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Cipriani

Address:23-25 Davies Street W1K 3DE
Tel:020 7399 0500
Email:
Website: Visit Cipriani website
Price: £77.00 Wine: £26.00 Champagne: £60.00
Opening Hours:Mon-Sun 12N-2.45pm 6-11.45pm (Sun -10.30pm)

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This London sibling of Venice’s famous Harry’s Bar continues to cause impassioned debate, with some completely seduced, others left cold by its Italian charms. Not a single aspect of the place achieves consensus, with everything from price to service & from atmosphere to food dividing opinion. Jibes of it being boring, over-rated, over-priced & just plain rude are hurled by the naysayers, while devotees gush over what they call a first-rate, star-studded experience. Perhaps the key to getting the most out of a visit is to follow one regular’s suggestion: ‘order simply & persuade your companion to pay’. Certainly with most starters approaching £20 & mains around £30 this would seem like sound advice; sample the likes of tuna tartare followed by veal chop or scampi, washed down with a bottle of Chianti or Frascati, & watch your host wince on receiving the bill. Still, at least there’s a chance of spotting Naomi Campbell at the next table.

Wine List: This list has greatly improved. It concentrates on the classic areas of Italy, with the Tuscan section being particularly good. However there are still a number of vital producer names missing from some entries & you don’t expect to see 1999/2000 against a wine that costs £100. A reasonable collection is available by the glass & there is decent choice under £40. Best Buy White 2006 Livio Felluga Sharjs, Fruili, Italy, £40. Best Buy Red 2004 Cesconi Pivier Merlot Riserva, Trentino, Italy, £50.

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Reader reviews of Cipriani:

MissSushi

MissSushi (30s, Female, London&Paris)

I have been to Cipriani many times, most times it was bad, once it was ok. The reason I kept going back was mainly because of other people's curiosity or invitations which I could not refuse. I would describe the food as lazily prepared (some pasta dishes look & taste like they have been pre-cooked and later microwaved), sloppily served and ridiculously overpriced. I don't care if Naomi Campbell is sitting in the same room, I am much more interested as to why the hell my expensive wine has not been decantered and why I am forced to drink it out of cheap small water glasses you might find in a bad pub…Not acceptable!
The meats and fish are mediocre, the pasta incredibly disappointing (although once I had a pappardelle al ragu' dish which was ok and did not taste microwaved), the starters and desserts average and uninteresting. Even the espresso is scandalous, there was no crema on mine and it tasted like starbucks (which means bad). In my opinion the kitchen in Cipriani has no respect for food or their patrons. Most patrons actually seem very pretentious and unknowledgable about food and are much more interested in being seen than eating well. The average patrons age is approximately 94, which makes it perfect for people watching while having a drink at the bar. But definately avoid eating there – Cipriani e' una catastrofe.

25 November 2008
Overall:5
Food and Drink:3
Service:4
Atmosphere:6
Value for Money:4
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John M.
Reviews: 1

John M. (40s, Male, United Kingdom)

I have visited several times over the last few months, each time has been an enjoyable experience. Fabulous atmosphere with outstanding service.

8 November 2008
Overall:9
Food and Drink:8
Service:10
Atmosphere:10
Value for Money:8
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Robert B.
Gold Reviewer

Robert B. (40s, Male, United Kingdom)

Have been a couple of times and always I am afraid been disappointed. One of those restaurants where it matters where you sit. If you are in the back, its like being in a different restaurant and not in a good way. The food is expensive and good if unremarkable. By and large at lunchtime its full of property people, although possibly less so these days. Atmostphere is lively if you are in the main room.

15 September 2008
Overall:7
Food and Drink:7
Service:6
Atmosphere:7
Value for Money:5
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