Latest favourites and wishlist by david_2001

Song Que - review by curlynewf

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:01:39 +0000

Song Que - review by curlynewf

Rating: 4.7

Location: 134 Kingsland Road, E2 8DY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7613 3222

Tags: lively, family & home feel, cheap eat, good value, crowded, vietnamese

I have a friend into her Vietnamese who isn't keen on this place. And because she knows her food and I trust her opinion, each time I visit, her words of disapproval echo in my ears and try to convince me that what I'm eating ain't so great. But it doesn't work. I can't help loving it. Perhaps her bar is set too high, and mine too low - but who cares, the heart wants what it wants.

I only wish I lived closer so I could go more often and order my favourite, bbq pork and spring roll bÃ¹n. So good and refreshing. My body thanks me every time.

Latium - review by Sarah_W

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:56:35 +0000

Latium - review by Sarah_W

Rating: 4.7

Location: 21 Berners St, W1T 3LP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7323 9123

Website: http://www.latiumrestaurant.com

Tags: italian, good value, elegant, expensive

We came here a couple of weeks ago to celebrate my birthday as I'd seen a couple of good reviews. The reviews proved to be spot on - we had an excellent meal and a really nice evening.

The restaurant is a little off the beaten track, though only a stone's throw from trendy Charlotte Street. We liked the modern decor (though the old wardrobe by the door for customers' coats and bags is a nice touch) and got a friendly Italian welcome from the waiting staff. We ate fairly early so the restaurant was quiet when we arrived, but it soon filled up - however, it never got too noisy and we enjoyed the view of the bustling room from our table in the window.

The menu here is a set one, with a small number of choices for each course and a flat charge of Â£24.50 for two courses or Â£28.50 for three, which in my view is excellent value for the quality, especially when you add in the various extras. We enjoyed a wonderful selection of bread and rolls, eating far more of it than we normally would because of the variety (the parmesan flavoured slices were the stand-out but the walnut and rasin came a close second, and there were also sundried tomato and black olives rolls, and crispy Sicilan flat bread). This came with a dish of good olive oil for dipping. We were also given a plate of small canapes and a bowl of fantastic olives - Chris, who is a real olive fan, pronounced them among the best he has tasted! And this is all before we've even started on the food we'd ordered :-)

So on to the menu. Latium specialises in ravioli, and a whole page in the menu is devoted to it, with several choices for each course. We both sampled something from this, with me choosing the taleggio, Swiss chard and walnut starter and Chris the ricotta and lemon ravioli for his mains. His starter meanwhile was the beef tartar with wild rocket qualis' eggs and my main a lovely piece of salmon in a pumpkin sauce. Chris then indulged in the tiramisu and I had a wonderful dessert of wafer thin pineapple slices wrapped around indulgent lime semi-freddo. I can't pick a favourite out of this list - everything was really delicious! My only tiny complaint was that my pumpkin sauce was almost cold, but when I pointed this out the waitress was very apologetic and replaced it without question (and I am sure it was a new dish, not simply reheated).

We turned down coffee but they still brough a plate of gorgeous petits fours - the white chocolate truffle rolled in cinnamon was truly miraculaous, and luckily for me Chris doesn't like white chocolate ...

With water and a bottle of wine we paid about Â£85 which was really good value for such a wonderful meal. We will be back!

Milk And Honey - review by chrisp

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:16:17 +0000

Milk And Honey - review by chrisp

Rating: 4.4

Location: 61 Poland Street, W1F 7NU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7565 1620

Website: http://www.mlkhny.com/london

Tags: posh, late license, glamorous, sexy, pretentious, underground, trendy

A gorgeous, exclusive and romantic spot that stands head and shoulders above every other drinking spot in this part of town. I'd be the first to admit it's probably not for everyone - it can be expensive, it's very dark (seriously, I had to use a torch to read the drinks menu) and depending on your point of view it sails dangerously close to pretension. But you'd have to have a heart of stone not to be impressed by the cocktails and the levels of service, and how incredible to find a place open until 1am in the center of London that is quiet enough for a normal conversation and doesn't charge Â£20 to get in.

Oh, there is that small matter of the membership of course. But if it's not too busy they won't chuck you out at 11pm, and booking ahead is a tiny price to pay for a reward so sweet.

