Black Phoebe :: Ms. Jen: October 2007 Archives
Why is it if an Italian restaurant in London is authentic and tasty it is also a BIG BIG BIG ripoff?
Several times in the last few times I have visited London each of the Italian restaurants I have eaten at have had numerous extra and hidden charges in the bill that can't be reversed and the waiter claims it was stated on menu.
Tonight, I had a lovely risotto and glass of wine for nearly $50 USD after it was all said and done... WHAT!?!? Table fee, £2 extra on the risotto for God only knows why, and an undefined £3, plus 12.5% mandatory gratuity. It was not worth it. Good, but not that good.
I would tell you to avoid L'Accento on the Bayswater / Notting Hill border, but they are not the only ones. There was the Italian with the $45 tuna last year ($18 before bullshit charges) in the Pimlico/Chelsea area last year. And then...
Basically, unless it is cheap pizza, just say no to Italian in London as many of the authentic restaurants seem to be also cheating the customer. No need to be ripped off with extra charges when you can make a good risotto at home.
Several times in the last few times I have visited London each of the Italian restaurants I have eaten at have had numerous extra and hidden charges in the bill that can't be reversed and the waiter claims it was stated on menu.
Tonight, I had a lovely risotto and glass of wine for nearly $50 USD after it was all said and done... WHAT!?!? Table fee, £2 extra on the risotto for God only knows why, and an undefined £3, plus 12.5% mandatory gratuity. It was not worth it. Good, but not that good.
I would tell you to avoid L'Accento on the Bayswater / Notting Hill border, but they are not the only ones. There was the Italian with the $45 tuna last year ($18 before bullshit charges) in the Pimlico/Chelsea area last year. And then...
Basically, unless it is cheap pizza, just say no to Italian in London as many of the authentic restaurants seem to be also cheating the customer. No need to be ripped off with extra charges when you can make a good risotto at home.
