Cafe des Amis

Very convenient when going to the ROH. Service was quick.

Was given this groupon gift as a Mother's Day present. Very disappointing. Poor service poor food

My husband and I visited the restaurant with two of our friends. We had a wowcher offer for afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco included. I had booked well in advance of our visit (over three weeks), the lady on reception greeted us nicely and knew that we had wowchers to redeem. We were seated at a nice round table in the restaurant and a waitress asked if we would like any drinks. I explained that the voucher we had included Prosecco and she had to go and ask the lady on reception. This was then delivered to our table. We then waited around half an hour before any food was delivered, and then only one afternoon tea stand came, but although it didn't seem particularly good for four people we began on the sandwiches. No one offered us any tea, we had to call a waitress to ask for it and then a more senior member of staff passed and asked if we had one or two vouchers. When I replied two she said, “Oh you should have had another one of those, I'll sort it for you”. Not wanting to start on the scones or cakes before having the rest of the sandwiches, we waited another 15-20 minutes for the second afternoon tea stand to arrive. The sandwiches themselves were very nice, as were the scones and the cakes (although I think they were Marks and Spencers mini cream cake selection). Not once after the initial contact with the waitress did a member of staff come and ask if everything was ok or if we needed anything else. Overall I was very disappointed with the visit.

Good service. Nice atmosphere, thou it can be noisy on the first floor. Loved the onion soup, the duck & the apple tarte.

I do not often eat in London these days so a convenient restaurant to meet long-standing friends from Surrey was required. This place was it and all five of us thought (with the offer available) it was very good value for money. The food was reasonably cooked,but not haute cuisine. My scallop and crab risotto was excellent. My venison was a little tough. The staff were attentive without being fussy and the atmosphere was lively without being too noisy. The wines were a little disappointing in choice but were perfectly drinkable. All in all a success-we would return if a similar meeting was required.

The service was great, we arrived 30 mins early and got seated straight away. They amended the menu when my father wasnt keen on one of the ingredients. Food arrived in good time, and was really lovely, all three courses. Very happy with the overall experience and would definitly come again.

It was good value for money – fast and efficient service

We had booked the 50% off a la carte offer, which is extremely good value across the board. The service from our waitress was warm and friendly, it's a nice atmosphere and a lovely environment. It started will with the appetisers, although the scallop risotto was finished with cream, which seemed to be overkill, but when it came the main courses it all fell apart. Initally my food – duck breast in armagnac sauce and mashed squash was cold, so I had to send it back. I did get a fresh plate that was warmer, but would still only rate Tepid on the temperature scale. My friend ordered the venison medallions, the larger of which was inedible as it was ALL gristle. This also had to be sent back. The waitress was very accomodating, however, when the bill came, there was no voluntary concession, so we spoke to the manager. It seemed as we had already had 50% off, they felt no further need to compensate. He only move was to take the service off, which we then left money on the table for the waitress as she had handled everything well. It was such as shame as it's a lovely restaurant, but nothing was above average and it still was £60 for two with the discount.

We had a table for 4 booked at Cafe des Amis for 8pm. Because the previous diners were taking so long to finish, we didn't actually sit down until after 8.45pm, by which time we had been to enquire several times as we were getting very hungry. The woman at front of house could not have been more accommodating, despite the situation being somewhat out of her control. When we eventually got our table, we were given a complimentary bottle of champagne to begin with – then the exclusion of steak dishes from the 50% discount was removed and we were allowed an upgrade from house wine to our own wine choice. All of this without having to ask for it. This was exemplary service and shows what is possible with confident and decisive management. We all left very happy after a wonderful meal, having completely forgotten the disorganisation earlier. Despite having visited Cafe des Amis on and off for probably 25 years, this experience has elevated my positive opinions of the place to a whole new level.

Surprisingly easy to find then the board right outside had an arrow in the wrong direction. Had to wait to be seated whilst staff member finished long telephone call. Before sat down was brusquely told tables were turned at 7 pm, as it was 5.15 pm we hoped faster service :) As with most restaurants they want a drink choice before you draw breath. 2 bottled beer choices and one was down to the last bottle. Selected fixed price menu (although website doesnt show the extra £3 for steak) hoping for speed but not the case but once starter arrived everything else followed ok. Food was very good especially the chocolate fondant which was really a hot chocolate filled chocolate steamed pudding. Staff were still preparing for the later evening rush and weirdly placed nice candles on the empty tables and not those occupied until we asked for one..strange. Maybe a typical London thing but a 12.5% service charge which was ‘discretionary’ but automatically added to the bill unless you kicked up a fuss. Would choose this place for a quick pre-theatre meal where a welcoming atmosphere isn't important. Cost £50 for 2 × 3 courses + 2 bottled beers.