Latest reviews by dloizou

Chez Liline

dloizou — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:37:13 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 101 Stroud Green Road, N4 3PX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7263 6550

Tags: good value, mauritian / seafood, family & home feel

I've fallen in love with Mauritian food!Having read mixed reviews about this place on other sites, I was unsure what to expect. All I can say was that I was pleasently suprised.

This small resturant offered my party of 5 fantastic meals of typical Mauritian / Southern French style - with some of the best fish/seafood I have ever tasted and quality French desserts which were delicious.

If you don't like fish, then this is not the place for you as the menu is all seafood - if you are a seafood lover you can be sure the seafood is fresh as the resutrant is owned by the same people who own the fish monger next door.

I had read reports that the decor was drab and that the staff were unpleasent and that you can expect to wait a long time for your food. Here is my opinion on each:

Decor: is typical of that of a resturant in Mauritius. Pictures on the walls and some ornamental fish, crisp linen tableclothes and napkins and ambiant lighting all seemed fine to me.

Staff: we visited on a Saturday night, we had a booking for 8pm and by 9pm, the resturant was nearly full. There was only one waiter on and he was not pleasant nor unpleasant, he was just busy trying to attend to all the guests. He addressed our needs as quickly as he could, and when things had died down (about 11pm) he stopped by for a chat. Overall the service was average.

Food: The quality of the food served was fantastic. Everyone in my party commented on how good each of their courses where. We did wait a little while between orders and food but where given bread to hold us over, and I feel the wait was worth it. The portions were good and the side dishes were lovely. I can't wait to go back to try more things as the flavours were just so magnificent.

Other notes: I had heard about a special Â£15 3 course menu but this is unavailable on weekends. Our meal came to about Â£22 a head with wine, main course, sides and a dessert each.

Gochisou

dloizou — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:48:32 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 3 Princes Street, W1B 2LE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7629 0029

Tags: japanese, family & home feel, business, good value

Fresh sushi and the best miso in town
GoChisou is a great alternative to Itsu. Its a small resturant that also does freshly made takeaway.

They do all the dishes you'd expect such as: sushi and sashimi sets, miso ramen, grilled salmon set, ten don yakitori set (to name a few) and some pretty great looking salads (such as the sashimi and avocardo salad).

After 3 visits in a week, so far I still haven't been able to go past the sushi (its just sooooo fresh) and miso soup (again pretty special) because they are THAT good.

I will happily report back when I manage to venture further ;)

BTW, the manager is a little eager to please (very friendly but don't let that scare you). He will happily have the chef make any of their dishes fresh for you if what you're after is not on the shelf.

In terms of price, I think its competitive enough but not some where I could afford to eat every day..

If you're anywhere near the corner of Oxford St and Regent Street on a weekday and fancy some quick and easy ultra fresh and tastey Japanese food, have a look just around the corner. I would love to know what others think...

Huy Hoang

dloizou — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 22:27:16 +0000

Rating: 4.5

Location: 565 Fulham Road, SW6 1ES, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7381 1100

Tags: vietnamese, good value

Ate here twice in 2 days it was that good!I saw this place on Trusted Places and although I have walked past it many times, I had never noted that it was a Vietnamese resturant. Thanks for pointing that out guys... :)

I feel as though I (or should I say we) have discovered a little gem.

Trip 1: Dinner on Thursday night
We (2 girls with a good appitite) arrived at 7:30 to a fairly quiet resturant. The staff were very attentive and allowed us to poor over the menu for an extended amount of time. Still undecided on what to order due to so many good options, we opted to share some crispy duck pancakes to start (about Â£6.40 for 1/4 duck) while we munched on the delicious entree we took the opportunity to watch other peoples dishes go by. Just when we had almost decided on our order we saw some cripsy noodles go past and decided since it looked huge, that we'd share that after realising how filling our entree was. We were delighted with our choice.. crispy beef noodles (approx Â£5.??) - although the serve was not as generous as I first thought we were stuffed and left very satisfied.

