Meat Balls Meat Balls
Cucina Cafe

Cucina Cafe

Unit 3j-3k Belvedere Road, SE1 7GH, Lambeth, United Kingdom

Cafés • Pizza • Pasta • Asiatic


"We visited on Saturday, the night before the marathon. We booked a table. Came in, seen it was busy, so thought this is going to be good. We were seated late which was fine, no problem. We sat next to another couple, (tables were close) we ordered some drinks then our meal. Drinks arrived on our table, weren’t ours, it was the next table. We waited an hour for our starters, tables were coming in and getting served. A table of 6/8 came in and got their starter and mains before us. There was a lot of cross words at the boy in the hair band which I thought he was doing all the work and was very kind if I am honest. Garlic bread came was so dry. They kept going by saying have you eaten? Have you ordered? Have you had mains? Our mains came out an hour later and they didn’t know who it was for. The table next to us actually had to point out it was our food they heard our order. Being a restaurant manager I would like to say… 1. Don’t argue or talk to staff badly, anywhere, but especially not on the floor, I actually think it was maybe husband and wife, it’s not good in front of customers and I know it’s hard and frustrating work, but I don’t even think any of the customers were being rude, the people I heard ask where food was were all being polite. 2. We understand it was busy and every business needs money but don’t take in more people than you should. 3. When you sneeze please do it into your arm and not your hands then don’t wash them, I genuinely couldn’t believe it, hygiene is huge, especially in catering. I’m genuinely shocked I still ate my food after the person touched my plate later on. as they didn’t go anywhere near a sink or a sanitizer. Our mains were lovely. I hope the famous athlete who was in the restaurant at the same time got his food on time and amazing service. But, I do genuinely believe on a normal busy night this restaurant would be fine, just a few tweaks needed. 2 stars lost due to my hygiene comment and how they were openly arguing with one another."

Lyalena

Lyalena

175 City Road, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF243JB, CF24 3JB, United Kingdom

Pizza • Salad • Italian • Sandwich


"Visited on a Friday afternoon/evening on a work afternoon out as a large group and was not disappointed! Started with grilled halloumi cheese, no sweet chilli sauce or condiments to go with it but some lettuce salad on the side. Lovely thick pieces of halloumi cooked perfectly and a generous portion for a starter at the usual price of upwards of £3 and closer to £4. Totally worth it and with the pitta bread on the table, chucking a piece in there is a winner for the taste palette. The main event really was impressive, I opted for the £10.90 Lyalena Mixed Grill. Lamb shish, chicken shish and lamb kafta were the main components and were accompanied by rice, chips, side salad and a stunning mayo and chilli side sauce. Considering the very reasonable price, the portion size was more than impressive and realistically could have been a meal for two. If you’re a good eater and like the challenge of battling meat sweats though, it’s more than worth the effort! Located in the heart of City Road in the Welsh capital, you may struggle to find parking but a drive up and down the side streets should prove fruitful eventually. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the city centre though, so not completely off the beaten path. No alcohol is sold there either, so you’re if you’re looking for a drink with your food: it’ll be a soft drink or water. Overall, I found the staff to be friendly and helpful and the restaurant itself was clean and tidy, which is always a plus. It’s suitable for couples and groups and it’s worth a visit if you’re looking to try somewhere different and take in some authentic Lebanese food."