Morito — Restaurant in London

Having seen the chef appear on Saturday Kitchen a while ago where we really liked the look of what she produced we new we had to pay a visit to this restaurant. So on saturday we decided to do just that and a pleasant trip it turned out to be. On our arrival you firstly smell the aromas then as you look around the place was very busy with a great local atmosphere. We were a party of two so on this occasion were sat at the bar which we didn't mind as it gave you a good view of the restaurant plus you got a great view of the open kitchen and could see the chefs in full flow. The menu itself looked very appetising so it was really hard to choose but thanks to the staff who told us her favourites and how many courses we should order it became a bit easier. We started some delightful bread topped with tomato & jamon before enjoying 3 courses from the vegetable section the labneh,Crispy chickpeas,pistachios & pomegranate the fried aubergines,date molasses & feta and the heavenly cheese fritters with honey and I have to say the flavours were amazingThe following Dishes came from the Fish section where one of the highlights was the stunning grilled Turbot with roasted beetroot & ajo blanco. Also from this section we tried the deep fried whitebait so light and crispy and complimented the Turbot. This led on to the Meat section where the taste sensation continued starting with the seared pork fillet,pancetta & quails egg on toast and the fantastic grilled kofte & shredded cabbage.So now after a rest it was time for dessert and they equally as good the being a scrumptious chocolate & olive oil mousse & hazelnuts then a very interesting but delightful beetroot & rosewater ice cream topped with pistachios & pomegranate. We were finally then treated to a dessert with their compliments a charred anthotyros (sheeps cheese) grape petimezi & roasted almonds bringing to an a truly fantastic lunchThis is definitely a place I would highly recommend as the food is amazing the staff are so friendly. We will definitely be back and found that if you booked a table after 1pm the restaurant does start clear a bit so you don't feel like your going to be rushed leaving you to enjoy the aromas and also nice to have a chat...

Monito is a restaurant I wanted to enjoy, and in many ways it delivered on the food. The cooking is strong and some dishes really stood out: the crispy aubergine was excellent, the lamb chops were beautifully done, and the bread with beetroot borani packed a punch. These are plates worth coming back for, and the kitchen clearly has confidence.

The problem was the service. We followed the recommendation of ordering three tapas and three mains, and specifically asked for them to be spaced out. Instead, everything arrived within fifteen minutes, landing on the table almost all at once. It felt rushed, as if the goal was to get us through as quickly as possible rather than give us a paced dining experience. Cocktails arrived after the wine, which had to be taken back, and we barely had a chance to enjoy them before plates kept coming.

The front-of-house team didn’t help matters. The host was visibly crouched at the front door on her phone, and overall the atmosphere felt more casual than attentive. We didn’t complain at the time, we didn’t want to create tension but the reality is our weekly date night is something we value, and this experience felt disappointing. With a 7pm table we were effectively turned in around 45 minutes when, with the same food and more care, it could have been a great evening over 90 minutes.

The décor tells a similar story. Once it’s dark, the restaurant comes alive with warmth and atmosphere, but in daylight or early evening you notice all the flaws not what you want from a place at this level. It makes me think that to guarantee a better experience, a later table, in autumn or winter when the room is at its best, might hedge your bets for a more enjoyable night.

On balance, Monito has the potential to be a gem again. The cooking deserves praise, but the service and front-of-house discipline need work. With so many other options around, it’s hard to say I’ll be back in a hurry, but if they get the basics right the restaurant could be worth...

Very rude staff and I felt very unwelcome here. Yes, the food is good, but hospitality and front of house staff shouldn't make you feel unwelcome in an establishment.

I arrived later than my friends, who were just finishing a 3 course meal at the bar. I was meeting them for a drink at the bar next door, but was early, hence I met them inside Morito's instead of standing outside in the rain. It was a busy Friday night, but sorry this is no excuse to treat me the way I was treated. I was told I couldn't sit in an empty seat next to them as it was reserved, by a man who didn't even look like a staff member there and certainly didn't act like one, the way he was speaking to us. I understood that the seat was reserved, but surely I could have perched until the guests arrived. Instead, I stood awkwardly at the bar whilst my friends finished their set meal. Eventually we were seated, and I was glad as it was very awkward standing and not being able to talk to my friends properly. We were told we needed to vacate our table by 9.30pm, fair enough. My friends finished their final course by 9.10pm (I also shared some dessert, didn't sit there not contributing to the establishment) and then they took 15 mins to give us the bill, despite insisting 3 times we had to leave by 9.30pm.

Overall: rude staff, how dare you make me stand alone awkwardly at a bar and unable to speak to my friends after a busy week at work. All because I arrived to meet my friends for a drink earlier than expected. Appalling place, appalling service, I really do not reccommend. Food is good quality but not worth being treated the way I was by front of...