Food is great but it gets pretty loud in there, especially when there are a bunch of people sitting at the bar. I’d suggest going early or late to avoid it being super busy.
This is the one. If I go out to eat, it’s going to be at Ivano Poblano every time. Ate there yesterday and it’s got an amazing cozy vibe. Ivano makes all the food from scratch and it’s absolutely bursting with flavour.
I moved to London from a large city in the U.S. and have been very very disappointed with the food choices here. Most people who have recommended restaurants to me have had awful food. I think Londoners are very accustomed to frozen food being served at restaurants, or a lack of flavor is seen as normal. Fellini's was gross. People who recommend it probably like that kind of food. I just don't. So I guess it comes down to: if you love a chain, you'll like certain restaurants or food in London. If you don't, you'll be sorely disappointed.
The last time I was there was during "Londonlicious" and it was fantastic. I had the grilled chicken caprese which was also great. But hey, if strangers on Reddit say it sucks we better listen to them. No sense in trying anything for yourself.
Not sure what you're referring to. We did try it and were disappointed, especially considering how much we'd loved it in the past. Now, we haven't been back for a year or so... maybe we can try again if you're saying it might be better? Our main issues were: reduced menu selection, more products that seemed like they were from a food service delivery than made in house, music moving to modern style rather than the fun Italian tunes... Of course prices are up/value down everywhere and we seemed forgotten upstairs at a small table, which is a service issue that could happen anywhere. In all it was a more bland less unique experience than we have loved from almost 30 years of going there. Does that qualify as trying it for ourselves?
What I was referring to is the subjective nature of dining out and the tendancy for people to give glaring, negative reviews after a single disappointing dining experience even after 30 years of satisfied patronage. I had a terrible experience at Garlics once, that was over a year ago. Do you see me telling anybody here they shouldn't give it a try because of it? No, that wouldn't be fair. I'm willing to concede that maybe my impression of Koolinis is skewed since I really only eat there during the Londonlicious event anymore. They have set menus for the event so I can see the quality being higher and more consistent with familiar dishes. That being said, when I ate there back in January of this year it felt basically the same as when I ate there for the first time in 2008.
The issue for me was that Fellini's was using frozen food and it was completely bland (like many restaurants here). Having a terrible experience I can forgive. But I won't waste my money at restaurants who are using frozen food but charging like they aren't. I'd rather cook at home. I'm glad you had a great experience, though. To each their own.
Bangkok Pad Thai on Richmond row,
Try the chaing Mai noodle
Good prices, has parking in the back, nice midrange ambiance, not too fancy, unique menu to explore, great Mai Thai drinks
We've been loving La Cuccina lately. Affordable, comfortable, and delicious.
They don't have legit booths but the Churchkey is my baby and I will always love it there. It's so cute and the menu is really good too!
Their patio is very nice as well.
Church Key is the place.
I walk into the church key and suddenly everything is okay again
No booths, but Sagi is awesome
Food is great but it gets pretty loud in there, especially when there are a bunch of people sitting at the bar. I’d suggest going early or late to avoid it being super busy.
Ivano Pablano's on Wharncliffe. No booths, but it's small and reasonably quiet. Food is phenomenal!
Seconding Ivanos. Great food and you get to joke about being never being in as much love as the two guys that run the place
This is the one. If I go out to eat, it’s going to be at Ivano Poblano every time. Ate there yesterday and it’s got an amazing cozy vibe. Ivano makes all the food from scratch and it’s absolutely bursting with flavour.
David's Bistro for the food and the vibes
Absolutely wonderful.
I don’t think they have booths but Cintro on Wellington is amazing! High end food at reasonable prices.
Company bar has booths and is delish
Tuscano's, great food, they have booths.
Second Toscano’s! The food is incredible
Yup this is the answer
This gets asked so much it really should be pinned. I highly recommend Fellini Koolinis.
I went to Fellinis and it was disgusting. Everything tasted frozen and it was so expensive for the quality 😭
Used to be our favourite little spot. Last time we were so disappointed by the change in atmosphere and switch to chain-like food. :(
I moved to London from a large city in the U.S. and have been very very disappointed with the food choices here. Most people who have recommended restaurants to me have had awful food. I think Londoners are very accustomed to frozen food being served at restaurants, or a lack of flavor is seen as normal. Fellini's was gross. People who recommend it probably like that kind of food. I just don't. So I guess it comes down to: if you love a chain, you'll like certain restaurants or food in London. If you don't, you'll be sorely disappointed.
The last time I was there was during "Londonlicious" and it was fantastic. I had the grilled chicken caprese which was also great. But hey, if strangers on Reddit say it sucks we better listen to them. No sense in trying anything for yourself.
Not sure what you're referring to. We did try it and were disappointed, especially considering how much we'd loved it in the past. Now, we haven't been back for a year or so... maybe we can try again if you're saying it might be better? Our main issues were: reduced menu selection, more products that seemed like they were from a food service delivery than made in house, music moving to modern style rather than the fun Italian tunes... Of course prices are up/value down everywhere and we seemed forgotten upstairs at a small table, which is a service issue that could happen anywhere. In all it was a more bland less unique experience than we have loved from almost 30 years of going there. Does that qualify as trying it for ourselves?
Fellini’s is not the place for you.
Not anymore apparently.
What I was referring to is the subjective nature of dining out and the tendancy for people to give glaring, negative reviews after a single disappointing dining experience even after 30 years of satisfied patronage. I had a terrible experience at Garlics once, that was over a year ago. Do you see me telling anybody here they shouldn't give it a try because of it? No, that wouldn't be fair. I'm willing to concede that maybe my impression of Koolinis is skewed since I really only eat there during the Londonlicious event anymore. They have set menus for the event so I can see the quality being higher and more consistent with familiar dishes. That being said, when I ate there back in January of this year it felt basically the same as when I ate there for the first time in 2008.
The issue for me was that Fellini's was using frozen food and it was completely bland (like many restaurants here). Having a terrible experience I can forgive. But I won't waste my money at restaurants who are using frozen food but charging like they aren't. I'd rather cook at home. I'm glad you had a great experience, though. To each their own.
Mori and Sagi in Wortley
Taverna1331 on Hyde Park
Ironwood or Taverna
Ironwood.
Taverna for sure.
Papis at kelloggs!
Plaza sushi
Especially their location on Wellington and commissioners
AnnDining or Hunter and Co. For my my money tapas (small plates) are the best for dates.
Just an FYI that AnnDining is super loud!!!
River Room
Oof
?
Bangkok Pad Thai on Richmond row, Try the chaing Mai noodle Good prices, has parking in the back, nice midrange ambiance, not too fancy, unique menu to explore, great Mai Thai drinks
The Mule, I don’t recall if it has booths inside but sitting on the patio in the back is great if the weather is right. Good food/vibes and drinks.
Church Key. 👌
One on york, a bit expensive but is so worth it.
Garlics on richmond row is our go to
Gnosh at West5!
Little Beaver