Seemor
Il BordelloA-Worth Trying
metropolitan wharf, 70 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SS
· Italian restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1763 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Hearty old‑school Italian with generous portions, lively service, and standout seafood pastas; expect crowds, brisk pacing, and occasional service rough edges.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Il Bordello earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality—particularly praised seafood pastas and generous portions—paired with remarkable customer loyalty spanning decades. The riverside Wapping setting adds authentic neighborhood charm, though service can feel rushed during peak times and tight seating limits comfort, preventing the higher distinction needed for grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a classic neighborhood Italian that fills fast with families, dates, and regulars who greet the team like old friends. Service can be efficient and upbeat when it flows, and diners rave about plates that arrive generous and hot. One diner summed it up: "Feels like a proper trattoria where you are fed well and quickly." The culinary approach leans traditional and hearty: pizzas the size of hubcaps, seafood linguine with real depth, and tiramisu that wins repeat praise. You come here for comfort, not culinary theater. Portions are big enough to share, and value holds up even as prices have crept upward. Families fit right in thanks to familiar pizzas and simple pastas. Kids gravitate to Margherita, Prosciutto pizza, and basic tomato pastas, while adults can split a large pizza and a pasta. There is no clear gluten-free program and vegan choices look limited, so plan accordingly if you have strict dietary needs.
At a Glance
- Generous portions and consistently tasty seafood pastas
- Classic neighborhood vibe with many long-time regulars
- Peak-time pacing can feel rushed; reservations advised
- Prices have risen and a few dishes can feel expensive
- Limited vegan/gluten-free clarity; confirm before visiting
What Sets It Apart
- longtime_regulars_culture
- very_large_pizzas
- seafood_pasta_specialty
- historic_wharf_setting
What People Love
- Big, satisfying portions that feel generous
- Seafood linguine and crab ravioli with rich flavors
- Old-school charm and friendly Italian service
- Tiramisu and profiteroles that finish the meal right
Points of Concern
- Service pace can be uneven: some report slow ordering or rushed table turns during peak slots (medium frequency).
- Seasoning variance: a minority cite oversalting or soggy pizza bases (low to medium frequency).
- Prices noted as rising; a few mains feel pricey for a casual setting (medium frequency).
- Review patterns show minor polarity on service but no strong manipulation indicators; impressions appear organic.
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£38-50 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For value: pair a £14.95-£16.95 pizza with a shared starter like Caprese (£9.95).
- Seafood fans: Insalata di Mare (£18.95) to start, then seafood linguine (price not listed but reported as premium).
- Kids: Margherita pizza or simple tomato pasta; request lighter seasoning if needed.
Perfect For
- A hearty Italian family dinner
- Casual date night with comfort classics
- Group meals where sharing large pizzas works
- Pre- or post-event dining near Tobacco Dock
Location Insights
Area: Riverside Wapping with converted warehouses, residential feel, and destination pubs; appeals to locals and East London office crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit residential-commercial mix with steady foot traffic, especially evenings and weekends.
Nearby: Near Wapping Overground, Tobacco Dock events, riverside walks, and historic docklands; draws pre- and post-event diners.
WappingA riverside neighborhood characterized by converted warehouses, trendy apartments, and a sophisticated urban dining scene with waterfront restaurants and historic maritime character.
Metropolitan WharfA specific waterfront development featuring modern residential and commercial spaces with high-end architectural design and contemporary lifestyle amenities.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday18:00–22:30
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 18:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 18:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–15:00, 18:00–22:30
Friday12:00–15:00, 18:00–22:30
Saturday13:00–23:00
Sunday13:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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