Latest Reviews http://www.menureview.co.uk I ordered Spaghetti alla Carbonara which arrived as a lukewarm, congealed, tasteless and inedible mess. The pasta was completely overcooked and the pork was processed. When I sent it back the manager explained that it came out of a packet and that was how it was served in every restaurant in the chain. I wasn't offered a substitute for the returned meal, but was instead charged the full price. Instead of inflicting Pinocchio's repugnant brand of culinary atrocity on yourself just get a Pot Noodle, at least that would be hot. on 2010-07-26 00:09:01 http://www.menureview.co.uk/108.html As an avid restaurant diner with some years professional experience too I can, without a shadow of a doubt, say that Blenio's is the finest restaurant I've had the pleasure to dine in for many years. The customers' first impression upon entering is of a rustic theme reminiscent of Southern France or perhaps Italy; Wine racks, wicker bread baskets, candles, potted plants, much as one would expect to encounter when entering a restaurant in Carmaux for instance. The proportion of waiting staff to covers is excellent, whilst the formality of the overdressed and stiff-mannered London style of curt welcome and service is mercifully absent, replaced by a beaming, polite welcome from staff sporting the more traditional black and whites than the designer suits of the sterile J Sheekey's for example. Throughout the meal the staff were consummately attentive without being obtrusive. The ever-changing menu is comprehensive, frequently boasting dishes composed of local seasonal ingredients. My starter of moules (I'm fully aware of how unimaginative this is, but I simply adore mussels) was pre-empted by a complimentary basket of various breads. The mussels were delicious and fresh, the sauce just right, and the bread obviously hand made (though whether on the premises or in a local bakery I don't know). My main (Fillet of Sussex Red Beef) was simply outstanding, cooked to perfection (worth mentioning when it's so difficult to get an English chef to actually cook a fillet 'blue') though perhaps slightly expensive at £18.50, though it was the most expensive dish on the menu by some margin. My guests chose the risotto, less than half the price of my steak, which they claimed was also excellent. One of my guests and I shared a pleasant orange and lemon sorbet for pudding prior to our coffee and my vulgar request for, and receipt of toothpicks. The restaurant is spacious enough that although it was a busy Saturday night it did not appear or feel crowded, and there were easily sufficient staff present to ensure that no covers felt neglected. The wine list is also worth a mention: Comprehensive and versatile, it boasts a catalogue suitable for matching the menu. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough and look forward to another excuse to take guests there. on 2010-07-24 17:07:10 http://www.menureview.co.uk/200.html The Hop poles has a fantastic reputation for great food of restaurant quality, served by friendly staff in a welcoming atmosphere, and previously this was quite justified. I used to eat at the Poles regularly, enjoying their Sunday roasts as well as their mid-week menus, but until yesterday had not been there due to travel and other unrelated obligations for about eight months. Unfortunately, judging by my visit yesterday (23 July '10) their reputation for excellence is no longer justified: My main, apparently a fillet steak, peas and home-made chips, arrived smeared with instant/packet gravy (the overly salty stuff, glutinous from cornflour starch), presumably an attempt to hide the fact that the peas had also come from a packet rather than a pod. The texture and consistency of the steak lead me to think that like the peas it had also been frozen, but I couldn't be sure due to it being drenched in Bisto (or whatever foul concoction was used) which eliminated any chance of its true flavour being discernible. The plate arrived minus cutlery, and when my fellow diner requested mustard from the waitress she directed him to fetch it from the other side of the pub and bring it to the garden - A strange notion that an establishment's patrons should pay for the privilege of serving themselves whilst employees who are paid do their job simply can't be bothered (she was previously very busy sitting at a table talking to a friend after all). My friend with whom I dined had to trim an inedible rind off his Parma Ham to make it edible (not once in over thirty years of restaurant dining have I come across such a basic error, what next, serve guests unopened oysters perhaps?). We both had 