is space - you may end up sharing with someone else, but it is never cramped or awkward.

The food is tasty and arrives as it is cooked, though it is normally only a couple of minutes between each dish arriving. Service is quick but friendly.

I'd recommend the yaki udon and the plum wine. Lovely.