Trip 2: Dinner on Friday night
After such a good experinece the night before, I just had to go back to Huy Hoang again and try some of my favourite Vietnamese dishes... it was a lot busier and by the time we left the resturant was near full but the staff still delivered great service. We ordered some fried mushrooms (approximately Â£2.80) to start (picture to follow at some point), and a pork and prawn golden pancake (approx Â£5.40) both delishous.. For our mains I ordered a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with beef (Approx Â£5.30 for a large).. which I decided would be the comparison dish... and they passed with flying colours.. it was maybe a bit small but full of flavour and a fresh lift. We also ordered a main of chicken cooked with lemongrass and chilli (approx Â£5.40 + Â£1.80 for rice) this dish was also fantastic... with amazing flavours.

In summary, if I had to make a complaint about this place it would only be that the servings appear small (but somehow always fill you up). The tables for two are a bit small too. That aside, although the prices are slightly more than what you pay around Old Street, I definitley think its worth it for those in the SW area who don't want to hike across town for some scummy food.

Great food, great service.. too many new dishes to try.. I'll be back agian.. and again :)

Strada

dloizou — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:29:20 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 147 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2TX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8789 6996

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

Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value

Lunch Deal is Decent @ Â£7.50 (+ optional service)I met a friend here as the Â£7.50 lunch sounded easy and cheap and I think we were both plesently suprised with the food and service.

The deal includes a your choice of a house wine, beer or soft drink plus a selection from a limited menu. The menu was not the most extensive but I think it still had something for everyone (pizza, pasta, risotto etc).

My friend and I both ordered the Italian pizza(?) which was rather tastey. I forced myself to finish it but then spent the afternoon wishing my eyes were not as big as my tummy.

What impressed me most I think was the service. Despite being busy in the lunch time rush hour, staff were attentive, plesent and helpful. And they even brought us water to the table with out us having to ask - nice :)

All said and done I felt like my meal was good value for money.. so I'd definitely go back.

Little Italy

dloizou — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 23:58:28 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 17 Irving Street, WC2H 7AU, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7839 8565

Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value

Pleasent SupriseWe stumbled across Little Italy basically because it was the only place we could find to take in six starving people on a busy saturday night without waiting half an hour to an hour and I must say I think we we all plesantly suprised with our choice.

The waiters were very attentive, and did not leave us wanting for anything.

We had some garlic bread to start which was perhaps a bit more like garlic oil on pizza but still quite nice. Then we had a variation of pizza's, pasta's and even a special italian burger (served on a ciabatta with mozzarella, tomata and rocket - yum).

My dish was divine. I had a pan fried prawn dish served with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh chilli and lots of garlic in a creamy tomato sause with spagetti.. it was Â£14.95 but I was not dissapointed. The serving was great and the flavours took me right back to Italy - yum.

The others commented that their food was overall good but there was mention that the pizza bases were perhaps a little salty.

We were too stuffed for dessert (all at Â£5 a pop) and did not get around to trying the coffee, but I look forward to both on our next visit.

London Eye

dloizou — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 23:29:42 +0000

Rating: 4.2

Location: County Hall, SE1 7PB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 0870 500 0600

Website: http://www.ba-londoneye.com

Tags: Tourist

Great ride.. time flies byI and 7 friends were fortunate enough to be given some tickets to go on the London Eye.

I thought going on a Saturday night the queues would have been busier but after obtaining our tickets at 6:30pm we only waited 25 minutes before boarding our pod. So equal to approximately how long it takes to do a loop.

Even better they didn't cram us in to capacity (28 people per pod) so there was plenty of room to explore the heights of London from all angles.

Once in 'flight' the whole experienced seemed to fly by. There is so much to look at that time just seemed to fly by. Every moment was great though.

Now that I have been up at night, I look forward to doing it all again during daylight... just need London to deliver the perfect day ;)

From an inital skeptic, I am now converted. This is not a cheap experience but a very cool thing to do if you get the chance.

The Noodles & Magic

dloizou — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:53:37 +0000

Rating: 2.5

Location: 139A King Street, W6 9JG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8748 9482

Tags: thai, family & home feel, cheap eat

Great local Thai I discovered this local Thai place by mistake but it was a pleseant surprise.

Pretty standard interior, white walls, woodern tables and chairs and the token vase... but its pretty hard to go wrong with good thai food and this place does not fail to deliver.