'Battered Calamari with Garlic Mayonnaise' to start. The mayonnaise was from a jar (fresh mayonnaise takes less than two minutes to make with a hand-whisk, and less than one minute with an electric), the squid was dry, though whether this was due to it being frozen or simply overcooked was impossible to tell. With one drink each we were charged about £30 for a culinary insult the like I have not received since I dined at Marco Pierre White's now infamous 'Titanic' in '99. on 2010-07-24 16:27:50 http://www.menureview.co.uk/77.html This really is a no frills restaurant. Its your chinese version of a greesy spoon!! However saying that, it is friendly, clean and with an open plan kitchen so you can see the food being made. My husband and I come here regularly and have the all you can eat buffet for £6.99. It's great value for money however the dishes have been the same everytime we have been! Luckily the dishes they do have we love them all. For a cheap bite to eat before heading off out it's an ideal place! on 2010-07-19 13:56:47 http://www.menureview.co.uk/132.html I have 4 children under 13 years of age.. and I find this restaurant EXCELLENT!! Kids are so welcome!!! Its ideal for enjoyable meals even if your Darling little ones misbehave misbehave. on 2010-07-18 10:34:23 http://www.menureview.co.uk/51.html 4 of us went to celebrate a birthday. What a disaster. Starters arrived (eventually) luke warm and were tasteless, my friend's pasta was inedible and looked like mashed baby food. When we finally managed to get attention from the waiter he did offer to order something else but it was too late. He brought liqueurs on the house, but the better response would have been to taken the cost of the poor food off the bill. I wasn't drinking anway, so a liqueur was of no interest to me. The waiter was lovely but the food diabolical. Friend's birthday meal spoilt and they went home hungry. Also incredibly expensive for very poor pasta - mine was meant to have fillet steak slices, but they reminded me of school stew meat and were just as tough and tasteless - yuk! Don't waste your money going here - it is great to sit outside in good weather, but in no way does this make up for dreadful, over-priced food. on 2010-07-11 16:58:26 http://www.menureview.co.uk/36.html Nice enough food and good service, but expensive and very small portions! Wouldn't recommend, I'm afraid. on 2010-07-05 23:23:35 http://www.menureview.co.uk/155.html Had a fantastic breakfast there, tasty full english, amazing coffee and friendly service, so good we went back for diner. If possible dinner was even better, we had the fish of the day and the spiced chicken both of which where cooked perfectly and so fresh with flavour. The service was attentive and the atmosphere relaxed. Well worth a visit. on 2010-07-01 12:13:53 http://www.menureview.co.uk/80.html Great value, lovely staff, perfect for sitting outside in the summer sun (when we get it!)watch the world go by and enjoy well cooked food and a cold beer. on 2010-06-14 10:50:17 http://www.menureview.co.uk/68.html on 2010-05-16 11:55:13 http://www.menureview.co.uk/143.html I have been a few times to this restaurant and I have to totally disagree with the other reviewers - I have never had any complaints about either food or service. My expectations were not high when I saw the prices but I was pleasently suprised by the quality of both the service and food. We have always been greeted with a smile and drink orders have always quickly filled. The menu is varied and well priced, portions are generous and well cooked. Have always been happy with service, as I say, and will continue to eat here. Would happily recommend. on 2010-03-22 11:30:45 http://www.menureview.co.uk/196.html First introduced to sushi at Moshi Moshi, Liverpool St. 14 years ago. Very pleased to see the quality continues in Brighton over a decade later. The Tuna competes with Willoughby and Co in Cape Town. The salmon salad with chilli was YUMMY! Will be back... on 2010-03-17 14:04:09 http://www.menureview.co.uk/65.html Still the best take-away burger in Brighton. on 2010-03-14 16:58:24 http://www.menureview.co.uk/166.html Dreadful place, watered down cocktails (ribena not "wwo woo") red plastic basket for onion rings (so 80's) defrosted king prawns, nasty red / orange sauce (marie) for starter, cold chips, undercooked reheated tough ribs, greasy wings, reheated corn which we sent back only to then be charged "the optional service charge of 10% for parties over 5" there was 2 of us! What a rip off and no apology either - please avoid this awful establishment.and#8206; on 2010-03-07 11:01:53 http://www.menureview.co.uk/53.html We chose the