The Belvedere (Off Abbotsbury Road, Holland Park, London, W8 6LU) Hmmm, I seem to have a difference of opinion with the other reviewers, and maybe its because I prefer eclectic food, but I was so disappointed with The Belvedere. I have wanted to go here for ages and when you first walk in, your immediate reaction is “Wow!”; the room is gorgeous and elegant. The photos dont do the room justice. The service also starts off very welcoming and efficient. Our starters were nice, but thats it, just nice. You know when you read something on the menu and the combination of ingredients sounds so exciting and then you get it and think “Im sure you could do something a lot more interesting with that mix of ingredients.”? The mains, even on the menu, were less exciting but I thought “well maybe they will put a modern twist on more traditional dishes” but alas no, it was meat and two veg style. The mains simply fell flat, it was like my mum had cooked them. The wine recommendations were lovely but that and the room just wasnt enough to lift the experience for us. After the disappointment of the other 2 courses, we just didnt bother with desserts. The service also waned over the course of the meal with us flailing our arms in an empty restaurant to get the bill. To sum up, this is a place I would take my grandparents for a meal as they like their food quite simple. The other plus is that parking is free and easy in the evenings. Such a shame, this restaurant could be amazing.
Link to this review23 September 2011 |