I go back because I have never had to wait for a table and the food is cheep and cheerful. And everyone I have taken here has been quite impressed with the quality of food and service. Its great value for money.

In fact they have just introduced a new lunch special at Â£5.95 for an entree and main from a limited but decent menu which my friend and I happened to try out today. We were both impressed. We both ordered the crispy chicken wonton for our entrees and she ordered the phad thai and I ordered a spicey chilli basil and meat dish with rice for mine. We were both very happy with the size and quality of our meals.

Yia Mas

dloizou — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:31:44 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 40 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2RX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8871 4671

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

Great Greek food with the Cypriot touch
Yia Mas is a very small local resturant run by a very friendly Cypriot family and their lovely head waiter who delivers service with a smile.

It's very quait with lovely modern decor (nice leather seats) hand written menu's and great food which seems to be good value for money.

Every time I visit, I can't go past the mini mezze special at just under Â£15 per person (min of 2). It gives you a taste of everything and is just delicious. I always over eat and leave feeling like I have over indulged but OMG is it worth it.

You have to book on a Friday or Saturday night or risk disappointment, but mid week the resturant is really quiet so perfect for an inimate dinner.

Sadly the resturant is closed on Sundays.

I only know about this place because I once lived very close by. For those not in the local area or without a car, Yia Mas is about a 7 minute wallk from East Putney tube or on the 37 and 337 bus routes but well worth the journey.

Sakura

dloizou — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:00:01 +0000

Rating: 2.8

Location: 9 Hanover Street, W1S 1YF, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7629 2961

Tags: japanese, good value

Sakura is a great little 'not so secret' secretFrom the outside this resturant is not much to look at and from the inside the decor is perhaps even worse with a dark tatty and dated interior but like all great finds its the food that keeps me going back over and over again.

I frequent this resturant at least once a month, quite often to take advantage of their special's which are on display in the waiting area when you walk into the resturant (for example the Â£9.50 chicken box set). But everything I have tried on the menu to date has been fantastic - always fresh, always delicious. This is one of my favourite eats in London.

If you don't know what you're in for you may be quite suprised, yes as others have mentioned the manager has an authoritarian complex and likes to get things done efficiently but his main goal seems to be to get people to their tables as quickly as he can.

If there are people already in the waiting area upon arrival, you have to ask at the desk for a ticket and then wait until your party is called. Just make sure you're not outside having a smoke when your number is called and also ensure that everyone in your party has arrived or they may not seat you until they have.

Service is I guess on the slow side and you have to work to get a waiters attention, but this to me just adds to the whole expeience.

The thing with Sakura is that although it is located in an area with competition right across the road and an itsu take-out a few doors down, Sakura is always filled with Japanese which has to mean something right.

I wish I had taken a photo for you all as I had dinner there just last night (sushi tempura set) I left as I always do - relaxed, stuffed and completely satisfied.

Maoz

dloizou — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 17:36:38 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 4 Brewer St, W1F 0SB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 9414

Website: http://www.maoz.nl

Tags: mediterranean, cheap eat

Me likeI first discovered Maoz on a trip to Amsterdam and was pleased to find the chain has made its way to London.

Maoz is a cool concept - fast food with a difference.

Their main sell are falfel's and for about Â£4 you can stuff yourself on a meal deal which includes pita bread, falafels and access to the salad bar (you can go back as many times as you like so long as you still have some bread) with chips and a drink. And its great for vegetarians too.

There is limited seating so it may be hard to abuse the salad bar but if you get the chance do so because the salads are great.

I am yet to try the hummos (additional extra) but am looking forward to it on my next trip.

Try it if you're after something a bit different..

Would love to know what others think too..

Leon

dloizou — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:38:23 +0000

Rating: 3.2

Location: 35-36 Great Marlborough St, W1F 7JB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7437 5280

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

Great food with a big pricetag for tiny servingsI have heard colleges rave about Leon, so on a cold Autum day, unsure what to do with my lunch hour I wandered into the Regent St branch to find exactly what I was expecting, a good menu of hot and cold foods which all sounded wonderful.

I settled for the roasted sweet potato falafel wrap at around Â£3.50 and a large (fair trade) cappuccino.

