Oslo Court Restaurant
French Restaurant in St. John's Wood
Address
Charlbert Street
Prince Albert Road
St. John's Wood
London
NW8 7EN
Opening Summary
Monday - Saturday: 12.30 - 14.30 & 19.00 - 23.00
Oslo Court Restaurant (named after the residential mansion block on whose ground floor it is situated), is one of a kind. Having been on its current site for over 30 years, the welcome today is as warm as it's ever been. The food is excellent, portions are generous, and the patrons come back time and time again for more. Dishes include the likes of beef wellington, prawn cocktail and crepe suzette; a throw-back to the 80s perhaps, but a good one!
Oslo Court Restaurant Picture Gallery
User Reviews
Having been invited to this restaurant some years ago, I have been very fortunate to now frequent this place often. It is without doubt my favourite restaurant ever! Tables are hard to come by but it is worth the wait. I have always had a fantastic meal here from start to finish and if it's a special occasion then this is the place to come. The food is wonderfully cooked and to your taste whatever way you like your steak, vegetables, starters, vegetables etc
I recently introduced my parents to Oslo court and they never go to restaurants. They now visit on a regular basis. There is something for everyone on the menu. The staff are amazing and Neil is a gem.
I would eat here everyday if I could!
I have been to this restaurant many times over the years and have never had a bad meal. The food is beautifully cooked and presented. The staff are always pleasant and helpful and the sweet trolley is to die for. Anyone who doesn't like this restaurant or food doesn't know good food or a good restaurant
Over the years I have wasted my time and money going to “Fashionable Restaurants” with the “Latest Décor” and state of the art Food and without exception have always left feeling bitter and disappointed and vowing never to go again. Then about 15 years ago I discovered Oslo Court and have never looked back.
If it’s an important event I’m going there. The food is excellent, with ample portions outstanding presentation and a sweet trolley to die for, expertly presented by the inimitable Neil’s. Tony Sánchez is a master of hospitality and has one of the finest restaurants in the world.
We went here yesterday to celebrate our friends 60th birthday. From the minute we arrived until we left 5 hours later, I felt 25 again. The decor, menu and staff all gave us the flavour's of the 1970s and it was wonderful. The staff were attentive, friendly and thoughtful. The pink table dressings (with large fresh flower displays in the centre) and the room decor was straight out of the 70s. We were even given the old style menus, where the ladies cannot see the prices but the men can! The lunch menu of £31pp was extensive with lots of old favourites from the 60s/70s/80s to choose from. The food was excellent and not one of us was disappointed with our choice and we all had generous portions. We were given "crudites/olives/cashew nuts" at the bar and "melba toast" on the tables and "garlic bread" whilst we made our choices. Dinner was followed with coffee and "petit fours". As there was not another sitting until the evening, instead of having to rush off, we were able to stay at our table and have extra drinks and relax, which was very welcoming as we were so full up! All in all we really enjoyed our visit to Oslo Court. It probably is a little expensive but well worth the money for a special occasion.
I have been to Oslo Court before. I was a great place to celebrate special events. We introduced this place to many friends and family members. Things have changed a lot. Food and service deteriorated a lot. Even by the end of afternoon you already feel as if you are given leftovers as the food choice becomes limited and there are only a couple of desserts left to choose from. Last time when we visited the restaurant 5 people got poisoned by oysters and only one person was OK who didn't eat them. The restaurant owner was very unhelpful and arrogant in the matter and instead of offering simple apology and re-assuring that they were going to deal with the problem and talk to suppliers, he did nothing about it. This is definitely not the quality place for going out to eat any more.
Have been here before but things have gone downhill. Vegetables were overcooked and sauces rely heavily on mayonnaise. Service was very poor. Our dessert was a long time coming but as we had time to wait we said nothing, even though the table next door was served ahead of us after finishing their main course a long time after us. The staff then appeared to want our table in a hurry - young waiter tried to clear dessert plates even though one of guests was still eating so I asked him to wait - which he did. An older waiter then stormed over and cleared all dessert plates leaving one guest still eating. This is not the way to treat people in a restaurant - the older waiter should be ashamed of himself.
michelle frost
from chingford
hello evryone who is looking at these reviews,this is NOT a fake review, i have been going to this restaurant for over 15 years and never been disapointed with any thing i ve had on the menu. the staff are friendly and will help you with any thing you need. i ve celebrated many birthdays, anniversaries and just a good night out there. thank you to all the staff of oslo court. and you can never leave without the pleasure of a desert.
