Al Fresco Italian Restaurant (Whetstone - London)

Al Fresco Italian Restaurant

The name suggests a canopied swath of outdoor tables and chairs, summer dining and little else. On approach I notice that apart from looking a bit like a big greenhouse covered in yellow paint, al fresco seems to have very little in common with the outdoors. Heading inside I have to be shown to my table by  edging past tables side-on. They really do pack people in but the Italian effect decor is a nice touch and the mood lighting is about right, I even notice a quaint garden out the back with a dribble of al fresco dining. I am shown to my table, a very small one at that with the most uncomfortable chair I think I have ever used. The menu, laminated and on yellow card is well worn and quite long but the prices are good for the dishes available.

Apart from waiting ages for table service the food arrives swiftly and the food is very good with string flavours and busy plates. One of the better Italian restaurants in north London in my opinion but still a little rough around the edges - 6/10

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  • 1 h hass // Jul 14, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Terrible!

    i was there last friday night
    A table for 6 the waiters were forgetful and we had to tell them when we were ready to order at each course. They were happy to leave up sitting there all night waiting for them to ask us.

    When the mains came they for got 2 sides, we asked 3 waiters for them over 20 minutes in the end we got them. I asked 4 times for a drink and each time was told to wait a minute, in the end I had grab the manager and he actually got it for me.

    Finally the dessert menus arrived, we chose and waited over 30 mins and again had to almost shout to get the attention of the waiters. We were very unhappy by this point I asked for the bill instead of ordering desser.

    When the bill came they had charged us for 2 extra sides and added a service charge as we were a group of 6. I went straight to the manager and complained he did not seem bothered, but did take off the service charge and 25% of the bill.

    We used to love this place but it has gone down hill over the last couple of years in terms of service and food. I will never go there again following this last visit.

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