Bantof — Restaurant in London

Booked this place for Valentine's Day dinner (I know, classic) since I passed by this place once before, and fell in love with the interiors and the menu looked enticing. While the interiors and the vibes were certainly nice, my experience was a bit... odd. First, I booked for 6:30pm, and when I arrived there were two empty tables by the door across from the bar. However, the hostess chose to sat me and my date in the very corner of the restaurant– where the tables were way too low for dining and the sofa lounges indicated that it was obviously for drinking and lounging, not eating. That corner was not very well lit either, and it clearly was the worse of the seats on the floor. I was mindful that the tables across from the bar (which were eating height appropriate) might have been fully booked for V-day, so I politely enquired whether those were available, and was promptly moved. I couldn't help but notice that they tried to seat all other patrons in other seats in the lounge area, even though a table literally right there was free. Not sure why the reasoning is, given that every person who was first directed to a lounge table requested to move tables to either upstairs, or one across from the bar. Clearly those tables were not reserved for other guests. Second, I noticed that the waitstaff would crouch to take orders or receive payment from the surrounding tables, but declined to do so for me and my date. Instead, we only got a bending of the back. Which is typically fine, if not for the disparate difference in treatment that we got from other patrons. Third, I overheard every other patron coming in to the nearby tables getting offered their Valentine's Day special menu. However, this was not introduced nor offered to me. I think it's important to note that my date and I are quite young, and certainly was one of the younger patrons in the restaurant that night. My date and I are also both Asian. I'm not sure if the slightly different treatment we got from the waitstaff were due to the fact that they think we were too young to be their target customers, the fact that we were young and therefore too broke to afford this meal, or the fact that we were both Asian. Either way, not very pleased with the way we were treated tonight. I'm not trying to pull a race-card or anything, but it just really rubbed me the wrong way and I felt the need to express it. Regardless of whether or not I am "old enough" to be their target customer, I feel that I should get the exact same treatment as every other person in the restaurant. The fact that I booked this restaurant and sat down clearly indicates that I can very well afford this meal. Otherwise, food was quite nice. Prices were surprisingly reasonable for a Soho restaurant with an excellently designed interior and a sleek sexy ambiance. The Almond Sour mocktail I ordered was very nice, and I imagine that their cocktails would be excellent. Food was good but not mindblowingly so. Good for special occasions, but perhaps only if you look old...

Come to Bantof if you want a defensive and disrespectful host.

I came to Bantof on 28/9 and walked in by myself. I asked Arturos the host if I could sit and he told me they were fully booked so they only had space at the bar. I accepted and was there for a bite before a show. As I was eating he then offered tables to other walk ins who came after me and never offered to move me to a table “because I was alone”. Whether it was because I was alone, asian, young, or gay I am not sure honestly, but when I asked why he offered tables to other people and not me he said that he was booked and didn’t “know that I would prefer a table” (even after I asked him if people would prefer tables to the bar he said obviously a table). After some arguing he moved me downstairs to a completely open downstairs space and refused to apologize after I explained why I felt disrespected that he would offer tables to other patrons and not to me and refused to understand my feelings or look from my point of view. He even had the audacity to tell me “don’t leave a review” which is unbelieveable after the way I was treated. Just saw the bill and he discounted the meal 8 £! I guess it was worth being overlooked and disrespected! That being said the food was good and the drink I ordered, but I would be wary if going alone or in any category that isn’t a straight white...

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Bantof

Dining at Bantof was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and a beautifully curated ambiance that strikes the perfect balance between contemporary elegance and cozy charm.

A special shoutout to our waiter, Salad, who truly elevated the entire experience. His impeccable professionalism, warm demeanor, and deep knowledge of the menu made us feel not just taken care of—but genuinely appreciated as guests. Salad’s attention to detail, effortless charm, and timely recommendations set the gold standard for service. It’s rare to encounter someone who combines friendliness with such a polished level of care.

Now, onto the food—wow. Every dish was executed with creativity and finesse, but the absolute standout was the Labneh Sumac. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with vibrant flavor, it was a revelation. The sumac added a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complemented the silky labneh, and the plating was as beautiful as the taste was memorable. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause and savor every bite, and one I would return for again and again.

In short, Bantof is a gem. From the masterful flavors to the top-tier service, this place delivers on every level. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a refined yet inviting...