Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

Yalla is a modern cafe style restaurant with a juice bar that attracts customers in its own right looking for a delicious yet healthy drink. The food is of Middle Eastern origin, with the meze option being by far the most popular choice. For £12 you can enjoy a classic meze selection brought to your table as a mixed feast to work your way through, or order your own choice of dishes individually if you prefer.

Reviewed by Linda Buttle

Ever since Eriki opened in 2002, it has been enticing diners with its chic décor and refined food from the Indian sub-continent. Ideally located close to the tree lined neighbourhood of Hampstead and St. John's Wood, just a short distance away from Central London, it is also popular with theatre goers.

Diversity is a defining feature of India's geography and this is best experienced in the rich culture and cuisine, typical of each region. So discover a cluster of delectable dishes such as large juicy ocean scallops steamed with a hint of garlic and served in a curried green herb sauce; tender lamb pieces cooked with fresh baby spinach and fenugreek leaves with medium curry spices, and homemade rice pudding flavored with cardamoms and garnished with crushed pistachio.

Using the freshest and finest ingredients, the warm and efficient staff at Eriki, take great pride in making dining there an elevating and memorable experience. By popular request, Eriki now also sells designer cutlery.

To describe Oslo Court as an 'institution' would not be an overstatement. It seems to revolve round many facets of the restaurant, but in particular the quality of the service. It therefore came as no surprise for the many loyal supporters of Oslo Court to hear that their star had been given the 2003 Tio Pepe Carlton London Restaurant Award for its Outstanding Front of House Team. But of course a restaurant cannot survive on service, however far beyond the call of duty, alone. The dishes include many of the great European classics, sound, very recognisable food, deftly prepared. The dessert trolley has been the pleasurable ruin of many a sweet tooth. Believe it or not people come to London with dining at Olso Court very much at the top of their agenda. There are lessons to be learned here.

Base Restaurant in Hampstead and Baker Street are pleasant little spots that attract passers-by with their bistro-like atmosphere, gourmet food and a drinks list to suit all tastes. Those who prefer a little more in the way of ethical sourcing and farm fresh produce have much to look forward here.

The menu represents a Mediterranean style of cooking with starters like duck terrine, fig chutney and Melba toast and grilled asparagus with halloumi fritters and avocado salsa. Those who prefer a lighter style are not ignored and a main course salad of smoked salmon with lemon mayonnaise and dill comes across as an interesting option, or perhaps a marinated chicken wrap with cashew nuts and hoisin sauce. Chicken escalope, beef bourguignon and sirloin steak are completely respectful of traditions and so are desserts such as caramelised warm apple tart and crème brûlée.

Although Base has a regular list of smoothies, shakes and juices, customers are encouraged to invent their own unique combinations.

At Café Med in St. John's Wood, the exterior is fresh and vibrant with potted plants streaming from alcoves and lining the path towards the restaurant whilst inside everything is mellow and warm. This contrast plays up the different charms of this Mediterranean inspired restaurant where diners can enjoy tasty grills and various other delicious fare in cosy comfort or whilst basking in the warm sunshine on their outdoor deck.

The à la carte features only the best, locally sourced produce, meats and fish and could include starters of char grilled fresh calamari with rocket, red chilli and lemon, followed by a main course of marinated lamb cutlets with seasonal vegetables, wok fried in olive oil and soy sauce. They also have pastas, salads and a range of award winning steaks with grilled tomato, fries and creamed peppercorn sauce. At Café Med, the wine list is an eclectic group of choices from the New and Old World and they also have a good selection of juices, beers, spirits and beverages.

Harry Morgan's is aimed at the local Jewish community, serving up kosher style homemade dishes from breakfast through to evening meals. There's also a popular deli counter from which you can buy fresh produce to take home and cook for yourself, or as a complete takeout meal. Dining in however is a relaxed and informal experience with staff who really know how to look after you.

On the menu you'll find all the classic dishes, from that ultimate Jewish comfort food, the chicken noodle soup, to the hot salt beef and tongue sandwich. There are also a host of hearty meat dishes like the worsht, beef salami and eggs with two Viennas, calves' liver with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and Hungarian goulash and rice. Desserts are seemingly Jewish, like the homemade lokshen pudding, but for a change of pace try the banoffee pie or apple strudel.