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Romulo Café & Restaurant image

Romulo Café & Restaurant

Restaurant Bar Vegetarian restaurant Cocktail bar Asian restaurant Vegan restaurant Asian fusion restaurant South east asian restaurant Filipino restaurant

Filipino cuisine, cocktails & tasting menus served up in a cool venue with a bar & 4 dining spaces. People often mention service, restaurant, great, good, menu, time, staff, nice, delicious, Filipino,


Address

343 Kensington High St, London W8 6NW, United Kingdom

Website

www.romulocafe.co.uk

Contact

+44 20 3141 6390

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (902 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

Permanently closed.

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (58) restaurant (42) great (38) good (35) menu (32) time (31) staff (30) nice (24) delicious (24) Filipino (22)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Yasir 2 years ago on Google
    I think this is a fairly new Filipino spot which has a really good vibe to it. The service was alright, not great but not bad either. We ordered the spring rolls, which we did not think would come out like that. It’s in a peanut sauce but I always thought spring rolls had a crispy batter, this one was not that but it was still nice. We also got the prawn starter which was really good, We loved the oil dressing it had. For the main we got the steak, which was over cooked (we ordered medium) but it was still decent, the portion was however small. It also said it would come with sweet potato which I thought was mash but it was a little tree trunk sweet potato which was not ideal. The lack of sauce was also present. We also got the seafood medley. On the menu it says it comes with noodles which is true but it’s very creamy and it’s more like spaghetti. They also don’t provide the lobster cracker which will help to eat the lobster so it went to waste. The food is quite expensive especially for what you’re getting, I think two starters and two mains cost roughly £70.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 M A X. 2 years ago on Google
    Tried several starters and mains. The chicken sizzle starter was excellent full of flavour. Had high hopes for the mains ordered 2 pork variations and chicken. The ingredients seemed to be fresh and good quality but lacking in sauce and seasoning. The pork was also quite dry. This place has a lot of potential. Was a bit confused as it was set up more like sharing style but when plates came out were plated more towards individual dining.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pavan M. 4 months ago on Google • 161 reviews
    We came here after it was recommended to us for a authentic and good filipino place. The food was great and tasty and tasted different to the far eastern dishes that i'm used to. The service was great and the drinks were made well. Would recommend to anyone who is looking to try out the filipino cusine!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rich a. 2 years ago on Google
    My 2nd time dining here. Please make a booking reservation. Along the road and just near a bus stop. Very accessible. You wont miss the avocado yellow color, very eye catching. Interiors - lush, staff - awesome, food - great. They solve my Filipino food cravings as Im away from home. So as we were choosing which food to get, they gave us complimentary pandesal (Filipino bread roll) warm and fluffy with butter on the side. Gambas al ajillo - was our appetizer but I couldnt resist pairing it with rice 🤣 huge shrimps, plump and juicy, flavor was awesome, came with a side of pickled vegetables and pandesal crostinis as vessel for your shrimps Crispy pork hock (crispy pata) - crispy crackling skin oh so lovely and succulent meat. It came on a bed of mung bean and moringa "soup". Contrast of texture was evident there. Beef and oxtail kare kare - *FOOD ALLERGEN WARNING* a classic Filipino favorite. Oxtail and beef that has been braising for hours was fork tender. It was swimming in a peanut sauce with a drizzle of shrimp paste/oil. It has an orange hue because of the annato oil/seed they used in cooking kare kare. It was loaded with vegetables like aubergine, beans and bokchoy to make it a balanced meal. Char grilled stuffed squid - the squid was really tender. It was grilled perfectly. It was stuffed with tomato cheese onion and garlic goodness. Sitting on top of a bed of black squid ink rice that ties the whole dish together. Braised rib of beef ( crispy tadyang) - rib of beef that was slow cooked. Contrast of textures from a crispy exterior to a tender cut of beef. The flavor was amazing. A soy glaze that had a balance of sweet and spicy -- what a way to encourage my appetite. 🤣 There is a side of pickled vegetables with perfect crunch and just the right amount of tang to cleanse your palate.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lera R. 2 years ago on Google
    Celebrated my birthday and tried this restaurant for the first time! Everyone was saying the food was so nice. They were indeed! Especially the truffle pork adobo. Would definitely come back especially when I miss Filipino food. It was affordable too! 😊 BTW: Thank you for the birthday surprise! 💋💖💖💖
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jyrine E. 6 months ago on Google • 205 reviews
    Food was great as expected of a Romulo's. We had a day of eating around London so just had some kare-kare and ceviche when we came for dinner here. Receiving female staff were sour-faced, almost condescending. They were not Filipinos, which is a waste as what Filipino restaurant wouldn't put actual Filipinos for receiving guests when Filipinos are known for their hospitality and warmth? Our waiter (a male) was very pleasant though.

