Salieri Restaurant

The decor is, somebody commented, like going back to the 80s. Outside it appears to be like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the inside has a style of its own - very colourful with every banquette looking like paintings from a gallery. Not awful or great - just very unusual. All that aside, the staff are attentive but I was a bit miffed that after asking for a simple "house red", and thereby giving a choice of several, it transpired the choice was not the house wine as it was priced at £8,75 for a small glass. The food portions large but chicken escalopes very dry and pasta which came with it in a bland, watery tomato sauce. I would have preferred less quantity and more quality. However, positioned prominently on the Strand, it was packed, possibly with tourists, but very disappointing if they feel that is what London has to offer for Italian cuisine. Would I return? Sadly, no.

Fortunately we had booked a table here after going to a matinee performance at The Aldwych Theatre. You don't stand a chance of just dropping in on the off chance and getting a table at about 6:00-7:00 p. m. The restaurant is quite old fashioned inside. Lots of theatrical masks adorn the walls together with different brass musical instruments. The tables are quite close together, nevertheless this place has a great ambience about it. The chateaubriand for 2 at £58.00 is exquisite. The meat is so tender. It came to the table on a large heated tray, the meat had been carved and it sat on a bed of green beans, baby roast potatoes and mushrooms. There were 4 whole grilled tomatoes. It was all beautifully cooked. There was also a large gravy boat of bearnaise sauce. The waiters advisedus to have the meat cooked medium rare, they were spot on with their advice. We shared a dish of charcuterie to begin with, but really that was unnecessary as there was so much food for the main course. In all a great meal with great friendly and efficient service. On another note, the ladies toilets are downstairs and they're in a tiny space. They even have sliding doors as there wouldn't be room for an opening door. Nevertheless they were clean and tidy. There's also a large dining area downstairs, which was also full whilst we were there.

I wouldn't normally choose a restaurant like this but it was very close to the theatre on a stormy night. What a pleasant surprise. The greeting and service was warm and welcoming and they couldn't do enough. A restaurant that has Laurent perrier Rose on the list on Valentines is thinking about things and the Chateaubriand was exceptional. It was simple and unpretentious. Very good – we will go again.