Caravel — Restaurant in London

A Mixed Experience That Could Easily Be Improved

As a local resident living just around the corner on Arlington Square, I had always wanted to try this restaurant. Last Sunday, we finally did, inviting two friends to join us for what we hoped would be a memorable meal. While the food itself was largely delightful, some service and portion issues left us questioning whether we would return.

The waiting staff were polite and welcoming, but unfortunately, they fell short in delivering the level of service one expects from a restaurant in this price range and category. For example, we decided to share some starters, and our waiter recommended their signature rostis. We ordered two, assuming they were shareable portions, but when they arrived, they turned out to be very small, individual servings priced at nearly £7 each. It would have been helpful if the waiter had mentioned they were not suitable for sharing, as it felt almost comical attempting to split them.

We also ordered bread and butter, expecting it to complement the starters. What arrived were two loaves, each cut into two pieces, which felt oddly inadequate for four people. The liver pâté, on the other hand, was absolutely delicious, but it came with just two pieces of bread to share (One loaf cut into two pieces)—again, far too little for a group.

On a positive note, the main courses were exceptional, and we couldn’t fault them. Each dish was beautifully prepared and full of flavor, redeeming the experience somewhat.

That said, such small missteps—like the lack of clarity about the rostis and the inadequate portions of bread—really detract from the overall dining experience. These issues seem minor but make a significant impression, particularly given the price point. A little more attentiveness in portioning or better communication from the staff could have easily avoided these frustrations.

I truly want to love this restaurant and make it a regular spot, but the feeling of not getting good value for money leaves us hesitant to return. I hope they take this feedback on board because the potential is there—it’s just these small details that...

With the boat horn of British Pie Week sounding for 4 incredible pie collaborations from amazing humans, we just had to go try the Ana Da Costa Macanese pie.

We started with potato rosti, sour cream and caviar, which was nostalgic yumminess standing tall against our litre bottle of white wine. An ambitious message in a bottle of a great night to keep coming.

Our sesame prawn toast eclipsed the plate with chilli jam. Why can’t all takeaway prawn toast be like this please? With fresh memories of cooking whole octopus on the coast, grilled octopus skewers, polenta and salmoriglio sauce announced what was to come next, like a skull and crossbones flag…

A good pie should be like a pirate ship, 2001 Space Odyssey monolith or space ship landing in front of you, that creates awe, bewilderment and teases the inquisitive nature of humans to crack into the exterior and discover otherworldly treasures inside. I’m not sure it was intentional or chance, but the pork and beef pie cruised onto the table with a delicate pastry bow that definitely set the scene, shaped like the boat we were sitting in. I’m glad the table was secure cos we were bouncing in our seats with joy and we needed strapping in. There’s an element of guilt when eating a pie that makes you order veggies, but spring greens and anchovy were less lift raft and more first-mate.

With space still in the belly of the beast, we went for true classics of treacle tart and rhubarb creme brûlée. This is a date night done right without sharing one dessert, but two, because both are just so darn good.

I have so many fond memories of Macau by the water with the combination of Portuguese and Chinese food, that being on this riverboat was a really fun way to enjoy Pie Week, but also a magical escape many should hop aboard in London. Thank you Ana and Caravel team,...

Came for lunch as part of a 4 person walk along The Regent's Canal. It was quite obvious where the location was noticing the canal boat from the opposite side. However, to get there you have to cross the nearest bridge and go through a locked gate. The response pressing the buzzer was very quick and we were let in as soon as we mentioned we had a caravel reservation. No issues there!

Once we arrived we were greeted with one of the most well-layed out canal boat restaurants I've ever set my foot in. We almost felt a tad underdressed being in our walking gear. The waiting staff welcomed and seated us at our table and allowed us to store bags near the front door. Knowing were in a gated part of the canal, I knew my possessions would be safe.

We decided to order a mixture of small and large plates, all of which were spectacularly presented and tasted divine. My dishes were the chicken liver pate and trout both of which were extremely satisfying. All plates were completely emptied and nobody on our table had any complaints.

As far as the service goes, it more than matched up to the quality of the food served. We were attended to in the professional manner, they were knowledgeable about the establishment and dishes thus being able to answer all our questions and our water was topped up without us having to ask.

Whilst you might notice from the menu, it is on the pricey side, but for the location being a very quiet part of the canal, classy interior, great food and staff, I personally think it's entirely justified.

Overall, this is a place I'd highly recommend if you're in the Regents Canal area, but definitely book as the seating is very limited and they don't...