A Harris

22nd March

"I can not disagree more with the other reviewers on this particular restaurant.

My wife and I went here for a special dinner with our daughter and son in law and it more than excelled in our expectations. My son in law works at the top end (5*) of the hotel industry and can be a little critical of places we have dined at previously so I was overjoyed to get the thumbs up from him and give myself a pat on the back in the process.

We had a very friendly waitress and a very knowledgeable lady who discussed our wine requirements with us without being pushy. As far as the food goes we were all thrilled with our choices especially the Duck & chestnut ravioli which was truly scrumptious. The desserts of baked Alaska & Cheesecake were also a big hit, especially with the girls.

To finish off a fabulous meal we enjoyed a small glass of homemade Limoncello which truly was the icing on the cake. I can not recommend this restaurant enough. Great service, friendly staff and fantastic food and wine, what more can you ask for."

Ms Scott

05th March

"I took a friend to The Ark on Friday night. I grew up in the area and this had always been the place we went for special family occasions and I felt quite nostalgic about the place.

We arrived, were shown to a lovely table in a small intimate room. Our drinks orders were taken and we were left with the menus.

My friend has some dietary 'issues' but looking at the menu we saw that by swapping a couple of the ingredients about they could provide us with what looked to be a lovely meal.

The waitress came to take our order, we asked that the buck wheat pasta be substituted for the linguine in the past dish and she refused. We asked why and she told us that the chef wouldn't do it. After some prompting she went and asked the chef and came straight out of the kitchen saying again no.
There was no apology or attempt to come up with something else that my friend could eat so we had to give up and ask for the bill for our drinks.

Then followed a succession of what were the rudest actions I have ever experienced in a good restaurant:

A door was opened right next to us and the freezing winter air was allowed to blow directly onto us. It was only shut when other diners complained.

We were asked to move our chairs as we were getting in the way (they were in the place that they had left them)

The table was cleared from under us without comment, the bill was plonked on the table and we were made to feel uncomfortable until we left

I used to love The Ark, but after the appalling service I received I am not sure that I will be going back."

L Rankin

06th October

"I have lived in the area for a while and been going to The Ark for about 8 years. Last night was the last time that I will be going there. The standards have dropped to such a degree that there is absolutely no point in paying such high prices for such food. The service is only average. I'm afraid that this once fantastic J-C Novelli gem could well be entering its final stages."

Alexandra

27th September

"Awful. The food was awful, we were recommended beans for a starter which came with my main meal as well, a fact I was told about and obviously would have altered what I ordered. My husband's pork was barely cooked and therefore dangerous to eat - so he didn't. There was a ton of salt on everything, you couldn't taste the spinach for the salt.

The service pompous and intimidating. It is a beautiful restaurant completely ruined by the food and service. I tell everyone I know to avoid it like the plague."

trevor peasgood

09th September

"Absolutely awful service. The manageress is a disgrace to the catering industry. Completely ruined our evening with her dismissive and petulant attitude.

Although the food was tasty, the service left a nasty taste in the mouth."

n. crema

30th August

"went there for a friend's birthday.

More of a romantic dinner kind of place but we didn't mind the small space... 2 staff were very good, 2 others were incredibly rude and agressive!

Our bill was quite big so I was expecting a bit more effort on that front! at some point after calmly expressing our discontent one of the waitresses did admit she was having a bad day... no reason to take it on the customers though! It seems that they couldn't take the pressure of a large table.

The food was very good but because of the attitude unfortunately I don't think I'll be enjoying it again!"

LA

02nd March

"I go to The Ark a lot and I am always impressed by both the food and service. Great Italian food is a slightly more formal but it is still a comfortable atmosphere. The manager Sam is a great host and would recommend this restaurant to anyone - worth noting that they are doing a truffle promotion and the moment and it is really reasonable."

Rachel Sakarakis

02nd March

"I recently visited The Ark as I have seen it from the street several times and thought that the ambience was very intriguing - small bar and dining room which offers an upscale sort of cosiness. I also noticed that the tables (about 15 in the whole place) were nicely spaced apart so that even on a very crowded night you shouldn't feel that you are sharing one large table with your neighbours.

The starters were a bit disappointing as my partner had the soup of the day which he retorted tasted very similar to the ready made super market brands. My scallop appetiser was very nice, though for £8.50 there should have been more than two on the plate!
The mains were much more appealing and downright scrumptious. My partners' duck was magnificent (made up for the lack of enthusiasm with the soup) and my Steak was downright superb. The only bad thing is, if you aren't a big seafood eater, your choice of starters will be very limited and if you have any aversion to nuts - your dessert choice is about non-existence.
Overall, the evening was great, the service outstanding and I highly recommend The Ark to anyone looking for a very pleasant evening."

Borris

02nd March

""Ark retaurant, this is a stylish and classy restaurant with friendly staff and a wonderful menu. i felt right at home because of its extremely relaxed atmosphere, i couldn't help but tap my foot along to the motown classics playing in the background. the food was outstanding and well presented, i can see myself becoming a regular there. ""

David Callan

02nd March

""I was looking forward to enjoying good quality food in a relaxing environment. The initial service and starters where impressive enough to forgive the waitresses slight error in relation to the drinks advise 'It's Champaign from Italy' although her manner and customer service skills were impeccable. Whilst enjoyable the memory of the starter lingered on as the plate were not removed for thirty minutes after finishing the starter.
Later the experience fell well short of the 'relaxing' atmosphere suggested by the decor and music then the manager decided that a reprimand was in order for my proactive approach to removing the now redundant plates from my table. On the polite inquiry to why her manner was so abrupt I was quickly informed that she would be calling the police if we did not pay for the meal and leave (we had yet to enjoy the main course). The rather sheepish looks from the staff members suggested this type of harassment of customers was not a infrequent occurrence.
Being a regular restaurant goer the experience delivery by The Ark was that you can get the food, decor and atmosphere right but still fail in the most basic of common courtesy. I would recommend that anyone planning on visiting The Ark do so when the manageress has got out of the right side of the bed. ""

Ian Beaumont

02nd March

""Possibly the worst restaurant I have visited in London. Unfriendly and arrogant staff, tiny portions, over priced. ""