wrong one with the Plaza. We only eat out on a handfull of occasions in the year; it failed on both food and service. I should have done my research on the online restaurant reviews first and i would have seen the conflicting reviews as a red flag. Only our opinion - do your research my advice. on 2010-03-03 17:32:28 http://www.menureview.co.uk/161.html Nothing special but good food at good prices. Kid friendly too. Service is always good. Overall, a good place to go if you want to be sure of consistency. They never fail to deliver. on 2010-02-17 18:04:35 http://www.menureview.co.uk/292.html Slightly disappointing to get shoved upstairs out of the way when they're busy as there's much more atmosphere downstairs, but good food makes up for it. The steak with garlic butter is delicious. on 2010-02-17 18:02:11 http://www.menureview.co.uk/241.html Nice interesting menu with some different choices, like pasta with Duck and Hoi Sin Sauce. It really works and is gorgeous. Good sized portions at decent prices. Service is always good. We've been back 5 or 6 times. on 2010-02-17 18:00:26 http://www.menureview.co.uk/245.html Had a great meal. Food was delicious especially the crab parcel full of interesting flavours and beautifully presented for our starter. I had the courgette with riccotta tagliatelli,al’dente to perfection My partners fillet of beef cooked med rare with stunning mushroom sauce was excellent. 0ur compliments to the chef. With the new décor and the view a wonderful choice to go to eat. on 2010-02-16 21:23:24 http://www.menureview.co.uk/36.html I am amazed at the reviews for ALFRESCO, I visit the restaurant with my family most weeks and I find the service and food to be excellent, the views are also stunning. The owner Guiseppe and the staff at Alfresco offer an excellent service equivalent of any that you will find in Brighton or in London. Go there, enjoy - there is not a better venue in Brighton..... on 2010-02-12 23:15:52 http://www.menureview.co.uk/36.html Not your normal run of the mill Indian restaurant - you won't find your Korma's or jalfrazi's here! Have eaten here four times - never disappointing. A fabulous restaurant - the food is divine and the service and ambiance is fabulous! We sat next to Alan Davies actor once - so even local celeb's seem to like it too! Marvellous! on 2010-02-08 00:33:30 http://www.menureview.co.uk/203.html YUK! on 2010-02-08 00:24:10 http://www.menureview.co.uk/41.html This lovely little restaurant is an absolute gem tucked away from near where Al Forno's used to be. We tried to book a table there between Christmas and New Year just on the off chance but it was fully booked. My partner and I went there in the first week of January and the ambiance is so lovely and romantic. The starter and the main course were gorgeous! We were nicely full but we just had to try the chocolate brownie ....so we ordered one between us. Alas....and sadly the brownie wasn't chocolately enough and it was reminisant of a school dinner offering :( Aside from that we would definitely go back. The cappucino's ended the evening very nicely indeed - oh and the wine with the meal was excellent - (my partner, he is quite a wine geek!) We'd give this restaurant 9 out of 10 for the fabulous service food and ambiance :) The 'brownie' was the only thing that didn't quite make it score 10 out of 10. on 2010-02-08 00:15:18 http://www.menureview.co.uk/115.html Always excellent food - although a little expensive. My partner and I have gone through the whole menu!!! Favourites are the insalata de spinache or the mixed italian meats, the salmon wrapped in proscutto and nestled on a bed of lentils with lemon and herbs, the risotto verde and the the chicken con funghi is absolutely gorgeous. Bring back the gratin potatoes though and bring back Duncan the excellent front of house guy. (He's gone to Bills in Lewes!) on 2010-02-07 23:58:37 http://www.menureview.co.uk/194.html November 2009. Nice ambiance in this busy little cafe, the staff are pleasant too. The food is quite nice but is vastly overpriced for the portion sizes!! on 2010-02-07 23:50:33 http://www.menureview.co.uk/172.html I'm not really a great fan of burgers - but this place has changed my opinion. Absolutely delicious burgers and chunky chips!!!! 