Jan Moir's review of Maze (The Telegraph)
Giles Coren's review of Maze (The Times)
Michelin Star Restaurants in London - 2010
Maze reviews
We went last night for a birthday dinner and I'm afraid we didn't have the glowing experience others seem to have had. Whilst the food and wine were very nice, the service was really lame and off-hand, added to which we had, let's just say, a 'bacterially challenged' waiter. PHEW! Not right. Felt more like a canteen in decor, with poor lighting and totally inappropriate background music. Front of house this restaurant lacks ambience, care and soul. Left a poor taste in our mouths I'm afraid, our experience was nothing special.
by kathy2, 25 Feb 2010
by kathy2, 25 Feb 2010
Six of us went to Maze and we had the Chef's table. All of the staff were extremely courteous, friendly and helpful, answering all of our questions with a genuine interest. Each course was sublime, with the appropriate accompanying wine. However, the day was clouded for us when Jason arrived and started verbally abusing some of the staff. Being a Ramsay establishment, we expected some language, but when the maitre d' was subjected to what can only be described as racist abuse, we thought Jason had well overstepped the boundaries. We all determined to try to remember the many positives, but this incident will certainly stay with me.
by Winnrtn, 14 Nov 2009
by Winnrtn, 14 Nov 2009
Went for lunch to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Service was superb, all staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Chose from the tasting menu. Highlights were all the puddings; crab and avocado dish divine, as was lamb mavarin and smoked eel and foie gras. Were given a special anniversary plate, which was a lovely touch. Also given a tour of the kitchen, so were able to thank kitchen staff for fantastic experience. Wine also very good. Really special meal and occasion; would highly recommend it.
by paul miller, 06 Nov 2008
by paul miller, 06 Nov 2008
I choose Maze every time - the food, the service (whether at the chef's table or in the main restaurant) have never disappointed.
by annslender1, 09 Sep 2008
by annslender1, 09 Sep 2008
One of my clients was kind enough to take me for lunch at Maze today. It was truly awful, but of course I didn't say that to my host. The only good thing was the wine, although the girl who decanted it was so careless and slapdash about pouring it into my glass she spilt a substantial amount. I am not sure she even noticed. With the exception of the 'prawn sandwich', everything else was just dreadful. I am not at all sure what the point of it all was.
by maryellen9, 03 Sep 2008
by maryellen9, 03 Sep 2008
I visited Maze restaurant recently with my partner. The restaurant is pretty, the service is excellent, but the food was not impressive. The portions are just enough to get the idea of each dish and were enough for me and my partner. They are well presented, but unfortunately it seemed like the chef's need to impress took over.
We had the Chef's 7-course menu option. I had the chilled pea veloute with goat's curd, elderflower and parmesan parfait - which is pea soup with a teaspoon of goat cheese at the bottom, with a small roll of sweet parmesan ice cream. The dish was too salty and tasted like it had too much leek in it, although it was not mentioned in the title.
For the second course I had the marinated beetroot, Sairass cheese, pine nuts and Cabernet Sauvignon dressing - beautifully presented cheese nestled between thin layers of beetroot. I personally don't like beetroot but the combination of the cheese, roasted pine nuts and the vegetable was amazing.
For third I had the 'Assiete of Sandwiches BLT'. Awful dish! A jelly of smoked bacon, which takes over all other flavours. Wrong texture and flavour. My partner had the slow-cooked quail and marinated foie gras. The texture of the foie gras wasn't right - too creamy and sickening.
The fourth was the Cornish red mullet, rice in sardine and saffron stock, roasted pepper puree and paella 'air'. The fish was good and tasted fantastic with the red peppers and black olives (not original, but at that point it was very refreshing). Now the paella was something else - a tiny portion of rice topped with raw whisked egg whites. A Spanish person would be insulted. It was tasteless and just wrong!
For fifth I had the slow-poached lamb. For me it was a bit too rare, but my partner loved it. The stock was fantastic and so was the mint hollandaise. The potato mash was creamy and rich.
Overall, a nice experience but the food was disappointing. Seems like creativity came first, and not the whole dish as a complete experience. I would not recommend this restaurant, purely because I don't think you get good value for money.
by foodbuddha, 27 Jul 2008
We had the Chef's 7-course menu option. I had the chilled pea veloute with goat's curd, elderflower and parmesan parfait - which is pea soup with a teaspoon of goat cheese at the bottom, with a small roll of sweet parmesan ice cream. The dish was too salty and tasted like it had too much leek in it, although it was not mentioned in the title.
For the second course I had the marinated beetroot, Sairass cheese, pine nuts and Cabernet Sauvignon dressing - beautifully presented cheese nestled between thin layers of beetroot. I personally don't like beetroot but the combination of the cheese, roasted pine nuts and the vegetable was amazing.
For third I had the 'Assiete of Sandwiches BLT'. Awful dish! A jelly of smoked bacon, which takes over all other flavours. Wrong texture and flavour. My partner had the slow-cooked quail and marinated foie gras. The texture of the foie gras wasn't right - too creamy and sickening.
The fourth was the Cornish red mullet, rice in sardine and saffron stock, roasted pepper puree and paella 'air'. The fish was good and tasted fantastic with the red peppers and black olives (not original, but at that point it was very refreshing). Now the paella was something else - a tiny portion of rice topped with raw whisked egg whites. A Spanish person would be insulted. It was tasteless and just wrong!
For fifth I had the slow-poached lamb. For me it was a bit too rare, but my partner loved it. The stock was fantastic and so was the mint hollandaise. The potato mash was creamy and rich.
Overall, a nice experience but the food was disappointing. Seems like creativity came first, and not the whole dish as a complete experience. I would not recommend this restaurant, purely because I don't think you get good value for money.
by foodbuddha, 27 Jul 2008
The dishes from the tasting menu that I strongly recommend:
Starter - Cornish crab mayonnaise with avocado, sweet corn sorbet and Oscietra caviar.
Main course - monkfish (it's heavenly).
Dessert - chocolate moelleux, pistachio sabayon with milk and honey ice cream.
Personally I don't really like the look of the bar - they gotta dim those lights! Other than that, food is fantastic, service is perfect, and I love the crazy long wine list. Will definitely go back.
by LONDONBOI (4 reviews), 15 May 2008
Starter - Cornish crab mayonnaise with avocado, sweet corn sorbet and Oscietra caviar.
Main course - monkfish (it's heavenly).
Dessert - chocolate moelleux, pistachio sabayon with milk and honey ice cream.
Personally I don't really like the look of the bar - they gotta dim those lights! Other than that, food is fantastic, service is perfect, and I love the crazy long wine list. Will definitely go back.
by LONDONBOI (4 reviews), 15 May 2008
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 2008
by foodie77 (2 reviews), 29 Apr 2008
Our 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.
by tommolt, 21 Feb 2008
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.
by tommolt, 21 Feb 2008
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 2007
by mwest, 16 Nov 2007
Took 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.
by pw86, 12 Sep 2007
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.
by pw86, 12 Sep 2007
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 .
by Townsend, 14 Jun 2007
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 .
by Townsend, 14 Jun 2007
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 2007
by martinidoc (4 reviews), 14 May 2007
This 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 2007
by Anonymous, 09 Apr 2007
I 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 2007
by Sebastian (2 reviews), 28 Jan 2007
I 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 2006
by rrd, 13 Dec 2006
Nicola 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 2006
by Duncann, 24 Oct 2006
My 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 2006
by Nicola S, 16 Oct 2006
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Photograph © Maze
