The Rising Sun — Restaurant in London

My wife kindly arranged a Surprise 40th Birthday for me last Saturday evening at The Rising Sun. Walking in to a room with my nearest and dearest was good enough for me, however the evening evolved into one of the best I've had for many years, and the friends who joined us from across London thought similarly. Aperitifs and nibbles (Pasta Fritta and Arancini) where prefect, Starters (Tuna Tartar, Beef Carpaccio and Burrata) where beautiful, Mains (Fillet Steak, Plaice, King prawn spaghetti, Truffle Risotto, Chicken Milanese and Asian Steak Salad) where exceptional, followed by birthday cake, crumble and the best chocolate brownie I've ever had. A plentiful bar, great wines and fantastic homely service made for a wonderful evening. Luca and Matti worked hard with my wife to make sure everything was perfect and it was, beyond any expectation I could have ever had have, and chef and his team put out Michelin starred food all night long. I rarely write reviews yet it would have been simply wrong not to do so. I was shocked by a few moans and groans I flicked through from other reviews so perhaps worth sharing a few thoughts. The Rising Sun serves exceptional food and fantastic wine accompanied by wonderful service and is likely the best food outside of Central London without a Michelin star, which is why its challenging to get a table, the restaurant is a favourite with well to do locals and celebs alike, and increasingly attracts patrons from Kent, Essex and across Hertfordshire (its not exactly around the corner!). Should you wish to drink a cheap pint of beer, go to Weatherspoon's; should you want a low cost Sunday roast, go to Toby Carvery and should you want average food for less, there are plenty of choices. If you want a phenomenal meal and a memorable experience then try to get a table at the Rising Sun if you can (as long as its not mine) ! Thank you gents for a truly...

I booked this place for my partner’s birthday lunch. On entering, the waiter took us to the back and told us we could sit anywhere on a 2 seater table. We asked if we could sit on a 4 seater table in the corner and he said it was fine. Another waiter came over and told us we had to move. I queried this and he said the other waiter doesn’t cover this section and is unaware. We walked to the next available 2 seater table and told again we weren’t allowed to sit there, which was absolutely ridiculous. Once seated, the waiter came over to take orders, however, we weren’t quite ready so I kindly requested to come back after a few minutes. No one came to take our orders for around 15 minutes. They weren’t even super busy. Clearly, not very attentive. I asked for a drink with no ice and lemon and they bring my drink with ice and lemon. The food arrived, which was actually really tasty so definitely a 10/10 for that. I told one of the waiters that it was my partner’s birthday today and if they could arrange something for him. They said they can place a candle on a cake that we order! I thought they would have offered a gesture of goodwill by giving a small slice of dessert complimentary. The waiter said he will pass the message to the lady that was serving us. The cake came and no candle. I was absolutely fuming! A simple request did not get fulfilled. I just wanted to pay and leave as soon as possible. After reading the reviews previously about the staff not being attentive or not being present, I wanted to give this place the benefit of the doubt. The staff are letting down the experience a customer...

What to say? I came here with my partner for a meal and reserved the Garden Room because it sounded lovely. When we arrived we were bluntly told that we wouldn’t be in the Garden Room but in a marquee outside. There was no explanation as to why and no apologies given.

The service was slow and the staff weren’t very attentive. My meal was fine but the portion was ridiculously small and neither the size nor quality justified the hefty price tag on it. And, paying over £100 for a meal out, I’d at least expect the service to match the prices.

We had asked a waitress for the bill, but, in the meantime, another waiter came over — no greeting or anything — and put the bill in front of me. He said he needed the table back — again, no “sorry for the inconvenience,” just a blunt statement followed by a rude stare. We had already asked for the bill, which I suppose he wasn’t aware of.

There were plenty of other diners that had stayed longer than us (and we would’ve been out sooner had the service been better).

All in all, a disappointing evening and a waste of money. I felt hungry right after I left due to the small portions and I was taken aback by how blunt and unapologetic the staff were.

If you want a nice meal in Mill Hill, you’re better off going to BANK (or even to Mani & Nick’s, which is a fraction of the price!).

I’m glad we visited as we’d passed it a few times. But, I don’t plan on visiting again any time soon and it definitely won’t be on my...