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Ristorante Sempliceone star

9-10 Blenheim Street, London W1S 1LJ

£54.00 Italian Hanover Square, Savile Row
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Square Meal Selections

Square Meal Review of Ristorante Semplice ?

Ristorante Semplice is ‘simple’ in a way that only a chef who’s worked in triple-starred restaurants all over Europe could call simple. At his off-Bond Street gaff, Marco Torri (ex-Locanda Locatelli) eschews the frills of prissy cuisine in favour of ‘real, well done & nicely presented Italian recipes’. His reputation pretty much rests on his textbook risotto alla milanese, while his sorties into less-traditional fare result in appealingly original dishes such as buffalo ricotta & radicchio ravioli with langoustines & pine kernels, a tricksy ‘risotto alla grouse’, milk-fed veal with sautéed spelt & porcini, & multi-component desserts including chocolate fondant with grappa pannacotta & chocolate sorbet. The setting is low-key – again, hardly simple – with subtle lighting & warm, gold-textured walls for added interest. The set menu & plentiful Italian wines by the glass & carafe get the thumbs-up for client lunches.

Overall Diner Rating

7.6
Food & Drink
8.4
Service
7.0
Atmosphere
7.5
Value
7.2

Based on 13 ratings. Rate it!

Information on holding a function at this venue.

Customer Reviews

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  1. Maria H.
    Reviews: 1

    Maria H. ( 30s, Female, United Kingdom )

    22 November 2011

    I have been to this restaurant three times within the last 6 months. 1st time I've been, I was invited by a friend for lunch. Service and value was good.

    2nd time I came in was for dinner which I personally booked. This time, I came with my husband and another couple. We all loved it, food, drinks, service. We all thought then that we will definitely come back and have actually recommended the place to most people at work.

    3rd time I came, it was booked due to a special occasion and booked the dinner square meal deal which was on offer. I tell you, I've never experience such a hassle booking for this, as none of the staff were aware that the deal for square meal even existed! I phoned the restaurant 4 times, once daily from Monday to Thursday to book for Friday. One phone call even took my credit card, then when I phoned to confirm the next day, no one knew who took my details and there wasn't a booking made. Terrible. I kept asking to book for the square meal deal and all of the people kept telling me to call the next day as their boss wasn't around then. I finally got hold of their boss, and asked to book for the Friday using the square meal deal offer. She even sent me the set menu so we can choose in advance. We came in on time that Friday, and the girl who made our booking wasn't there. The restaurant manager was there but he refused to serve us the set menu deal for square meal. I told him we will leave instead but he made a comment that we're welcome to leave but they will still charge us £50 for the booking as a no-show! In the end, we had to pay for a full price meal, despite all the promises made by the manager that he'll rectify the issue next day (Saturday) he never replied to my email.

    This place don't deserve to be awarded even half a star for michelin. I've been to so many other places that are michelin-starred too, even 3 and booked offers, set menu deals. This restaurant don't understand the level of service required. Very appalling and upsetting. I will never ever come back.

    There's plenty of other restaurants that serves the same quality of food, with definitely much better service! Avoid if you can

    • Overall: 4
    • Food & Drink: 6
    • Service: 3
    • Atmosphere: 5
    • Value: 4
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  2. Stephan D.

    Stephan D. ( Switzerland )

    15 November 2011

    A great place for a great moment. Everything was perfect from start to finish. Having selected the set menu, the tuna steack was cooked to perfection and the tiramisu was I believe the best I've ever had (and I had quite a few believe me). I will come back!

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 9
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  3. Dr Peter L.
    Reviews: 1

    Dr Peter L. ( 50s )

    July 2010

    a wonderful italian restaurant

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 10
    0 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  4. Gianmarco C.

    Gianmarco C. ( 50s, Male, United Kingdom )

    May 2010

    Believe me: this is one of the best Italian restaurant in London. Unfortunately some chefs pretend they make Italian kitchen just putting in the same pot some pasta, some tomatoes and a lot of garlic. This is not the case for Ristorante Semplice. And if “Semplice” (simple in Italian) means offering real, well done and nicely presented Italian recipes, well this is welcome. Try the Risotto alla Milanese and you will just find yourself in Brera (the Milan artist’s district). Staff is competent and always ready to give a nice suggestion. It is not cheap but you’ll be satisfied.

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 7
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  5. Paul H.

    Paul H. ( 40s, Male, United Kingdom )

    April 2010

    Semplice came highly recommended but I found it all a bit ordinary. I wonder how many people go to the informal trattoria just down the road, which has much better signage, than the formal restaurant which has next to none. The room is pretty small but nice decor. The menu promises much but on the whole doesn't really deliver. My pasta was underwhelming and the famed rabbit signature dish looked great but was under-seasoned and didn't quite work as a whole dish. The wine list is interesting, quite pricey, but has some nice choices. Service started fine but became slow.

    All in all it was okay but I wouldn't hurry back

    • Overall: 5
    • Food & Drink: 5
    • Service: 4
    • Atmosphere: 6
    • Value: 5
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  6. Jonesy
    Silver Reviewer

    Jonesy ( 30s, Male, London )

    December 2009

    Simple Michelin-starred Italian cooking using the finest ingredients.

    Good value set lunch.

    Buzzy atmosphere during lunch service, quiet and romantic in the evenings.

    Read the full review at The Arbuturian.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 9
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  7. Martin D.

    Martin D. ( 30s, Male )

    November 2009

    The food is delicious and the chef clearly uses the finest ingredients. We had the beef ravioli and bucatini with rabbit ragout to start and both were rich in flavour. Mains were expensive, with an average price of £25. The rabbit with red wine sauce whilst tasty, was akin to a Tiny Tim portion. Veal with cep mushroom sauce was a much larger portion than the rabbit and was divine. Vegetables were available as an addtional option.