  • 5/5 Alrissa S. 1 year ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Amazing food! We went for my dad’s birthday and the service was really friendly and they sang happy birthday to him. It was great to see elevated Filipino food that still tastes like home. The sea bass and soft shell crab was my favourite. Great balance of flavours and the fish was perfectly cooked. We were already full but couldn’t resist the desserts we saw other tables ordering. They are all amazing and not too sweet. We’ll definitely visit again when we next come to London.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fion W. 4 years ago on Google
    I’ve always been a fan of Filipino food and it’s the first time I tried it here. It was not disappointing at all. The food is so tasty and well presented. Cocktails are super delicious as well! My friend and I both enjoyed it very much and we already want to return. Staff are very friendly and the vibe is great.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pankti C. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything was amazing! Especially the prawn starter and the cheesecake! The attention to detail in the food, decor and service was exceptional. Whoever owns/manages this restaurant clearly takes a lot of pride in what they are offering to customers. And massive praise to the chef as well! I can't wait to go back and try more menu items!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Priya C. 3 years ago on Google
    Chris and his team are incredible hosts. The service, the food, the wine and most importantly their freshly baked bread (to take home!) was impeccable. There was 4 of us and usually the table outside only sits 2 but they kindly accommodated us so we could have our dinner al fresco. This was our first meal out post lockdown and it couldn't have been more enjoyable. All necessary measures were taken into account by the attentive and friendly staff. As we tucked into dish after dish, each course of tasty and authentic Filipino food, we were reminded of how amazing this restaurant is and how important it is to support independent, local businesses! The piece de resistance was the ube cheesecake made from purple yam which is an absolute must-have for desert if you go! Overall, we can't recommend Romulo highly enough!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael L. 2 years ago on Google
    I was impressed with every dish that came out. The food had authentic flavours with a modern touch.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kokoroko 2 years ago on Google
    Came here this evening ,where do I start. Ok starters the veg pancakes were so obviously frozen and then left to thaw out they hurt my teeth they were so cold I raised this with a member of staff who subsequently removed one of them from the bill , not good enough as I ordered 2 and they were equally freezing and tasteless. Pacifico beer requested a COLD beer got a warm beer having asked again next beer came also barely cold anyway we move on. Mains a wide selection of fairly average food that all pretty much tasted the same this is definitely more Cafe than restaurant. Total cost )£160 for 3 adults and 2 children who hardly ate inc £20 service which was fairly painful and not particularly polite ,, please look at my many other reviews I am not a complainer in fact quite the opposite , but sadly this Cafe was distinctly average and we will not return .
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great tasty food with a new twist. Excellent service and cosy and calming atmosphere. I will be back. Please make sure to try sisig and the braised beef 😍😋 and also the local Filipino beer Red Horse 🍻
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jose L. 7 months ago on Google • 155 reviews
    We are in London visiting friends and were treated to this wonderful restaurant. I was very pleasingly surprised to be at this restaurant. The ambience was exceptional and me very proud to be a Filipino. Thank you to the late Carlos P Romulo. The food was very well prepared, the presentation was impressive and the umami was out of this world. Kudos to the management.

