Carpe Diem in Barnet

The most amazing food I had in quite a while! Strongly recommend you go there hungry 😉

Maria is a real gem and the food is ridiculously good at fantastic prices.

Best coffee around for miles. Having tried Shakshuka in many cafes I can safely say it is the best.

Large portions and very nice food. Nice staff.will definitely go again. Plenty of seating outside.

Great food at reasonable prices. Big meals so make sure you are hungry when you go. Seats are quite close together. Place is normally packed. Was lucky to seat in the corner this time. Other times I have given up because very busy.

Place was extremely busy. We sat down and were given menus 5 mins later and nodded that we were ready to order a few mins later. Several cycliists sat down 10 mins after we arrived and the waitress rushed over and started taking orders straight away even though she knew we were waiting to oder. We left straight away. Place is under staffed for volume of customers waitress demeanour was pretty bad and proud.

Excellent food, massive portions, and lively atmosphere!

Place was extremely busy. We sat down and were given menus 5 mins later and nodded that we were ready to order a few mins later. Several cycliists sat down 10 mins after we arrived and the waitress rushed over and started taking orders straight away even though she knew we were waiting to oder. We left straight away. Place is under staffed for volume of customers waitress demeanour was pretty bad and proud.

Excellent food, massive portions, and lively atmosphere!

Amazed after reading great reviews how bad this is Rude waitress greeting Just no hello Cortado done all wrong and Luke warm Man smoking right next to me outside table

Such friendly and welcoming service from Maria. We had a perfect brunch today and look forward to coming back. Delicious food and fantastic service.

Very good food nicely presented and huge portions. Staff always friendly and helpful. Reasonable prices.

Nice coffee shop, high quality coffee and well prepared Mediterranean style full English breakfast,

Best local restaurant I've ever been. Portions are massive, food tastes excellent and you don't need to call the bank for a loan to eat in london.

We had the bruschetta and calamari to start and then the steak burger. It was all delicious. The portions are very generous and great value for money.

Hidden treasure. Gets better each time!

Amazing food! Good portions, friendly staff, delicious delicious food. I had the chicken scalpione and wow it was amazing

I've been coming here with my family for many years on and off, and have never previously had a negative experience that wasn't rectified (overcooked/burnt fries quickly replaced). However, I went there this evening prior to a cinema visit, for what I though would be a speedy and pleasant meal, and it didn't quite work out that way. We were seated almost straight away and ordered within a few minutes. Then, even though only tables inside were occupied no food appeared for over 30 minutes. I asked if it would be coming soon as we were going on to the cinema and was told it was just being finished. A few minutes later the table next to us got their food, also after a lengthy wait, including a calamari salad as I too had ordered. A few minutes after that the pasta my wife and son were sharing came, along with a takeaway box I had asked for as time was now running very short. I also paid the bill there and then in advance for an even faster exit. A few more minutes passed before my salad arrived, a dish I have been always pleased with before. This time though the first piece of calamari I ate was very tough and I eventually chewed away at it and swallowed sure it must be a one off overcooked piece. Unfortunately it was not. The second I chewed and chewed before having to spit out rather than risk choking on it. This in itself was not a problem, things do occasionally get overcooked by all chefs. The problem was the reaction, or lack of, by the waitresses. Newer ladies who I've seen before, but not the reliable longtime ladies who've been delivering a great experience there year after year. One just looked at me as though it was bad luck I should just accept, and the other said that the kitchen had been told but it can't have been overcooked. The table next to us did speak up and say that their calamari was also tough. This was also followed by silence. The silence continued, I'd already paid for my inedible calamari, was in danger of being late for our film, so walked out very dissatisfied and disappointed. An experience I thought could never happen there. Completely baffled by the complete disregard of a genuine complaint, backed up by another unconnected diner, in a venue i've actively promoted to friends and colleagues. Poor show!

This restaurant it’s amazing, I went many times whit family, food wander full , costumer service great 👍

The best place to eat in North London. Portion size are huge, atmosphere is fantastic and Michael is the best chef. Calamari salad 20/10 my favourite 😍 Staff are lovely and definitely value for money 💖

There are lots of fancy looking restaurants on the high street with very average food. This little gem is the opposite, no bells and whistles but an absolute find. Warm atmosphere, DELICIOUS hearty food and dog friendly.. you couldnt ask for more! Special thanks to Maria for introducing me to the home made chilli sauce and to the incredible (and hilarious) chef/owner who created it. The food is something special, but it's the people who make it shine. Can't wait to come back :)

Great food and great value and very friendly staff

Excellent food, big portions and good service

The food is exceptional and is busy but this proves how great the restaurant is! We have been for breakie/lunch/dinner the best place to eat in North London and money value for the portions! We love it! I wish they had a bigger place to fit buggy’s! Brilliant atmosphere and food! Keep doing what you are doing!