10 out of 10! it's worth starving yourself for a week to have a gastonomic feast! YUM! on 2010-02-07 23:23:24 http://www.menureview.co.uk/191.html We miss you Al Forno!!!! A fantastic little gem in the lanes -I first visited you in 1982 on a first date ......you'll be sadly missed :( on 2010-02-07 23:16:14 http://www.menureview.co.uk/35.html The Agra Tandoori takeaway Fiveways Brighton is probably the best takeaway in Brighton. The food is so fresh and beautifully cooked. I often have the lamb tikka xacuti, I've had various chicken dishes including chicken shashlic, chicken tikka bhoona, chicken kurma, and chicken jalfrazi. Beautiful!!! on 2010-02-07 23:08:54 http://www.menureview.co.uk/32.html Just simply a good all round restaurant. We had a large group and the place was packed but they put a table together for us, no problem. Charming staff and a free drink from the owner whilst we waited for our table to be put together. We really should have booked but no matter they were great. Lovely waiter and quick efficient and fresh food. A definite for dinner. Well done to all. Im back with the Tories in March and will definitely be coming every day and a special thank you to the chef who made my wife's day by actually coming out and discussing her food choice with her (damn fad diets) even though it was very busy. A message to you chef, my wife's off that diet and will eat properly next time. A great place all round. on 2010-02-05 18:47:05 http://www.menureview.co.uk/161.html A comedy of errors, shut this place down, how dare they call themselves a restaurant. A diner would be an insult to diners. Horrible, horrible, horrible. Joke staff, joke doorstaff, ridiculous manager and the worst owner I have ever met. They get what they deserve, drunken kids fighting and throwing food, no this was not 3am it was 8pm! What capped it was the owner actually fighting a customer who dared to complain. Never again. on 2010-02-05 18:35:15 http://www.menureview.co.uk/50.html I have lived in Brighton for nearly 20 years, and Alfresco's is probably one of THE WORST choices of Restaurants you can make in Brighton. It has a great view, but just about average food which is very expensive for what you get. Also they have REALLY REALY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Olives are served with pips. Last time I had a pizza there I cracked my tooth on such a pip and had to pay 80£ for an emergency treatment and 350£ for a crown. The waiter (and owner) did not even apologize or offered me a glass of water to wash my mouth or considered some sort of compensation. I was told that I have to live with the fact that Olives have pips. Well fish has bones, but I assume they are removed before serving… Anyway there are many good restaurants in Brighton, so don’t do the same mistake I did, and go to this TOURIST TRAP because of the view and it is getting cold. You will be disappointed!!!! For food, go up Preston Street (just opposite up the hill) and there are many more restaurants to chose from, including Italian. For a drink and a view carry on towards HOVE until the Bandstand and go to the café below. Both options are less then 5 mins away. DO NOT GO TO ALFRESCO’S!!!! on 2010-01-04 20:28:01 http://www.menureview.co.uk/36.html staff were friendly and welcoming but the food was quite cold and hard as it was not cooked fresh onto your plate on 2010-01-01 20:18:59 http://www.menureview.co.uk/157.html Absolutely horrendous place. The food is discusting and the service is even worse! Totally agree with the previous comments. on 2009-09-30 14:07:01 http://www.menureview.co.uk/196.html I had breakfast at bills today (25th September 2009) and it was terrible!!! We were a party of 9 and we went for one of my colleagues leaving do. When we arrived we were greeted by an obnoxious moron who promised that he would “take care of us” while suggesting that we sit at different tables (not so great at a leaving do) and then just standing around and doing precisely nothing. When we were eventually seated I ordered the full English breakfast and was hugely disappointed to find my bacon burnt beyond recognition and the sausage charred on one side. The tomatoes tasted like they came from a can and after picking at what was edible I found a HAIR!!! I stopped eating and didn’t complain because I really didn’t want to upset the occasion. The staff were not bad really but the guy who seated us was an a**hole! The place is really rather agreeable, pretty to look at but I’m afraid it’s a case of form over function and I will NEVER eat there again. It’s packed to the rafters with young, urban, hip parents, the cool crowd and old folks but in a place like Brighton where there are hundreds of restaurants I will not put myself through that again. Extremely good alternatives for breakfast are Tallulah’s, Billy’s and endless little cafes in the lanes (Inside Out Cafe does the best kippers and poached eggs). I paid but refused to let them leave a tip for the rude service, hair and burnt food. Oh and it is a chain – avoid if you can!!!! on 2009-09-25 13:03:52 http://www.menureview.co.uk/147.html What a shame. Beautiful setting and refurbished hotel... looks great. Poor value and variety on menu. Food and drinks in zest bar are a rip off. Massive prices for cheap looking food. Portion sizes typically very poor for the price, but randomly they deliver better value. Cheap skates on quality and service charging well over the odd's prices. 