All reader reviews by Dan
Blueprint Cafe
Hm. Had I known it was a Conran place, I probably would not have bothered, since they can be a bit hit-or-miss (as the reviews below seem to indicate). However, I have to say that my wife and I were both impressed yesterday for lunch. Without a doubt, the best roast pork either of us have tasted in years, and a perfect marriage with everything on the plate. The very large portion of goose and chicken liver pate was well above par, and her 'broth' of squash and parmaggiano was heavenly. Service was fast, friendly, and excited about the menu -- which excited me as well. And £15 for two courses was the deal of the century. I only wish we hadn't been peddled extra sides because there was plenty of food without them, though they were also excellent.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Chula
What a find. Finally some place we can eat before a gig at the Apollo. Decor was much better than your average blati house (next time we'll sit in the back in the nice bit) and service was friendly, if a little disorganized. The food was excellent. Best Jalfrezi, hands down. Also the dark lentils were something I had not tried before and will get again next time we go. All your favourites are on the menu, as well as some more interesting dishes. A nice change from the usual lacklustre eateries in the area.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
XO
Special dinner for 18 downstairs. It's nice to have a private room. Complaints from the other side of the table said they didn't have enough food, but I had plenty to eat. Food was excellent. Could recommend the party menu.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
One O One
Very good fish, well sourced. Expensive, so be prepared. I'd say get the specials rather than the "classics" but you won't be disappointed. Pudding with rose jelly was especially nice.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Sushi Waka
I've been to Sushi Waka several times and have always enjoyed good sushi at reasonable prices. A group of ten of us went this week and everybody liked the food, even those who haven't had muh sushi. The hot food might not be as good as some places, but the raw fish was all excellent. We sat upstares on the floor, the service was charming, and at the end of the night, we each paid £35, all full of sushi, beer, and sake. Definitely the best sushi I've had in London without paying twice as much.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Couscous Darna
We enjoyed our meal here last week, but I do think the couscous (with merguez) was better than the tagine. They did offer us starters which we did not accept, based on previous reviews here, and indeed were full when we left. Took advantage of their half price offer, so the bill was reasonable. I do think had we paid full price, we would have felt a bit hard done by.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Roka
We thought we'd end up paying a bit more than £180 for the two of us, based on many of the reviews. For us, it was worth it. The setting was beautiful. The place was predictably busy on a Saturday night, but I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. Luckily, the weather was mild, so they had all the windows pulled back and we were sat right next to one, but all the places are either near a window or at the open kitchen / sushi bar or in a well-decorated inside corner.
We opted for the lesser of the two tasting menus, which included sushi, sashimi, robato dishes, and pudding. For us the best bits were the sashimi and miso sea bream, and we both thought the pudding let it all down a bit -- cloying anglicized puds don't work well with Japanese food. We each had an interesting cocktail to start, then went through two small bottles of cold sake. It's definitely worth going for some nice sake from the extensive list, and there are servers who will gladly help with the selection.
Smart service, great atmosphere, well-prepared and -presented Japanese food beyond the typical sushi... a good experience.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Cats Cafe Des Artistes
I've had mixed experiences here, and, unfortunately, the bad outweigh the good. Tonight I had "Three Taste Squid." The sauces was similar to a sweet and sour sauce with some mild chilli. The flavour was fine, but not exciting in any way. It had the processed/jellied texture of takeaway Chinese. The fried squid was hot and crispy and tender, but it was also entirely to greasy. The pandan leaf rice was nice. Service was OK-ish until he cleared everything from the table, including my not-finished beer. Cats is fine if you live nearby or are going out with a large group, but otherwise I wouldn't travel for it.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Big Easy
We had dinner last night at the Big Easy and very much enjoyed it. The rib and butterfly prawn combo was very well done, and the king crab legs reminded me of home. Voodoo wings to start were excellent (and not your average hot wing you get here). Two good wines by the glass (a Sancerre rose and a Zinfandel from Italy). Great cocktails, in particular the fresh chili and passion fruit margarita.