Fantastic place and great value. I highly recommend. All dishes served are good here.

Food is always fantastic as well as the service.

If there was no star I would chose that , It may be the food good but the service it’s bad like you are not there only if you are dressed fancy you may have a chance for someone’s to look at you and ask for your order. Disappointed

Very good lunch menu and nicely prepared and generous portions. Very fair value. Nice friendly staff but a little slow on the busy lunch time I was there. We shall make this actegular!

Maybe Carpe Diem is a victim of its own success. At busy lunch periods the atmosphere in the restaurant is somewhat chaotic and hectic which can result in the serving staff being quite abrupt in their manner and not particularly friendly. Told to wait 45 minutes for a take away and when we said that was too long and we will cancel the order, met with shock and dismay and told that the food is all prepared fresh and by hand and we were left feeling guilty that we wanted to leave. Given their prices are now the same as many restaurant which are arguably larger, have more waiting staff and kitchen staff, I think I know where I’d rather go. Yes I understand this is a local restaurant but that does not mean poor service should be ignored.

Our favourite spot to come for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and pretty much anything as all of their menu is great. Maria is just lovely and the team are so warm and welcoming. The food is delicious, high quality, and large portions, at an exceptional price - no wonder they are always packed. DON’T CHANGE CARPE - we are customers for life!! Thank you all! James, Anuj & Amy ❤️❤️ xxxxx

Excellent food (our group ate a vegan breakfast and full English) and and especially the service in a cafe type atmosphere. We watched others being served and all dishes looked great. It's a small place, and you may have to queue; but worth it.

It's the whole package: amazingly tasty food, generous portions, great atmosphere and friendly staff.

Had a fantastic meal tonight… Very generous portions. Tasty fresh food. Highly recommend. A little gem in whetstone.

This place never ceases to amaze me. Yes there is a wait for your food but it is more than worth it.

It’s a good place, particularly when you take low prices into account. Very small cafe with simple design. The food is decent, good size portions and they make fresh juices (too much water added in for my taste, but it wasn’t too bad). I believe we were unfortunate as our two omelettes took nearly 40 minutes to make, turning our breakfast into brunch, and they got some ingredients wrong - but we were hungry. It is always busy due to size, low prices and popularity in the area. However, I think it’s also due to lack of breakfast places that so many people come here. We will probably come again given lack of choices around.

I've had mixed experiences at Carpe Diem The quality of their food is inconsistent each visit seems to bring a different level of taste and presentation. Moreover they lack organization, often resulting in errors with my orders. It's disappointing to repeatedly face these issues as it detracts from what could otherwise be a pleasant experience

Best local cafe in the area, indoor and outdoor seating with cushions and throws to keep comfy. The food is wonderful and portions are plenty. Having been to all the cafes in whetstone nothing compares.

It's our favourite comfort food restaurant locally.

If I could place them ten stars, I would. The chef is genius. After good lunch with enormous dishes your heart is cheerful and joyful and your mind is calm. It’s pretty rare after a restaurant meal.

I can't believe, having lived in the area for over 10 years, I only recently tried this place. It's great! Massive portion sizes, delicious food. I've tried a few things and all of it is very good. A very small place and it does take a while for food to come but that's a small price to pay for the quality you get. Reasonable prices too.

Friendly staff good service and food is great

Absolutely amazing.! 😃👌 .. best place around by far… food is unbelievable ….always fresh and amazing value for money… Staff are super friendly to it’s always a pleasure to come here. We have definitely found our new place come. Thanks for providing such a good service X

Food always good lots to choose from always freshly cooked

Lovely little place, friendly staff and delicious food.

Would leave 6 stars if I could! Absolutely fantastic service and value for money.

This lovely neighbourhood cafe was packed for lunch. To surprise it was faultless. Huge portions, great value and fantastic quality. Highly recommended and a referral that is given without reservation.

It’s hands down my favourite restaurant in north London! The food is excellent, portion is very generous, the staff are incredibly nice, the atmosphere is always welcoming. The owner Michael is a champion!!

Great food, but the place is so tight, The tables are so close to each other, and you can't sit.

Nice filling portions, lots of options and great value for money! The risottos are delicious, and so are the salads.

Lovely little caffe on the high street with good food selection. Carpe breakfast was good, but because it's so busy and packed you will have to wait a bit to get table and order.

The best place to eat in Whetstone, great fresh food, good portions & very nice service. Highly rated in my opinion.

