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Asia de Cuba (∗)

Address:St Martins Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4HX
Tel:020 7300 5588
Email:
Website: Visit Asia de Cuba website
Price: £70.00Wine: £29.00 Champagne: £59.00
Opening Hours:Mon-Sun 12N-2.30pm 5pm-12M (Sun -10.30pm)

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Dubbed ‘the most self-consciously cool restaurant in London’, the split-level eatery at the St Martin’s Lane Hotel provides a funked-up dining experience in a pulsating, noisy environment that’s good for groups. There’s certainly plenty to look at, not least Philippe Starck’s high-concept 90s interior, with its book-lined pillars, monochrome portraits & dangling light bulbs. The fusion food, which takes inspiration from Cuba’s ‘Chino Latino’ cafés, is good, but scary prices suggest that the restaurant has ‘an over-inflated opinion of its own value’. Clued-up staff encourage grazing, which seems at odds with the family-size portions. Tuna tartare on wonton crisps slips down nicely, while sweet soy salmon comes with a winning textural combination of Asian mushrooms & cucumber escabeche; other dishes, however, can be bland. Whatever you think of the hybrid cuisine, the glamour & energy are hard to resist. ‘If you’re feeling flash, flush & hungry, it’s a corker’, trumpets one convert.

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Reader reviews of Asia de Cuba:

Gemma H.

Gemma H. ( 30s, Female, London )

A friend and I went to Asia de Cuba on a Friday night and were taking up their 2 courses for £25 offer. When we sat down we told the waitress that we would share a starter and a pudding so we both got to taste the 3 courses on offer. Her reaction was a mixture of confusion and horror and she swiftly went to check if it was ok with Chef! Our request was permitted. The food was quite average. The dumpling starter was very small (even if you're not sharing) and although the chicken main was substantial, it lacked anything special. We shared the doughnuts for dessert and they were lovely. All in all it was an ok experience. The atmosphere was good and the service correct but the food was disappointing.

12 October 2009
Overall:6
Food and Drink:6
Service:6
Atmosphere:8
Value for Money:4
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HP
Gold Reviewer

HP ( 30s, Female, United Kingdom )

Editor's pick

This has always been one of those places I've longed to vist and I finally got the chance today, at someone else's expense! The decor is quirky and fun and a real treat for design nerds; it's a little bit like sitting in the middle of Tate Modern. The portions are generous and I understand why the staff encourage diners to share. However, the food is outrageously expensive (£30 for lunch mains) and even though it was of a high standard, it didn't justify the price. The pan seared ahi tuna came in thick slices and lacked delicacy, although the wasabi mash was light and full of flavour. The black miso cod was cooked perfectly but let down by the black bean and edamame salad which had a good balance of flavour but needed more cooking. I'm pleased I've been and really enjoyed the experience but you can get this level of cuisine at a much better price elsewhere in London.

11 August 2009
Overall:8
Food and Drink:8
Service:9
Atmosphere:10
Value for Money:4
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Carla
Reviews: 1

Carla ( 20s, Female )

I am a regular visitor of Asia De Cuba. The restaurant is very well designed by Philip Starck with simple design and good story behind it (ask servers, they happy to tell you all about it). The service is attentive and personal, any requests are happilly accomodated by servers, food is fantastic, especialy the calamari salad and short ribs; I have been celebrating my friend's birthday and the waiters brough up the desserts with candles and sang happy birthday, really nice touch!
I will come back for sure.

8 July 2009
Overall:9
Food and Drink:9
Service:9
Atmosphere:9
Value for Money:8
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Louis M.
Gold Reviewer

Louis M. ( 30s, Male, United Kingdom )

Hard to get excited about the Light Bar … over-priced cock tails and the chance to encounter the loud and brash of the city.

The decor of the restaurant is striking – a beautiful place.

Dumplings SO disappointing.

Signature Surf and Turf is excellent.

Service is good – but a little bit stilted.

Certainly not value for money.

22 March 2009
Overall:7
Food and Drink:7
Service:7
Atmosphere:7
Value for Money:5
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Amber H.
Reviews: 1

Amber H. ( 20s, Female )

My boyfriend and I went here for Valentines day. We spent about £180 and both ended up sick with food poisoning! We contacted Asia De Cuba the next morning and they passed us to two different people and eventually were told that the Manager would have to phone us back. We said fine but didnt get that phone call from the Manager. We rang again and were told the same thing.
Someone called the next day referring to our ‘food allegation.’ We were told we needed to give stool samples and a list of the food we had both eaten within the last 48 hours. We already explained that we were not eating together in the last 48 hours and this would have been easier to produce if they had have called the day before! For £180 you get food poisoning and bad follow up service.
Dont both going here there are far nicer places where the food is safe to eat.

February 2009
Overall:1
Food and Drink:1
Service:2
Atmosphere:6
Value for Money:1
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R.R.Gill
Gold Reviewer

R.R.Gill ( 30s, Male, United Kingdom )

It may no longer be the coolest or hippest venue in town, but in the 30+ times I've dined here over the years I've never been let down. The atmosphere is always electric and loud and the food consistantly good. The Pot Roast Pork, Thai Beef Salad are particular favourites and tend to be repeated each time I go. The additional pull of the Light Bar as well makes it a great venue.

October 2008
Overall:9
Food and Drink:8
Service:7
Atmosphere:8
Value for Money:7
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