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 | London Restaurants | Tips 21 - 30 of 2699 |  |
 | |  |  | Kobe Jones: Kobe Jones - Japanese near Tottenham Court Road | Tip Rating:  Satisfaction:   |  |  | |  |
One windy winters evening Alex and I ventured to Kobe Jones for dinner - intrigued by the sound of the 'Californian Japanese' cuisine, and attracted by a special deal offering 50% off the price of our meal!! Kobe Jones is located just off Tottenham Court Road, near the Oxford Street junction. Its website describes it as "a modern Japanese Restaurant with a twist", meaning that the food is based upon a combination of "eastern spices and the Californian flavours of the west". Inside, the décor is dark and stylish. There is an attractive bar area at the front, and then the dining area behind it which has intriguing little dining rooms along the edges - just big enough for a small group of friends or for a romantic meal. Service was very friendly throughout our visit. I got the feeling our waitress may have been fairly new, but she was so lovely we didn't mind that she didn't know how to pour a beer or that she spilt our water everywhere.
Arriving a little early for our reservation we decided to have a drink in the bar first. From the small cocktail list we both chose the Eastern Mojito - which was made with vodka instead of rum. It was good. We were then seated in the main part of the restaurant and started to trawl through the menu trying to decide what, and how much, to order. We liked the sound of the starters the best, so decided to order four of those and just one main meal to share - our waitress told us that this would be a good amount of food. (note to self: it was too much food!) The highlight of the meal was the first thing we ate, called Number One Special, a warm ball of Crab Salad with avocado wrapped in snapper and baked with KJ's cream sauce. It was delicious. Next we had some Prawn & Vegetable Tempura which was ok, but the batter was a bit too heavy. Then onto some Rainbow Rolls - Tuna, salmon, kingfish, snapper, prawn and avocado layered on top of a California roll with sesame seed sprinkle. These were quite nice, but the fish wasn't as tender as it should have been. The other starter we had was terrible. It was called Dynamite Baked Scallops, but was far from dynamite! It consisted of some thinly sliced scallops in a creamy sauce on a bed of rice, with sliced raw mushroom on top, covered with a sugary, spicy tomato sauce and then all covered with some sort of cheap tasting cheese wiz or something. Not good. The main course was Seared Tuna Steak au Poivre with seafood risotto. This was nicely cooked and presented but I wasn't that keen....and was pretty full by that stage anyway. Some Asahi beer helped us to wash it all down and our friendly waitress kept us smiling even if the food wasn't up to the standard you would expect from somewhere this pricy - thank goodness for the 50% off! Leave a Comment Theme: Japanese/SushiPrice: US$41 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 112 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3ASPhone: 020 7300 3250Directions: Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road tube is a 1 minute walkWebsite: http://www.kobejones.com.au/page/intro_london.html Other Contact: info.lon@kobejones.com.au
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| | | | L'Autre Pied: L'Autre Pied - fine dining in Marylebone | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
L'Autre Pied, a stylish new addition to the Marylebone dining scene, is sister restaurant to the two-Michelin-starred Pied a Terre. We dined there one Friday evening with friends, and booking four weeks in advance we were only able to secure a table at 7pm. At the time of booking I was pleasantly surprised they did not mention anything about us having to vacate the table within a couple of hours, as is the expected norm with this type of restaurant. We were greeted warmly, coats whisked away, and led to our small table for four. I looked longingly at the banquettes which appeared to be a bit more spacious, though they were set for larger groups that evening. Drinks were delivered quickly, along with olives and bread. Service continued to be friendly and efficient throughout our meal - though the constant topping up of water was irritating. The wine list was very good - not the largest selection, but a good mix and reasonable prices. There were plenty of wines available by the glass and some by the 500ml carafe as well.
