Antika Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Very disappointing experience — beware of the 50% off scam

We booked a table at Antika over a month ago via The Fork 50% off deal. It’s worth noting that there isn’t even an option to book without the offer — the only available reservation is through that promotion.

When we arrived last night, the first thing we noticed was that there was only one waitress working, and absolutely no other visible staff. The service was understandably slow, but what made it worse was that the waitress gave the impression that we were inconveniencing her every time we asked for something.

The restaurant itself was freezing cold — we had to keep our jackets on throughout the meal, which didn’t make for a comfortable dining experience. They were also out of basic drinks, including lemonade and lime cordial. I can understand lime cordial being unavailable, but no lemonade at all?

While the food itself was tasty, the experience around it was terrible. One main course was completely forgotten, and by the time it was eventually cooked and served, everyone else had already finished eating. Most restaurants would have shown some goodwill and removed that dish from the bill, but Antika did not.

When it came time to pay, we reminded them that our booking was under the 50% off deal, but they refused to honour it, claiming that we weren’t booked on the offer — despite the fact that it’s the only way to book a table. The manager wasn’t on site, and when they called him, he also refused to apply the discount. It felt like a complete scam — they lure you in with a deal and then refuse to honour it.

We then refused to pay the service charge and the forgotten main, which we felt was more than reasonable under the circumstances. The waitress told us she’d personally have to pay the difference out of her pocket if we didn’t pay in full — which is both shocking and unprofessional. The manager told us to “take it up with The Fork,” so we told the waitress the same about the service charge, as it’s optional.

Overall, a deeply disappointing experience. It’s a shame, because the food had potential, but the poor service, freezing environment, and dishonest handling of the 50% offer completely ruined the evening. It’s clear why they have to rely on discounts to get customers — but beware, they don’t actually...

I visited Antika recently and was genuinely impressed by the quality of the food. The starters, in particular, were outstanding — fresh, well-balanced, and packed with flavour (Specially the Borani and Olivieh and not so much for the Dolma). You could tell real thought went into how each dish was prepared and presented. From the textures to the seasoning, everything tasted refined and made with care. The main courses were equally delicious, with generous portions(Taking into account the concept of the restaurant) and a noticeable focus on ingredient quality. On the culinary side, the kitchen clearly delivers excellence.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the service. The staff seemed inexperienced and undertrained, which affected the entire dining experience. Our order was taken incorrectly, and one dish arrived 13 minutes later than the others. The waiters, while polite, appeared unsure of basic service flow — things like timing, order accuracy, and attentiveness were noticeably lacking. It felt as though they had little to no prior experience working in a restaurant, and that lack of training showed throughout the evening.

Overall, this is a place with incredible food but underwhelming service. If management invested in properly training the front-of-house staff to match the professionalism of the kitchen, this restaurant could truly stand out. The talent in the kitchen deserves better support from the service team — once that gap is closed, it has the potential to be a top-tier...

Antika Restaurant — Persian Elegance with a Mediterranean Whisper

Tucked into the leafy calm of Maida Vale, Antika Restaurant offers a refined yet welcoming take on Middle Eastern dining. It’s not flashy—it’s quietly confident, with flavours that speak louder than décor.

Atmosphere The space is stylish but understated: soft lighting, clean lines, and a touch of Persian charm. It’s intimate without feeling cramped, and the open frontage gives it a breezy, relaxed feel—especially on warmer evenings. While some guests note the acoustics can get lively when the room fills, it rarely feels overwhelming.

Food & Drink The menu is a thoughtful blend of Persian, Mediterranean, and Turkish influences, with standout dishes that balance comfort and finesse. Highlights include:

Smoked aubergine starter with mint and sour yogurt—earthy, creamy, and delicately spiced

Grilled tiger prawns marinated in saffron, ginger, and lemon—bright and aromatic

King scallops with butternut squash purée and lemon butter—elegant and well-balanced

Meatballs stuffed with rice and herbs in tomato sauce—hearty and soulful

The wine list is surprisingly strong, with good options by the glass. Cocktails are well-made, and the Aperol Spritz gets...