Great Britain
Best and worst restaurants:
Worst: Maysons in Keswick
Why: The manager was downright obnoxious and unwelcoming and the food did not make up for the unpleasant experience.
Theodore Jones in San Francisco, CA USA 06/30/2008
Best: Knights Fish and Chips, Glastonbury
Why: It was the best fish and chips I had in England, and also provided a great meal (a steak pie) for my husband, who doesn't eat fish. It was packed with locals.
Worst: Plunkets, York
Why: The "Mexican" we had had little flavor. Though the restaurant is known for Mexican, apparently, I think Britain is just too far from Mexico to have any idea what it its vibrant food should taste like. We have better Mexican in Minnesota.
Elizabeth in Minneapolis, MN USA 05/19/2008
Worst: Churchill Arms and Thai Kitchen, London
Why: We wanted the Thai food and the options for vegetarians were only two dishes, and they were like mediocre Chinese food.
Alan Leiserson in Nashville, TN USA 09/13/2007
Best: Lebanese restaurant on South Bridge (near Royal Mile)
Why: We stopped at this great Lebanese take out deli that also had seating and it was our best meal in Edinburgh. Mouth watering falafels, deliciously grilled vegetables, and yummy crisp pitas.
Worst: Pub on corner of Jeffrey and Royal Mile
Why: We wanted to go to the World's End pub, but coudn't get in to make our Fringe show, so we went to the pub across the street instead. Worst meal ever! We ordered their advertised pie, beans and chips special and it was disgusting. So happy we only ordered one to share, but it was still six pounds, which to us meant twelve dollars and so not worth it. Service was also slow and terrible.
Aimee in Oakland, CA USA 08/26/2007
Best: The Viceroy of India, York
Why: Wonderful, interesting Indian food with great service. Even better than the Indian food we ate in London.
Worst: Yo sushi
Why: Fun presentation but the sushi was not good! Especially if you eat sushi in the Seattle area. The soup and sashimi were good but the sushi a disappointment. Service was minimal.
Kathie Roon in Marysville, WA USA 08/06/2007
Best: The Jugged Hare
Why: was everything you said - we all enjoyed our meals
Amy Ferguson in Toronto, ON Canada 06/20/2007
Best: The Stockpot in London at Piccadilly
Why: We've been going here for years and the food is always exceptionally good and the prices are fantastic.
Louellen Lawton in Fremont, CA USA 06/20/2007
Best: Petergate Fisheries in York
Why: The food and prices were excellent. I had some bad fish and chips meals at other places, so it was great to have a heads-up on this place. By the way, in Bath there's an equally great fish and chips place called Seafoods Restaurant, in Kingsmeade Square, very close to the Roman baths.
Peter Apanel in Portland, OR USA 06/13/2007
Best: Cafe One, Inverness
Why: I had great halibut over crab and bacon risotto. My husband had Angus steak, which wasn't as good. He gave up on finding an Angus steak that was actually prime.
Leslie Talley in Titusville, FL USA 06/09/2007
Best: Ristorante la Lanterna, Edinburgh
Why: good food, cozy atmosphere.
India in manchester, UK 06/06/2007
Best: Cornucopia Bistro in Winsor
Why: We didn't try many restaurants because the prices were just about double what we are used to here. This one was good value for theUK.I would strongly recommend getting take out when possible, and Marks and Spencers was extremely good for take out salads etc.
George in San Francisco, Ca USA 05/31/2007
Worst: The Viceroy of India in York
Why: Overpriced and mediocre. Also, pub food was about double what we would pay in the US for similar food.
jenny in San Francisco, Ca USA 05/30/2007
Best: The restaurant at the Hotel Ceilidh-Donia, Edinburgh
Why: Michelle, the chef, plans the menu on what she finds in the market each day. We had some of the most delicious lamb we had eaten anywhere. The vegetables were fresh and perfectly prepared and the desserts fabulous. Good, reasonably-priced wine list too.
Worst: Sherlock Holmes Restaurant in London
Why: Touristy and over-priced.
Judy Cascales in Chula Vista, CA USA 05/21/2007
Worst: Sally Lunn's in Bath
Why: Flavorless bun dipped in cinnamon and nothing-to-write-home-about cream tea were overpriced. Service was bland and disinterested.