The falafel was VERY TASTEY but quite lean - I think I would have needed at least two to be satisfed with value for money at that price. Sadly the coffee was just AWEFUL - it had bits in the bottom of it - bits of what I have no idea but it was just wrong (I was too cold to go back to ask for an explanation). I am sure this is not generally the case or perhaps the staff just didn't care that day but I felt let down.

I must be in the minority though as there were queue's out the door.

I don't think I'd go back to this Leon. If I did I would not order a coffee again.

In general my opinion is its a great concept with good wholesome food but the place does not rate highly on my value for money scale.

Absolut Icebar

dloizou — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:26:24 +0000

Rating: 4.3

Location: 31-33 Heddon Street, W1B 4BN, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7287 9192

Website: http://www.belowzerolondon.com

You just have to do it at leats once!The Absolut Ice Bar is awesome..

The staff are great and very helpful and the concept and venue are just fantastic.

Okay so it helps that I am a massive vodka fan and that Absolut is my tipple of choice... but never have I seen such an exciting range of vodka shots.. it was so hard to choose I had 3 of mine own and sampled six others - all delicious.

I'm sure you know the drill, your entry fee entitles you to a half hour visit inside the ice bar - warm poncho, gloves and a lovely shot of your choice included..

I can't speak highly enough of the expeience..

Grab a group of frineds, book in, dress warmly and enjoy!

Fire & Stone

dloizou — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:19:07 +0000

Rating: 3.2

Location: 31/32 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7257 8613

Website: http://www.fireandstone.com

Tags: italian, good value, mediterranean, crowded, lively

I only visit because the pizza's are greatI have been a regular customer at this resturant and have dined here on many occasions and I can quite honestly say that I only go back because the food is so great.

The service is beyond ridiculous. Never has a phone booking I've made well in advanced been on the bookings list upon my arrival, and if I have booked in for a special deal (Â£5 lunch special or Â£10 dinner special) its always a big fuss to get it and you are shown how dissapointed they are that you aren't going to be spending big.

I do also have a Fire & Stone discount card which I have never had trouble with.

Bookings aside, service also lacks in terms of how long you have to wait to get staff attention or get your bill. And the 2 hour time slot rule that they can get ansy about as mentioned in other reviews.

From my experience it is not the staff's fault the individuals are generally lovely - its just that the resturant is generally under staffed and the people on the floor are doing the best they can. But if you are not patient or are ultra starving then perhaps this is not the place for you.

Its a shame really coz the food is divine. I love the atmosphere and the funky interior.

The menu is great and I love what is offered in each and every course. One note however they do not let you alter the pizza toppings so something to be aware of.

If you are asked to wait at the bar the cocktails aren't half bad too.

Its a love hate relationship with this place..

Sacred Cafe

dloizou — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:35:40 +0000

Rating: 3.5

Location: 13 Ganton St, W1F 9BL, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 1415

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

Tags: cosy, good brew, quick bite

Love the cosy couchesThis is a cute cafe in an ideal location to take a break from buzzing Carnaby Street.

I especially love the cosy couches down stairs.

Great little re-treat for a coffee / tea and cakey things or they do some good snacks (eg. mezze plate) too.

Not the cheapest on the block and I agree with the comment that the music can be a little over bearing... but I still go back.. and so far have not been disappointed.

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

dloizou — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:40:35 +0000

Rating: 4.7

Location: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7734 4756

Tags: romantic, seafood, business, good value

Lovely Fine DiningMy partner took me here for dinner for my birthday recently and we were both very impressed.

The staff were very attentive and personable. The menu had a great selection (was not limited to just seafood) and the food its self was just gorgeous.

The wine list was very extensive and the wait staff were only too happy to help us select the perfect wine to compliment our food.

I was a bit dissapointed that I didn't opt to try a cocktail as I have heard great things, but there is always a next time ;)

My only complaint about the whole experience is that when we arrived we were asked to wait at the bar since our table was not ready, this was clearly not true since we had an early booking and were the first party for the evening.

I'm so glad we've discovered this resturant. I'm not so sure my accountant is, but at the end of the day, I strongly believe the food and service was well worth the money. We'll definietly go back.