Buffalo Mozzarella Buffalo Mozzarella
Gables

Gables

14-16 Newgate Street Village Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 8RA, United Kingdom

Steak • Pasta • Italian • Seafood


"Firstly, I am somewhat amazed at the reviews theis venue has based on our visit on Saturday evening. We arrived 45 minutes early for our table for 4 persons at 7.30pm as I had called ahead at lunchtime asking if they had a bar area that we could sit and select from the menu in advance of being seated in the restaurant. I was given the impression that they had a lavish area for this purpose. However, this was not the case and we were shown to our table on arrival which was probably the worst location in the restaurant that was sparse of diners at that time. I will elaborate on our table location as it made for a negative night. It was a circular table placed in a “gap” between the original restaurant area and what appeared to be an extension to the restaurant. This gap did have curtains that could have been closed which would have curtailed guests and staff squeezing between the wall and one of our chairs but when asked the Owner said he would not close them……. In fairness, “Theo” the Owner did offer the choice another two alternative tables but both were in no better location! We sat and ordered drinks and were provided with menus. The drinks arrived in a timely fashion and were made fine. I also ordered some wine which was decanted and allowed time to breath before being served. The wine was an Amorone but the year did not warrant the price he was charging but nonetheless was quite good. We placed our food order and in doing so I asked if chef would add a simple fried egg to top the steak I had ordered. I was told by Theo that he was down a number of staff on the evening shift and could not provide the egg. How many people would we have needed to fry an egg???? To be honest the whole experience was not worth almost £500.00 even though the food fine. We also found it disturbing the way Theo tried to control the waiting staff this may have been because they were young or new to the role but we felt that the staff did a good job and didn’t need micro managing! I am always curious when a front of house individual, who gives the impression he is in total control, loses the plot mid service. I did tell Theo I would give a poor review and he pretty much dismissed me so I dug a little deeper and it would appear the restaurant has suffered financial issues in the very recent past…….. this information is in the public domaine through Google. All in all we were so disappointed with a venue that appears to have a wealth of happy diners from their reviews……. It’s NOT that good Guys!!!"

San Carlo

San Carlo

4 Temple Street, B2 5BN, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Pasta • Steak • Pizza • Italian


"As we ventured into San Carlos in Birmingham for a delightful family birthday lunch, the atmosphere was alive with anticipation. The restaurant 's elegant yet comfortable setting was the perfect stage for our midday culinary adventure. The lunch was headlined by the 'pizza of wonder ', an extraordinary creation that reimagined the classic pizza. With its impeccably charred crust and a medley of exquisite toppings, each bite was a symphony of flavours, making it much more than just a pizza it was a celebration of gastronomic artistry. Next came the rib eye steak, which was the epitome of 'melt in the mouth '. Cooked to perfection, it was a tender, flavour packed delight that tantalised our taste buds. It wasn 't just a dish; it was an ode to the sublime joys of well prepared meat. The lasagne, staying true to its Italian heritage, was a culinary masterpiece. Its layers of al dente pasta, rich ragu, and silky bechamel sauce combined to create a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated. This lasagne was a charming mix of rustic and refined, capturing the essence of Italian comfort food. Then there was the chicken in white wine sauce, an absolute sensation. The chicken, tender and succulent, was bathed in a heavenly sauce that was both light and richly flavoured. It was a dish that showcased the perfect balance of ingredients, each mouthful a testament to the chef 's skill in harnessing and elevating simple flavours to create something truly memorable. Amidst this feast, the staff of San Carlos were the unsung heroes. Their attentive and genuine service added a layer of warmth to the dining experience, making us feel both valued and well looked after. The meal culminated with a Tiramisu that was a dream come true for the connoisseurs among us. It was an impeccable mix of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa, a dessert that spoke of Italian elegance and indulgence. In summary, San Carlos in Birmingham is more than just a restaurant; it’s a midday retreat into the world of fine Italian dining. From the mesmerising pizza to the sensational chicken in white wine sauce, and the unrivalled Tiramisu, each dish is a testament to the beauty and depth of Italian cuisine. For a memorable lunch experience, San Carlos is a beacon of culinary excellence."

Chop House Leith

Chop House Leith

102 Constitution Street Edinburgh, EH6 6AW, United Kingdom

Meat • Steak • British • Bar-lounge


"I've been wanting to try Chop House since I first noticed it during one of my early morning runs down to the shore. Thankfully after many more runs passing the restaurant I finally made it there for dinner! We went for a 6pm reservation (that I booked a month in advance so definitely book! and were seated at a cost table in the corner. I was a bit surprised to see how small the dining area actually was which explains why they are always booked up! I'm not sure if it's the design of the restaurant at fault or we were just in on a really noisy night but it was quite loud. So maybe not the best for a cosy romantic date if that's the regular noise level. The menu is pretty concise focusing on their steak offerings but I did note a few other mains if steak isn't your thing. We went for some pre dinner cocktails- I had the sweet street swizzle which was super tasty and I'd recommend it! For starters we shared prawn tempura and seared scallops, I liked that you could order these in numbers so you didn't get full from a big starter before your meal. We also had the granary bread with bone marrow butter that was really tasty and fresh. The prawns and scallops were also really good with the scallops being seared in a really tasty garlic butter. For mains I had the sirloin steak and my boyfriend had the rib eye. We shared a side of macaroni cheese, grilled asparagus, and mashed potatoes with gravy. The steaks were cooked really well and my spicy chimmichurri sauce worked really perfectly with it although my boyfriends blue cheese sauce was also seriously good. The macaroni cheese was super cheesy and thankfully not soggy which I hate. The mash and asparagus were both really nice but I may try different sides next time. For pudding I squeezed in a scoop of marshmallow ice cream that was good but I probably should have gone for the salted caramel.... Overall though I was really impressed with Chop House. The food was fresh, well cooked, and made a really enjoyable meal. A star off for the super loud atmosphere and also wrong charges on our bill which I had to ask the waitress to correct. That aside this place was worth the wait and the money! Looking forward to going back already!"