Service was superb. Very attentive without hanging about, and it was packed. The kitchen brought my crab out before my wife's food was ready, and the waiter immediately rushed over and apologized. He offered to take the food back or leave it on the table, but either way our round of drinks was comped. I've never had that happen in London.
Atmosphere was loud and bustling on a Friday night. Not the place for a quiet romantic meal, but great for a good time and good food. Can't wait to go back with a big group for one of their sharing platters!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Acorn House Restaurant
Maybe the service (not too coordinated, but efficient and friendly) and the decor (a bit like a nice canteen, though candles in the evening adds some atmosphere) aren't worth £50 a head, but the sustainable, well prepared and presented food made up for it. Whole sea bream was flavourful and the lamb was cooked perfectly and very tender. The seasonal menu was compact but had enough choice for everyone, and the wine list offered some good variety. The six of us enjoyed our meal very much.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
The Olive Tree
My wife and I ate here before a gig last night and enjoyed our meal. Service wasn't too polished, but it was efficient. Love the decor.
We started with a couple martinis, both of which were made well. We shared a plate of charcuterie as an entree which included a couple more interesting choices, such as goose speck (delicious, by the way). She had the ribeye for main, accompanied by excellent chips. The steak was cooked a perfect rare, and I am told the meat was a good cut. I had the fishcakes on a bed of wilted spinach. The greens were as good as the chips. I very much enjoyed the fact that the fishcakes actually tasted like smoked haddock rather than the all-too-common potato flavour with a hint of sea. They were also very crispy on the outside, which I love. I wish they were more liberal with the hollandaise because I just don't see the point of just a little of the glorious sauce, but the sauce it self was a good example.
We'll be back next time we're in the area.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Marquess Tavern
When oxtail is braised for a long time, it's tender, flavourful, and lovely; mine was just hard work. The fried haddock -- in a place that says they champion sustainability? -- and chips was dry and very well could have been a bargain box from Iceland. Certainly not worth £12.50. We ordered a sticky toffee pudding, almost as if it were a dare, and sent it back uneaten. Pike salad? Wot??
Friday, March 07, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 3 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Tom's Place
I didn't think fish and chips could get this good, honestly. She had cod and chips with mushy peas. The peas tasted like they were once peas, the fish tasted like fish but remained crunchy without the flavour of oil, and chips were chunky and crispy. My grilled mackerel was the best example of similar dishes I've tasted. I hope to return soon.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Kathmandu Nepalese Restaurant
A friend in the area has been wanting to try this place for a while so we dropped in for dinner last night. Neither of us have had Nepalese food before and didn't know what to expect. Luckily the server was very helpful and they have a couple rather inexpensive tasting menus you can try. We each had 2 starters and a small main. I don't know how the traditional food is supposed to taste, but everything that came to the table was excellent. We then split a dessert with perfectly balanced flavours - "a harmony of five nectars." The only let down was that there were only a couple other couples dining, so the atmosphere was very quiet and the servers were left being extra helpful, but the decor is quite nice in its own right. I hope more people find this place. I'll certainly be making the journey from north London again.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Les Trois Garcons
Food was better and more consistent than last time I went. The plate of pork was the winner at the table -- belly and shoulder. Service was also better. Based on that experience, I'd recommend it. Of course the decor was excellent.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Clos Maggiore
This is a wonderful date restaurant. The staff seemed to anticipate what sort of service everyone required and delivered just that. The table next to us wanted efficient and unobtrusive but there was a bit of banter with us. The sommelier gently steered our original choice into absolutely perfect wines for our meal (two half bottles even!) When you think of "a nice place to take a date" I'm pretty sure the Clos Maggiore's fits the image in your head perfectly. All this and great food (+ award-winning wine list). Highly recommended.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Pizzeria Pappagone
Been going for a few years. Have never been disappointed. Some of the best pizza in London, buzzing atmosphere, homemade gelato, and friendly service. And they don't charge too much. What's not to like?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
La Petite Maison
9 of us went and we took to the sharing idea. I probably tried about 1/3 of the menu last night, and everything was delicious. I've never had a nicoise salade even close to being that good. The blackleg chicken was indeed very good, but my highlights were the sea bream and the veal. Staff were always there when we needed them and were just friendly enough. Will be going back. Soon, I hope!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wahaca
Being from California and spending a few years in Texas, I really do love Mexican food. We got a chance to eat here for lunch on the bank holiday, and I was excited. I was not disappointed. Maybe they've taken to heart the reviews of the place, but our service was great. The server was friendly, offered help and suggestions on the menu, and he did also mention that the food is for sharing and comes out as it's prepared -- probably at different times. (not for some of the other reviews here: it does also state this on the menu....)