  • 5/5 Angelle G. 5 months ago on Google • 62 reviews
    Had a really lovely experience here yesterday evening. My boyfriend and I were welcomed with smiles and overall the waiters gave excellent service and made sure we were having a good meal/time. Ordered the gambas and chicken sisig which was very flavourful, as well as the Kare Kare and Crispy Pata - the meat was so tender and the peanut sauce was smooth and rich. For drinks, we ordered the Batangas Bad Boy and the melon juice which tasted like the ones from the vendors back home! As someone who isn’t too big a fan of cheesecakes, the Ube Cheesecake was so rich and creamy and I would go back just for it. Additionally, we ordered the Mango Peach Pie which came with Leche Flan ice cream and it was as equally as great. Will definitely be going back :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony S. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a Filipino restaurant in the heart of London. Ive wanted to go here ever since it opened and it didn't let me down. The food was great, staff and ambience was awsome. A great experience intend to go back..... soon.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K L. 4 years ago on Google
    Extremely warm welcome, great service with a very attentive staff. Food was delicious, very filling and unpretentious. Moorish dishes, yummy flavours and a reasonably priced extensive menu. The owner of the restaurant introduced himself and made sure everything went well with all his guests throughout the night. He was very knowledgeable and seemed passionate about food in general. He had great suggestions and went above and beyond to ensure we had a very enjoyable time in his establishment. I highly recommend this restaurant, it is ideal if you are looking for an intimate setting with friends and family or even a romantic date night.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sherry Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Such an amazing restaurant, I'm so glad we stumbled across this when exploring the area. The fresh bread they bring as a the free bread is delicious - fluffy and warm but with a crunchy crumble on the outside, sort of like a smaller pineapple bun. The appetizers were all yummy as well. The squid in the stuffed squid was not very tender, but the flavor of the rice and salsa was so good I didn't really care. The spring roll sort of fell apart and had to be eaten with a fork and knife, but filling and flavoring was pretty unique. The crispy pork belly was perhaps some of the best I've had - the inside was tender and fatty parts still sort of melted like it should, but the outer crusty was crunchier than I've ever seen. A really delicious texture combination. The vegetarian version of the oxtail stew was honestly a bit plain, but we asked for some hot sauce and accidentally discovered that they have this delicious, spicy, smoky hot sauce that enhances everything. Probably one of the top hot sauces I've ever had. The only downside is that everything came in such large portions, we massively over ordered and I had to take some of my crispy pork belly home, where I'm sure I'll butcher the reheating of it. Edit: Don't get the truffled pork belly - it's not tender or fatty the way you'd expect from pork belly. And if you get the cha-jito, mix in the lime. Otherwise it's really sweet
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annie T. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent customer service from the staff up to the owners. Food is excellent and is def worth the price. A fusion of Two cultures. Ambience of the restaurant is perfect. Restaurant COVID 19 prepared. Let’s support local
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 leanne r. 3 years ago on Google
    I really loved this place when I first visited a couple years back, had an amazing birthday dinner with family. So I decided I wanted to take someone who has not tried filipino food before here. We did reserve beforehand to guarantee a table. And upon arrival the staff where nothing but welcoming and super friendly. I loved the decor and the nice little homely touches of the Philippines. Their menu however, has changed slightly as from my previous visit. I still enjoyed all the food although I feel as though it was much better before. But I guess they have acustomed this now due to this pandemic situation. Non the less, it was an enjoyable experience again. I do hope in the future they will be able to return to their full old menu. And if you do visit. Don't forget to get their desert! We got the ube cheesecake and it was amazing! I'd say it was the best part of the meal tbh. I did regret being too full for their halo-halo as I previously got this and also loved it. But next time. Haha P.S Had to buy a bag of pandasal on the way out to take home 😅
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin P. 5 years ago on Google
    So many fantastic flavours. Every dish was absolutely delicious. Stylish interior with three distinctly different spaces, all chic and comfortable. And perfect for a group of 4 as we were. I might have just found a new favourite spot!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cole H. 3 years ago on Google
    Last week was our first time we visited this excellent restaurant. But It is surely not the last time. We had great time with the good service, with the exceptional food and wine and with the comfortable price. We will surely come back in a short time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon R. 3 years ago on Google
    Got a booking the same day (highly recommend you book in advance on the website, otherwise you may wait a while for a table). Family run feel to the restaurant, owners present and welcome you in. Menu has some Filipino “classics”, their home made bread is to die for (you can also buy some for takeaway) and the spicy beef main is excellent. Service was good, food arrived quickly, bathrooms small but very clean - a nice place for a date or with 3-4 friends in a small group. I will go back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke S. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome Philippine restaurant, food is delicious and seating areas well screened, following covid guidelines well
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Troy G. 3 years ago on Google
    This place obviously knows how to treat their clients. Always with a very kind demeanor. The food is fairly priced, always delicious and neat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arian A. 3 years ago on Google
    The service is regularly speedy, good mood, nice staff. Will return here again when I get in town.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle L. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely place, great ambience, delicious food!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jnana M. 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed our night at Romulos. My friends and I ordered the chicken sisig TWICE- it was that good. Plus the crispy pata is so scrumptious, I can't believe I gave up eating pork all along. Also try the calamansi drink! Brings me back to the Philippines. Also the restaurant is very clean and they really adhere to the Covid guidelines. Staff are very welcoming too. All in all, highly recommended restaurant.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Israel J. 3 years ago on Google
    They offer a great range of fresh food. I loved eating here. The employees are always nice, prices are fair and the place is always clean.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eugene Acevedo J. 3 years ago on Google
    I frequently eat at their Alabang branch back in the Philippines but the taste and quality of the food here was even better! Friendly and efficient staff, quick serving time, generous servings. Place just seemed quite full but thankfully they had acrylic barriers installed. Had no trouble booking a table for dinner online just the night before. Really recommend their Tadyang and Inasal Sisig!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olesea & B. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and service! The owner and the staff are very friendly! Took my girl to celebrate her birthday and we really enjoyed it here!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edwin P. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is excellent! Affordable rates, large portions and the staff are always nice.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abbey P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food and great service!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Baltic 6. 3 years ago on Google
    Food is amazing and the services were excellent. Quick service and friendly staff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food, very friendly employees, constantly good mood. They charge reasonable rates and the food quality is excellent. Keep it up.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice food. Staff are lovely.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ismael O. 3 years ago on Google
    At the first moment you enter this place team give you a good feeling. Very warm team, it is a nice restaurant to enjoy with buddies or with your date. Excellent cuisine, talented chef de cuisine, good pay and attentive service. Warmly recommended.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria G. 3 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend. We got the taster menu and some cocktails and everything was delicious! We felt very safe, the screens between the tables allow to feel protected but the place still looks very nice for a date night.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rommel M. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful venue, excellent service and sumptuous Filipino cuisine. What more can you ask for? :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sania P. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and great service! Highly recommended!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brantley S. 3 years ago on Google
    I visit this spot a lot since I work nearby. I love how their customer service is always good and they keep the spot neat at all times. Pricing is convenient and they serve large portions.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirsty A. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely food, would absolutely recommend
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hosea L. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing food, service, atmosphere and overall experience! Sizzling plate chicken sisig was wonderful, and the shared noodle dish had a really good portion size. They could definitely be charging more food but they don't, which makes me like them even more!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John Michael De V. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is tasty, delicious, and have nice presentation! This is better than those restaurant that we paid much higher but did not get the satisfaction. We enjoyed a lot and will difinitely go back with other friends! The staffs are nice! Went Nov 3 @12noon
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Dr Taran K. 5 months ago on Google • 112 reviews
    Nestled in Kensington is a welcome addition to the global cuisines available in the area. It is a small establishment and hence booking is recommended in advance! Chicken Inasal Sisig is a winner. A beautiful savoury concoction if you like your meat with a kick of multiple flavours. The Adobo chicken was fine (slightly dry) but a butcher knife should be mandatory to cut rather then standard cutlery. A cheesecake to takeaway was average. It's one of the rare restaurants that allows pets with customers so make of that what you will.

