3 /5 Louise Louise: I have been a long-standing patron of the Knightsbridge branch, and the grand opening in Victoria naturally aroused my curiosity. Unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations. Numerous wine glasses and pasta plates bore visible marks, giving an unacceptably unclean impression.
While the abundance of seating meant we were able to enjoy lunch without a reservation, service was noticeably lacking; after selecting our dishes, we were left waiting for an extended period as staff appeared more engaged in internal discussions than attending to guests.
Although the prices may initially seem reasonable, one should be aware that portion sizes are considerably smaller than those of a typical restaurant. As with the Knightsbridge branch, the vongole spaghetti was again marred by gritty clams, each one unpleasantly sandy, raising questions as to whether proper purging techniques are employed at all. It is curious that, despite the apparent absence of complaints, the same shortcomings persist.
The steak was served without any enquiry regarding doneness, suggesting that diners are expected to accept it as prepared. The risotto arrived spread very thinly across the plate, and the quantity was plainly insufficient for an adult, making it advisable to order several appetisers to compensate.
Whilst the food itself is not particularly poor, the combination of these issues does not amount to a satisfying dining experience. I am uncertain what impact this review may have; however, for the time being, we feel unable either to recommend the restaurant or to return ourselves. It will be interesting to see how visitors unfamiliar with the brand respond to such an experience.