• Added: 5th of July 2007
• Area: Richmond
• Category: Restaurants

Richmond Upon Thames TW9 1DN
020 8948 6447

riazahmad said
Open verdict
I wanted to list this one because as I started fuming whilst reviewing Carluccio I remembered another bad experience, at Don Fernandos next to Richmond st.
The day started off badly when we didn't get a table at this great looking fish place (fish works?) and trudged around looking for sustenance. Service here wasn't very friendly and I could have sworn at the time that it was a tacky spanish-theme chain, but having done some research I find it's actually family run and they have their own website which is quite well designed: http://www.donfernando.co.uk/

I do remember some very oily and pricey dishes, but it is Richmond and I haven't tried their full range. Maybe it's quite lively at peak times... It's also had a decent set of reviews on london eating, so the juries out i think.

• Added: 5th of July 2007
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Restaurants

London W1U 1AY
020 7935 5927

riazahmad said
Disappointing faux-gourmet cuisine
I've eaten at two Carluccio's restaurants...one next to selfridges and one in ealing. It was really disappointing that this guy is milking his fame but churning out sub-standard Italian food. The lack of effort, from the food to the staff really left a sour taste and it's not cheap either! yet people still flock for some reason. go figure.
if you're in the area rather go to busaba or sofra.

• Added: 5th of July 2007
• Area: Bloomsbury
• Category: Restaurants

London WC1N 1AP
020 7278 6881

riazahmad said
Quick and healthy vegan lunch in Bloomsbury
Marchmont street is a treasure trove for quick, cheap but tasty lunches and is esp close for students in the area. Hopefully it survives the commercialisation of the brunswick centre, but i reckon it probably won't.
anyway this place is an all-purpose veggie shop, selling supplements, but also doing a lovely lunch buffet inc lentil curries, rice dishes etc, all v. healthy and v. hearty. pay by weight and its quite dear but really filling.

• Added: 5th of July 2007
• Area: Soho
• Category: Restaurants

London W1F 0TR
020 7255 8686

riazahmad said
menu tips
The least hectic outlets are Store st (off tottenham ct rd) and behind selfridges, but store st has some long queues on weekends.

try the delicious juices, esp nam som kum (i think that's the name?!).
for the poor student, get a rice main dish, just like getting biryani at an indian resturant, saves those pennies!
the squid starter is delicious.

this place is a cut above wagamama. enjoy!