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Gay Hussar - review by thamshere

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:05:59 +0000

Gay Hussar - review by thamshere

Rating: 3.5

Location: 2 Greek Street, W1D 4NB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 0973

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

Tags: romantic, hungarian, good value

The big problem with Hungary is that it just isn't very Hungarian any more. I challenge you to find good, solid, traditional Hungarian food within a mile of the center of Budapest. Sure, there's some excellent Italian grub to be had, and of course there are all those awful 'restaurants' along the tourist strip, but where oh where has all the *real* food gone?

To the Gay Hussar. That's where.

Unpretentious and unassuming. Rich, heavy and powerful. You're not going to need a dessert at the Gay Hussar

We came here after a play at the Soho Theatre, just around the corner. Arriving late we found the restaurant to have a fair few empty chairs, a surprise for a Friday night even at nine thirty. I guess the Hussar just isn't very hip.

Service was good. Attentive and helpful and the food came quickly. The restaurant is not large, so I don't imagine they would be over-taxed even with all seats taken.

The food is not fantastic and it is not stunning to look at. There are no diva-chefs prancing in the kitchen here. Still, it is good and there's a lot of it. You can expect to be well fed and experience a few flavours and combinations you might not find elsewhere.

Big hunks of meat attended by rich sauces and simple side-dishes are the name of the game. It's exactly what I wanted but could never find when I was in Hungary. Over there it's all street-cafes and rocket. What do they do in the winter, when the rocket's frozen and the streets are full of snow? I don't know, but I know I would prefer to be eating at the Gay Hussar.

Gay Hussar - review by misstravelbug

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:10:29 +0000

Gay Hussar - review by misstravelbug

Rating: 3.5

Location: 2 Greek Street, W1D 4NB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 0973

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

Tags: family & home feel

Love the old school decor. Good ambience, quiet, classy. Hungarian food was good, great selection to choose from. Lovely charming service. Average value, it's a nice place to check out.

Gay Hussar - review by gastro1

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:49:01 +0000

Gay Hussar - review by gastro1

Rating: 3.5

Location: 2 Greek Street, W1D 4NB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 0973

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

Tags: romantic, east european, expensive

this restaurant is an institution a canteen for journos and politicians.

The food has always been average at best. Worth a visit in winter for Goulash , Bortsch or Wiener Schnitzel.

Gay Hussar - review by csucg

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:59:50 +0000

Gay Hussar - review by csucg

Rating: 3.5

Location: 2 Greek Street, W1D 4NB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 0973

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

Tags: lively, east european, good value, romantic

This place is quirky, but excellent. Watch out for the incredibly hot peppers they serve as a free snack. Wines excellent, too - grab a glass (no more) of Tokaji with your dessert. Also, the head waiter is invariably (and usually hilariously) drunk and a 9/10 for Vladamir Putin.

Don't miss!

Elena's L'Etoile - review by amandaharrison

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:13:26 +0000

Elena's L'Etoile - review by amandaharrison

Rating: 4.0

Location: 30 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7636 7189

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

Tags: romantic, glam, thesp, celeb, people watching, media, business, expensive, French

I've been here many times over the years. A perfect business lunch setting, the place is always buzzing, and although I've never been in the evening, all the signed photos of various thesps that crowd the walls show that it has been a celeb hangout for years. Elena herself presides over the place, god knows how old she is but she is a legend.

This restaurant first opened its doors over 100 years ago apparently.

Food is French, vast menu. Pretty pricey. I've had some iffy meals here, but I did have really lovely calves liver once (something I was reluctant to try after being very sick at school dinners....)

Bit of a meeja gaff, but great for people watching. Always a winner.