I used to come here a couple of times a month for over 10 years - in those days Carpe Diem was universally excellent... ....unfortunately it certainly had a blip last week! I ordered two black coffees and two bacon and tomato toasted sandwiches on brown and two glasses of tap water. I watched the waitress write my order down in her notepad (saw her write "2 x BT" etc), so far so good... Then someone else came out and double checked my order - I repeated the order... Coffee came out and was lovely (I always like their coffee) and the water too. Then someone came out with a toasted sandwich and gave it to me - it was on WHITE bread, so I said that this must be wrong as I had ordered on BROWN. Very sour-faced response "have run out of brown bread" - so much for customer service. Then I looked at the sandwich and realised it had egg in it (which I am very allergic to) so I marched into the cafe (I was seated outside) and pointed out the error and when they told me *** that this was what I had ordered *** made it very clear to them that there is no way I would have ever ordered anything with egg in it as I am very allergic to eggs. They made me a new bacon sandwich (I only got one of them, not TWO), this time it was on BROWN (so I had been lied to), and it was delicious. Summary: very poor service lied to (when they said they had run out of brown bread) lied to again (when they said that I had ordered egg) only got one sandwich (not the two I had ordered) bill was £12 which seems a little high to me Why 2 stars not just 1? The coffee and the bacon & tomato toasted sandwich tasted great. Will I ever return? Doubtful.

Omggg! Food was sooo delicious, not to mention hot & fresh. We've been trying to eat here for months but it's always mad busy. Now i know why...I defo recommend the pasta (in a gorgeous tomato sauce) with the chicken escalope. The beef burger is amazing too with crispy chips. The mocha was perfect. Great staff, friendly, efficient and attentive. Shame its not a bigger venue! Defo going back.

Was the only customer there asked for soy milk cappuccino. Even though asked twice to make sure they still gave me regular milk. I asked them to remake it as I’m lactose intolerant and still it tasted like cow milk. I gave up and left, waste of money. Not hard to listen

Carpe Diem offers inviting ambiance and delicious coffee. Its atmosphere and expertly crafted drinks create the perfect setting for socializing or solitude. The friendly service adds a delightful touch to every visit. For a truly exceptional coffee experience, seize the moment at Carpe Di em.

This spot is the best in London in terms of pricing to portion size. The staff are lovely and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Would honestly eat here everyday if I could

I absolutely love this place 😍 the staff are so friendly and welcoming. The food is amazing and every time i order something it is made fresh and to perfection. Michael the owner and chef is such an amazing guy and is really great with the customers, He has 100% passion and dedication. I would highly recommend Carpe Diem and cannot put to words how welcome i was made feel by the whole team.

Carpe catered our dinner party for twenty people The food was incredible. The service top notch. I would highly recommend carpe and Michael’s team of staff

My son and I went for breakfast and both found it very disappointing. Mine was supposed to have smashed avocado on sourdough toast with bacon and poached eggs - the 3 meagre slices of avocado were hard and inedible, the eggs were not cooked as i had requested at least the bacon was good - my son's fared little better, flabby bacon, disappointing eggs and horrible greasy sausages. Everything took ages to arrive. The staff were not the usual smiley friendly people and breakfast was not especially reasonably priced,what has happened? This place used to be reliable and good value for money.

The Staff were excellent, very warm and welcoming and accommodating. There is so much variety for food for vegetarians and meat eaters everything is freshly made . I am a vegetarian the food was delicious flawless. I had the penne arriabiata. The salad was amazing as was the dessert. This place is only open till 8pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday wish it was open longer. The quality of food is amazing and the prices of food is excellent. Highly recommend. I live in Heathrow and travelled there just for going to this restaurant it is a very cosy place and dog friendly

Really nice food for a cafe. Definitely above the norm. Very busy at lunchtime, we grabbed a table outside (which as it was mid winter were not so popular!) Service was a little chaotic just because it was so busy.

Great local place. Well recommended

I went to try food after found customers reviews. Amazing service, delicious food. I am planning to go there every weekend. Really enjoyed my lunch.

An all round brilliant experience! Food was phenomenal for a fantastic price.

The best cafe! Delicious pasta, huge portions and friendly atmosphere. I would definitely recommend going to Carpe Diem !!

Brilliant place. Great food - will go back.

Fantastic food, generous portions at a more than reasonable price. Thoroughly recommend!

Great food, good price, terrible service. Grumpy faces when we came in. When we finished our meal, just because there was two gentlemen waiting to be seated, lady rushed us out. She asked if we were finished the second I put my fork down and before I even attempted asking for another drink, she said “do you want to pay?! Come here!” So, good choice if you want a quick 15 min meal, bad choice if you meeting a friend and want to enjoy your lunch. Shame really, as staff I saw there previously was much nicer

Good food with generous portions and value for money. The pasta is really good. The fries are better that mcdonald's. Their OJ is really fresh abs the best I've had in the area. Only negative is the size of the place. As it's so small you'll be waiting for a table for a while at peek times, also it can feel a bit cramped at times but still worth it.