Susan Saric in Orland Park, IL USA 05/16/2007
Best: Fish and Chips (and Haggis) at The World's End pub
Why: Huge portion--delicious and fresh
Heidi Schwartz in Ocean, NJ USA 03/04/2007
Best: La Genova Italian Restaurant
Why: 32 North Audley Street (Mayfair) London, United Kingdom, W1 020 7629 5916 http://www.lagenovarestaurant.com/
The food is WONDERFUL! The staff is lovely friendly and gracious. You will want to go back again and again
Worst: Al Hamra Lebanese Restaurant
Why: Al Hamra has been my favorite London restaurant for years. I had recommended Al Hamra to Zagat's several years ago and to my great delight Al Hamra has been listed in there for the last few years. In November 2006 I had a very unfortunate experience at Al Hamra I would like to share with you and your readers. Perhaps this will encourage a change in behavior by the staff and management; both of whom expressed no concern or remorse for the boorish behavior displayed.
While the food is outstanding do not go to this establishment unless you are accompanied by a male. I took my mother and sister to lunch; after raving about the magnificent food and service and we were treated in the most demeaning chauvinistic horrible manner possible. Our coats were not taken; we had to drape them over our chairs. The waiter told me I had not ordered enough food and would not serve us unless I ordered 4 more items, we had already ordered 5, one of which was grilled chicken livers which the waiter told me took too long to prepare and he would not place the order. We ordered a bottle of wine and a bottle of water; not once did anyone come by and refill our wine or water glasses and when we ran out of water I had to hunt down a waiter and ask for another bottle of water. Keep in mind there was one other occupied table when we entered the restaurant, 3 other tables came in while we were there – all had at least one man in the party. The waiters promptly took all the women’s coats and hung them in the cloakroom while holding out their chairs. The table next to us ordered the chicken livers – which did not take too long to prepare and only 3 other items instead of the 9 items we had to order. It was appalling! I do not mind being treated in such a manner, I feel I can let it roll off my back, as much as it horrified me to take my 80 year old mother to an establishment I had raved about and have her treated in such a condescending manner.
I used to recommend this restaurant to everyone I know. I now tell them about the terribly chauvinistic staff and how other tables with males got waited on hand and foot while we had dismissive rude service. I am terribly disappointed my favorite restaurant has failed me.
Joy Gallaway in Dallas, TX USA 11/28/2006
Best: Upstairs in the Pack Horse Inn, Keswick, England
Why: The upstairs is smoke free and offers delicious food, wonderful atmosphere, and top rate service at a reasonable price. We were on the road for thirty days, and this was the best meal we had. It fills up quickly though, so be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Bob Johnson in Bellevue, WA USA 11/11/2006
Best:
Why: The burgers were regularly excellent, no matter where I was - pubs, Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh - maybe it's the Angus beef? And the West Cornwall Pasty company deserves mention for numerous locations, particularly in train stations, serving traditional Cornish pasties. It was the only place I found serving Steak and Stilton pie - a personal fave!
Worst: Plunkett's Restaurant
Why: I may be a bit harsh singling this one out. It was fine, but nothing spectacular - just not sure it warranted a mention in your book. It was better for a single diner than La Tasca, though (a tapas chain I tried in York, and subsequently noticed in London as well).
Don Zwicker in Renton, WA USA 11/06/2006
Best: Black Bear Pub, Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds
Why: Excellent, reasonable, and tasty entrees at 8 GBP.
Janice Straw in Walnut Creek , CA USA 11/03/2006
Best: The Crypt at St. Martin-in-the-Field
Why: Good and inexpensive food, great architecture, easy to find, good mid-day concerts.
Judy Masrud in Dallas, WI USA 10/29/2006
Best: Clarinda's Tea Room
Why: The scones with cream and jam were absolutely wonderful, and they served a wonderful selection of teas.
Lilian Young in Hamilton Square, NJ USA 10/23/2006
Best: Ebury Wine Bar
Why: Great food, nice atmosphere, and excellent service. It is also located right next door to the Lime Tree Hotel, if you are staying there.
Michael Schnell in New Bremen, OH USA 10/22/2006
Best: Loved the Food is Fun crawl in London
Why: This was a very fun way to experience Soho.
Fish & Chips in North Wales is even better than elsewhere in Britain
We had the best Indian food of our lives in York at the place recommended that is a short walk beyond the walls.
Ken in Chandler, AZ USA 10/20/2006
Best: All the ones that we went to.