Meson Bilbao - review by dryremedy

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:15:05 +0000

Meson Bilbao - review by dryremedy

Rating: 5.0

Location: 33A Malvern Road, NW6 5PS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7328 1744

Tags: romantic, good value, spanish

WOW! I had never been to a proper Spanish restaurant before. I have only ever had make believe Spanish food in normal restaurants and although I did like the food offered, it never seemed to be that authentic for me. However, I am pleased to report this place really does serve the most authentic food ever created! The staff here are also friendly, I got chatting to the waiter and we were talking for ages! The staff are absolutely brilliant and can not be faulted in any way. The food tastes delicious and the prices are also good for this area of London. You really must try them!

Meson Bilbao - review by blackpenwriter

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:35:25 +0000

Meson Bilbao - review by blackpenwriter

Rating: 5.0

Location: 33A Malvern Road, NW6 5PS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7328 1744

Tags: romantic, good value, spanish

This was my first time visiting a proper Spanish restaurant so I was really looking forward to it! I am glad to report I was not disappointed in the slightest. I have always tried the Spanish options in a general type of restaurant. Comparing it to the authentic tastes within this restaurant, I can say what I had before really wasnâ¬"t Spanish at all! The staff here are wonderful and really pull out all the stops to make your dining experience a fantastic one. The menu is laden full of delicious choices and the food that arrives is so tasty! Prices are also really good for what you get

Tantra - review by Ellisbells

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:03:18 +0000

Tantra - review by Ellisbells

Rating: 4.0

Location: 62 Kingly Street, W1B 5QN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7434 0888

Tantra is a fantastic club. Loved going here with all my friends. In soho. great music would definately reccommend if you are looking for a new place to try.

Meson Bilbao - review by tightwad

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:57:31 +0000

Meson Bilbao - review by tightwad

Rating: 5.0

Location: 33A Malvern Road, NW6 5PS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7328 1744

Tags: romantic, family & home feel, good value, spanish

I have been to a few spanish restaurants before in the UK. I have also had the oppotunity to go to spain a few times and have dined at many different obviously authentic restaurants while i was there. Comparing Meson Bilbao to those in Spain is easy, the quality and tastes of the food is the same. Comparing Meson Bilbao to other Uk based spanish restaurants is also easy - it's the best i've ever eaten in. I can truly say with all honesty that they are the most authentic spanish restaurant that i have been to in the UK. If you miss them you will be sorry!

Meson Bilbao - review by jackpot4544

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:50:54 +0000

Meson Bilbao - review by jackpot4544

Rating: 5.0

Location: 33A Malvern Road, NW6 5PS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7328 1744

Tags: romantic, family & home feel, good value, spanish

I love spanish food! Which is why i couldn't wait to try Meson Bilbao. I had passed it a couple of times before and they place just seems to draw you in. Cool and sophisticated it is decorated perfectly. When yuo first enter, its like you have stepped over to the continent and are dining in a restaurant actually in spain! You are certainly spoilt for choice with the meal on the menu, there is so much to choose from! Lots a seafood and many meat dishes ensure everyone will be able to choose something they like. Service is quick and efficient and prices are good too!

Meson Bilbao - review by jackmale86

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:01:17 +0000

Meson Bilbao - review by jackmale86

Rating: 5.0

Location: 33A Malvern Road, NW6 5PS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7328 1744

Tags: romantic, family & home feel, cheap eat, good value, spanish

I have never been to a spanish place before and never really thought about what types of food you would get at one. I suppose i went to meson Bilbao with an assumption that i wouldn't like it. How wrong i was! The food here is delicious! There is loads of choice, meat dishes and also fish based dishes. Vegetarians may not be so happy, but there is still some choice for them. The service is really good though, attentive but not in your face. We also didn't have to wait very long for the food. Prices are cheap so i'd definately recommend!

Song Que - review by Alita

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:51:52 +0000

Song Que - review by Alita

Rating: 4.7

Location: 134 Kingsland Road, E2 8DY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7613 3222

Tags: lively, cheap eat, crowded, vietnamese

I really want to try more of the non-Song Que Vietnamese cafes along Kingsland Road but this restaurant draws me back time and again. Choose the right dishes and you'll get a selection of some of the most cheap, fresh, delicious food to be found anywhere in London. Avoid the deep-fried starters and chinese-y stuff and order some rice paper rolls, a Vietnamese pancake, a bowl of decent Pho and top it off with a Cendol for dessert. You will not be disappointed and will probably come away with change of Â£30 for two.