Name: michelle frost
Location: chingford
I can see why people seem to love or hate this restaurant. It is not neutral or minimalist it has a definate style, kinda pink and fluffy. It's slightly quirky-it is a converted ground flr appartment in a block of flats after all-but once through the door I feel a bit like 'Mr.Ben' having been transported to a pink sumptuous dining experience that does not seem to have changed in the last 30 years or so. This is a good thing for this place- The staff are friendly and helpful but also discreet, they assist with choice of food and can be flexible with omitting or adding ingredients to taste eg. cooking scallops without rather than with bacon,. The menu is not 'cutting edge' but decent food such as oysters or steak in sauce (I always have fish however)that is impressive but also good when hungry. The desserts could be a bit 'classier' but overall portions are ample and the food is very nice. I love coming here with my Mum and family for a birthday or celebration as they make a bit of fuss over you but you can sit there for ages in their very comfy chairs in a lovely atmosphere conducive to good conversation and a bit of fun.
I have read some of the comments and do not know where the 1 star raters are coming from. Oslo Court is the best restaurant that I have ever been to in the UK and abroad. The service, the food the ambience and the friendliness are beyond criticism. There is no where better that I would wish to dine. My wife and I have been visiting for over 30 years and in all that time, apart from the extention and Neils waistcoats nothing has really changed. I celebrated another birthday there last night and left as satisfied as ever. We will return soon.
We have been going to Oslo Court about once or twice a year for the past 6 years. My father is the fussiest of eaters/diners and he has never found fault with anything. We are made to feel so welcome by all the staff....the little finishing touches add to the atmosphere.....Recommended for that special occasion as the restaurant will make you a delicious gateux at no extra cost which you take home after the meal....fantastic. Air conditioned too!!
Don't quite follow all the comments from obviously wannabe food critics who would spend their time more profitably watching Masterchef than visting Oslo Court. The simple truth is that the whole experience of visting Oslo Court is highly rewarding. Oslo Court does not profess to have 5 Michelin stars but notwithstanding the food is very good from start to finish, the ambience wonderful and the efforts put in by Tony and the staff to make customers feel welcome are tremendous. I only visited Oslo Court for the first time in November (on a weekend break in London -I live in Scotland) and will be returning once more in June for what I hope will be the first of many repeat visits.
Perhaps negative reviews visited a different Oslo Court restaurant?
Having dined there for the last twenty-eight years, yes, the decor is 70s/80s and maybe so is the menu, but the quality of the food and service is second to none, whilst the secret to their success is having maintained a standard over the years and this they have done beautifully!
The 'dining experience' is superb, from starting with the crudites and garlic bread rolls, to Neil who looks after your desert order. OK, the menu is so old that it could have originally been written in Hieroglyphics, but it is both extensive and designed to cater for meat, fish and vegetarians, alike.
If you want an expansive venue and modern cuisine, do not visit Oslo Court, but if you want a stunning meal, at a reasonable price and excellent service, from staff who have practically grown-up there, visit Oslo Court and enjoy a true dining experience!
I went to Oslo Court for my birthday, I found the food really disgusting. I don’t want to use such a strong word but it was truly that, I did not finish my duck I had to eat some of my girlfriend’s even then we did not finish her stakes. I can wholeheartedly say my local Chinese restaurant would have done far better duck than they did at much lesser price. If you value your night out then Oslo Court is to be avoided.
C'est Tres Magnifique !!!
Hi, fascinating reading the various reviews. I did find it very much a "70s" restaurant but quirky and endearing as well. Food was pretty good and whilst I am not a pudding fan they seemed to have a great choice. Whilst décor was old fashioned I would not have said shabby and I found service very good and charming. This is definitely not a bland branded chain and worth visiting for a unique experience.
Been there today and EXACTLY like the last reviwer said so I've copied some of the words. I'm a veggie and the menu is not at all for me but everything they have and serve and do, seems to be of the very highest quality. The decor is not at all shabby or run-down. The service is always excellent - warm, friendly, polite and attentive without undue hovering or being over the top. The waiters bring any extras that you ask for and always seem to remember. I've been going for years and have always enjoyed it. And if I were not a veggie I am sure I would upgrade to at least 10 stars as a few others have, because I don't go to restaurants to have my imagination fed.