Why: Cando's Pub Opera Room & Criterion in London excellent. So too The Wife of Bath, Bath & Mussel Inn & 78 St. Vincent in Glasgow. Room Deluxe at Willow Tea Rooms was closed the day we went - reservations only. Had tea on balcony.
Dave & Pat Archard in Daytona Beach, FL USA 10/16/2006
Best: Deacon Brodie's Tavern in Edinburgh
Why: We had the best fish n chips of our whole trip and in 3 weeks - we ordered them quite a number of times - the roast was also delicious.
Worst: The Filling Station in Edinburgh
Why: Really lousy lunch - we thought it interesting that we had the best and worst meals of our entire trip both in the same city.
Charlene Wynn in La Verne, CA USA 09/28/2006
Best: Cafe Concerto in York
Why: It is a delightfully funky place with tasty food, personable wait servers and reasonable prices. Worth a second visit.
Marge Boothe in Bellevue, WA USA 09/28/2006
Best: Cafe Rouge
Why: outstanding service, nice ambience, and tasty food.
Worst: Maggie Jones
Why: not too bad, but pretty stuffy and menu was limited.
Doug in Naperville, IL USA 09/20/2006
Best: Pump Room in Bath
Why: Excellent environment,excellent food and good service.Convienent to Roman baths,bus station,interesting sights and near the Bath Abbey. Prices were comparable to other good restaurants.
Worst: Gordon"s Wine Bar in London
Why: Very dirty and warning of thieves.
Darwyn Herbst in Longmont, CO USA 09/18/2006
Best: Caesar's in York
Why: Although the ambiance is a little too loud for our taste, they serve wonderful Italian food. I can't explain why we ate Italian food in York, but it was wonderful.
Bruce Lindgren in Independence, MO USA 08/25/2006
Best: Henderson's Salad Table in Edinburgh / or Loch Fyne Restaurant in Bath
Why: So good that we went back a second time. We're vegetarians, so it's nice to go to a place that caters to us. And while not cheap, it seemed close to affordable (at least before the exchange rate) and very friendly. Good vibe, healthful food, live music, and local, organic beer. In Bath, we really enjoyed Loch Fyne, probably the best food we had in England, even if it was Scottish food. Reasonably priced and very good quality.
Worst: Viceroy of India in York
Why: Not bad, but nothing special to recommend it. Mediocre food a little overpriced.
Summers Henderson in Somverville, MA USA 08/18/2006
Best: Alexiou's - Chipping Campden
Why: Food was great. We ordered way too much though. Service was great.
Lisa in Houston, Tx USA 08/17/2006
Best: Hotel Ceilidh-Donia
Why: Fresh, tasty food and friendly staff and atmosphere helped make this the best meal we had in the UK.
Kevin Stuart in Alexandria, VA USA 08/16/2006
Best: The Eagle & Child Rub, Oxford
Why: To eat in the very same Pub that J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and colleagues once dined and chatted in. The food was good, and the staff did not mind an American tourist asking a few questions about the place.
Worst: The breakfast at the Royal National Hotel, London
Why: The food they presented had to have been cooked sometime in the middle ages, and re-warmed in the 21st century. This was our introduction to "English Breakfast" - horrible. We found out later at another establishment how delicious a true English breakfast tastes. If you stay at the RN Hotel, save the gastronomic hassle and eat somewhere else for breakfast, or save money and get the continental breakfast.
Robert Rist in Rohnert Park, CA USA 08/14/2006
Best: Amelie's Restaurant, Conwy
Why: It's a new place and not in Rick's book but it was very nice (seafood, pasta). We were going to eat at the Conwy Bistro but had eaten enough heavy, meaty dishes so opted for Amelie's.
Dave Johnson in Sacramento, CA USA 08/14/2006
Best: Hotel Ceilidh-Donia - Edinburgh www.hotelceilidh-donia.co.uk
Why: Chef Michelle prepared the only meal of our trip which everyone refused to eat until it had been photographed. Very reasonably priced, starters, entrees, dessert, and wine for ~£20/person.
Judges Cellar - York www.judgeslodgings.com Great subterrean atmosphere with younger friendly staff and music. Jacket potato here means two of them with lots of toppings.
Edinburgh, besides the Hotel Ceiligh-Donia, food in this city was head and shoulders above The Cotswolds, York, and London. Proprietors take pride in their food and know they have to compete. We felt like it would be hard to go wrong here.
