This week my work took me down to London, to the restaurant-rich area of Oxford Street. One of the perks of my job is that all my meals away are paid for - so I thought I'd take the opportunity to sample a number of eateries in the area and report back to you guys what I thought...
Itsu, Eastcastle St
Itsu is a popular chain in + around London, offering food that is "light, green and good for you". Itsu is more of a fast-food chain, rather than fine dining - think of it as a healthy, eco-friendly McDonalds. I went for the Detox Noodle Soup, which was tasty + definitely felt pretty healthy. Most dishes are around the £3 mark, so Itsu definitely gets a thumbs up for value from me!
Food ★★★
Atmosphere ★★★
Customer Service ★★★
Value ★★★★★
Yalla Yalla, Winsley St
Having done a bit of "research" the night before my first day (googling "halloumi on Oxford Street"), I found Yala Yala - a Lebanese restaurant. I chose the falafel, some little parcels of pastry filled with mint, feta + halloumi, and a watermelon lemonade to wash it all down with. The food was actually really good here, but I'm not sure it was worth £15. The waitress was quite abrasive, and the restaurant was pretty empty. Not sure if I would return with friends, but I would probably would go again on my own just for the yummy food.
Food ★★★★
Atmosphere ★
Customer Service ★
Value ★★
Kua'aina, Carnaby St
A year ago me + a friend stumbled across this place and had the most gorgeous lunch ever. During this week, it had been my mission to find it again! I ordered a halloumi + red pepper poppyseed sandwich, with sweet potato fries. My god, the food is just amazing. The staff are super attentive, and the restaurant is really cute, with a beachy feel. It loses points for being slightly crowded (didn't bother me, but it would be a squeeze if you there were a few of you dining together), and for being a bit pricier (£13 for sandwich, fries + a can of Coke Zero). But honestly, I definitely think it's worth paying an extra few quid for this place - it was my favourite meal of the week!
Food ★★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★
Customer Service ★★★★★
Value ★★★★
Five Guys, Argyll St
Five Guys has never really appealed to me (no veggie burger - whuuut?!), but I was in a rush and needed to eat quick, so headed into their Argyll St restaurant. The atmosphere was far too hectic for me, but the food was pretty good. The portions are absolutely massive, which helped justify the price (around £12) - I couldn't come close to finishing my meal! Still, £4 for an inverted bun sandwiched with a slice of burger cheese still seems a bit steep.
Food ★★★★
Atmosphere ★
Customer Service ★★
Value ★★★
Spaghetti House, Argyll St
A series of Italian restaurants found around the West End of London, Spaghetti House offers a number classic pizza + pasta options. I decided to go for a fresh lemonade, and a mushroom risotto (not on the menu, but the lovely manager said I could order whatever!), which was delicious + plentiful. It set me back around £15 which I thought was pretty fair for a sit-down restaurant just off Oxford Street. Again, I couldn't finish this mammoth portion, but gave a valient effort. The manager was so lovely here, so a big five stars for customer service.
Food ★★★
Atmosphere ★★★
Customer Service ★★★★★
Value ★★★★
Tap Coffee, Tottenham Court Rd
My last meal of the visit to London was brunch at Tap Coffee. This was definitely the best looking place that I had dined in during my time in London, with up-cycled wooden tables, and a minimalistic decor. Staff were attentive, if a bit aloof. My filled almond croissant was AMAZING, and I had a yummy iced latte to go with. I thought the price was pretty decent for the area - less than a fiver for the two. I would definitely go back.
Food ★★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Customer Service ★★★
Value ★★★★
Are there any places that you would try out yourself? Or are there any restaurants you'd reccommend in the area?
xo
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