Latest reviews by islamel

Le Mercury

islamel — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:44:39 +0000

Rating: 4.1

Location: 140A Upper Street, N1 1QY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7354 4088

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

Tags: cozy, romantic. staff friendly, quaint, cheap eat, excellent value, mediterranean, brasserie, french, romantic

Little GemLe Mercury is a quaint little place on Upper Street serving French and Meditteranean food. Despite being in competiton with so many other restaurants it still manages to hold it's own. The food is good and cooked very well and there is always a lovely range of dishes. The menu consists of 7 or 8 choices of starter and about 10 mains which cater to most palates and tastes.
The desserts are good - nice lemon tart.
The wine list delivers and the specials change daily.
This place has a nice romantic feel - good for a quiet intimate dinner, with the only lighting coming from the candles on the table. The staff are lovely and patient.
Just make sure you book as it is quite small and fills up in the evening very quickly. You can see why, as the prices are so good, I wonder how they do it.

Au Lac

islamel — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:29:19 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: 82 Highbury Park, N5 2XE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7704 9187

Tags: good food, oriental, family & home feel, good value, authentic, vietnamese, friendly, romantic, cozy

Vietnamese LocalAu Lac has two branches to it's name and has been a long standing favourite in Highbury and Finsbury Park since that branch opened more than 10 years ago.
The problem I have with many 'Vietnamese' Restaurants is that they are often Chinese cuisine dressed up - but here you get the real deal. The food is very authentic and of great quality. There are the same old faves for those that want them but also some great regional dishes, such as the pork belly stew that are worth a try. I have never had a bad meal at this place in all the years I have been eating here and the loyalty you show to the restaurant is repaid by the owners with lovely friendly services, a welcoming owner(who always makes an effort to come over and say hello), complimentary dishes and quite frankly some of the best Vietnamese food I have eaten.
I haven't tried the Hoxton branch yet but if it is anywhere as good as Highbury I'm sure it's fab. VERY VERY GOOD.

Giraffe

islamel — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:13:39 +0000

Rating: 3.4

Location: The South Bank Centre, SE1 8XX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7928 2004

Website: http://www.giraffe.net

Tags: american, family environment, varied menu, child friendly, british, proper food, international, family & home feel, good brew, good value, quick bite, healthy

Family friendly, healthy, good foodGiraffe is set just off Upper Street where the majority of the restaurants in the area lie. It is a mixture of Cafe and restaurant with a good varied menu. It crosses a variety of cultures and you will find spring rolls, hummus with pitta, salads, burgers and noodles - and more.
There's a great kids menu and the smoothies are definitely worth a visit.
Giraffe is a nice place to go on a Saturday or sunday afternoon with friends or kids.
The last time I went, I saw Cate Blanchett eating with her husband and child!!!!!!

Almeida Wine Bar & Restaurant

islamel — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:47:04 +0000

Rating: 2.5

Location: 30 Almeida Street, N1 1AD, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7354 4777

Website: www.almeida-restaurant.co.uk

Tags: romantic, wonderful dining space., wonderful food, classic french, great value, good value, mediterranean, friendly staff, french

Bringing France to the AngelI first dined at Almeida 5 or so years ago. My Sister and were looking for a really nice, local restaurant for Mother's Day. We decided on Almedia, and have never looked back.
The restaurant is a complete joy from the decor in the dining room to the food to the service - just great.
The dining room is lovely, light, airy and spacious but also incredibly comfortable. The service is always polished, personal, attentive and warm without being overbearing. They remeber you after one visit and even remember their regular's specific likes and dilikes. The second time my partner and I ate there, I accidently touched my partner's hand with the little copper saucepan that they served the jus for our cote de beouf. No thrid degree burns or anything of the like but about 2 mins later, the maitre'd, placed a little cup of ice next to my partners hand - he had seen the incident from the other side of the room and came to help without a word from us. About a year later when I called to book a table, the lady I spoke to ask me how the hand was - just from me giving my surname. Now if that's not making you feel like a valued, appreciated patron, I don't know what is.
The menu serves some really well executed classic french dishes ie. Steak Tartare, Oysters with Vinagrette, Fois Gras, Platter of Classic Charcuterie and Pates for starters(and many more). For mains there's steak frites, Cote de Beouf, Seabass with Clams and Duck with Puy Lentils and regularly changing dishes according to the seasons. Just make sure you save space for the deserts as you will not find a better Creme Brulee in London - and as for the Lavender Ice Cream - HEAVEN!!!!
There is a huge and varied wine list to cater to all budgets and tastes - and the somellier is wonderfully helpful - we once changed our mind about the wine three times without a word of complaint - even though he had opened 2 of the bottles already.
This restaurant delivers on so many levels. Great value too - £22 for 3 courses at lunch, £27 at dinner. YOU CAN'T FAIL TO LOVE IT.