  • 5/5 Nicole A. 4 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    We ordered their free flow tasting plates (£39 per person) which includes different kinds of Filipino main course like Karekare, pares, gambas, sisig etc. + rice /noodles + desserts. It did not disappoint. Value for money. My personal favorite is kare kare - beef is really tender and the peanut butter based sauce compliments the meat well it’s creamy and right kind of taste; you dont need bagoong to complete the dish. Service of the crew is also top notch. Will definitely come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jisu Kim (. 8 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    Came for the Friday tapas feast. I prefer the regular al a carte menu, but I would recommend this to people who are unfamiliar with filipino cuisine. There's a huge selection of tapas, which includes traditional fili dishes and some new modern takes by Romulo. I highly recommend their chicken sisig - I'd say its their unofficial signature dish. The calamari and kare kare are also great. You must finish off with their halo-halo, which is so refreshing and sweet. The lechon had the beautiful crispy skin, but the flesh was slightly dry. Also, the pancit was slightly underseasoned and could've been served at a hotter temperature. The servers were nice and knowledgeable about the menu - good for those who are new to fili food. The food came out very fast, faster than if it were their al a carte service. As a result, I think some of their dishes weren't of an ideal quality (the lechon and pancit). I will say that the tapas menu is very reasonably priced considering the amount of food you get. If you're new to fili food, I'd recommend the Friday tapas menu. However, if you're familiar with the cuisine and want to try the classics with a twist, I'd go with their al a carte menu during the week.

  • 5/5 Michelle M. 3 years ago on Google
    Unfortunately, due to the pandemic it's impossible to visit at the moment as I am not in London but I found out I could order from them direct for home delivery, which was great! I ordered some of their baked goods and I cannot recommend them enough, they are just so tasty. Even my husband loved the ube jam I got as a nice token freebie from Romulo and the bright purple colour didn't put him off. If you are missing a taste of home i.e. Philippines, definitely order some baked goods. You can also freeze them so they last longer.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Braeden G. 3 years ago on Google
    This place gives first-rate service as well as enjoyable menu. My favourite spot ever. The meals arrived quickly and the prices were affordable. Recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 alex s. 3 years ago on Google
    Love visiting this place with the wife
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael P. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good food,
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dastiel K. 3 years ago on Google
    I visit this place a lot since I work right next to it. I must say the customer service is always excellent and they keep the spot well kept at all times. Rates are convenient and they serve generous portions.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Brad T. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was exquisite and beautifully presented. Worth two star status? I’m not sure. Worth the price I also don’t think so. Like others I found the staff’s very thick accents almost impossible to understand this is even worse with the masks. I think for such a high end restaurant surely it’s reasonable to expect that the staff can speak in clear English (especially when you added £65.60 service charge to my bill!) The dining room feels very sparse and a bit tired. I’d also like a white tablecloth on the table rather than the bare surface. Was gobsmacked when the bill arrived to see that the champagne we were given (there was only a choice of two) was £73 (inc service) per glass! Come on guys, this really should come with some up-front polite mention of the price when offering this! £8.85 for a single espresso (inc service) and the biggest cheek: £8.85 (inc service) for a bottle of San Pellegrino! I’m all for paying good money for great cooking and flavours. But this additional price gouging left a somewhat sour taste in my mouth from the experience. That said, it’s been an educational experience and I’ll be more careful in my research prior to visiting such an establishment in future.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Colin G. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant. Food was excellent, beautifully prepared. We had the 5 course menu for lunch which was more than enough food, especially as they brought out lots of little extras during the meal. The wine pairing we had with the meal was very good, more expensive than just buying a bottle of wine but a great way to try different wines. The room itself is stunning and the service impeccable. Would highly recommend and we will be returning again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amberose H. 4 years ago on Google
    Perfect presentation, interesting combination (such as black pudding and fish), all seafood dishes are having great texture. However, seems the chef really likes citrus flavors, it was overpowering on both start (crab) and dessert (chocolate). Also the room is a bit too cold.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay C. 5 years ago on Google
    One of my top favorite restaurants in London. I haven’t got a single bad thing to say about the restaurant. Amazing food (even better than some 3 Michelin starred restaurants I’ve been to), top service and great environment. Will most definitely return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Funkynerd31 / Susan L. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly and attentive staff. The flavour profiles of the offerings were creative and delicious. We chose the 8 course tasting menu. The serving sizes were generous and in retrospect we would have gone with 6 courses instead.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jiwon S. 4 years ago on Google
    Food looks very pretty. However, three of us five in total went to toilet. One of us was serious sickness. When we were sitting in the restaurant, we were going to call to ambulance. Beacause, one of my friend didn’t come back from toilet. Anyway, we won’t go back in there anymore.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Abbas H. 4 years ago on Google
    The food was good but for this price and prestige it is a bit unfortunate to say just that. Basic but not in any way outstanding.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolette B. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the third we’ve come here across 2 years and this restaurant has always been consistent when it comes to service, food, ambience and cleanliness. Carmen was the same server for the 3 visits and she has always been consistent in being accommodating, patient and helpful whenever we come. The food is delicious and I personally love the oxtail kare-kare and ube cheesecake. In addition to that, they give out free delicious and fresh pandesal for starter. Definitely worth a visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pauleene Grace L. 2 years ago on Google
    Romulo Café in London demands more than one visit. I enjoyed my meal immensely but I also noticed the rest of the menu and that held temptations for the future; and I assume they will be just as delicious, just as exciting and just as authentically Filipino. It’s a journey of discovery and I am taking my first mouth-watering steps.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Fern 1 year ago on Google
    I recently dined at this restaurant and I have to say that my experience was mixed. While the food was delicious, the service was quite disappointing. As this is a Filipino restaurant, I expected to experience the renowned hospitality of Filipinos, but unfortunately, that was not the case. On the bright side, the unlimited tasting menu was a great way to try different dishes, and I found the portions to be just the right size. The garlic rice was really lovely, and I absolutely loved the aubergine salad as well. The flavors were authentic and delicious, and it was definitely a great culinary experience. However, the poor service left a bad taste in my mouth, and I am not sure if I would come back again. While I enjoyed the food, the overall dining experience was not up to par with the standard that I expected from a Filipino restaurant. If you are solely looking for great food, then this restaurant is definitely worth a try, but if you are looking for exceptional service and hospitality, you may want to look elsewhere. Also it is worth noting that in addition to the poor service, the restaurant had a mandatory tip policy, which was quite disappointing. I do hope that they remove this policy and allow customers to tip based on the quality of service provided.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sevyna N. 1 year ago on Google
    The food here is terrific. There are flavors in the food you don't get anywhere else. It's truly authentic. I got a mock cocktail that was the most amazing drink ever and looked so beautiful. The servers were patient and helpful. Can't wait to come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kyling S. 6 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Amazing dishes. The Filipinos I went with said it was really authentic and elevated even further. The oxtail and tripe were a winner for me.

