Maxim's

Restaurant Name: Maxim's

Type of Food: Chinese

Average Price Per Person: £20 - £25 excluding alcohol

Website: n/a

Branch Visited:153-155 Northfield Avenue, London, W1

Review: A pleasant discovery. Having lived in Ealing for over 5 years, I have passed this restaurant numerous times but never ventured in as it didn't really excite me. From the outside the restaurant doesn't look all that inviting. After several recommendations from friends, I decided to give it a go. This place is also rated by Alan Yau, the founder of Hakkasan and Yautcha.

As you walk in, you're struck by how simple and clean the decor is, there is nothing tacky or cliche about this place.

The service is impeccable and quite unexpected from a London Chinese resturant, there is no 'Wong Kee' - esque (moody looking staff, dishes thrown on to tables) service here! The staff are very friendly and well mannered and managed by an entertaining manager who likes wearing colourful neckties.

Dishes I would recommend trying: for starters, the crispy duck, sesame prawn on toast and the hot and sour soup. For mains, the prawns in chilli sauce and the beef in oyster sauce are a must try. Personally, I find their starters excellent and the mains could be better but still good.

Make sure you make a reservation before coming here as they are always busy.

Rating (Out of 10)

Atmosphere: 10/10 Warm and friendly.

Service: 10/10 As above, well mannered staff etc. The speed of the service is typical of a chinese restaurant; quick!

Food: 8/10 Food is always good and I've never been disappointed.

Quality to Price: 8/10 Well priced for London.

Final Rating: 9/10 The food and service never disappoints. Good for both meals for 2 or group dinners.