The 10 Cases — Restaurant in London

Evening at 10 Cases undermined by poor customer service.

Arrived 5 minutes early for our reservation and asked if we could sit on the terrace – agreed with the waiter to wait 5-10 until a table became available, as a group sitting outside had paid their bill and finished their drinks. The waiter gave away our inside table to a couple sitting at the bar, without securing our table outside or asking if it was alright to do so. Rather than politely asking the table outside to leave as they had paid the bill 25 minutes earlier, the waiter acquiesced to their ordering another bottle of wine when they knew full well we were waiting for the table. As the waiter already gave our inside table away, we had to wait at the bar near the door to the loos and only sat down at a table nearly an hour after we arrived.

I understand that the restaurant was busy and the staff work hard. However, there was little apology for the mistake and no effort made to make up for delaying our dinner by nearly an hour – a small gesture like a glass of wine each on the house would have been enough. I voiced our disquiet while paying the bill and the waiter insisted it was all fine because ‘we got you a table outside in the end’. The only recourse left was to remove the service charge, which I only ever employ as a last resort – it’s a real shame, as an apology and a small gesture at minimal cost to the restaurant would have prevented the staff from losing the service charge.

On the food and drink offering, the food selection was fairly standard London néobistrot while the wine was more inspired (the Nova Scotia blanc de noirs was novel).

Specific dishes: Steak frites with sauce au poivre was very good Fregola with aubergine was flavourful but oily Terrine was nicely presented but on...

Ordered a GB Burlotto Barolo “Coravin” by the glass, it tasted like it has been opened for a few days, no palate, most of the alcohol has evaporated. I saw the bottle and half of the cork was exposed — interesting way to do coravin. Asked the waiter and he says “this is classic Barolo”. I said I had tried this vintage in the same shop 2 weeks ago and it did not taste like this, he shrugged and pretty much ignored me.

I asked another waitress about this and she said the same: “every bottle is different”. She tried the same bottle by removing the cork and putting it back — so not coravin then. At least she offered to refund the glass, which I appreciated, but I didn’t take anyway. At the end, I expected much more from a “wine bar”. It’s unacceptable that I was served a glass of Barolo coloured water. I come here because it looked like these guys knew what they are doing. I expected them to own up to an expired bottle, instead of trying to pull wool over my eyes.

Well, truth be told, I would have happily come back for more, as I really enjoyed the last few times I was here. But after being treated like an idiot that should know that Nebbiolo tastes like water, I will never...

This restaurant is truly a hidden gem that I can't recommend highly enough. I've dined here on several occasions, and each experience has been nothing short of fantastic. The cozy, intimate setting of this small establishment enhances its charm, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal. During the summer months, the outdoor seating area comes alive with vibrant energy, providing a delightful atmosphere to savor your meal while watching the world pass by.

The food is exceptional. While the restaurant is renowned for its exquisite steak frites, which are cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, I also couldn't resist trying the fish on my last visit, and it was equally outstanding—flavorful and expertly prepared.

Wine enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise here. The wine list is nothing short of sublime, featuring an impressive selection that caters to various palates and preferences. The staff members are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to assist in selecting the perfect bottle to complement your meal, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience.

This place is definitely a must-visit if you're looking for an unforgettable...