Fitou's Thai Restaurant 1-3 Dalgarno Gardens, London W10 5LL

"I ordered common south-east asian dishes and they were so authentic and yummy."

"I visited this restaurant with a friend who had highly recommended this venue based on previous visits and commended it across the years as offering authentic Thai food in north west London. Upon arrival I was greated by someone who I assume is the owner who immediately quipped “your a bit late aren’t you” hardly an inviting welcome however in his defense our party of 3 did arrive at 9pm on a Sunday (I still have never received a less welcoming greeting despite attending venues that are closed or no longer accepting orders) After the cold and dismissive greeting we were seated at a table which had an exceptional view of the family’s front room. Whilst this area was visible and accessible from the restaurant it is most definitely a private area and what I can only describe as their front room. I drew this conclusion due to the myriad of screaming semi clothed children running about chased by a woman (again assuming) which I believed to be the mother. To complement this exposed living area showcased in not only the dining area but immediately visible from the reception there was various bags of shopping, toys, bottles and water and odd bits/objects that I would best describe as rubbish. Whilst this is not a review/attack on how one keeps their house - I would expect that a restaurant of this stature and longevity would at least install some curtains - not only to have privacy but also to assure diners that you are a welcome guest and not a sore thumb just outside their living room, upon which they are eager for you to leave so they may go about their business uninterrupted - again this is my perception based on the feeling I received upon my visit. Despite the lackluster welcome and bizarre arrangements, I was looking forward to the food. Having travelled extensively throughout south east Asia and visiting Thailand in excess of 5 times, I have an appreciation for this cuisine. Again given experiences and dining in Thailand it is often the worst looking/least hospitable restaurants that serve the best food. This is why I was more than willing to dismiss the immediate red flags. Amongst the table we ordered a load of dishes ranging from green curry, red curry, fish and a few starters. The food took a while but that is ok. What was most mortifying and lead to me leaving this review is this - what I can sadly only describe as- an awful/disrespectful excuse for Tom yum soup. As mentioned previously I was more than open to disregard all other apprehensions in anticipation of amazing authentic food. I simply ordered the most famous Thai dishes - Tom Yum Soup & Thai Green Curry. I understand that perhaps this may sound spoilt as I have had the experienced authentic Thai food many a time, but what was most surprising and disappointing was the very lackluster Grey soup that was presented to me masquerading as Tom yum. Please see picture; Due to the poor recipes/“creative licence” adopted by this restaurant and the inhospitable serve techniques, further concreted by the bizarre, somewhat unhygienic and most definitely unprofessional layout of this restaurant, I will not revisit."

"Undoubtedly - London's best kept secret. Was my wife's wedding anniversary - and she wanted something new but not lavish. And was stuck on Thai. Did some research as have been utterly disappointed with our usual joint (Spicy Basil - Kilburn) - and boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Kelan and team do an amazing job. Very welcoming and attending to each and every guest - and some of them were so regular that they knew them by name. A lovely local neighbourhood sort restaurant. Even before the food arrives - the entire atmosphere gives you a happy feel. Food was amazing - cooked to perfection - everything we had. Even the dessert - Banana Fritters with Ice Cream. Our little one left happy. Even if the place is not lavish - its unique. Perfect to a semi-business kind of meet as well. Your guests would be certainly impressed. Keep it up folks."

"A Thai restaurant near my office with a very wide menu of Thai dishes and some Malaysian dishes too. Always tasty and a friendly welcome from the owner when he is around."