Camino — Restaurant in London

TL;DR: Felt microaggressed, not great food, do not recommend.

I don't usually do reviews, but given that after this experience my partner and I genuinely asked each other if we had just been microaggressed, I knew I had to just in case it helps anyone else. I made a reservation for two for my partner and I. The hostess seated us at the only table in this odd in-between area between dining areas that was poorly lit and pushed against some cabinets and the side of the bar. The hostess wouldn't look me or my partner in the eye, despite having no problem with other customers. We were seated at a round table for three, and in the middle of our dinner without addressing us or looking at us, the hostess came and took the chair to give to another table but didn't remove the third menu and table settings. The cabinets our table was pushed against were actively being used, and servers often clustered next to the side of the bar the other side of our table was near, and no one ever looked at us. The server that took our order only looked at us when first asking for our order, and then not at all during or after. Our dishes were all dropped off by different servers, and none of them told us what anything was (not a huge problem, but odd in the circumstances of not being acknowledged at all) or looked at us. One of our dishes never came but we didn't mind because the food wasn't very good, so I asked for the bill and for the item to be removed. They were able to do this, but while the first server I asked to change the bill was gone, another server dropped a bill on the table (the wrong one) and left, once again, without looking at us. I was able to pay the changed bill and my partner and I left.

Purely considering the food, it wasn't a very good experience. It wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't good. Considering everything else? This was a very diminishing experience, and if you are queer or a POC, I do not recommend eating here. I don't recomend coming here anyway, but especially not if you're...

Dear Camino, thank you for a lovely night out. My friends and I, all first generation migrants from India and Ireland had a wonderful time at your restaurant. We met after a long time, the location undoubtedly perfect for us to all conflab with the return home being fairly straightforward for those of us who have settled for a suburban life (you see, the trappings of the 40 something year olds!) The ambiance was sensual, truly it was. I really used my sense of sight to its max with the lighting and some added assistance from the torch function of my trusted Android (yes, still proud to have not succumbed to the trappings of an apple- unlike Eve). The menu was truly radical. Whilst one must note that this is very much the advent season, my friend pointed out that the exclusive diet of bread and wine reminiscent of the last supper was very much unexpected. More so this morning when my bowels voiced their opinions in the only way they could...I shall leave it there. Why you ask did we end up replicating our dear Lord’s death when indeed we should be making merry at His innocent yet dramatic entry into this world? I draw mine and your attention back to the menu, yes, in our mutual defence (yours and ours) we did have a few strands of tenderstem broccoli, 4 prawns and 1.3/4 inch of succulent pig (yes we geo located the fine town of Segovia that we now would love to visit, many thanks!)it simply wasn't enough. So, 3 bread servings later, I urge you to consider introducing flax seeds, or any other seed for that matter into your bread. And perhaps a non nutty brown version for the less fortunate ones with nut allergy. My guts certainly will thank you for it. Lastly, Camino or rascals (hindi translation) as my dead grandmother (may she RIP) who had a penchant for being rather direct through her long and fiesty life would have called you, have a Merry Christmas. Who knows, we may...

Another once great spot to meet friends has fallen to mediocrity.

I recently made the trip back to London from Spain after a few years of being away to meet up with my London gang of friends from when I lived in the city. We always went to Camino, it was our spot to drink sangria until the late hours and dine on exquisite tapas!

Unfortunately, the glory days for Camino have since passed. The host team pre-Covid were leagues above what they have now, there’s no warm welcome or pride in making the guest feel welcome and comfortable. There’s an attitude of “get them in, get them out” and that’s really sad to see. The young man and blonde European lady were our absolute favourites (it has been so long I forget their names).

The food used to be a greatest hits style of tapas and Camino was second to none in its execution. Now, it seems they are more focused on what will look good in a photo on social media than creating a great tapas experience.

The serving staff used to have fun while working. We would always see them interacting with one another and enjoying the shift, however, now it would seem that the fun and excitement has bled dry and they seem as if they HAVE to be there rather than wanting to be.

Ultimately, Camino Kings Cross is a Spanish Tapas restaurant in name only. Long gone are the glory days of old. There is no passion or heart left and it shows in both atmosphere and food.

It’s sad to see them go...