Il Bordello, London

Il Bordello is situated in the re-generated Docklands area, in a modern building with luxury flats above, would you believe.

The decor is modern, and the ambience is relaxed and friendly with attentive (not overpoweringly so) staff and absolutely superb food.

It's certainly not cheap, but it's a great palce to go for an occasional splurge.

Whilst preparing this page, I checked out a nuimber of restaurant reviews which were uniformly good. I pass the place on my way home every night, and it is invariably full - I can pay it no greater compliment than that.

Booking is absolutely essential at the weekends and advisable on other evenings.

Update - 12/07/2005. Just had another memorable meal here to celebrate a family occasion. On a Tuesday night, they were turning people away by eight o'clock. the standard is still excellent.

By the way, if you're into such things, apparently Rod Stewart was spotted there a couple of weeks ago.

Favorite Dish: The specials change daily, depending on what's good in the markets, and are always good.

Of the standard menu, I like the seafood risotto. It's creamy and absolutely bursting with all manner of good, fresh seafood.

Update 12/07/2005. I may have to revise my opinion. The seafood pizza almost defies description it is so tasty.

This is what I imagine Italian restaurants to be like - loud and noisy because people are enjoying the food and the people around them. I have been there about half a dozen times and I have yet to come across an okay dish served to me or my friends. Everything we have tried is excellent, and with the friendly service, this is a great place for a night out. The restaurant is a little bit out of the way, about 5 minutes' walk from Wapping tube station, in a residential area. Yet on weekday nights you'll find the restaurant full of happy people and enthusiastic waiters, so it would be advisable to book in advance. The food comes in huge portions, so take a look around your table to get an idea of the massive dishes of pasta and the giant pizzas. You might want to share a few starters and main courses and remember to leave room for their desserts.

Favorite Dish: Favourite dishes include monkfish risotto (you'll be hard pressed to find risotto of this quality even in Italy - and believe me I have tried!), seafood pasta (lots of seafood with an flavoursome tomato-based sauce. Note that this is a HUGE portion. ), wild rocket and parma ham pizza (simple yet delicious), profiteroles and tiramisu (if you are sweet enough to the waiter he might give you "half and half" but in actual fact it's more like 75% of both for the price of one dessert!). PS they do take away pizzas too if you have a good reason not to stay and enjoy the friendly atmosphere!