    Desserts are overpriced and miniscule, although well executed. For £130 for two courses and a shared dessert plus the cheapest bottle of wine on the list with a bottle of still water, this is a good restaurant but not one to visit when either ravenous or on a budget. As an aside, the wait between courses (30 mins for starter, 45 mins for main and 25 mins for one dessert!) is unacceptable for a Michelin starred restaurant in the heart of Bond St.

    Decor is tasteful, but nothing you wouldn't expect at any standard Italian restaurant. However, the toilets are classy.

    • Overall: 7
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 6
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 6
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  8. R.R.Gill
    Gold Reviewer

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

    February 2009
    Editor's pick

    Semplice is one of these venues I can't believe I have not been to earlier and only got round to visiting a couple of weeks ago, shortly before they received their first Michelin Star. It's an intimate venue without feeling too intimate! Design give the restaurant a sharp and slightly contemporary feel – very chic indeed. Food hit the spot perfectly and never one to resist a Carpaccio tried the Carni de Manza Fassone which receives a double-yum rating. The Seabass for main with the truffle butter likewise. Chef Marco obviously knows his business well likewise with Manager Giovanni Baldino keeping the front of house team running smoothly. Certainly deserving of it's Michelin star I suggest this is added to your lists of ones to try. Also I can't wait to try their Trattoria across the yard for a chilled evening soon.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 9
    6 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  9. Alex S.

    Alex S. ( 50s, Male, United Kingdom )

    November 2008

    I had an excellent lunch at Semplice recently. The menus were interesting and different. The food was excellent and the wine recommended by the waiter was also very good. We waited too long before we had to ask a member of staff to take our order and then waited too long for the food to arrive, particularly as it was lunchtime. Also the portions were a little on the small side. However, I could not fault the quality of the food and look forward to going back.

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 6
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 8
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  10. Barry B.
    Reviews: 1

    Barry B. ( 50s, Male, London )

    November 2008

    Great for business lunches/dinners. spacious tables, separated well for privacy. The eggs, prawn and asparagus starter was delicious, while the main course grouse risotto is to die for. Service is attentive, but not sensitive enough to guests; 1 waiter butting in during conversations. So good I am going back days after the last visit.

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 5
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 7
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  11. Flying Foodie
    Gold Reviewer

    Flying Foodie ( 40s, Male, United Kingdom )

    October 2008
    Editor's pick

    This is a favourite of mine for its slick and inviting design. Its dark wood walls and honey coloured lighting make it a pleasant place for lunch or dinner. Hidden down a side-street it is not known by many in the area and is a great place for a civilised business lunch or dinner away from the crowds of Oxford Street. The menu is traditional Italian with modern twists, and with mains topping out at around £18, is good value for the sumptuous surroundings and quality produce.

    The food is always high quality and well executed, but does not tend to have a wow factor. Service is diligent but can be irritating with an awful lot of people not doing very much. They insist that the restaurant manger is the only one you can take your order while other staff members are free. This seems a pointless complication in what is overall a lovely place.

    • Overall: 7
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 6
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 7
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
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Essential Details for Ristorante Semplice

  • Address: 9-10 Blenheim Street, London W1S 1LJ
  • Telephone: 020 7495 1509
  • Website: Visit Ristorante Semplice
  • Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 12N-2.30pm Mon-Sat 7-10.30pm
  • Capacities: Private room for 30 people

Ristorante Semplice is included in the following Square Meal Selections

Location of Ristorante Semplice

Customer Reviews

Been to this restaurant? Write a comment

Write Your Review
  • 1Win fab prizes with free monthly prize draws!
  • 2See your views in print.
  • 3Collect your thoughts in one place.
  • 4Be rewarded with an Editor's Pick.
  • 5Rate restaurants and share your views.

Showing 5 of 11 Reviews

View all Ristorante Semplice reviews

  1. Maria H.
    Reviews: 1

    Maria H. ( 30s, Female, United Kingdom )

    22 November 2011

    I have been to this restaurant three times within the last 6 months. 1st time I've been, I was invited by a friend for lunch. Service and value was good.

    2nd time I came in was for dinner which I personally booked. This time, I came with my husband and another couple. We all loved it, food, drinks, service. We all… More

    • Overall: 4
    • Food & Drink: 6
    • Service: 3
    • Atmosphere: 5
    • Value: 4
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  2. Stephan D.

    Stephan D. ( Switzerland )

    15 November 2011

    A great place for a great moment. Everything was perfect from start to finish. Having selected the set menu, the tuna steack was cooked to perfection and the tiramisu was I believe the best I've ever had (and I had quite a few believe me). I will come back!

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 9
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  3. Dr Peter L.
    Reviews: 1

    Dr Peter L. ( 50s )

    July 2010

    a wonderful italian restaurant

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 10
    0 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  4. Gianmarco C.

    Gianmarco C. ( 50s, Male, United Kingdom )

    May 2010

    Believe me: this is one of the best Italian restaurant in London. Unfortunately some chefs pretend they make Italian kitchen just putting in the same pot some pasta, some tomatoes and a lot of garlic. This is not the case for Ristorante Semplice. And if “Semplice” (simple in Italian) means offering real, well done and… More

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 7
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  5. Paul H.

    Paul H. ( 40s, Male, United Kingdom )

    April 2010

    Semplice came highly recommended but I found it all a bit ordinary. I wonder how many people go to the informal trattoria just down the road, which has much better signage, than the formal restaurant which has next to none. The room is pretty small but nice decor. The menu promises much but on the whole doesn't really… More

    • Overall: 5
    • Food & Drink: 5
    • Service: 4
    • Atmosphere: 6
    • Value: 5
    Was it helpful to you?
     
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