Chez Lindsay

Nice, rustic looking restaurant with a sweet, understated Gallic atmosphere. The carafe of wine and boulle of cider we had also went down very well. So far so good. Unfortunately we were then served a bland-but-edible fish soup and an artichoke which hadn't been cooked particularly well. For mains we had a very light, crispy gallette and a deeply uninspiring chicken in sauce (slightly blander than Chicken Tonight) which for nigh on 15 quid was simply terrible value.

We also ordered some potato dauphinoise which was forgotten about and then having been reminded was hurriedly brought to the table. Now I've had some pretty varied dauphinoise in my time but this was the worst by some distance. It was steaming so hard it looked as though it had just come out of the microwave, it lacked all but a dribble of sauce, crispiness and taste and the potato was disgustingly soggy. It was also served in a big fat wedge - the type of thing that an office workers' cafe has sat around in giant tubs all day behind a dirty glass window. It was simply vile. On mentioning this to the ever so slightly gruff waitress she said rather accusatingly 'well, the chef is French', as though by implication my complaint was invalidated by the fact that I am not. The chef may be French but does that mean he can cook? I am English and I sadly can't rustle up a crispy roast and fluffy yorkshire pudding. Ability is rather more important than nationality. Eventually she agreed to take it off the bill but that wasn't really the point. Any restaurant willing to serve such inedible stodge and then defend it isn't worth much in my book.

So by all means go for the cider and gallettes. But not for anything else.
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Jerry L
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The best crepes bretonnes I have ever had: light, crispy and very tasty! The atmosphere is cosy and romantic and the service is friendly & french : )
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Marta
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, August 30, 2009

I had .... pancake with smoked salmon, lemon and chive cream, Puff pastry case filled with scallops and leeks, cider butter sauce & crepe with apples & caramel calvados YUMMY.

WOW WOW we have house in south of france and it was as good as it was AMAZING
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lianne pope
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, October 18, 2008

I have eaten here perhaps five or six times over the last 3 years, and I must say my experiences differ significantly from the last reviewer. I have always found the service excellent, friendly and accomodating (although a little slow on a couple of occasions), and I have enjoyed every meal I've had here. The menu is a bit different to anything else I've seen in this part of London as it concentrates on French dishes from Brittany - it includes a large galette (pancake) selection, which I recommend highly. Nice views over the river too, if you can get a table next to the window.
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abu892 - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, September 23, 2008

I ate at Chez Lindsay just after they opened and the meal and service were very good but it has steadily gone down hill. Shame...

I saw the owner and family eating in the Pizza Express at Kingston last night 01/05/08).....things must be getting bad.
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Christopher Jones
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Friday, May 02, 2008

It has been a distinct treat to eat at Chez Lindsey - the Maitre d' is fabulous and the waitstaff obliging and discreet. The food is so well prepared and tasty that the last time we dined there we were almost giddy with the deliciousness. The wine is a tiny bit pricey but the Maitre's suggestion was excellent and good value.

The restaurant itself is comfortable and gently quiet so you can actually dine - and hold a conversation without strain. My only improvement wish would be a car park .

I had calves liver for my main course last time and it was tender, delicate, and perfectly pink inside. I've just made reservations for dinner there tonight - taking a visiting in-law out for a treat and I'm enjoying the anticipation already. And btw even making reservations here is a charming experience.
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American in Isleworth
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Not hugely impressed with this place. I do not moan about a restaurant usually BUT the food and drink is very expensive for what arrives at the table. Service is pretty bad and would have been offended if I was my usual self. £15.00 a bottle of pretty cheap and uncheerful house wine is not the perfect accompanyment - you should not have to spend a fortune to eat in Richmond especially when the food is not really up to much - avoid the house dessert.
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grump - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Monday, July 02, 2007

I would have to agree with recent reviews that Chez Lindsady is struggling these days to come up with the goods. A recent meal on a Saturday evening saw them short of menus (but nobody bothered to apologise) and staff (with polite waiters in particularly short supply). Be prepared to have to ask someone to take your order and then provide with you with some bread whilst you wait. When your meal arrives it might be cold! Then if you decide not to pay the 'discretionary' service charge you might also be abused by one of the waiters. I don't think I'll bother giving them a second chance...
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Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 5
Sunday, May 27, 2007

Ate Chez Lindsay on Sunday lunchtime prior to England v France - had a very enjoyable 2 hours with very good service and good fayre. A choice from 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts followed by coffee. Fixed price of £29.90 per person. Brouilly at £24.50 a bottle.With water and aperatifs, total bill £110. Will be going back in August prior to the next England v France game at Twickenham with french friends - what better recommendation !!
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Mike Drake
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, March 13, 2007