Medcalf, Exmouth Market EC1

Medcalf - Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell EC1

Food: 5
Menu: 6
Ambience: 5
Service: 5
Smoking Policy: -1
Value for Money: 5
Bonus**: 0

OVERALL: 25

I must make an addendum to my last review. This still rates as one of my favourite places to dine but two recent lapses has made me question my position slightly.... are they resting on their laurels? Perhaps I'm too harsh but I went for dinner on 30/3/05 and the mains took 40 mins to arrive. I had a lamb shoulder (they had run out of lamb rump - fair enough) which was disappointing. Chips and gravy has also come down a little. Perhaps my expectations are too high but with the increase in prices since the New Year one should expect as much. The beer was perfect though! Perhaps there has been a change of guard in the kitchen...?!

The Duke - Roger Street, Holborn WC1

The Duke - Roger Street, Holborn WC1

Food: 7
Menu: 6
Ambience: 5
Service: 6
Smoking Policy: -1
Value for Money: 5
Bonus**: 0

OVERALL: 28

Service was much better today although the food suffered a little today due to the Friday lunch time rush. Portions were a little smaller but overall still a positive outcome - recommended!

Song Que Cafe - Kingsland Road, London E2

Song Que Cafe - Kingsland Road, London EC2

Food: 7
Menu: 6
Ambience: 5
Service: 5
Smoking Policy: -1
Value for Money: 9
Bonus**: 3

OVERALL: 34

Very nice Vietnamese restaurant/cafe. Look out for their beef noodle soup that is served in about 30 different ways. I had number 141. - rare lean beef with tendon - delicious. Also is superb value for money - a meal for two, 3 courses, two beers only came to £26 without tip. Bonus is for the food. The only let down is that it can get quite full and warm in the restaurant/cafe - there was a digital clock on the wall with a temperature gauge which I watched rise from a comfortable 23C to 26C by the time we had left (in the middle of winter). If you're looking for Vietnamese cuisine Kingsland Road is the place, also look out for Viet Hoa further up the road - our trust favourite.

La Porchetta - Boswell Street, Holborn WC1

La Porchetta - Boswell Street, Holborn WC1

Food: 4
Menu: 5
Ambience: 4
Service: 5
Smoking Policy: -1
Value for Money: 6
Bonus**: 0

OVERALL: 23

Standard chain pizza/pasta joint. Value for the money is the only thing going for it. Pizzas were large but generally disappointing.

Noto - Bassishaw Highwalk, London Wall EC2V

Noto - Bassishaw Highwalk, London Wall EC2V

Food: 7
Menu: 6
Ambience: 5
Service: 7
Smoking Policy: -1
Value for Money: 6
Bonus**: 3

OVERALL: 33

My favourite no fuss, no nonsense Japanses restaurant in London. Japanese waiters but non-Japanese chefs have no impact on the quality and range of authentic dishes. Sashimi is always fresh and delicious. Bonus points are for the food and service. My favourite dish is their grilled/braised eel with rice and sauce in a box.

The Duke - Roger Street, Holborn, WC1

The Duke - Roger Street, Holborn WC1

Food: 7
Menu: 5
Ambience: 6
Service: 3
Smoking Policy: -1
Value for Money: 6
Bonus**: 0

OVERALL: 26

Lovely little pub, tucked away off Grays Inn Road. Their food is delicious but the service was too slow for lunch.

Izakaya Aki (Japanese Bistro) - Gray's Inn Road, Holborn WC1

Izakaya Aki (Japanese Bistro) - Gray's Inn Road, Holborn WC1

Food: 5
Menu: 5
Ambience: 5
Service: 5
Smoking Policy: 0
Value for Money: 4
Bonus**: 3

OVERALL: 27

Quaint little Japanese bistro. Meals are delicious but served in small portions. Service is quick and very suited for lunchers. At dinner time service was a little too quick for me. Aki has a downstairs dining area as well which is more secluded. Bonus points are for the extensive drinks menu including a wide range of sake! They also do take-away.

Food For Thought - Neal Street, Covent Garden WC2

Food For Thought - Neal Street, Covent Garden WC2

Food: 5
Menu: 4
Ambience: 4
Service: 4
Smoking Policy: 0
Value for Money: 6
Bonus**: 5

OVERALL: 28

Charming vegetarian café on the main drag in Covent Garden. A queue of at least 10 deep for lunch on a Saturday (this seemed to continue well past 4pm). Great healthy alternative and good value for money. Seating is limited so be prepared to share your meagre table space with other diners. Take-away is an option - no queues. The Smoking Policy was not clear although most diners were already feeling too guilty to further damage their health....!

Gratai - Red Lion Street, Holborn WC1

Gratai - Red Lion Street, Holborn WC1

Food: 5
Menu: 5
Ambience: 4
Service: 3
Smoking Policy: -1
Value for Money: 6
Bonus**: 0

OVERALL: 22

Standard Thai restaurant. Good value on the Express Lunch menu - £7.50 for two courses plus tea or coffee. Portions are reasonable. Service was unfortunately too slow for a Friday lunch time.