The food was delicious and I cannot wait to go back. It's a bit different than la Perla (and was a bit less expensive for us), and it's good that we now have a couple options when we want Mexican food.
It's clear to me that this place was formed with the diner in mind.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
The Narrow by Gordon Ramsay
Six of us went last night -- a Monday -- and it was packed. They seemed to have worked out the service. Our waiter was friendly, joked a bit, efficient, and brought everything at the same time. All of our meals were good, but the pig cheeks were probably the best. Beautiful setting and great views. A bit expensive, but we did drink a lot.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Gordon Ramsay's Boxwood Cafe
Ah, now I see why he gets the stars. This was my first Ramsay restaurant, and based on my experience here, I'll try another one. It's not that the cuisine is the most creative or very classic, but you really couldn't fault anything. The menu has just the right amount of choice and something for everyone. Same with the wine list, which is an easy to use format (sorted by style) and has plenty of choice by the glass. The decor is lovely and really adds to the experience (plus there's plenty of room, so you're not crammed in like at some places). And, in my opinion, the service was perfect. The staff were friendly without being familiar, everyone was knowledgeable, and they really did go out of their way and way beyond what I'd expect to make sure we had a good dining experience.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
MonkeyNuts
Saturday was the third time my wife and I have been here, and we have not been disappointed. It's a fun atmosphere, the service is quick and friendly, and they have everything you'd want to eat at a casual restaurant. Burgers, onion rings, fish finger sandwiches, salads, and some specials. Good drinks list as well.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Canteen
We went for dinner. I like the idea of the place- the concept, the sourcing, the menu, the bench seating and all that. The potted duck and piccallilli was excellent. The eggs benedict was quite good. My chicken salad, however, failed in execution. The roast chicken was lean and lovely; the dark and light meat made a welcome change from the normal pan-fried boneless/skinless chicken breast. The taragon sauce was lovely, but there was too much of it. Worse yet is that they dressed the cress with oil. Just oil. I couldn't finish the salad. Some lemon juice would have been perfect. Service was uninformed and very slow. Fifteen minutes to get a menu and order drinks and another ten minutes for teh drinks to arrive. The place wasn't even busy. If I'm in the area I might give it another chance, but only because of what they're trying to do, and not because of the meal I had last night.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Pied a Terre
Another couple picked this place to go with me and my wife as a leaving dinner for them. It has a long history of pleasing guests, wins awards, and has been recommended by friends.
The place feels very classy inside, without being stuffy or too flash. The only fault with the service is that some of my table couldn't understand those with French accents. Amusé buche were delightful (as was the Champagne my wife had as aperitif). Starters were more discreet than the menu made them sound, but that's a good thing. The trotters were nothing like I thought they'd be. The star of that course was probably the tuna my wife had. The mains were a tad on the small side, which is just fine for me, but some people should be aware. Everything cooked perfectly, from the chicken to the john dory. We had two desserts, the best of which was probably the bitter chocolate tart.
Two things deserve special mention in my book. First, I noticed that everyone in the restaurant was there for the food. You can usually tell the people who are in a place to be seen or just to say they've been, and I didn't see any there on a Saturday night. One of the benefits of going to a fine dining restaurant that's "missing" it's 3rd michelin star. We even got chatting to the table next to us about their puddings (both tables had a fair bit to drink by then). Second, if you choose one extra to go with the two courses, make it the cheese and wine. It's £24 for three wedges of cheese, some crackers, and three small servings of wine, one to compliment each cheese. An old, classic pairing, and executed with stunning effect. Worth every penny, if you are at all interested in how wine can compliment food.