  • 5/5 saxanne d. 3 years ago on Google
    just before tier 4 , This was simply another fantastic visit to Caractere and where we felt on this occasion the quality of the food and service had risen to the next level

  • 5/5 Landen H. 3 years ago on Google
    I adore this restaurant very much. there is a friendly atmosphere. The kitcen is good. the service is powerful and the team is courteous. The price is honest. I highly recommend.

  • 1/5 Sonya M. 3 years ago on Google
    The staff was so unfriendly and the place was super disappointing. My boyfriend and I booked a table for my birthday and as soon as we came, we were taken downstairs to the lower ground floor to a small cold room. The man who took us downstairs started saying that “you can’t sit upstairs” and he didn’t really explain why. However, he did not want to understand that I feel dizzy in a small room with a low ceiling, saying “usually our guests don’t really complain”. I hardly believe in this because downstairs room isn’t great at all. At the time we came, almost every table was empty and later we passed the restaurant and it was still empty. There were only few people in the restaurant and the tables we asked about were still empty... At that time we have already finished dinner at another place and were walking back When we booked a table there was no option to choose between two floors and we assumed that there is only one ground floor. The restaurant should make you aware will you sit alone in the basement called “library” which is an unpleasant place or will you sit with the rest of the people on the ground floor and enjoy your evening. So BE CAREFUL WHEN BOOKING A TABLE IN THIS PLACE! The food might be okay but staff’s attitude was shocking. I have not met these kind of people in a while.. thanks god we found a cool place right nearby so our plans weren’t ruined! Called Pizzicotto by the way, a lovely place with very good food and service :)

  • 5/5 eo g. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place!

  • 5/5 Riley B. 3 years ago on Google
    We had an amazing time at this place. We enjoyed the superb environment and the menu. The waiters were very friendly. I’m content we finally managed to visit this spot.

  • 5/5 Kase A. 3 years ago on Google
    I eat in this spot a lot since I work nearby. I like how their customer service is always fantastic and they keep the place well organized consistently. Pricing is convenient and they serve sizeable portions.

  • 4/5 Christiane S. 3 years ago on Google
    Authentic Filipino food, friendly staff, okay location. This is the 4 stars. Decor a bit tacky ;-) This is the missing star ;-) Would go again for sure though!