The Modern European menu had enough options to keep us all happy. Overall, food was very good, with a couple of standouts and a couple of not so successful combinations. To start, the Terrine of Beetroot, Goats Cheese Mousse and Balsamic jelly looked fabulous, but didn't quite live up to the hype, while the Slow cooked Monkfish Cheek, Oxtail Beignets and Cauliflower Cream was top class. A main course of Steamed and Roasted Hare, Root Vegetable and Caramelised Garlic Puree was a popular choice at our table, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Gilt Head Bream, Salsify Puree and Rosemary Jus - it was a great combination of flavours. The standout desserts were the Chocolate Mouse, Clementine’s Marmalade and Orange Ice Cream, and the Pain D'Epice Emulsion with Banana Ice Cream. Less successful was the Crushed Apple, Pistachio and Almond Crumble with Blackberry sorbet - the flavours didn't come together. While the presentation of the Warm Financier, Hazelnut Foam and Coffee Sorbet may have looked nice, it lessened the enjoyment of the dish, and the sorbet melted way too quickly. After our meal we decided to stay and chat for a while, so ordered some more wine. Just as we were finishing it, we were informed that they needed our table - the time was now after 10pm and it turned out a couple had been having a drink at the bar since 9.30pm, waiting for us to leave. I was impressed that we had not been pressured to leave earlier, and that made our evening at L'Autre Pied all the more enjoyable. Leave a Comment Theme: Eclectic/InternationalPrice: US$41 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 5-7 Blandford Street, London W1U 3DBPhone: 020 7486 9696Directions: Nearest tube: Bond Street is about 8 minutes walkWebsite: http://www.lautrepied.co.uk Other Contact: info@lautrepied.co.uk
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| | | | La Buvette: La Buvette, French cuisine in Richmond | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
Hidden away on a cobbled lane in Richmond, South West London, is a charming little restaurant called La Buvette. It is a little bistro with a very cosy feel, serving up typical French cuisine. Having walked by it numerous times we decided to try it our one night with some friends. There is a terrace for alfresco dining in the warmer months (the perfect place for Sunday lunch!) and a small dining area inside.
The food was mostly good. To start, Alex & Gerri both had the King scallops a la nantaise with braised celery and bacon, and Kristian had the Escargots de Bourgogne. Unfortunately the scallop sauce was a little burnt, and Kristian was disappointed that his snails weren't served in their shells. For main course, Gerri had the Fillet of seabass with a fumet of braised gem lettuce, basil and tomato which she loved. Alex, Kristian and myself all had the Roast Duck with red cabbage - it was really delicious! Desserts were yummy too. Kristian and I had the Crème Brulee - it was tasty, but too rich for me to finish. Alex had the evil Chocolate & Prune Mousse. The service was efficient and friendly and there was just a lovely (non-smoking) atmosphere. We all really enjoyed the evening. Leave a Comment Theme: FrenchPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 6 Church Walk, Richmond TW9 1SNPhone: 020 8940 6264Directions: Nearest Tube: Richmond - about 5 minutes walk. From the station, turn left and walk along the High Street. When you get to Tesco, turn left up the small lane, and you will find the restaurant along a little on your left, near the church.Website: http://www.la-buvette.com
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| | | | Mamma Ristorante: Mamma Ristorante - Local Italian in Richmond | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
Mamma Ristorante is a small Italian restaurant located about 5 minutes walk from Richmond Station, towards Kew Gardens. It is a warm, cosy place during the colder months, but come summer, the doors are thrown back and the dining moves out to the pavement. The staff are predominantly Italian and the restaurant has a great relaxed feel, with excellent traditional style service with a smile. The night we visited it was filled with local residents enjoying a night off from cooking (as we were!), and a decent meal to boot. They serve up a decent range of classic Italian meat dishes, along with pasta and pizza. The short wine list has a good coverage of classic Italian wines and is affordable.
