50 Earlham Street,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2H 9LJ
0872 148 3837
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Belgo Centraal
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If not for the manager coming over to apologise I would've given one star... It started with the wrong menu on the website so when my parents and I arrived we found out that what we wanted was not available. As the manager herself came over to apologise we decided to stay (and I really wish that we had not!). We ordered three Surf and Turfs - every steak was over cooked (like rubber in one case) and the lobster was undercooked and undersized. Mine and my mothers lobster was watery inside and my father's was the size of a lingustine. After £80, we left feeling very disappointed with the whole experience and I felt embarassed that I had taken my parents there. Belgo's used to have great food/beer/atmosphere but now I would only go there for the beer.
Went to the restaurant on a Sunday afternoon. The food is nothing worth writing home about. Since I couldn't find steak tartare on the menu, ordered the croquettes for appetizer which were quite bland and mussels for main course which again were average. In good Belgian restaurants the sauce is typically so good, you could eat is as a soup but at Belgo I wasn't even tempted to do that. The beer selection is very good though.
The service is one of the worst I have experienced in London. You have to get through the girl at the reception and a waiter downstairs (if you happen to find one that is paying attention) to get to your table. You will get a knife and fork with your mussels instead of the typical seafood fork and spoon combo. What are you supposed to do with a knife, stab the waiters? You will have to wait about 45 minutes for your main course to arrive. You will soon find out that most of the waiting staff speak only basic English so they cannot understand what you are ordering nor can they explain why your food is so late. If you want to speak to the manager that will take an additional 30 minutes as attending to customers is not his priority.
The atmosphere is similar to most of the usual artificial feeling tourist traps around Covent Garden. It's not pricey but given the level of service it shouldn't be. Whatever you do don't leave a tip as it may encourage them to reduce service to zero.
Having heard excellent reviews I thought I'd try Belgo Centraal. The food was absolutely fabulous, the classic mussels and chips were light and tasty, my guest had the beef which was also excellent. Portions are very generous, a main course is totally filling.
Service is quick and efficient however I did feel that the meal was rushed rather than leisurely. Also, the restaurant was absolutely packed so best to reserve a table. An interesting venue, the atmosphere is casual so good for a meal with friends.
Worth trying their stop the clock deal, weekdays 5-6:30 you pay the price of the time you ordered for your meal, order at 6, pay £6...
On the whole, the food at Belgo Central is terrific - particularly the steaks and sweet chilli duck! Large portions - you WILL be stuffed from a main. The service was fast, and the staff are attentive enough. Can be extremely busy and so not ideal for a relaxing meal - better for groups, families or a casual dinner. There is a lively atmosphere. Bad points? Bench seats (as i said, casual!), beer is rather expensive, and not the best lamb.
I have been a regular customer at Belgo Centraal during the past 3 years, but the last two times I have been there I was highly disappointed. The first time because of food quality.
I ordered the famous mussels. The sauce was quite dark, which I found strange, but it was only when I was halfway through the meal that I realised I had a black mussel in my plate!
The second time, I was extremely dissatisfied with the service. We were a group of 5 but one of us didn't want to have a meal, just wanted a starter and a beer. They refused to serve us, so we decided to leave. When I asked for the complaints book, I was told by the manager they didn't have one and in addition, I was treated in a very rude manner. I would certainly not recommend any of you to go to Belgo Centraal if you are looking for an enjoyable meal out!
I was not disappointed in Belgo Central, the service is absolutely great, fast and friendly. The food is really excellent and the atmosphere is warm and cosy.
If I had one small complaint to make about Belgo Central, I'd say that the service is too fast. From my experience in Belgium, eating out takes up a whole evening, so having a break between the main course and the desert would not be called inefficient.
Belgo Centraal is my favourite London restaurant. Belgo Centraal have wonderful staff, varied menu, excellent drinks selection and all very reasonably priced - a must!!
Been to Belgo Centraal a couple of times and was really impressed. The Mussels Classique is delicious and it's a good spot for a romantic meal as well as a group night out.
Belgo Centraal's a great find in central London and has a very impressive Beer menu too!
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