Punjab Resturant - London(Covent Garden tube stop-www.punjab.co.uk) Great Northern Indian food, easily walkable from Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus.
Worst: Criterion Brasserie - London (Piccadilly tube stop)
Why: The room was beautiful with gold mosaic ceiling, and white tablecloth service, the French-inspired Italian cuisine was unremarkable.
Joel & Stacy in Emeryville, CA USA 08/13/2006
Best: Sambuca and Rhubarb in Edinburgh
Why: Great Italian food and service at Sambuca. Visit the Rhubarb for the sumptuous atmosphere and grounds with Highland cattle. While we were there a wedding was taking place and a piper was roaming the grounds. It provided a wonderful and memorable Scottish experience for our family!
Wendie McKernan in Mount Horeb, WI USA 08/03/2006
Best: Belgo Centraal, London
Why: The attentive staff, the good food, the lively eating hall, and the affordable menu.
Jennifer Neumann in Valley Mills, TX USA 07/17/2006
Best: Sherlock Holmes Pub, London
Why: Ambiance, GREAT fish and chips, GREAT beer (Sherlock Holmes on tap...)
Anathea Gordon in Los Angeles, Ca USA 07/15/2006
Best: Khyber Pass
Why: We had to rely on our map to find this restaurant near S. Kensington Station. We really enjoy Indian food and had a great meal there. Nice white tablecloths and flowers on tables. Exceeded our expectations and we will return when we are in London in October.
Nancy in Atlanta, USA 07/15/2006
Best: Pubs in general and eating out in parks
Why: We got better value for our money. We also met fascinating locals in parks after buying lunch to go from Sainsbury's or other grocery stores. It was a great way to go.
Laurie Larson in Wixom, MI USA 06/27/2006
Best: Ee-usk in Oban, Scotland
Why: I am convinced that our raw oysters were pulled out of the ocean moments before we ate them: they were so fresh and HUGE. The food, service, and atmosphere were excellent. I am a lifelong Floridian and have rarely had such wonderful seafood.
Trish in Chapel Hill, NC USA 06/26/2006
Best: Lauderee @ Harrods
Why: This is the flagship London shop from the famous Paris pastrie shops! You have never lived until you have fresh french macaroons -- (for americans, note these don't have coconut!). Located near the KrispyKreme section of Harrods food court. Great for afternoon tea or lunch! (www.lauderee.com)
Shelly C in Cambridge, MA USA 06/14/2006
Best: Betty's in York
Why: Excellent food, regardless of what we ordered. We ate three meals there, including high tea.
Worst: Anna's Tea Room in Conwy
Why: Not awful by any means, but mediocre, overpriced for what we got, with poor service, bordering on rude.
Siobhan Keleher in San Diego, CA USA 05/28/2006
Best: Hotel Ceilidh-Donia in Edinburgh
Why: We ate dinner there (twice!) and used their internet service. The Preston's are warm and welcoming and have a lovely, casual, courtyard restaurant with an excellent menu.
Worst: Pub grub
Why: Some places were better than others, but mainly it was a lot of so-so food at reasonable prices.
Lisa Pizzuto Whittaker in Woodinville, WA USA 05/17/2006
Best: Ebury Wine Bar & Restaurant in London
Why: Excellent food and wine
Catherine Nodar in Atlanta, GA USA 05/16/2006
Best: 1. Tilley's in Moreton-in-the-Marsh, 2. Badger's Hall in Chipping Campden, and 3. Degubus Sandwiches in London near St. Paul's.
Why: 1.& 2. Both had great tea and friendly service. 3. Good and convenient.
Worst: Barnaby's in Stratford
Why: Greasy and dirty.
Peggy Schnorr in Morgan Hill, CA USA 05/15/2006
Best: Jenny Lo's Tea House
Why: Singapore Noodles! But she did close for 3 days over the Easter holiday - to our chagrin!!!
Wendy in Denney, FL USA 04/30/2006
Best: OneFishTwoFish in Bath
Why: Great value, great food and atmosphere. Innovative menu but lots to choose from. Something for everyone. Like eating in a private wine cellar.
Wendy Barnett in Los Gatos, CA USA 04/17/2006
Worst: Betty's Teas
Why: Rick's comments were right on. The atmosphere is why a person goes to Betty's not for the food. The tea came in a pot but it was in bags and not loose. The cakes were dry. It was fun to people watch.
Jolene in Centuria, WI USA 02/17/2006
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