To eat, I had the Sorrentina Pizza, which had tomato, mozzarella, artichokes, aubergines and sun dried tomatoes - and I had them add some Parma ham as well. It was actually a really nice pizza. Alex had the Scaloppina Versuviana - Veal escalop with mushrooms, ham, cheese, pine nuts and tomato sauce. He enjoyed it but thought it was a little too garlicky. We shared the Tartufo nero for dessert, which consisted of hazelnut & chocolate ice cream dusted with ground hazelnuts and cocoa. We enjoyed an entirely drinkable bottle of Chianti Classico with our meal. Mamma Ristorante isn't a restaurant that you would travel miles for, but it is a great local - good value, cheerful staff and a welcoming atmosphere. Leave a Comment Theme: ItalianPrice: US$21-30 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: 110 Kew Road, Richmond TW9 2PQPhone: 020 8948 8330Directions: Nearest Tube/Train: Richmond Station is about a 5 minute walkWebsite: http://www.caffemamma.co.uk/
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| | | | Matsuba: Matsuba - fabulous Japanese in Richmond | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
Matusba is a small, sophisticated looking Japanese restaurant in Richmond. After having read many good reviews about it, we eventually made it there for dinner one evening. I thankfully booked ahead - the restaurant was fully booked, and several groups were turned away during our meal. The lunch menus sound like good value, and the dinner menu is pricy, with a huge amount of dishes to choose from. There are a few set menus, but our waitress advised us against those. Service was friendly for the most part, though at times I got the feeling that our waitress wasn't really interested.
We ordered a couple of Asahi beers and read our way through the extensive menu. We opted for some Miso soup to start (it was delicious!) and some Meat Gyoza. We also had a serve of the Grilled Squid with Asparagus, which although delicious, was a ridiculously small portion for the price. Next up were some very tasty sushi rolls which had crab and avocado with a spicy sauce - they were very good. The funny thing was that they were also supposed to have salmon in them....but the chef forgot to add it, and we forgot that it was supposed to be in there as they were so good anyway. We were halfway through eating it when the waitress came over and confessed that the chef had forgotten, but was making the salmon up into some small rolls for us. These too were fabulous, the salmon was excellent quality and we are looking forward to returning for some sashimi in the near future. Finally we had some Teriyaki Duck and rice, again the flavours were very good. We were very impressed with Matsuba - some of the best Japanese we have had in London. We will definitely be back, probably to try out the lunch menu next time, and some more of that salmon. Leave a Comment Theme: Japanese/SushiPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 10 Red Lion Street, London TW9 1RWPhone: 020 8605 3513Directions: Nearest tube/train: Richmond station is about 5 minutes walk
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| | | | Ooze Risotto Bar: Ooze Risotto Bar, on Goodge Street | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
I had read in the press about a new Risotto restaurant called Ooze that had opened in London. It sounded intriguing but I wasn't convinced. Then when I read idoru's review below I was sold and immediately booked a table. Ooze is located on Goodge Street, a short walk from Tottenham Court Road. It is a small space, with a modern, funky feel to it. I loved the white décor and friendly staff. We dined there with friends at 7pm on a Monday night and the place was packed! There was an excellent buzzy atmosphere, though the lack of soft furnishing made it a tad noisy. There was a short, reasonably priced wine list and we enjoyed a cold, crisp bottle of Italian white with our meal.
We started with some Mixed bruschetta, Fresh baked bread with pesto, and the Salumi misti. All of the starters were delicious. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the meats in the Salumi misti, just like being back in Italy. For main course we all had to try the Risotto (though the Super salads did look pretty super!). The boys had the Meatballs risotto with spicy tomato sauce, and the girls had the Butternut squash risotto with hazelnut & sage, and the Pancetta risotto with broad beans and rosemary. They were all very good and our plates were cleaned. For once I was too full for dessert....disappointing, as I had noticed a tempting sounding Chocolate fondant on the menu. Oh well, I had to settle for a mouthful of the Apple & peach crumble that the boys ordered - not bad, but not quite as exciting as an oozy fondant. Leave a Comment Theme: ItalianPrice: US$21-30 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 62 Goodge Street, London W1T 4NEPhone: 020 7436 9444Directions: Nearest Tube: Goodge Street is a couple of minutes walk. Tottenham Court Road is also only about 5 minutes walk away.Website: http://www.ooze.biz/index.html Other Contact: will@ooze.biz
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| | | | Pasha: Pasha - Great Moroccan Experience | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
Pasha is an opulently decorated Moroccan restaurant located on Gloucester Road, in West London. From the moment you enter and smell the tangy incense you will feel as though you have been transported to an elegant Riad in the heart of Marrakech. Descend to the restaurant area, with its padded seating, pretty low-lit lamps and scattered rose petals. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to sit in one of the small private alcoves to enjoy your meal.