Had a lovely time here. Great food, lovely service.

Had the most amazing night tonight with top service by the staff. Would recommend to everyone.

Carpe Diem is absolute gem ! It is what every good cafe/restaurant should aspire to be. Fantastic food, large portions but very reasonably priced. The only problem will be deciding what to have from the extensive menu. Everything I have had has been so delicious. The staff are also really lovely and you can relax with friends and never feel rushed despite it being busy. Wonderful place.

Delicious food, great portions, and decent price. Staff are very friendly too!

This has become my local. I usually come in every fortnight, for lunch. Always leave feeling very full and delighted. The portions are great, the food is delicious. Family friendly staff. Highly recommend!

Very friendly staff, very decent food huge portions & very reasonable prices highly recommended 👌🏽👌🏽

Lovely family run café /restaurant. Felt super welcome. The food is fresh with really generous portions. It's small and cosy.

It was lovely and next door to a nice cigar shop too,great food and a smoke two of my favourite things

Best restaurant in the area, lovely people, great food, good price! Highly recommended.

I thoroughly recommend this place for brunch/lunch. Everything was delicious, fresh, great value and served very quickly by friendly staff.

What a fantastic cafe! Amazing food, very large portions and great value for money. I’ve been about 4 times in the last month!! Only downside is it’s always busy! A great sign but hard to get a table.

Lovely food been there a few times, staff are polite.

service, food, value are all spot on! thanks for a lovely meal every time we visit! 💕

Delicious meals, and always a very generous plate of food,. Will go again and again!.

Had my first breakfast this morning. Everything was lovely. Will be back again

Massive portions of very tasty food.

This possibly has to be the best cafe/bistro in whetstone. The food is really excellent especially the full English breakfasts and the escalope with caramelised red onion baguette. If you’re in whetstone and fancy a bite to eat or a great coffee then visit Michael and his friendly & efficient team. They will be very happy to see you. To add to this I had the prawn pil pil yesterday and OMG its amazing. Another fantastic lunch.

OMG the Prawn Pil Pil is amazing. Made me think I was back in Spain. A fantastic addition to the menu. Thank you Michael.

Terrific pasta pasta dish . Very generous portion and well cooked. . The staff are really lovely too and very helpful. Made me so welcome. Can’t wait to go back and try another of their dishes. A unique place.

Great place! Both staff and chef are first class! Highly recommend.

Cute little cafe with great breakfast options and friendly ataff

The only problem with Carpe Diem is finding a table! A top tip is to go after 2.30 or for an early dinner, when it tends to be quieter. Without exception, the salads are amazing - fresh ingredients, lots of texture and flavour. The burgers are always great too. I’ve been coming here for many years, since the days when Michael would leave the kitchen to ask how your food was. He’s too busy for that now but Maria and the waiting staff are always lively and friendly.

Had brunch with my wife and family yesterday. We had the shakshuka, a panini and other items too. Very impressed, delicious and arrived hot which is always a plus! It was also the best side salad I’ve ever eaten in my life! As we live local, we’ll be here regularly.

The food portion is so generous, and the quality of food is exceptional. Highly recommend! The best place to eat in North London, Whetstone. Also well done to the ladies serving guests, always kind and professional. Thank you Carpe Diem

The standout dish for me was their poached eggs served with a generous portion salmon and fried goat cheese. The eggs were perfectly poached, with the yolks oozing out in the most satisfying way when I cut into them. The fried goat cheese was a delightful surprise, offering a crispy and creamy contrast that paired wonderfully with the eggs. It's a combination I hadn't tried before, and it left a lasting impression.

We had brunch at this local restaurant on the scorching 9th of September of UK! It was quite an experience. The portions were humongous, ensuring I left with a full and satisfied stomach. The service was decent, and the ambiance created a nice vibe throughout the meal. It's definitely worth a visit for a hearty brunch! I will update this review once I try other mouth watering items on the menu.

Quality ingredients, great sausages, I had the ultimate breakfast to go and was blown away by the taste and volume

Fantastic experience, the food is of an exceptional quality

Friendly staff , nice wide range of food options but chaotic service and uncomfortable seating area. I go there mainly because staff are nice.

Incredible staff! Michael chef and owner is amazing and the food even more delicious. Gets better every time. Salad is outstanding and all dishes especially the pasta! Large portions including the drinks! Highly recommended for everything made and delivered with love. 💓🌟🌟🌟

Amazing food and great staff,nice location. Love it 😊