French food. Done right. Not sure my pocketbook can afford to go back anytime soon, but it's a night we'll all remember.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Gaucho (Hampstead)
I've had this place on my consideration list for a while, but with so many places in London to try, the chains sometimes get bumped down the list a bit. A few of us went for a big dinner last weekend, and based on that experience, I can tell you we'll be back. I liked the decor -- modern, stylish, fun -- and our server was very helpful and friendly. My steak fared very well against the many mediocre hunks of meat I've been served, and I should add it was perfectly cooked, thank you. I had the special spiral cut and didn't need any sauce. There were about 10 of us, and everyone walked away saying how much they enjoyed it.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Bleeding Heart
Just the right amount of light (mostly by candle), open but cozy, authentically worn-in. A great setting for a special meal. Food was as it should be. Just the right amount of seasoning on everything, so you taste all the natural flavors without anything being too bland. The Chateaubriand was more than enough food for the two of us, served with perfect chips. Shame about the service which was cold and a little clumsy.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Green and Red Bar and Cantina
Service was in shambles. We arrived and no one was there to take us to our table. After mulling about in the bar a bit, a man finally came, only to disappear without a word. A waitress then sat us. When we inquired about the details of the special deal we'd booked, she hadn't a clue, and she was none too friendly, either. We were having an early dinner, so I don't expect it to be lively; however, with only 4 other diners in the place, I do expect the table to be clean. She sat us at a table with an ashtray cradling a lone cigarette butt, which she didn't bother to take with her. I had remove the soiled ashtray myself! I was also rather disappointed with the decor. It felt a little cheap and plastic to me, but I didn't check out the bar downstairs.
I actually enjoyed the food. Like the other restaurant they own, Hawkesmoor (which I love), it's best to know what you are getting into before you go. My wife was, unfortunately, expecting burritos. With no help from the inattentive staff, I just figured the best way to eat was to make little tacos from the giant pork belly I ordered and the little soft corn tortillas. The salsas were spot on, the tortillas were of the real Mexican variety, and the pork belly (and my wife's lamb shank) was tender. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to sample the cocktail menu (being January and all) but it looked quite nice. I'd skip the starters, though. My chile rellano and her chorizo were nothing to write about.
I don't know, maybe it was a (very) off night, and it just spoiled the evening for us. I really did like the mains and the portions were generous, but with everything else taken into account (and £50 for two sans booze or pudding), I'm in no rush to go back.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
Yauatcha
Sexy atmosphere to start off with. Not something I'd normally associate with dim sum. The food was surprisingly good, and though a bit expensive, the portions sizes meant we actually ordered a bit too much. They kindly offered to move our table when we became annoyed with the drunken revelers next to us. I'd go back if I wanted dim sum in a cool environment.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Golden Dragon
Recommended by a woman we met in Yauatcha who was from Hong Kong. We just tried it out for Sunday afternoon dim sum. MUCH less expensive than any other dim sum I've had in London and still very good. They certainly aren't going to let you loiter around, but the service was friendly, if still a bit swift. A good bustle about the place adds to the atmosphere, but that's just me.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Satsuma
My wife and I popped in for a late lunch on Boxing Day. There are so many average places that charge too much, and people go because they recognize the name, yo. I've passed Satsuma many times and always wanted to try it.
All of my sushi was good and my wife's bento box was a great deal. The staff were very eager to serve without being intrusive. One of my orders came out as maki instead of the handroll I ordered, but the man who took our order saw from another table and immediately asked someone to take and correct it without me having to ask!
This is the first time in probably a year I've eaten sushi and been completely happy. The service, the food,, and the bill were all fine. Usually one of these is off. We'll be coming back.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Weng Wah House
We booked the upstairs room for a big group meal and kareoke. The food was excellent (with only 1 duff dish) and pretty good value. The service was swift and friendly, and the kareoke was tons of fun. I used to live near Weng Wah House and used to pass by all the time. Don't let the outside fool you, this is not your average around the corner takeaway!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
