El Ganso Cafe — Restaurant in London

The food was good. And after we finished, the waitress looking after us was quick to clear the table and provide the bill. It was all going great.... UNTIL we placed the cash on the table.

At this point, we must've become invisible, because nobody came to take the cash and provide the change. After about 10 minutes of waiting, we (as the customers!) decided to take initiative and ask the waitress for our change. At this point, her face became sour/bitter (like she had just eaten a lemon), and she frustratingly went to get the change. She brought back about x10 5pence coins, and stormed off without a smile.

Please note that despite the fact I am a student, I usually still like to give tips to waiters/waitresses, as an appreciation for their hard work. HOWEVER, I almost felt forced by this particular waitress to give tips, and I really don't like this feeling. I definitely would have given tips, but I couldn't help how I felt.

I hope that this was all just a misunderstanding, that maybe they were too busy to come and provide the change, and that maybe I mistook her smile for a bitter face, and that maybe they only had 5p coins left.

It's a shame because the rest of the staff were excellent, and very kind, and very accommodating, and the food was good. For these reasons, I will still give this place another chance. However, I hope that the waitress that looked after us today can learn from this experience that people prefer to give tips when they don't...

If I could marry a dish, I’d marry the Gambas al Ajillo at this tapas joint. First of all, let’s talk about these shrimp. They weren’t just shrimp; they were little oceanic explosions of garlicy, buttery perfection. I swear, the moment I bit into them, my taste buds formed a cult and started chanting, “More! More!” The garlic? A symphony. The shrimp? As if Neptune himself had handpicked them, coated them in liquid gold, and gently whispered, “You are ready.”

But wait, it gets weirder. You have to eat these shrimps with the bread. The bread is not just bread; it’s a humble piece of cloud that’s secretly made of dreams. Dipping it into the garlicky sea of shrimp essence was like inviting a fairy into my mouth and asking her to sprinkle magic dust everywhere.

As for the rest of the tapas – they were all so good that I’m still looking for the words to describe it. Each dish arrived like a quirky little friend who tells you exactly what you needed to hear. The patatas bravas? Don’t even get me started. The crispy edges were like a warm hug from an old friend who knows exactly how you like it.

To sum up: This place didn’t just serve me food. It served me an experience so powerful that I’m considering starting a shrine in the corner of my kitchen, dedicated to the Gambas al Ajillo. It was like a tiny, delicious carnival exploded in my mouth, and I never want the ride to stop. 10/10...

I came here for breakfast/brunch and oh my was I surprised!

I walked in and the manager Ferrazzi (apologies if I'm misspelling your name!) was super smiley and friendly. I was seated immediately. He quickly came out to bring me water (I didn't even have to ask!), and asked if I wanted the outdoor heating on.

I don't think it took even 5 minutes before my food was out. The gentleman who brought out the food was super friendly as well, also asking if I needed the outdoor heating on. Whilst the restaurant might be Spanish, despite not being Italian he even attempted to converse in Italian with the Italian couple seated next to me. Fantastic service!

And I haven't even mentioned the food yet. Shakshouka is one of my favourite breakfasts, and this was the best I have ever had, beating even my own recipe! I don't know what to say about it, it was just wonderful! Beautiful food, great portion size, and very reasonable prices!

After I had finished my meal, I went in to thank the staff, and I had a lovely conversation with them.

I HIGHLY recommend eating here. Genuinely one of the best spots I've had the pleasure of eating at. Lovely service, relaxing vibes, and...