88 St John Street,
Farringdon,
London,
EC1M 4EH
0871 971 7458
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Portal Restaurant and Bar
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Wow Wow Wow, what a loverly restaurant the place is layed out very nicly and with lots of space not cramped, the food was out of this world, the staff were very friendly and knowlegable about the whole menu which helps with some of the terms used these days, I had the Beef Wellington the beef was like silk mmmmmmmmm. My wife had Stoned Bass with an enomous prawn on the side, what a great evening, the restuarant owner was very nice indeed very open and not a bit like he had been portriaed by other people on other web sites, you must go! Treat yourself you only live once!
We were slightly unsure about going to this restaurant because of some of the previous user reviews but it's so close to the office, we thought we'd give it a try. Thankfully we did! This restaurant is a gorgeous haven tucked away on St John Street, with a light, large dining area that flows to an outdoor space.
The menu was filled with many delicious options - it was difficult to choose! The staff were attentive and there when needed and the food was not only so tasty but there was also a creativity to the dishes that was refreshing. (Note: if you want burgers and fries, this is not the place!)
We'll definitely be going back - next will be to try out the chic bar area for after work drinks!
We had our xmas lunch there and not only did we we wait 1.5 hours for the starter, the main course only consisted of 2 pieces of pork each, some crisps, a slice of orange and 4 small bowls of salad between 19 people. When I was given a second chance of some pork all I got was a lump of skin and a bone. I also have it on account that the remaining pork (which we had paid for) was then consumed by some members of staff in view of our tables.
After the meal, we paid our not-inconsiderable bill then went to sit in the bar only to be ignored by the distinctly unfriendly bar staff. We were then told to leave, even though the bar was practically empty.
I did think that the desert was excellent however, but by that point I would have eaten one of the waiters.
I could not recommend this restaurant because of the measly portions and rude bar staff.
Shame.
Nice setting, food ok for the price but rude staff. The service was only average so we gave a tip of 10% rather than the full "optional" 12.5% service charge on a £400 bill - and were ordered out by the manager.
The staff there could really do with a reality check, it's the customer that shall decide whether their staff merit a reward, not them.
What a shame! The restaurant is very elegant with a great atmosphere, however myself and my fiancee had the worst meal in a long time. I had monkfish with scallops, the scallops were heavily overcooked and the monkfish very tough. The rest of my meal was very salty. I do not think the chef had any idea about seasoning. I would like to give Portal Restaurant & Bar a second chance as it has huge potential.
The food at Portal Restaurant & Bar is simply delightful. My husband took me there for a meal last weekend and the sea bass was amazing. I am a big fan of fish normally anyway, but this was so tasty.
My husband had the red pepper lamb, and he thought it was beautifully cooked. All in all the Portal Restaurant & Bar is a very good place to spend an evening.
Portal Restaurant & Bar is a cool place. Nicely chilled, it's somewhere to go on a lazy Sunday. The drinks are ace and the staff are very friendly. Portal Bar is a must see place for those who like their drinks.
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