4* label should be 2 star. Front line staff are superb under the conditions they are given on 2009-09-24 19:57:54 http://www.menureview.co.uk/235.html Im not sure if we were over charged but our meal came to £80 per couple for 2 courses of average Italian food, a couple of glasses of wine each and 2 small bottles of water. unforunately we went with a group and it wasnt until later we realised how much it had come to and only had the credit card receipt to check. So its either very expenseive or they made a mistake (something that has happened to other friends of ours who have been there) on 2009-09-15 13:20:21 http://www.menureview.co.uk/36.html Having visited Agra on Ship Street several times, last night was a definite disappointment! I am not sure if there is a new owner or chef but something had changed,the food was poor, service terrible and they even said that we couldnt have naans as they were not very good today - shockingly bad on 2009-08-01 11:59:17 http://www.menureview.co.uk/31.html I visited this restaurant last year and the service was terrible. The waitress was really sulky and forgetful and after waiting ages for the main course the food arrived without cutlery. We had to wait ages for the opportunity ask for cutlery, which we did very politley but the girl looked outraged and next thing we know we are being served, very firmly and in an unfreindly manner, by the Manageress! The food was okay, nothing special, and the whole experience was very disappointing and made us both feel uncomfortable. on 2009-07-16 18:13:40 http://www.menureview.co.uk/80.html We booked a table for 12 at La Piazza last week. The atmosphere was quite relaxed and the restaurant filled up quite quickly. Staff were attentive and friendly. The food was lovely and with generous portions and with the offer, made it good value for money. Plenty to choose from on the menu. Would definitely recommend and will use again. on 2009-06-23 11:25:20 http://www.menureview.co.uk/122.html We have attended a congress in Brighton for ten years and see no reason to have our evening meal anywhere else! on 2009-06-09 17:10:18 http://www.menureview.co.uk/11.html Went here with friends to celebrate my birthday on Saturday evening. I was not disappointed. Good service and wonderful food. Started with the best prawns I have ever had, followed by La piazza steak, then profiteroles. Small criticism that we waited a little long for the main course, but not long enough to complain, and main course could have been hotter. Other than that a lovely evening. Would certainly visit again on 2009-06-08 12:43:12 http://www.menureview.co.uk/122.html I took my wife to La Piazza for her Birthday dinner. She liked the atmosphere and the service, which were fantastic. The lamb, personally speaking, was a bit unusual compared to the one we had before. But it is the experience that counts. Everyone should try it!! on 2009-06-08 10:49:43 http://www.menureview.co.uk/122.html i was in la piazza one thursday evening and they had the jazz ban going, not only i enjoyed the music, plus the food was delicious and the service was impeccable. p.s. the set menu was great value. on 2009-06-03 23:34:51 http://www.menureview.co.uk/122.html Amazing atmosphere, different then others, service, location and most importantly food. The food came quickly and was DELICIOUS !!!! Prawns with honeyandchili sauce, baked pasta Forno YUM and of course homemade tiramisu, just fantastic !!! Highly recommended on 2009-05-29 22:50:03 http://www.menureview.co.uk/122.html The best quality food, delicious lamb with rosemaryandhoney sauce, yum !!! Friendly stuff with good service, always make you so comfortable and welcome. Highly recommended !!!! on 2009-05-29 11:03:47 http://www.menureview.co.uk/122.html Relaxed venue with attentive waiting staff and really tasty Italian food, cooked well. The restaurant caters for all, meaning that it's suitable for a low- key dinner for two or larger groups booking. Highly recommended. on 2009-05-28 08:55:29 http://www.menureview.co.uk/122.html I love this restaurant!!! The menu is just right to give you choice without overwhelming you; the service comes with a smile and every member of staff is trained to be accomodating; the food is cooked perfectly and comes to your table steaming hot