Melati Restaurant

Now closed down.  Shame - it used to be good when it opened 30-ish years ago.  Wasn't nearly as good when I visited it about 10 years ago but still - it is a shame.

My second visit to london, a group of malaysian friends and me went to Melati. In hope to find really spicy and authentic food I let them order the typical malaysian dishes which consists of seafood, fried dry noodles and different types of curry. Sadly I dont remember names but I know what I was eating. I have personally visitied malaysia with my family (my mother is malaysian) and I have to say it wasnt the same. The food was good, but I had a small feeling it was a bit westernized. Even though we ordered extra spicy, they served us mild spiciness. The milk tea was also okay but not something I would order again. The fried noodles or curry noodles were a bit plain for my taste but the rest was fine :)
I would go there again, but not when I am up for some really authentic food-

Excellent food! The soft-shelled crab dish was a totally new experience - and lovely to bite into. The chicken with coconut in spicy Indonesian gravy was also excellent! Good atmosphere, with the owner who takes care of her patrons.

Never had Malaysian food before but really enjoyed eating here last night. Large portions, fresh home-cooked taste and super friendly and helpful service.

We went for the vegetarian set menu: £18 a head including 3 courses and a bellini. Main course was 4 sharing dishes (veg curry, spicy aubergine, garlic cabbage and chilli tofu) with jasmine rice. Each dish tasted fantastic.

Restaurant was busy with mostly locals or Malaysians, which must be a good sign. Decor is a bit '80's green' but the great food means they are forgiven for that ;)

Fairly good asian fare.

I am not very familiar with the region's foods, but the ones we tried were quite good.

There were a LOT of tourists on Saturday evening, when we went, and that doesn't recommend the place. But the food was nice enough.

I was disappointed in the size of the water glasses (smaller than the wine ones!!) and they never ever refilled them on their own initiative (I had to ask every time) which isn't very attentive. As we were seated riiiight next to the kitchen/bar area and waiters passed us by 10 times a minute, there is no "out of the way" excuse.

Overall I have to say I was not impressed, and for an Asian place that charges £20/person for an entree and a main (no drinks, no dessert) I find that it is hugely overpriced.

Good quality Malaysian food but expensive for what it was worth. However, the service is very good, with lots of attentive staff who processed my orders quickly.

I liked the fact that they served the food in a very 'home-cooked' way from basic curry bowls and plates and it would been nice if the prices reflected its basicness. However, it is a restaurant right in the middle of Soho and so prices will be more expensive than normal. Worth a visit but probably easier to visit another cheaper Malaysian restaurant outside of West End.

Melati is a very good malaysian restaurant in Soho. There aren't many malaysian restaurants around so it is nice to find one that does good food. The set meals are decent value and there is a varied menu with favourites such as Nasi Goreng and Beef curry. The restaurant is quite dated but service is usually pretty good and the prices are OK. Wortha visit.

A good restaurant worth the money.

Dishes are tasty but compared to the real
indonesian and singaporian versions a bit mild.

they serve big portions.

A good recommendation…..I come back for sure….

One of my favourites in Soho. Good food, spicy (if you ask for that) and good service. Always really crowded at the weekend. I couldn’t find any better Indonesian food in London.

We were going to see a show so landed in here on a whim; turned out to be a great choice - very tasty and plenty of food, one of the few time I haven’t cleaned my plate; it would’ve bordered on gluttony! I was expecting to have the tongue hanging but it wasn’t the case - you can’t go wrong for tastiness!

Whilst I wouldn’t choose it for a business lunch, it makes a hell of place to go in the evening with a group of mates! Super food, really makes you feel alive.

As miaotiger puts it, the rendang is tremendously good . . . . that and the rest of the menu too. We tend to pay about £20 a head for a shared starter and a main each with beer and water.

Service is friendly, but if you’re not used to South East Asian curtness, don’t be offended, it’s really isn’t meant badly.