I love this restaurant, even though it's true that the food is unimaginative and somewhat bland, with only a few basic sauces etc, as other reviewers have commented. However, it's always generous portions of perfectly edible, satsifying 70s style dishes. So not great food, but reviews which describe it as dreadful shouldn't be trusted. The decor is also old-fashioned, pink and powder blue, maybe not to everyone's taste, but not at all shabby or run-down. The service is always excellent - warm, friendly, polite and attentive without undue hovering or being over the top. The waiters bring any extras that you ask for and always seem to remember, unlike some restaurants where extra requests disapper into a black hole. It's a great place to celebrate birthdays etc and they will make you a truely delicious creamy birthday cake for about £20. It's not the place for a gastronomic treat but if you think you'll enjoy a rather retro 70's kind of meal and ambience, give it a go. My family have been going for years and have always enjoyed it, it's like being in a comfortable time warp.
As a person who has eaten at Oslo Court numerous times over the last 10 years I am amazed that anyone could give this establishment a review less than 7 out of 10. To be honest, the penultimate review was from end of Aug and the restaurant is closed for the month of August hence i would suggest the last two are fakes (this is my opinion only). Anyway... enough about those reviews... in summary... if you want a pleasant eating experience with a restaurant that always has a great vibe and the odd celeb here and there then this is the place. Dont be put off my the wait for a table... I think it is worth it...in 10 years I have gone with clients, family, friends etc and never ever been let down...
The food at Olso Court is unedible. All the 10 star reviews on this site are fakes! The clue is in the insults and personal attacks any negative reviewer gets. Tacky behaviour by the tacky few who actually eat there. Embarassing!
There is something strange about reviews of Oslo Court - they are nearly all 10 stars saying its the best restaurant on the planet, with the odd one saying its the worst! I'm afraid we're in the latter category. The food is very bland, the chef seeming to have no use for any ingedients other than the basic meat or fish, with the exception of a choice of three sauces for the duck. Its not simply that they have a 1970s menu, its that there's no imagination, style or panache to the food. The apparent adulation this place receives is incomprihensible. The service is actually very friendly which makes it all the painful to say just how unimaginative, unexciting and unsatisfactory Oslo Court is as a place to eat.
This is the first time I have posted a review about a restaurant but last week's visit to the Oslo Court just had to be commented on. This place is stunning - the service, the food and the value for money are absolutely superb. I cannot wait to go back.
You must go to this restaurant! From the moment you enter to the moment you leave the service is exceptionally good, so many waiters on hand but not once did you feel they were anywhere near you. There's so much to choose from on the menu (Ladies menus have no prices only the gentlemen get to see how much it costs) along with the specials. I opted for crab to start followed by beef wellington and finally pavolva. Wait till you meet the sweet waiter, I was enchanted by him.
My husband had scallops wrapped in bacon to start followed by venison and then finished with rice pudding.
Once you are shown to your table don't eat too many of the little crudites that are waiting for you along with thinly sliced toast and garlic bread you won't be able to eat what you order.
A great night the restaurant is buzzing although you feel like your the only people there. I don't know how they manage to do it. It's like having your best friends to dinner and your own private chef.
Great place, preserved in aspic, unlike any other restaurant in England
Eat there before someone tarts it up! (and spoils it)
It seemed to me, on my first visit last week, that it is a perfect place for celebrations. There were at least 4 'happy birthdays' sung, by people who were obviously having a good time at lunch time. The food was excellent, the staff solicitous, the clientele well-dressed and the atmosphere charming and relaxed. There is something distinctly old-fashioned about the restaurant, to its credit I'd say. Nothing hurried, yet the staff were busy, good choices of food - I was particularly impressed by the young Spanish lady who went from table to table, with the menu choices on offer that day, with real enthusiasm and also by the dessert waiter who made you feel as though he was saving the best for you.
My only criticism is the entrance - I thought I'd stumbled into a cloakroom and the parking is a nightmare. We parked in the Park and walked. Probably this wouldn't matter normally, as I imagine that the clientele is made up from the ranks of residents in the residential block itself or the surrounding neighbourhood. Next time, and there will be a next time, we'll go by taxi.
I have been eating at Oslo Court for years, and have Never had a bad meal or poor service no matter how busy the Restaurant is.
It's my birthday next week and we will be going to Oslo Court, as we are a Guaranteed a good evening with good food at a good price.
I must say, that anytime we want to entertain. We are comforted to know that we can safely take our friends and guests to a restaurant and know that everything we have told them about it, is true. "It Does What it Says on the TIN".
Yet again another fabulous evening. Fantastic food, supberb friendly and polite service. Timing is perfect and a great atmosphere.
