Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking.

Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken. Their claim to serve freshly prepared quality food in stylish and comfortable surroundings with friendly and efficient service proved to be absolutely spot on.

Since then I have also discovered that a degree of consistency seems to operate throughout their restaurants, and that certainly does take some achieving, implying a degree of management that is enviable. They are perfect places for an impromptu snack, a bit of culinary grazing, or the full works, and families are catered for particularly well.

Their trendy décor usually comprises tiled floors and black furniture with well set tables that sparkle with glass, silver and spotless linen. Ten starters include crostini and bruschetta, followed by a range of salads, pasta and al forno, oven baked pasta, some with chicken.

The pizzas are stone baked in the oven, creating a crisp, authentic and delicious flavour, and they all come topped with mozzarella and tomato. Calzone introduce a touch of opulence with a folded pizza baked in the oven and topped with garlic butter and melted grana padano, whilst inside expect to find chicken or a vegetarian mix.

Amongst the specials may I warmly, in every sense, recommend the polpette al forno, a popular Milanese dish of beef meatballs sautéed in garlic with fire roasted peppers, caramelised onions, chilli and pomodoro sauce, with penne pasta, topped with cheese and oven baked.

An enticing selection of desserts list banoffee pie and tiramisu amongst them, and the coffee tastes like coffee, which may sound banal, but I guess you know what I mean.

Thanks to a well selected wine list speculative drinking can offer handsome dividends, even with prices rarely crossing the £20 barrier.

Formerly known as Northwood Hills Pub, this venue has now been converted into an Indian Sports club. It blends the atmosphere of a traditional English Pub with a modern club serving cuisine from the subcontinent. Comfortable and elegant, the restaurant offers authentic Indian food, excellent service and an extended menu. Namaste Lounge is one of the most talked about and happening places in North West London. It is becoming very popular amongst guests who like to spend long hours over the weekend or enjoy live sport events in an electric atmosphere.

Potato dumplings deep fried Mumbai style, yellow dal and gram dal blended and sautéed with spices and white lentil dumplings served with coconut chutney complement your beer well. Succulent cubes of lamb and mince, cooked with chopped onion, tomato and fresh spices and tender chicken breast cooked in spinach puree and spices accompanied by Indian breads are a fine choice for main course.