The food is fabulous - try the tasting menu for a real taste of Morocco. It is normally £40 a head, but we dined on a special offer and paid only £20 each for food. The menu starts with a variety of hot and cold 'Kemia'. Our favourites where the Zaalouk - Roast aubergine puree with cumin & coriander, and the Salata Bard - Beetroot, cinnamon & honey salad. There is also plenty of great bread - perfect for smearing the aubergine on. Main course was Sniwat Al Laham - Char grilled marinated lamb and chicken skewers, served on a tomato and coriander salad. The meat was perfectly cooked and the salad made the ideal accompaniment. Make sure you save room for dessert. There was the Sniwat Fawakih - Fresh fruit platter with honey blossom, and also a platter of Turkish delight, baklava & other Moroccan style biscuits, and pistachio nuts. And best of all, a large pot of delicious mint tea. Later in the evening there are even belly dancers to entertain you! Leave a Comment Theme: Eclectic/InternationalPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 1 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4PPPhone: 020 7589 7969Directions: Nearest Tube: Gloucester Road tube is about 5 minutes walk awayWebsite: http://www.pasha-restaurant.co.uk
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| | | | Petersham Nurseries Tea House: Lovely Tea House in Richmond, South West London | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
One of the loveliest places I have ever had morning tea is at the Petersham Nurseries Tea Room, which is located in Richmond, South West London. The nursery itself is a beautiful place, with all varieties of plants for sale, laid out in ramshackle green houses. At the nursery there is the relaxed Tea House and also a Café/Restaurant that serves up fine dining cuisine. The nursery is a 10-15 minute walk from Richmond Bridge. You can walk along the river for a bit and then cut across Petersham Meadows, dodging the resident cows.
You can sit inside or out. Outside you will be sitting on little mis-matched chairs and tables amongst the foliage. It is a really pretty setting. We visited on a Sunday morning, arriving right before the 11am opening time. Within 10 minutes almost all of the tables were full. Alex queued up to order our food, while I chose a nice little table outside. We both had a coffee (mine decaf) which came in individual plungers and was pretty good. To eat, Alex had a slice of apple cake and I have a lamington (an Australian cake). Yum - I do love a lamington and hadn't had one for ages. Leave a Comment Theme: CoffeehousePrice: US$11-20 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Off Petersham Road, Richmond Surrey TW10 7AGPhone: 020 8605 3627Directions: Nearest Tube/Train = Richmond. It is about 15-25 minute walk. You can also catch the 65 bus from outside Richmond station. Trip should take around 5 minutesWebsite: http://www.petershamnurseries.com/ Other Contact: cafe@petershamnurseries.com
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| | | | Pincho: Pincho - tapas in Twickenham | Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | | | | |
An impromptu visit to Twickenham one sunny autumn day was how we discovered my new favourite place to have tapas - Pincho. Hidden away off the main drag, Pincho is a "Med Tapas Bar" which opened at the end of July 2007. We rocked up at around 1.30pm on a Saturday, and were pleased to see that there was a decent number of people already dining. After perusing the menu outside, we were tempted in by several tasty sounding dishes, and by the reasonable prices. Pincho is housed in an attractive looking building, tastefully decorated in an understated way (which I like). We were given a warm welcome and service was very good during our visit - which turned from a quick bite into a longer lunch, because we enjoyed the experience so much.
For main course we shared the Lamb, potato, chick pea & prune tajine with cous cous. It was delicious as well - the prunes just fell apart and added a subtle sweetness to the dish. The serving sizes were generous, and coupled with a bottle of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc - which we were not planning on drinking all of (yeah right!), we were pretty full by this stage. However, somehow the dessert menu made it onto our table and one of the items sounded intriguing so we ordered it - the Chocolate and rice pudding semi-freddo. Well, it was different and quiet nice, but not something I would order again....though we did managed to eat it all. Just when I thought we were done, the owner (who had been serving us for most of the meal) appeared with a couple of complimentary glasses of a mildly fizzy, chilled red sweet wine. It was a lovely gesture and the perfect finish to our meal at Pincho. Leave a Comment Theme: Eclectic/InternationalPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: 55 Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NRPhone: 020 8892 1096Directions: Nearest station: Twickenham is about a 5 minute walkWebsite: http://www.pincho.co.uk/
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on January 12, 2007
