Le Caprice

The quality of food and service has declined noticably in 2011. On two recent visits both my wife and I who would consider ourselves as regulars over the last decade or more, noticed a marked deterioration in both the cooking and professionalism of service. This suggested staff being hired in for the evening. Whilst superficially things appeared good Caprice has slipped badly from the smooth highs of the past but the small and welcoming atmosphere, assisted by the regular pianist remains. A lunchtime visit in November was slightly better from a service perspective but the food remained mediocre at best.

Not the sophisticated, refined dining experience this place used to be. They just turn tables, we were rushed and told to leave after 2 hours. Food was fine, but totally ruined by the horrible service, and cattle market like atmosphere. Do not think to go here for a special occasion – at best quick pre theatre bite amidst the hen parties before they go clubbing scantily clad in Mayfair.

Totally overrated!

Not expecting too much, my fiancé and I booked a taple 2 months in advance to have a nice dinner out – only to be very disappointed.

To make it short: It's AVERAGE in all respects, not more. The atmosphere is NOT EXCITING AT ALL.

Waiters are rushing to take orders, we didnt feel ready when they approached us for the third time. Food was ok, but nothing spectacular – we had the chateaubriand; it was not easy to chew…

The staff was pretty arrogant at the end, when we were paying our bill; their credit card machine didn't work and they were blaming us for not having a valid card.

We have been to much nicer, cheaper, higher quality restaurants in London – definitely, Le Caprice is NOT RECOMMENDED. Look for something less “famous” – you will most probably find better quality.

I suspect we suffered from ignoring the maxim of “don't go to restaurants you usually like for lunch in the run-up to Christmas”, but I haven't been for a while so maybe it's just getting worse?

We waited 15 minutes after the appointed time for our table for six to be ready – my cynical view being that this is designed to increase bar revenue (nice Manhattan though) – and were then shown to a table that would have been generous for two and ok for four – but ridiculously cramped for six.

I had steak tartare to start, as I always do here, and it was definitely a less generous helping than usual. I had to request some toast and sauces – are they really trying to save money on bread and ketchup? This was just one of the many examples of parsimony with ingredients (my pheasant must have been on a pre-Christmas diet; the presentation was very tired and it was just about lukewarm) and sadly disappointing service. Waiting staff did their best to indicate they would rather be doing a bush-tucker trial than be waiting on our table. Not a single smile from any of them during the three hours we were there.

I've always thought this to be the best of the Caprice/Ivy/Sheekey triumvirate, and I shall go back in the New Year to see if it really is all just down to the Christmas blues…but definitely not before.

Take your best friend, let Le Caprice close the door behind you, and just enjoy, probably the most charming & entertaining restaurant in London. One can't ask for more.
Geoff Kite

I have just had the worst experience of a restaurant EVER at Le Caprice, my advice to anyone thinking of going is dont!! BAD FOOD, BAD SERVICE NO ATMOSPHERE…If you are looking for a nice restaurant you should look elsewhere , i have no idea why it has any good reviews…please avoid at all cost.

Another of my particular favourites Le Caprice never lets me down – Slick service and welcoming staff instantly put you at ease and allow you to proceed with enjoying some of the best comfort food on offer. The crispy Duck salad is always a favourite for me as is the beer battered Haddock with minted mushy peas. Getting in can sometimes be difficult at short notice but if I'm wanting a casual but nice dinner then dining at the bar counter is always an option I'd keep in mind..