Sebastian's Italian — Restaurant in London

Awful experience.

Where do I start? I only ever leave reviews when something is particularly good or particularly bad. Sadly in this case it’s the latter.

I ended up with food poisoning but first things first…

The service was terrible. It is not a good start to the night when you have to wait half an hour for tap water. I also asked for no ice. What do I get? A tiny glass full of ice with barely any water. So I have to wait another 15 minutes to get what I asked for 45 minutes earlier. Also ordered a basil smash. Shocking. Tasted of artificial flavours and cheap spirit. No actual basil flavour. Far too strong. The cocktail would get you drunk but it’s not one you can enjoy. The waiters saw that I was not drinking the cocktail and had asked for a wine instead. (Wine was also terrible by the way but drinkable). In a decent restaurant the waiter would take note and ask if the cocktail is not to my liking or if there is anything they can do or even take it off the bill. None of this happened here. Either oblivious or purposely ignored.

Next thing food: the starter was okay but then again it was from the specials menu and it was far from special. Burrata straight from the packet onto the plate. Some tomatoes onto the plate. The dressing was nothing magic. We asked for the ham to be on the side, because one of us is vegetarian and we wanted to share. The ham was on the side, but the ham must have been on the Burrata first, because this smelt and tasted of ham. Not nice for a vegetarian. Not nice that the restaurant did not take our request serious.

Now the main course is where things went really badly wrong. Again from the specials menu. Tagliatelle with salsiccia (Italian sausage), wild mushrooms and truffle. At least that’s what the menu said. Reality was slightly different. It was pappardelle, not tagliatelle. There was no truffle. Not even a hint of it. The salsiccia was hard and gristly, as if it had been cut up too early and lying around dried out. The mushrooms were a tasteless soggy mess. And the nondescript sauce was watery and the taste made me feel sick.

I was hungry and I don’t like wasting food so I carried on eating. I should have stopped and sent it back.

I know what I am talking about. My family used to have a 5* Neapolitan restaurant for most of my life. What I experienced here is neither Italian nor edible.

That night, after having dinner here, I could not sleep. I felt so so sick. Eventually I gave in and I was violently sick in the early hours of the morning. Multiple times. The onset timing matches food poisoning, the doctor said it’s food poisoning, it felt like food poisoning and given the only other thing I had eaten was plain porridge - something I eat every day - I don’t think the porridge can be blamed for food poisoning. Very clear to me that it was this restaurant.

My recommendation would be to stay away. I should have known it right from the start. Sebastian is not even an Italian name. Who would give their restaurant the name Sebastian’s...

My wife and I went here for our wedding anniversary, hoping for something special. We'd booked a table, which was definitely necessary as they were quite busy on this Friday evening. However, when we got there, we were seated at what was essentially a window-sill on bar stools with backs, looking out at a broken-down parking meter and the side of a van. It was also right next to the entrance to the toilets, so not the romantic locale we were hoping for. I got the feeling this was better suited as a place to wait until a table was ready, but was now being used as a table itself to get the most revenue possible following the lockdown. The service was fairly slow due to the number of customers, but when they did come the staff were friendly and helpful, despite appearing to be rushed off their feet. As a point to note, the serving staff didn't wear masks, contrary to what Google said. The food was very tasty, indeed, and presented well on the plate, although the portions were definitely on the small side considering what we were charged for them. For desert, I had the fondant which, while nice, had too much of a slightly-singed taste for my liking; though this was the only complaint about the meal taste-wise. Also, we asked for water for the table, wanting tap water, but were instead brought bottled water, which was definitely overpriced. Overall, the food at Sebastian's Italian is very good, but overpriced for the portion size. The staff are professional, but it's a bit of a lottery on where you get a seat. A fair meal out, but not the romantic celebration we...

Sebastian's is, without a doubt, one of the best Italian restaurants in London. Nestled in a lively area known for its charming pubs and scenic views, it’s a gem in a prime location.

The experience was remarkable from start to finish. The service was outstanding; the staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making us feel at home. Each dish was crafted with top-quality ingredients, and the flavors were exceptional—among the best Italian cuisine I’ve enjoyed in London and, frankly, across the UK.

The ambiance was equally impressive. The decor strikes a balance between modern sophistication and the timeless charm of a classic Italian trattoria. With ample space, it’s an ideal setting to enjoy a meal with friends, family, or a partner.

While prices are on the higher side, the value is undeniable given the quality of ingredients and the exceptional dining experience. You’re truly paying for a high standard that justifies every penny.

Notably, hours after dining, I had no issues with acid reflux—a rare outcome for me when dining out, especially with dishes rich in oils or subpar ingredients. This speaks volumes about the quality and care put into their menu.

I highly recommend Sebastian's to anyone seeking an extraordinary Italian dining experience. It has quickly become one of my favorite...