Latium - review by Coffeegeek

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:45:38 +0000

Latium - review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 4.7

Location: 21 Berners St, W1T 3LP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7323 9123

Website: http://www.latiumrestaurant.com

Tags: italian, good value

If you want to spend Â£100+ on dinner for two, this is the place I would recommend. They say its an Italian resturant but that really under sells it.
Iâ¬"ve eaten there three times over the past 18 months and I canâ¬"t think of anything that lets it down. The food is exceptionally good. The four fish ravioli starter is amazing. Subtle flavours that melt on your tongue. Good wine range and a helpful sommelier thatâ¬"s not snooty! The staff are so good you donâ¬"t notice them and the coffee is very good for a restaurant.

Itâ¬"s located opposite the Sanderson hotel so you can try one of their cocktails pre-dinner and slip across the road for a discreet dinner.

I havenâ¬"t had lunch their yet but the set price lunch menu looks like good value too.

Song Que - review by neilgrayshon

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:03:47 +0000

Song Que - review by neilgrayshon

Rating: 4.7

Location: 134 Kingsland Road, E2 8DY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7613 3222

Tags: lively, cheap eat, crowded, vietnamese

I have little else to add but that it the complete opposite of the word sombre.
Please visit and eat a small piece of sunny heart like love.
Really, words are not sufficient.
Be warned, the clumsy, ineloquent and alarming turquoise interior will stay with you and you will go back.
Luckily, it is also rather cheap.

Latium - review by sue

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 18:52:42 +0000

Latium - review by sue

Rating: 4.7

Location: 21 Berners St, W1T 3LP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7323 9123

Website: http://www.latiumrestaurant.com

Tags: italian, discreet, hidden gem, good wine list, stylish, friendly

Latium had been on my radar for a while after reading a few rave reviews from Italian expats who claimed it was an authentic, under-rated gem. So we ventured there one Friday evening for an end of week treat.

First impressions were good. Stylish but cosy interior, mood music, comfortable seating, and very friendly and knowledgeable service. Latium specialise in filled pasta - ravioli, tortellini and so on, but there was a very good range of dishes on offer, not to mention an all-Italian wine list offering something for everyone. After hearing our brief, our waiter suggested a bottle of wine that turned out to be exactly what we were after. He was very proud to inform us that it was a wine he had recommended to the owner and he seem chuffed that it has been added to the extensive cellar. We noticed later that he had successfully promoted it to neighboring tables too.

As we settled in to peruse the menu (Â£28 for 3 courses), we were given some tasty little appetisers which we polished off greedily. Once we had ordered, a basket of mixed breads arrived, accompanied by some good olive oil. Our starters arrived swiftly - a little too swiftly, but they looked good. I had the Crab Tortelli with rocket sauce and AM had the Pappardelle with hare ragout. Both pasta's were perfectly cooked, and the flavours of the tortelli dish were subtle yet intriguing.

Main course for AM was the Roast breast of Gressingham duck with Umbrian lentils and endive timbale, welted spinach, while I chose the Grilled fillet of beef wrapped with courgettes and pancetta, mashed potato and wild chicory. Both were beautifully presented and generous sized serves. The duck was pink and flavoursome, and the beef just melted in your mouth, and I loved the flavour combination of the courgette and pancetta.

Full, but pushing on, we continued to dessert. I had the Chocolate & almond tart with amaretto sauce - it looked more like a pudding than a tart, but that didn't matter, it was rich and almondy. AM had the Ravioli filled with apple, pine-kernels, cinnamon raisin and vanilla sauce, which was magnificent, though the serving size was too small (not that we were still hungry, it was just a bit stingy).

We thought it was all over, but when we asked for the bill they appeared with an assortment of petit fours, most of which we bravely managed to polish off. Latium, we will return.

Milk And Honey - review by gilka

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:21:55 +0000

Milk And Honey - review by gilka

Rating: 4.4

Location: 61 Poland Street, W1F 7NU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7565 1620

Website: http://www.mlkhny.com/london

Great place! It helped that we knew someone from inside.
It is a member bar so not sure how difficult it is to get in.
We had A-M-A-Z-I-N-G cocktails with extermely professional stories being told
on each drink! The place is a bit dark but it has good energy.
They have some house rules so ask before doing something silly...
the theme is prohibition time and this is why the place has no clear signs outside of it.

Meson Bilbao - review by Traverse

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:16:34 +0000

Meson Bilbao - review by Traverse

Rating: 5.0

Location: 33A Malvern Road, NW6 5PS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7328 1744

Tags: spanish, family & home feel, good value

Went there through gilka's suggestion and it was excellent will definitely go again. Thanks Gika.