Fino (33 Charlotte Street, London, London, W1T 1RR) After hearing lots of recommendations for Fino, I was really looking forward to dining there. However, the experience failed to live up to it's reputation and glowing reviews.
Most of the dishes we ordered didn't even get to the level of most local tapas restaurants. I've enjoyed far better Padron peppers at Carmen in Clapham common, and the tortilla was nowhere near what you'd get at Brindisa. But, it was the service which was the real let down of the night. Firstly, the scowling receptionist was anything but welcoming and helpful. To drink, we selected a 1998 Urbina, but were presented with a 1999 bottle, when asked if we could have the year we requested we were told this had sold out months ago. Would've been helpful if they updated their wine list.
We sent back three dishes as they were either cold or inedible – the rump of lamb was so tough it was virtually impossible to eat, unless you wanted to spend ten minutes chewing.
The atmosphere was rather subdued for a Friday night, with the sound of smashing dishes as waitresses dropped trays frequently ringing through the restaurant. I wish I'd walked a little further down the road and gone to Salt Yard, where you know you won't be disappointed by the food or the service. I will not be going again, although I did have a good martini at the bar.
Link to this reviewMarch 2010 | 
Gayle W.30s, Female, United Kingdom