Topo Gigio started life in Great Windmill Street back in the 1960s, and I was a regular there before and after it moved to Brewer Street. The food was great, with a basic choice of pasta, fish, beef, veal, or chicken, with an excellent selection of vegetables. Always happy with the house wine, I loved going to “Topo’s”. It was fun: the waiters were slick, professional, and cheerful. Whenever we ate anywhere else I’d say, “it was OK, but I wish we’d gone to Topo Gigio”. As a publishers editor with considerable purchasing power, I was entertained there – my choice – once or twice a week by printers’ representatives between 1969 and 1976. I lunched my father there one Christmas, and at the next table were four printers’ reps entertaining EACH OTHER, such was the popularity of the place! I was able to eat there less frequently after moving to live and work outside London, but I took a family group there one evening in September last year, and we had a wonderful time.A fortnight ago I had a surprise. The menu has changed: it’s now rather chichi Nouvelle Cuisine with miniscule helpings and a very limited choice. “Can’t I have whitebait?” I cried. “Only if you have it off the bone, sir”, responded my favourite waiter with a twinkle in his eye. Oh, well. My swordfish steak was delicious, but cost £19.50, and couldn’t have weighed a dram over three ounces. My wife, daughter, and prospective son-in-law seemed delighted with their choices, though perhaps a little critical of the Bardolino (I drank beer). But I had the feeling that the end of an era had been reached – like when a new landlord changes the name of your favourite pub. I had a word with the owner on the way out. Said I remembered his late father from way back. He told me that a grand refurbishment is under way, and that the menu will be extended when they’re fully up and running again next month. But, with a heavy heart, I have to say that I’m not sure I shall be going again.

What concerns me is that no-one from the restaurant will read ever this or revues on other sites. We have been going to Topo Gigio for over 40 years, have taken children, grandchildren (eldest grandson now takes his girl friend) and countless friends, who are always happy to return. I always carry the restaurant card in my bag and hand it out to all sorts of people I meet. BUT we were there last night and, for the first time ever, could not find anything on the menu that either of us fancied and came out feeling hungry. We always felt welcome and the staff had become friends. Sack the "executtive head chef" and go back to the old Topo's that we all knew and love!

Went back recently after many years of enjoying this old established and traditional restaurant. it is undergoing a complete refurb, only half open and they are now charging double, presumably to pay for this. The bill for 4 came to £300!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You could ahve a night at the Ivy for that, get over yourselves, you will lose all your old established customers that have been coming for years and enjoying the atmosphere and the traditional Italian food. Presumably hoping to now attract new customers but that will be difficult. We were so disappointed an embarrassed as we have introduced many friends and family over the years and it looks like it will never be the same again. And as for taking the signature dish, seafood salad off the menu???? You must be crazy.As ye sow so shall ye reap..........

To be fair, the place was packed on a Saturday. To be fair, many London chefs use frozen food and commercial sauces. But not at £50 a head!!!!! A defrosted Dover sole at £29 complete with head, tail and roe was awful. Tiny bits a veal were SMOTHERED in some thick sweet sauce, and the wine, at £34 a bottle was fairly average 2006 table plonk which was undrinkable. It was a very unsatisfying experience for a food lover - bad for digestion. The busy waiters didn't seem to have time to listen to questions, and consequently a pot of coffee arrived in a nive big teapot, which was OK because they said they didn't do pots of coffee - it allo comes from one central pot or machine. A very expensive way to sample basic, economy cooking - if you love good freshly prepared food, avoid this place, unless you like pasta, pasta, and pasta, which is easy and quick to prepare.

The Topo Gigio menu was boring, the food was dull and the service was rude. I even got an upset stomach after eating in this restaurant. There are much better Italian restaurants in West London than Topo Gigio.

I'm not sure about the location of Topo Gigio, but I very much enjoyed my meal there. My husband took me for a pre Valentines dinner as he is away for the actual date and the evening was delightful. The quality of the service at Topo Gigio is second to none. I would recommend it for a nice evening out for a couple.

I love eating at Topo Gigio. The atmosphere is incredibly warm and welcoming and the staff treat you like members of the family!

Deliciously hearty and authentic Italian cuisine is just the icing on the cake here. Can't recommend Topo Gigio highly enough.