  • 4/5 London_Foodie_Mama 3 years ago on Google
    Reminsce about those days goneby💭, flying ✈️ to the Far East for some exotic cuisine. Well this year, thanks to #corona 😑, you might just have to settle with sampling the taste of the #filipines @romulocafelondon in #kensington Friendly, informative hosts will guide you through the menu of #filipinofood including our favourite dessert #halohalo🍧.. a menagerie of coconut shavings, #jackfruit, jelly, #taro and creme caramel #coronaprevention 😷 measures in place, including screens between tables... grab the elusive #outdoorseating space on the front #terrace, although being situated on a busy main road was not ideal 🚗🚌 Bring adventurous, willing-to-try kids 👧 as there is no kids menu!

  • 4/5 Daniel F. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice place

  • 4/5 Lucillo B. 3 years ago on Google
    A nice gourmet-styled Filipino restaurant with an array of tasty dishes on the menu with excellent service and adheres to government guidelines regarding covid-19 safety. I would highly recommend going Romulo a try!

  • 4/5 Ali M. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely! Service was friendly and the food delicious. The sizzling chicken entree was superb. I would happily eat here many more time.

  • 5/5 My Food & Drink L. 3 years ago on Google
    We started with a complimentary glass of champagne while we sat watching the chefs spring into action. They were all wearing face masks and constantly sanitising their hands. At this time we were presented with a selection of three snacks while we looked at the menu which was either the short five course or the longer seven course Taste of Summer Tasting Menus. We not only chose the seven course but also one of us chose to have the supplement dishes. So now back to the snacks which were delicious. The first was a Seaweed Meringue with Liver Parfait & Lemon Jelly. The second was a Corn , Smoked Eel & Szechuan Pepper Tartlet. Then finally a fresh Trout Doughnut with Vadouvan Spices. This was accompanied with a Cucumber & Celery consommé to refresh our palate. We were then treated to an additional delight which was a Langoustine cooked on a small BBQ box and served with a fabulous Lemon Dressing with Plancton Powder. This was followed by another little surprise as head chef Marco brought over the Wagyu Beef Brescola for us to taste as well as some breadsticks. I have to say it was amazing and just melted in the mouth. While we continued watching the chefs creating these amazing dishes it was time to enjoy some bread and the fabulous butter. At this point Mirko introduced us to his chosen bottle of wine which was a fantastic San Lorenzo from Le Marche made with 100% Verdicchio.
This wine was pleasantly fruity and floral with notes of pear, almonds, elderflower and lime. Now it was time to move onto the first courses of the Tasting Menu. My wife had the Crab with brown & spider crabs , pomelo & lampong pepper. For myself I chose the first of the supplement dishes of Caviar with Scottish Langoustine , melon , samphire & ponzu that was absolutely stunning. This was followed by the Westcombe Ricotta with tomato , celery , spinach & bellota consommé that was heaven. This led us onto another nice surprise from chef as we were given an extra course of Foie Gras with plum , sancho pepper , koji rice & sake that balanced the richness of the foie gras perfectly. Next to arrive was a fantastic XXL Scallop with tandoori spices , carrot , citrus & coriander. This led us to the next course a Red Mullet with courgette , olives & gremolata which was yet another delightfully balanced plate of food. It was now time to move on to the main courses and the second supplemented dish of Wagyu Beef with aubergine , herbs and flowers , fermented pepper and a bordelaise sauce. This was without doubt one of the best plates of food I've had the pleasure of eating. The other dish was the fabulous Grouse with beetroot , fig & mexican mole. These dishes were perfectly matched with two fabulous red wines chosen by Mirko. Next to come was the Cheese Course a fantastic Ardi Gasna from the French Pyrenees by the Benat Fromagerie before moving on to the pre dessert of Raspberry with bay , pumpkin seed & raspberry vinegar. This led us to a fantastic Chocolate dessert with buttermilk , tarragon & lemon which was paired perfectly once again with a delightfully sweet Castella di Monsanto Vin Santo. I was then in for a big surprise as I was presented with a little birthday dessert along with the team standing in front of us singing a belated happy birthday to me. We finished with coffee and petit fours to bring to an end a fantastic dining experience Thank You to Mirko team for this amopportunity and look forward to seeing you all again soon

  • 5/5 Ken c. 3 years ago on Google
    We went for the seven course taste of summer. Amazing food, amazing service, feel very relaxed. Timing of food was spot on. And very generous with complimentary foods and treats. Will definitely come back to try another menu. Very impressed with all the dishes and service. I could go on.

  • 5/5 monica b. 4 years ago on Google
    Came here for the second time for Valentine Day and it never fails to deliver and excellent culinary experience. They had a superb tasting menu for the evening. Always excellent service. Delicious wine pairing. And my favourite cannelé in London to take away!!

  • 5/5 Yi X. 4 years ago on Google
    Five or seven courses’ menu of your own choice “playing” on marbles at Hélène Darroze’s, one of Europe’s most renowned female Michelin chefs. Traditional French cuisine base with an intimate and feminine touch. Sophistication, classy and elegant

  • 2/5 Laura R. 3 years ago on Google
    Ordinary at most. For the price of the menu the quality and taste of the food is very ordinary for what you can find in the market now a days. I had been at Core in Notting Hill last week and, enamoured by the high dining experience, wanted to treat my siblings to something special. Everything was so ordinary and lacklustre, but not horribly bad, so it was hard to appropriately give feedback the staff other than to thank them graciously.

