Thai Palace Restaurant - Authentic Thai Cuisine - (Near , london)

Henry What makes a good restaurant? Clearly food will feature somewhere on your list and in the case of The Waterside this takes the form of classic French cooking. Nothing is “deconstructed” or designed to surprise. You know exactly what you’re getting from the menu and if you’ve visited previously you probably even know what you’re going to order before you arrive. Nothing is intended to shock. Far too many restaurants at all levels feature a talented kitchen team let down by their front of house. From the moment you arrive here everyone knows what they are doing and wants to make your visit as enjoyable as they possibly can. They’re not trying to trip you up, you don’t have to be fluent in gastronomy or know anything about malolactic fermentation. The sommelier is there to help, not to test. No one is judging you although I’d be lying if said we didn’t people watch our fellow diners a little. You are family when dining at The Waterside, it’s not in any way stuffy or starched. That’s not to suggest service is casual, seamless would be my best description with teams assembling when required to reveal your next course before melting away again to leave you to your conversation. The Waterside is a happy place. My memory of the venue is that it’s a bit dated, the phrase “Chinese restaurant” was used as we drove there but things have quietly evolved. It’s actually quite smart these days. The bathrooms are modern and fresh, the soft furnishings crisp and comforting with a nod to the history of the venue. Let us not forget this is an institution woven into the fabric of British restaurant history.

Sarah Oren Brasky Puchita was a lovely help after a long touristy morning, when I needed a reprieve for my hungry cranky kid. We left happy, satiated, and relaxed. I had the vegetarian Med Toast— delicious! Kids menu fish n chips was just right, too. Great little quiet find!!

Bethanie Eccott Visited Ask for dinner with a friend. The restaurant was decorated beautifully and had valentines decorations up. The service was good and the Blaise was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. The menu had lots of choices, the food we picked was very delicious.

E L Huge food safety issue. This is now the second time that I have ordered a prawn dish and been given chicken. On one occasion I bit into the chicken which is hugely disappointing as a pescatarian who does not eat chicken/ meat and have not done so in 20+ years. I called on both occasions and they were not apologetic in the slightest, telling me to come and collect another or it would take ages for delivery. In addition to this, the dishes were cold despite me ordering and collecting within 20 minutes, so clearly not made fresh. Do not recommend. Poor service. Will not be ordering again.

David Goodwin I cannot give enough praise for this restaurant. It might well be one of the only true Indian restaurants left in South East London. It remains in traditional decor and has been around for 50 years. It has an enormous menu with massive variety and is very well priced. God knows where they got the chef from, but please, please keep him. The food is plentiful, well cooked and service is personal and efficient. We have eaten in many times and had takeaways and both are brilliant. No frills with the decor but the ambiance is great. Highly reccomended.

Debbie Williams This was on the doorstep of our hotel and had been highly recommended to us. What a little gem. The food was huge portions and so so so delicious. This was a meal with my daughter but could equally be a romantic meal or enjoyed by a group. Low lighting and soft music, lovely staff, nothing too much trouble. Very glad we visited while in London, can’t recommend enough. Perfect last evening. Felt very authentic