LAVO — Restaurant in London

We booked for a dinner for last night as out Anniversary. We both work in hospitality so we thought we use also our Hospitality discount and look for a great venue where we can feel to be served and be on the other side once in a while.

We had great expectations based on reviews and photos that it will be a really great place good Italian food. (My partner is Italian and I have been working in Italian restaurants myself in the past 4years where we sell also home made pastas.)

Well.. hostess were very nice, they said happy Anniversary, paid attention to the little note and they given us a great table! We were super impressed by that. And pretty much that’s all that went well.

We got our water to the table and after a good 15min finally someone came to take our drink orders. (Mind me it was Monday , 9 tables in total, 2-3 managers in the floor and 4-5 waiters, 2 runners at least I counted if not 3) so no, it wasn’t busy

Our drinks finally arrived, mine in a chipped glass which I noticed after having quite a few sip of my drink.

We ordered Burrata with focaccia to start. The bread arrived with tartare (??), had to say this is not my order. We ate half the bread by the time our correct starter has arrived. Fine. Burrata was super tasty and the bread fresh and warm.

For main we ordered streak medium rare with peppercorn sauce and truffle fries, and Penne ala vodka with prosciutto.

My Penne was definitely not home made pasta and soooo over cooked that you literally don’t have to chew it, it was splitting in my plate the pasta by itself… as I said I work in restaurant where we make home made pasta, I make home made pasta at home (have machine and everything) so I definitely tell you, not home made and don’t know how to cook aldente. Mushy at best the consistency. Spicy? Not even black pepper spicy.I had to add salt and pepper to get any kind of flavour .Blant pomodoro with some cream in it. Prosciutto? Bacon at best not even pancetta. I know the difference between these meats.. Haven’t finished it, and no didn’t complain about it because after what we played with the steak I just didn’t bother and wanter to leave…

Steak arrived blue/rare, far from medium rare. No sauce. We asked where is sauce, it was not ordered, another 10min passed by no check back mean time on the rest of the meal. When sauce arrived we asked to be cooked more the steak as it’s way undercooked. We told no need new steak just cook more the one we had at the table. Mean time I was munching on my pasta, because it will get cold, when my partner’s steak arrives back the same pretty much. They brought the plate back but no Cutlery. Again just with a fork he was looking at this plate for a few minutes, when we got the attention of an another Waiter not even from our section that we need a knife to eat the steak?! 😂 (our waiter was his back to us and no check back if the new steak is fine, ((Tiago was his name)) He had a few bites and we just decided not to order anything else and leave.

They asked if we finished, we said yes. By the time I left to the bathroom, I spent a good 10min away (I was fixing my makeup also etc). When I was back our table still Covered in the plates. And nobody asked if we want desserts. We just asked for the bill at this point…. Another 10min, even when paying plates with food still on the table. Atrocious service, terrible food quality. Only thing that was great is burrata which you don’t make there probably.

Left hungry and disappointed.

Managment: Train your staff of steps of service, what is recommendation, check backs mean, table maintenance, how to take order and put through in the system all 6 item we order at once and not have to wait for every course to arrive separately the items. Managed to mess up everything.

Will never return, and would definitely not recommend to anyone. If you want authentic Italian food, you can find in the area many more for half price, better service and fresh...

An Unforgettable Evening at Lavo in The BoTree Hotel, London

Nestled within The BoTree Hotel in London, Lavo offers a blend of classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Dining there recently with friends was an extraordinary experience. From the vibrant atmosphere to the impeccable service provided by our waitress Merima, Lavo stands out in London’s dining scene. Here’s a look at our gastronomic journey:

Starters: A Taste of Italian Simplicity

Margherita Pizza Our evening began with the Margherita pizza, showcasing the beauty of simplicity. The thin crust was perfectly crispy, topped with fior di latte mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. This dish highlighted how high-quality ingredients can create extraordinary flavours.

Caesar Salad Next, we enjoyed the Caesar salad. Crisp romaine hearts were coated in a rich, creamy dressing that balanced tangy and savoury notes. The croutons added a satisfying crunch, making it a refreshing start to our meal.

Entrées: Decadence and Comfort

Spaghetti Filetto di Pomodoro The Spaghetti Filetto di Pomodoro celebrated simplicity and flavour. Al dente spaghetti was enveloped in a light, aromatic tomato sauce with fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. It was a comforting and satisfying dish that left us wanting more.