This is the e-mail I received from my friends, after last nights meal.
Thanks again to all the staff at Oslo Court
Richard
H i Rick
I Want to thank you and Mandy for inviting us out to dinner last night. It was a lovely evening and one we will remember for a long time.
I am certain I will use the Oslo Court again; it was every bit as good as the online reviews advised. The food is excellent and the service
all one could wish for.
Kind regards
John
Absolutely brilliant, used to work in the hotel trade in the 80s and 90s and this place so reminds me of it. Exceptional food with a huge choice of specials alongside the already extensive menu. Proper waiters and fantastic service just add to the experience.
The retro vibe and atmosphere can be appreciated by all ages.
Don't change anything, even better as we live within walking distance.
I have been coming here for the past sixteen years, nothing changes apart from the odd new face, and Tonys daughter now taking up the reins. To me it is simply the best, food excellent and very wide choice,service top notch, and the ambiance is what adds the icing to this cake, and of course the gentleman we call the "sweetie waiter" I live on the south coast and this is my treat to myself.
Robert Veal
Just recovering from a magnificent lunch. After 20 years this is still the best place to eat in London (bar none).
Congratulations to Masiel on her forthcoming wedding to David.
Kind Regards
Fran & Roy Thake
Was my first time there. This is a fantastic place to eat. Food was outstanding, service was brilliant! Would definately recommend this. Do NOT judge it from the outside, go and try the food for yourself!!! Would recommend the raspberry mouse... to die for!!! It was for my birthday and they made me a cake and personalised it!! Great place. 10/10.
FOOD EXCELLENT.....SERVICE EXCELLENT...SURROUNDINGS EXCELLENT........STAFF EXCELLENT...THE ONLY RESTAURANT WHERE WE HAVE NEVER HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING...............THE SWEETS WAITER IS A DARLING.....................WE JUST LOVE THE PLACE!! *****
Well what can I say about this restuarant, I visited it for the first time the other day, the staff were fantastic made me feel very welcome, the place is just pure class, my guest and I had a fantastic delicous meal, mouthwatering food, fine wines could not get a better meal anywhere in the world, would recomend that you don't visit or I might not be able to get a table, only joking, if you like very good food do go there you will not be disapointed, I personally would like to thank all the staff there for making my guest and myself very welcome and look forward to seeing you all again soon. Thanks Joe and Raza
Last night ( Feb.13th ) was the first time I have been back to Oslo Court for 17 years.
It was the best restaurant experience I have ever had, from the dips on the table, through the mouth watering Lobster Cocktail, to the sumptuous Beef Wellington, and ending with the show that is desserts.
Oslo Court is not 10 out of 10, it is 11 out of 10.
Can't wait for another special occasion to go back.
But not 17 years time!
Possibly the best restaurant ever visited. Food is absolutely fantastic - freshly cooked and plentiful portions. Desert waiter is entertainment itself - and the deserts are so wonderful. Overall the best eating experience to be had - cosy and friendly atmosphere with great attention to detail. A wondeful treat of an evening.
Oslo Court has got to be one of the very best Restaurants in London, both in terms of the quality (and portions) of the food and the service. Everything about the restaurant and it's staff are full of eccentricity; the room looks like a 70's cruise ship and the staff look as though they too have just arrived from that era too. I've yet to meet anybody who visits and is not completely taken with it. The quirky service, Neil the Desert Waiter, the overheard conversations, the fact ladies receive a menu without prices, actually I should say no more, since it is already difficult to get a table!
The guy called Sarj who doesnt get it probably eats in McDonalds or Burger King. I had a meal there on 14th March and found the settings, staff and food absolutely exceptional. As everyone is saying in their feedback I totally agree, the dessert guy is absolutely fantastic. I will definately dine there again and also reccomend to others. Thank You for a wonderful lunch.
I really don't get it! In my opinion this has got to be the worst restaurant in London. The decor, lighting and customer environment resembles a bad motorway service station from the 70s. The food hasn't changed since the 70s either. It comes in large portions, but lacks imagination and most definitely is not worth the 2005 price! Still, there is one thing that eclipses all of these - the service. I waited 50 minutes for my table, without a word of apology or explanation, I found the table service patronising and false, and the dessert waiter has got to be one of the most annoying men on earth! To cap all of this, when I spoke to the manager to say I wasn't happy with my experience
THE BEST HOST,STAFF,AND FOOD IN LONDON,NEIL"S SWEET,LOVE IT THERE PAUL GREEN
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