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Jamie's Italian Kingston

19-23 High Street, KT1 1LL Full details & map

Pasta restaurant: Italian

Time Out says Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Dec 15 2009

Everyone loves Jamie O, or so you'd believe if you stumbled off the deserted streets of Kingston and into the action-packed environs of Jamie's Italian at 10pm on a rainy Tuesday. The no-booking policy (for fewer than eight people) means there's always a queue (apart from at opening time and 4-5pm according to the barman), as high-spirited families, couples and groups of mates clamber to try the Jamie take on rustic, relaxed Italian cuisine. We were warned of a 40-minute wait; it was 20, and two good cocktails at the slick-but-sticky bar made it whizz by. There are signs of the man himself everywhere - his mug adorning T-shirts, cookbooks, and, er, mugs, on sale in the entrance, along with the promise of 'proper posh' chips on the menu. Antipasti plates made tasty starters to share - melt-in-the-mouth crispy squid and fat polenta wedges were given zing with a sprinkle of fried herbs. Pasta is a speciality, and a big bowl of sausage pappardelle was comforting if not memorable. Food, fittings and atmosphere are all bang on brand: good value, friendly and fuss-free, with an irrepressible energy, but there's no denying it all feels formulaic. With more branches soon to open, this slick take on a traditional trattoria seems destined to become the next high-street honey.

Tags: European, Italian, Celebrated chefs, Families & kids, Late night, Outer London, Kingston, Surrey, Mid-range, Restaurant, Pasta restaurant

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Jamie's Italian Kingston details

Address

Jamie's Italian Kingston

19-23 High Street KT1 1LL

Transport Kingston rail

Telephone

020 8912 0110

Jamie's Italian Kingston website

Meals served noon-11pm Mon-Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun

Main courses £9.95-£15.95

Credit cards AmEx, MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( children's menu; crayons; high chairs; nappy-changing facilities ), Bookings not accepted ( under 8 people ), Disabled ( toilet )

Jamie's Italian Kingston map

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Comments & ratings

By Monika - Nov 22 2010

I wanted to book a table for last Saturday 20th Nov as it was 6 of us coming for dinner.
Website was showing availability but when I phoned no tables were available for booking. Lady on the phone advised just to show up & wait for the table.
I have asked what was the average waiting time on busy Saturday & she has replied that she didn’t know!!!??? I have questioned this but she has advised she had no idea. She just didn’t want to say it was long I guess.
I tell you on busy Saturday you have to wait at least 2.5hours!!! as we showed up at 20.00. Waiting time outside in cold approx 40 min & then they kindly let you in to spend your money in the bar before you can actually have dinner.
Needless to say we have left & went to Carluccio’s just around the corner.

They waiting line is ridiculous & they should change it.

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By lynco - Sep 24 2010

Rubbish. After three Jamie's Italian experiences I conclude that this chain is just a brand representing greed and low value. OK food, small portions and a menu designed for upsell where ever possible. Insulting to your customers.

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By asp - May 10 2010

Indifferent food, nowhere near as it could have been, tasteless veal, vile burger for the children, garlic fries with tons of raw garlic, pasta was ok but nothing special, definitely over priced for what it was, an odd mix of very attentive and completely indifferent staff, I don't think I'll bother going again.