Silk Handkerchiefs with Wild Boar White Bolognese A standout was the Silk Handkerchiefs with Wild Boar White Bolognese. The delicate pasta sheets, smothered in a rich, velvety white bolognese sauce, featured hearty wild boar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and black truffle. This dish elevated traditional Italian cuisine to new heights.

Chicken Parmigiana I opted for the Chicken Parmigiana, which was spectacular. The tender, juicy chicken breast, coated in golden breadcrumbs, was topped with melted fior di latte mozzarella and a robust tomato sauce. Fresh basil added an aromatic note, making each bite a delightful harmony of textures and flavours.

Desserts: A Sweet Finale

Pride 20 Layer Rainbow Cake For dessert, we indulged in the Pride 20 Layer Rainbow Cake. Featuring twenty layers of vibrant rainbow sponge separated by luscious cream cheese frosting, it was a joyous explosion of colours and flavours, celebrating both diversity and decadence.

Tiramisu The Tiramisu was another highlight. Layers of delicate lady fingers soaked in espresso with a hint of caramel were enveloped in a light, airy mascarpone crema. A touch of alcohol added sophistication, making it a classic with a twist.

New York Style Cheesecake Finally, the New York Style Cheesecake was a delight. The rich, creamy cheesecake was contrasted with the tartness of fresh strawberries and the sweetness of whipped cream. The brulée top added a caramelized crunch, elevating this classic dessert.

Drinks and Atmosphere

Throughout our meal, we enjoyed expertly crafted mocktails that were both refreshing and innovative, perfectly complementing our dishes. The atmosphere at Lavo was lively yet intimate, ideal for a date night, family dinner, or fun evening with friends. The decor was chic and modern, with a warm, welcoming ambience.

Service and Halal Options

Special mention goes to our waitress, Merima, whose excellent service enhanced our dining experience. She was attentive and knowledgeable. Additionally, Lavo offers halal options, making it an inclusive dining destination for everyone.

Conclusion

Lavo at The BoTree Hotel in London is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that delights the senses and leaves lasting memories. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a fun night out with friends, Lavo promises an unforgettable experience with its exceptional food, vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding service. Visit and indulge in the delicious offerings that Lavo...

I’m writing to share how disappointed I was with our recent visit to LAVO on 21st June. This was meant to be a special occasion — my husband’s birthday and our first time out alone since having our newborn. We specifically booked the last available brunch slot in the hope of enjoying a relaxing afternoon, but sadly, the experience fell far short of expectations.

From the moment we arrived, the service was underwhelming. Despite uploading our photos beforehand, we were not greeted properly or made to feel particularly welcome. After being seated, the menu was briefly explained, but we were left waiting for around 15 minutes — unaware that we were meant to help ourselves to starters straightaway. When staff eventually approached, we were told to grab some food quickly as they were already beginning to pack away. It felt rushed and unorganised from the outset.

As we don’t eat pork, our options were limited. There was only one slice of Margherita pizza available, and we were told more was on the way — which didn’t arrive for another 6–7 minutes. In the meantime, we were again told the buffet was being tidied away, so we ended up piling all our food onto the table, including desserts, just to avoid missing out. This is not the leisurely, premium brunch experience that LAVO advertises.

The manager did bring over more Margherita pizza, which we appreciated. Our mains (chicken parmigiana) then arrived, but our sides were forgotten. When we asked about them, a member of staff went to check but didn’t return for several minutes, only to eventually say they’d be “just a few more minutes.” It was only chips, which made it clear they hadn’t even been started — likely due to the staff already prepping for the dinner service.

Throughout the entire experience, we were only asked once — at the start — whether we wanted water or an alcoholic/non-alcoholic welcome drink. No one checked in on us afterwards or offered further drinks, which added to the overall lack of attentiveness.

The food itself was genuinely lovely, and I do want to acknowledge that the manager kindly applied a discount to the final bill. However, I strongly feel that there should have been a clear disclaimer at the time of booking — or at the very least upon arrival — to let guests know that the buffet is packed away promptly at 5pm. When you’re only seated at 4:45pm, this leaves just 15 minutes to experience what is supposed to be an “unlimited” brunch, which feels misleading.

Unfortunately, the rushed atmosphere and lack of proper communication turned what should have been a memorable and enjoyable afternoon into a stressful and disappointing one. It’s such a shame, as the potential was...