Giles Coren's review of Maze (The Times)
Maze reviews
What can I say, other than 'fantastic'! Love the tapas thing - it gives you the opportunity to taste a wide range of food. Service amazing - our waiter was the most knowledgeable and friendliest ever. An amazing experience from start to finish, and actually quite reasonably priced if you don't go overboard on the drinks.
by foodie77 (2 reviews), 29 Apr 2008Our children booked the Private Dining Table for nine of us on a recent Sunday evening. It was absolutely fantastic.
Wonderful 9-course sampler menus, with each chef explaining their specific course to us. A full tour of the kitchen and one of us being the 'chef' to cook the scallops for our table. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff, and we would say 'thank you' to all for a wonderful evening. If you can book the private table, do so, as the whole experience is wonderful.
The menu is limited to a tasting menu. There is no substance to what is on the menu. The wait service can't remember or refuses to remember what you ordered after an hour of not being served your main course. VERY disappointed... And if you expect Gordon-style service or expectations, forget it. Save your money.
by mwest, 16 Nov 2007Took my wife there last night for her birthday (asked the desk for a good table as it was her birthday). All I can say is, the food was superb, the service was 11/10 (attentive without being instrusive) and the wine list is excellent.
When we were ready to pay up, they brought my wife a single birthday cake, candle and a load of delicious chocs - nice touch. Finally, while I was checking my diary against my football team's fixture list, a waiter (QPR fan) started a banter on which of our team's plight was worse - just like being down the pub! All in all, a superb restaurant.
My husband and I dined there for our wedding anniversary. I had the 7 course and my husband had the taster menu. The food was spectacular, the wine was very nice also, and the staff were extremely pleasant and helpful.
I have been raving about this restaurant ever since and can't wait to go to London for the weekend again so we can return .
One of my favourite restaurants in London. The whole concept of trying out small meals is great. Every course I have had is superb. The mix and match philosophy also extends to the wines, and there are some well-priced and excellent choices here as well. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. My only (very slight) criticism is the decor, which on close inspection looks a bit 'MFI'. Overall though, a superb restaurant.
by martinidoc (4 reviews), 14 May 2007This is fine dining for the 21st century, for forward thinking foodies, modern people, open minded not stuck in a dead, old way of eating. Brilliant in every aspect.
by Anonymous, 09 Apr 2007I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and it was the nicest meal I have ever had. We had the chef's 7 course dinner and it was exquisite. The cocktails were fabulous and the service was exceptional. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. For the quality, it's not as expensive as you'd expect. Will definitely be going there again!
by Sebastian (2 reviews), 28 Jan 2007I went in July and had the 5 course lunch and found it exceptional. You couldn't wish for better service, better cocktails or tastier food. So good I've booked to go again!
by rrd, 13 Dec 2006Nicola you nutjob, I have had that pudding and the ice cream was supposed to be salty! It is an amazing restaurant and superb value.
by Duncann, 24 Oct 2006My husband and I had the 7-course chef's menu. 2 out of the 7 dishes were very good, the others ranged from OK to terrible. The chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream was appalling. The ice cream tasted salty and the fondant very oily - I could make better myself! Considering the 3-4 week waiting list and it being part of the respectable Ramsey chain of restaurants, this was very disappointing. Staff were very friendly and helpful though.
by Nicola S, 16 Oct 2006Remarkable food and a super-slick operation all round. There are a few novelty dishes which the critics always mention (peanut butter and jam sarnies, etc), but it's serious and delicious food which stands the test of several visits - I'm never disappointed.
by jenny80 (8 reviews), 07 Sep 2006Fantastic food, served with fantastic presentation. Great cocktails. Ambiance friendly and relaxing. Extensive wine list and accommodating staff. We will be back, all the way from Jersey, Channel Islands.
by Ms.Williams, 05 Sep 2006Fabulous food, great wines, super-efficient staff. I'm fortunate to eat at Maze quite often as it's a great place to take business clients and I've yet to tire of it. You can order several small dishes which is perfect if you don't have a huge appetite and they're all clever, delicious and beautifully presented. Our French bosses compare it with Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Paris, which offers a similar "tapas" menu concept, and is opening a branch soon in London, so if you like Maze you'll probably love L'Atelier too.
You can smoke in the bar area, so ask not to be seated near there if that bothers you. Other than that, it's perfect.
Been there twice. The first time was during the first couple of weeks after it opened. Found the menu quite innovative, as one has choice in choosing 4, 5, 6 or even more small dishes as a discovery menu. The quality of food and service were good and the staff friendly.
The second time though, I was a bit disappointed by the profile of the clientele and the service. One of my 5 dishes arrived 10 minutes later than my partner's. However, the food quality was still good.
Had a great time. Service was fast and attentive without being rushed and the food is wonderful, lots of great flavours expertly combined.
Thought it was a very relaxed place all in all and certainly didn't feel rushed. Would definitely go again and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.
We visited Maze for lunch for our 20th wedding anniversary and had the most fantastic time.
The food was an experience in itself and the leisurely pace at which we were allowed to enjoy seems in complete contrast to some other reviews. Yes, they did fill glasses as they needed. Yes, they were attentive, but that is what you expect from an establishment such as this. We arrived for 1.30 and left at 4.30 - hardly rushed!
The waiting staff was so friendly, you need to talk to them and they respond with interest. Other reviews have reiterated the following - try the peanut butter & jam sandwich dessert and you must try the BLT, incredible.
Can't wait to go again and would travel to London just for the lunch.
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Photograph © Maze
Stuart PhillipsCovent Garden »