  • 4/5 H L A. 3 years ago on Google
    We went to the Connaught as a family to celebrate my parents wedding anniversary. As we were celebrating we went for the full tasting menu. First of all the staff were really friendly and knowledgeable, they were not stuffy at all. We went just as lockdown had finished so they were all wearing masks which made it a little hard to understand what they were saying but of course that is out of their hands. Food was really nice especially the mackerel dish. As a pescatarian I got a really good alternative meal to the others lamb dish. I would say I did not like the Brill course. That was a bummer as we had chosen the full tasting meal to have that dish. As well as the tasting menu we were given lots of amuse bouches which were lovely except when it came to the dessert and petit four I was too full to appreciate them. The petit fours were really great. All in all a great meal that lasted hours though the bill is not for the faint hearted: £700 for 4 people (two people not drinking!) P.s bread was delicious and also the sobrasada butter. Bread was also replenished and left in the table for the full meal which was a nice touch.

  • 1/5 yolande l. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beef cheek for the price of lobster. Glass of Champagne 120 th Coquille st-Jacques on top Restaurant for bobos (Original) Joue de bœuf au prix de la langouste. Coupe de Champagne 120 e Coquille st-Jacques au top Resto pour les bobos

  • 5/5 Cosplay Lilly I. 3 years ago on Google
    Great experience but very pricey

  • 5/5 Chryshane F. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a lovely birthday lunch. Great ambience.

  • 5/5 Eric E. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic food, wines and staff

  • 5/5 Jean-louis B. 3 years ago on Google
    Impeccable service wonderful food all in all very special experience

  • 2/5 Sonila X. 3 years ago on Google
    Overpriced!! Overrated!! We paid £1000 for 4 people which wouldn't have been a problem if we enjoyed the food. We were made to choose from a set menu of 5 or 7 courses,The Autumn Menu (instead we would have preferred to choose the starter, main and dessert from a wider menu selection ) Two out of 5 courses were fish and one meat (who would want to have fish and meat in the same time,you either have fish or meat from the start) the wagyu beef was nice but overpowered from aubergine and the dessert just a simple sponge served with armagnac drink on top and whipped cream,nothing special about it,disappointed!! I would give 5 star to the service and staff though

  • 5/5 S S. 3 years ago on Google
    Speechless ❤️❤️ this place

  • 4/5 T K. 3 years ago on Google
    Stopped here briefly just for a drink as my friend and I had some time left for our reservations at another restaurant. The bar area is small/medium sized the atmosphere wasn't that great everyone seemed quite serious it just wasn't my kinda place but my friend loved it. Apart from that great service and friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Farrukh M. 3 years ago on Google
    A lovely relaxed experience. Excellent food and service. The wine list is pretty amazing too. All in all, pretty flawless

  • 5/5 Aliénor F. 3 years ago on Google
    We love that place, all is perfect!

  • 5/5 Gavish P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great environment, great food, great service

  • 5/5 roy l. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best 2 michelin star restaurant out there! I will come back for sure

  • 5/5 Teresa w. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good. Food and service is great.

  • 4/5 Xiaomian W. 3 years ago on Google
    Very solid 4. I found the early courses better than the mains.

  • 5/5 Mr K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Perfect 👌🏻 (Original) Perfecto 👌🏻

  • 5/5 Sunil B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice place and eggs will always be my favourite

  • 5/5 brian l. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely food, great staff

  • 5/5 Nigel B. 4 years ago on Google
    I feel like I with old friends having wonderful food.....time just stands still..

  • 5/5 Tony D. 4 years ago on Google
    Perfect

  • 5/5 Aurélie K. 4 years ago on Google
    The service is impeccable, absolutely lovely staff and the food is sophisticated yet accessible, it brought me back memories from my childhood the rhubard dessert felt extra special! Very much recommended

  • 4/5 K C. 4 years ago on Google
    good ambience, good dining experience

  • 5/5 Mam S. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful meal. Fabulous ambience. Excellent service. We started with Alsace Grand Cru Muscat, Goldert, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2016 (75+£) 5 course Caviar, Crab, Foie Gras, Lobster, Brill, Guinea fowl, Venison, Grapefruit, Signature baba Of course we also got Amuse-bouche, bread and Petit Four

  • 5/5 Philippe C. 4 years ago on Google
    This was our second time. We did the 5 course tasting menu. Outstanding food, but they serve 3 different dishes to the wrong guest. I would assume that they would have figured out the first time... That will not stop us from going back tough. I love how they use the little balls to order your food. A week later, i can still remember what i had. Brilliant!

  • 1/5 אבי �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Do not understand what people are passionate about this restaurant and gourmet restaurants in general, it is simply eye-work, these dishes are simply disgusting in general. The dishes are mushroom-based, each dish more stinky than the previous one. I paid 450 pounds for going hungry and nauseous. (Original) לא מבין מה אנשים מתלהבים מהמסעדה הזאת וממסעדות גורמה בכללי, זה פשוט עבודה בעיניים, המנות האלה פשוט גועל נפש לא טעימות ביכלל. המנות מבוססת על פטריות, כל מנה יותר מסריחה מהקודמת. שילמתי 450 פאונד על לצאת רעב ועם בחילה.

