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A few levels down from the upmarket eateries on the eighth floor in more ways than one, this elongated space on the second floor of the Oxo Tower has seen more than its fair share of restaurants come and go. Tamesa’s aquatic interior features retro pod seating and a space-age metal bar set against electric-blue walls undulating in waves, and pillars painted with arty seaweed shapes. The river views through the windows are delightful but can’t excuse the food. A starter of Scottish lobster soup with brandy was a thick, flavourless fish broth, but a culinary masterpiece compared to a plate of ‘pan fried’ (yet somehow stone cold) tiger prawns propped against an elaborate confection of cucumber and rocket, so dry and tasteless and presented so swiftly after ordering it seemed like it had been prepared hours earlier and refrigerated. Workmanlike mains of roasted pork belly and confit of lamb were both tender and accompanied by decent mash, but too small of portion and lacking in anything like the culinary verve to justify the price tag of almost £15. Needless to say, we were the only diners there.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
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We went for Sunday lunch at Tamesa on a whim, after visiting a gallery next door in the Oxo tower. Despite their great value lunch offer, and the views over the river, it was almost empty, which in hindsight was a sign we should have paid more attention to, given that we had just passed a packed-out pub serving lunches. The waiter was friendly and helpful. However, once the food was due, things took a decided turn for the worse. They forgot our starter entirely, bringing the main course first, and didn't apologise for their oversight. The lamb was tasty and reasonably well-presented, though. There was then a very long wait before we could order dessert, despite the fact that only two other tables were occupied. After we ordered, there was another wait, after which the coffee arrived - before the dessert! Half an hour later, there was still no dessert, nor any sign of the bill we had asked for at the same time. This place has a great location and at least one reasonably good dish, but for it to be successful the management need to improve their service dramatically.
One to avoid - we went in for cocktails and made the decision to stay for food - it was teh wrong decision. The food was overprices, poorly cooked and came in measely portions. The prawn starter was dry and tasteless while the pollock main was covered in a sickly, unappealing suace. The service was below average - although interest did pick up when the time came to pay the bill. Don't waste your time or money - if you do go - stick to the cocktails