Almeida

I don't know when your reviewer went to the Almeida last but we went (four of us) this week, on Tuesday evening, and although overall it was a good experiences I do have some quibbles. For a start your reviewer mentions amuse bouches. These were not offered. Whether they had them I don't know. (Incidentally we were not on the set pre-theatre menu, which possibly might preclude amuse bouches. But I suspect they don't offer them any more at all). We have been going to the Almeida for years, right from it's heyday when it was Conran owned and made fabuous chips (huge square ‘girder’ like chips heaped up in an architectural tower shape) and when the trolley of chacuterie was interesting, well stocked and generously served. I realise they have to make a profit but we did find the portions of vegetables very mean and tiny. Ditto some of the starters. The rest was good but we ordered a bottle of Champagne which was poured once and then put to the side in an ice bucket. We waited… and waited… finally had to request refills, which we waited so long for that the starters arrived at the same time. The white wine received similar treatment. It is infuriating if the wine is removed from the table and then you are at the mercy of the staff to keep an eye out for when a refill is required.
We will continue to go, nevertheless.

Don't go at lunchtime – in fact, dont go full stop. There were 6 people (including us) in the restaurant. Service was chaotic, maitre d' surly. A simple medium rare grilled steak took 50 minutes from ordering to arrive – had obviously been sitting under lights. It was tasteless and over priced. Never again!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place – the food is amazing!! i've been about 4 times recently and every time they get it right. the roast barbary duck with spring greens is delactable served with daphinoise potatoes on the side – my favourite. i've also tried the steak tartare, which i never thought i would be a fan of, but Ameida have turned me! it comes with the perfect amount of chopped shallots, parsley and gerkins on the side with an egg yolk in the middle, honestly – i am a true convert! the passionfruit souflee with homemade vanilla icecream in the middle is just amazing – they bring it to the table and dollop in the ice cream in front of you so you can see it sink in and melt. i have taken my friends and family to this restaurant and every single one of them has come back for more! the restaurant staff are efficient, friendly and so smooth you barely even notice them! i genuinely recommend this place, delicious food, great staff and above all affordable! i will definitely be going back again and again.