  • 4/5 M G. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice new decor, good quality menu. The set lunch is good. Would say there are better value Michelin star set lunches in London though.

  • 4/5 K c. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice dinner experience

  • 5/5 FRANCIS S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It was one of our most beautiful moments of restoration. Everything is together. Special mention for the staff who participated beautifully in our beautiful evening. (Original) C'était un de nos plus beaux moments de restauration. Tout est réuni. Mention toute particulière pour le personnel qui a participé de belle manière à notre superbe soirée.

  • 2/5 Nelzen 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Impeccable and professional service while being relaxed and smiling. Well done to this team. Cocooning and harmonious setting where we feel good to have a good time, as we like. On the other hand, boxing day lunch, too classic for us where we would have liked more fantasy and originality. Noble products but no surprise! As for the wines, exorbitant prices per glass that we discovered during the addition, a shame and disappointing for a 2 star ... (Original) Service irréprochable et professionnel tout en étant décontracté et souriant. Bravo à cette équipe. Cadre cocooning et harmonieux où l on se sent bien pour passer un agréable moment, comme nous aimons. Par contre, déjeuner boxing day, trop classique pour nous où nous aurions aimer plus de fantaisie et d originalité. Produits nobles mais pas de surprise ! Quant aux vins, prix exorbitants au verre que nous avons découvert lors de l addition, dommage et décevant pour un 2 étoiles...

  • 4/5 renaud v. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Exceptional moment (Original) Moment d'exception

  • 5/5 SEVERINE C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Everything is perfect .. the reception the table the service the quality of the dishes the wines the choice of the dishes ... A succulent dinner and a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Thank you for giving us this magical moment ... (Original) Tout est parfait ..l'accueil la table le service la qualité des mets les vins le choix des plats ... Un dîner succulent et un régal pour les yeux et les papilles . Merci de nous avoir fait passer ce moment magique ...

  • 5/5 Jonathan C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and great service. Came here for an early Mother's Day meal and was wonderfully treated. The mango float is incredible.

  • 4/5 Dwayne Y. 2 years ago on Google
    I visited Romulo cafe on 8.04.22 for first time. My impression of the restaurant it was good the interior was very nicely decorated. I like the history of the phillipines is on the walls. As myself who is not filipino it's Informative. We ordered squid,halo halo,crispy pata,pancit and garlic rice. I love all dishes except the squid it was too chewy. The member of staff where warm and welcoming on arrival with me and two other friends of mine who where philipino.

  • 4/5 Dionne P. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely little place that I need to visit again and have their tasting menu. Introduced my niece to sea bream ceviche, it was delightful, fresh and plentiful. Wonderful service I'm looking forward to my next visit already.

  • 5/5 E C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a gem of a restaurant. The food was outstanding and staff all super friendly and attentive. I had the Sea Bream ceviche for starters which was light and a bomb of deliciousness with something different in every moutfull. Then I had the Dingly Dell crispy pork with garlic rice - you can't go wrong with so much pork crackling. Then finished with a watermelon martini. Highly recommended and I will be back!

  • 5/5 Billy I. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent food, great table service and very good atmosphere with nice calm music. Our first time try this type of food and wow...it was really great with massive portions. So stuffed after starter and mains. No space for dessert. Food was a little bit on the expensive side but when it came out, the portion was what you paid for. We managed to meet chef Allane who cooked this amazing delicious food who was very friendly and polite and told us his background which was really amazing and inspiring. We would defo recommend this little cafe / restaurant and will come back again soon to try other yummy food that we had our eyes on on the first time.

  • 4/5 Jasmine L. 1 year ago on Google
    First experience of Filipino food for my friends birthday. The food was delicious, very nice vibe in the restaurant, friendly and attentive staff Genuinely some of the tastiest cocktails I’ve had in a while! Plus they came in fun glasses. Ube cocktail was something I’ve never seen before and it was delicious Okay for vegetarians/vegans - the veg half of our table shared rice, the lumpiah and butternut squash which were very tasty but a couple more vegetarian options would be nice

  • 5/5 Helen B. 1 year ago on Google
    First time visiting a Filipino restaurant after wanting to go for ages! We were able to easily book a table via Google and the lovely owner even reached out directly to me too to let me know that Friday's have changed to tapas and bottomless drinks style to allow customers to try everything. We had an amazing time and they were so polite and attentive (especially when you have nut allergies)! I love how the owner oversees everything and when he sees that the waitresses are busy, he will jump in to help. The two of us paid £53 each and we had three glasses of soft drinks and I'm pretty sure 5 dishes each. We were so stuffed by the end of it!

  • 1/5 Shawn N. 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    The service is good. The main course is good but not enough per serve. All the main courses are delicious we even made 2 more serve of the Kare kare n Cripy pata. But the Halo halo is very disappointing. The price don't match the taste. Jelly is a cheap substitution for the kaong and nata de coco. The weird candy like muscovado left a terrible after taste.


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Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Free water refills
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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