and the creme caramel is the best we've sampled. It was worth every penny- although you have to spend alot of them! Although if you are using a voucher (something I did on one occasion)be warned the standards drop on most levels, although still a worthwhile trip for the lesser cost. on 2009-05-25 18:26:34 http://www.menureview.co.uk/144.html This little restaurant is perfect for the diner who is looking for hot and tasty at a reasonable price. The portions are fair, the atmosphere is standard and the seafood soup for two is a spicy delight!! Dont be too quick to judge it by the dated decor! on 2009-05-25 18:17:36 http://www.menureview.co.uk/133.html If service has been poor, one should not expect to pay for service charge. It is not a legal requirement to pay the charge added to the bill and a customer has the right not to pay for it! Pablo's on the other hand takes a different approach. We arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes before the table was booked for. Upon arrival we asked to be seated early to which our reply was "that table is upstairs." We were not shown to our seats, we were not offered drinks and the service started as it meant to continue. Upon the arrival of other members of the party, they also received the same inhospitable reception. We all settled in and looked over the rather extensive menu. Not only did it cover Italian cuisine, it had meddled with British and French. After half the party had waited 30 minutes for a waiter to come upstairs and take an order for drinks; a member of our party had to go downstairs and ask for service to which the reply was "we'll send someone up." No apology. The process of ordering was somewhat stressful. The waiter had no clue about the specials that were on offer. After waiting 15 minutes from the start of ordering, a member of our party went to enquire about our drinks. They were rudely told that apparently we had only been waiting about ten minutes. Once again we received no apologies. When the drinks finally came we were told that they were out of stock on one product. Also the water we had ordered took a further 15 minutes to arrive. When the starters came half the garlic breads we ordered did not have cheese on. Obviously we made the mistake in ordering or so we were told. Another problem... They only had two steaks left. One person would have to have a sirloin. We quickly resolved this problem with somewhat little complication compared to the rest of the meal. Another bottle of wine was ordered, not cold and not opened. We had to ask for the manager who was rude throughout the process to open the wine. On arrival of the main courses, I had to wait a further 5 - 10 minutes for my main course to arrive. I enquired into why my meal was taking longer, whether they had a mistake in the kitchen or whether another waiting mistake took place. The waiter did not offer a response but only replied by saying "it's special." This was repeated over and over again. The food was adequate for the money. When the bill came the service charge was on there and we deducted this from the total of our bill. We still paid the full price for the food and drinks. When the waiter came over to collect the money, I informed him that the food was good but the service was diabolical and we were refusing to pay the service charge. We started our exit from the building. Members of our party were stopped from leaving by the waiting staff. Not only by rudely talking to us, but one waitress forcibly touched one member of our party. We attempted to explain that we did not have to pay service charge by law and as the service was awful we weren't going to pay. The management tried to argue that it was "Pablo's law." Upon exit from the building we were told that our faces were on CCTV and that the police would be called. We were also hurled abuse by the staff shouting all sorts of expletives. This was also repeated by the phone call I received 5 minutes later. The manager did not offer any apologies for the conduct of her staff but was still hurling abuse in all sorts of directions. These are not your usual waiting staff, I assure you. Overall, Pablo’s was an awful experience. Upon another review the management has replied by stating that they do not want people who do not want to pay service charge. They suggest going to McDonalds instead. In future I will be going to McDonalds and I recommend it over Pablo's every time. on 2009-05-19 15:05:26 http://www.menureview.co.uk/196.html been going there for over six years and have loved it everytime.nice fresh chicken and the best olives in the world!!!hummmmm... on 2009-05-10 12:35:11 http://www.menureview.co.uk/66.html