Duende - Taunton Deane

Unfortunately this was not the good experience we have had 4 times previously and we were disappointed. Initially the male waiter just seemed a bit confused and forgot a few things. The starters were all fine. However, the main courses were very different to our last Sunday lunch experience. The beef meal was smaller, although it was commented that the beef was excellent. The duck was good but the diners were very disappointed that there was no vegetables served with this dish, just duck on lentils. (We knew other people dining on the day who also felt this way). Last time we had a dish of separate vegetables bought to the table. The vegetarian dish was also very disappointing from a size point of view when it arrived and we waited to see what else would come but nothing did. Sadly the taste was unpleasant, and not one to complain, so much so that it was inedible. It was sent back and replaced with another version which was ok (and we were not charged for this which was welcomed) The other problem with the veg dish is that there was no protein, so not a balanced dish, just vegetables and far too small for a main meal. The pudding was good although the rhubarb with the panacotta was so much nicer last time, it was not sweet at all this time. It’s such a shame that the consistency is not there. It has put us off going again.

Outstanding is the word. Who would have expected such a gem in little Wiveliscombe? Somerset must be the foodie capital of the South West, if not a wider geographic area. The restaurant has been converted from a shop, and decorated, lit and furnished to provide a rather sexy ambience. The welcome was warm and the service sharp but friendly. We had the 5 course tasting menu, which comprised a collection of delicious dishes, each comprising layers of taste and texture that made me want to roll each forkful around my mouth repeatedly before swallowing. Probably not a good look, but I really didn't care. A great menu and fantastic cooking from the joint chefs, Tim Zikki and Olivier Certain. We will be back soon. Highly recommended.

Noisy restaurant area, the soup was thin and lacked any depth of flavour, main course was a minute offering with little or no vegetables.

I cannot rate this excellent restaurant highly enough, from the moment you step through the doors your experience is like nothing else you will get in the area. It is just fabulous and I would recommend to anyone and will be back again and again especially as they now do an A La Carte menu.

Food was excellent. Portions are not large but a 3-course Exmoor festival deal at lunchtime left me feeling just right and very contented. My only gripe is that when my coat was returned it stank of frying.