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Samarqand

18 Thayer Street, W1U 3JY Full details & map

Restaurants & cafés: Global

David Tett

Time Out says 3 Users say 5/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 28 2011

Samarqand is a city forever at a crossroads, where dishes echo those of Turkey, China and more recently, Russia. Celebrating the food of contemporary Uzbekistan, this is a smart operation, furnished in a five-star-hotel style of expensive dark wood and mood lighting, with charming service throughout.

Starters include soups or samosas scattered with rocket leaves, while plov (a close relative of pilau) is prepared the Uzbek way, correctly glistening with so much fat it resembled stir-fried rice rather than the delicate rice dishes of Iran or India. Likewise, the lagman noodles were exemplary: freshly made and served in a simple beef and vegetable broth. Meat-filled wheat pasta dumplings is another dish that crops up from Korea to Poland, but this version, manty - minced lamb dumplings, served with yoghurt dips - is distinctively Central Asian.

Our fellow diners were mostly monied Russians (Samarqand is part of a Russian restaurant group), enjoying the extensive list of vodkas and high-priced wines. Sadly, many of the rear alcoves have been turned into private dining areas (some with karaoke facilities) pitched at expat Russian speakers in party mood. Be prepared if you visit on a Friday or Saturday night.

Tags: Global, Something different, Central, Marylebone, Mid-range

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Samarqand details

Address

Samarqand

18 Thayer Street W1U 3JY

Transport Bond Street tube

Telephone

020 7935 9393

Samarqand website

Meals served noon-11pm Mon-Thur; noon-11.30pm Fri, Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun

Main courses £12-£16. Set lunch £13.95 2 courses, £15.95 3 courses

Credit cards AmEx, MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Separate rooms for parties ( seating 8-14 ), Available for hire

Samarqand map

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Comments & ratings 5/5 (Average of 3 ratings)

By Dude - Feb 6 2012

5/5

Samarqand is AMAZING! I absolutely loved the food! (The plov and russian hering are highly recommend) The atmosphere is great and the service is impeccable! Staff are very friendly too! Audience is - contrary to the review - quite international. Furthermore the bar - and its vodka selection - are unrivalled in London!

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By Arsen - Oct 17 2011

5/5

great restaurant, good food and atmosphere. ))))

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By Guys from Samarqand - Oct 11 2010

We visited Samarqand restaurant and bar with a group of friend on Sunday evening. We were seated in a nice private area which was very cosy, with sofas and cushions. The place itlself is very stylish with sophisticated furnishing and decor. The food was delicious but not the best central asian cuisine we've tried in London, not that much variaty either, a bit disappointed with the quality of cocktails, very good choice of wines though.
The service was good, very promt and efficient, friendly waitress.
The drinks are a bit expensive, tea @ £4, a bottle of vodka @£98.
After the bill arrived it worked out we spent average £80 per person which is a bit costly for a place like this, but I can tell for sure we had an enjoyable evening.

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By Rinad - Oct 9 2010

I think Samarqand restaurant qualifies to be the best Central Asian place to dine in London in terms of quality of food and service! staff are well trained, food is amazing and lots of choice to choose from! if you want to have a great evening with your wife, girlfriend or friends its the place to go!!! i would recommend it to all!!! try it your self and you wont be disappointed!!!

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By Elena + 4 friends - Oct 7 2010

Very very good!! interior, food and service. Highly recommending it!

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By Mike - Oct 1 2010

Great place with slick design and concept. We were dining there yesterday, beautiful atmosphere and great food. Try red rice Plaw, definitely recommending it. going back there with friends!