Sakonis — Restaurant in London

I was really looking forward to trying this place after hearing so much 'buzz', but unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to the expectations. From the moment we walked in, it felt more like a canteen than a restaurant. The lighting was harsh and uninviting, and the decor felt dated and thrown together with little thought. There was loud music playing over cheap speakers that clashed with the otherwise quiet setting — neither traditional nor modern, just awkward.

Tables were crammed too close together, making conversations uncomfortably public. The place was also surprisingly noisy, not from customers but from the clatter in the kitchen and staff talking loudly across the room. Not exactly the peaceful dining experience you'd expect.

To top it off, the ventilation was poor — the whole place smelled like oil and spices, which lingered on our clothes long after we left. A strong smell is expected in an Indian restaurant, but this felt more like a lack of proper air circulation.

I was really looking forward to this buffet, but unfortunately, it was a big let down. The food lacked freshness, and most of the dishes tasted bland or overly oily. The curries all seemed to have the same base, so there wasn’t much variety despite the number of options. The breads were cold and rubbery, and the desserts tasted straight out of a packet rather than homemade.

On top of that, the presentation was appealing—trays looked half empty, and nothing was refilled promptly. For the price, I expected a lot better quality and service. Sadly, this buffet didn’t capture the richness and flavour that good Indian vegetarian food is known for.

I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re just looking to fill up without caring much about taste...

Not particularly nice experience on my recent visit on Sunday.Previously my visits were mostly on weekdays when most was satisfactory.We always go for half price buffet in week days but recently they do half price on Sunday too so we went there last on Sunday evening.The place was jammed pack with some people waiting in queue.As we had already booked before arriving we expected to be given table on arrival but no we had to join others in queue which I was annoyed about.The staff all were in distress as they could not handle the situation well.There was a list of people who had booked but we were not in the list so I demanded the reason to a staff member at the counter.She said she didn’t do the booking.We we’re told to wait.After about twenty minutes we were given a table right in the end near “Pan”counter.nearby others waiting.No waiters came here to take orders so I went back to a staff behind counter to order two buffet where by we have to select this our shelves.When we went to select food at buffet counter there were no dishes,no knives and forks,no spoons,no tissues so I went to the kitchen area to get this.While selecting various dishes on buffet bar quite a few variety were missing and all over the counter it was quite messy with spilt food.I had never experienced this before.We we’re hungry so had whatever was left there so al in all this was a very bad experience in all departments including food and service.One thing for sure we won’t be going there...

Ordered food to be delivered £60+. Included a pizza which I explicitly said cannot be hot as i have young children, I repeated this twice and she acknowledged the comment. Food arrived 45 mins later and pizza had spicy jalapeños all over it. Called to explain which took about 10 minutes as somehow this was supposed to be my fault and they discussed it in the background . I reminded the server that I explicitly stated the pizza shouldn’t be hot and she didn’t deny this. Then just an ‘oh sorry’ that’s it, I think she expected to end the conversation and forget about it. I asked for the correct pizza to be sent to which I was told I need to spend another £30 for delivery....I was stunned so explained I wasn’t planning on paying again. After 5 minutes on phone while they all discussed this, still trying to figure out how to blame me, I was told okay but to return the other pizza and I’ll have to pick it up the correct one. I explained I am self isolating so this isn’t an option and also my husband and one child had taken a slice of the other pizza, my child spat it out as he didn’t realise it was spicy. I was too annoyed and had to feed hungry children and so said not to bother! They called back and said they will provide a margarita free if I pick up, I again reminded them I have Covid and cannot come! Left there without resolution! VERY unimpressed, have been a customer for 10 years + . I mean really, invest some money in your...