London Appetizer

The Algarve Restaurant Wandsworth

A recently opened neighbourhood restaurant (that means you can only go there if you live in the neighbourhood and are best mates with the owner), Algarve takes you back to the sunny holidays of your youth, where you get family friendly service and a Menorquina frozen dessert if you've sat quietly through your meal and eaten all your shellfish.

Seriously though, this place is worth a visit.  the decor is similar to Lamberts and they have not scrimped on the refurb. The food is excellent and the service friendly.  Oh, and it's good value for money.

So go and patronise Vitor and his family - you will be pleasantly surprised.

Read the full review here.

Gaucho Restaurant Piccadilly

I was taken to the Piccadilly Gaucho for lunch and had a great time - for steak lovers, Gaucho really is a cut above the rest.  Fortunately the Gaucho group operates 10 restaurants in London and 1 in Manchester.  I wonder if anyone has ever eaten in all 10 and if so, which one is the best?!  I skipped starters and puddings and could only just finish my 225g filet steak but had I been there for dinner, I would have loosened my belt and tucked in as if it were my last supper.

Gaucho has expanded without losing the touches that make it special - loyalty to its Argentinian roots, which reflect in the uncompromising meat quality, the range of ceviches on offer and the extensive Argentinian wine list.

As much a venue for corporate events (private rooms and tasting cellar) as well as romantic couples, Gaucho has it all.  They even offer a delivery service from some of their restaurants, although the minimum spend is £70.

You can read the full review here on The London Restaurant Review website or check out Gaucho's own website for a full menu and wine list.

Shanghai Blues summer offers

Shanghai Blues, the fairly famous Chinese restaurant round the corner from Holborn tube, has some summer special offers on at the moment:

1. Dim sum Lobster Lunch - 3 courses only 15 GBP per person
2. After 5 @ Shanghai Blues - 2 Drinks and Canapes only 10 GBP per person

You can read reviews of Shanghai Blues here

Shanghai Blues is located at:

193-197 High Holburn
London, WC1V 7BD
Phone: 0207.404.1668
Fax: 0207.404.1448