Le Deuxieme

I had a very similar experience to the previous reviewer, although I reacted more favourably to the decor.

As has been mentioned, the service started off a little on the cold side, but warmed up as they became accustomed to our presence. They bend over backwards, though, and were unflustered by our requests for more time to choose wine, etc.

The food is very good indeed. This must have been one of the richest meals I've had for some time. In fact I had trouble finishing it. But it was all going in, because I was not sending anything other than an empty plate back to the kitchen.

It is true the decor is essentially white walls. But it works very well and there's definitely an feeling of 'chic' when you enter.

The bill was a bit of a sting. But we saw it coming. Judging from the previous review, it sounds like they have deals at lunchtime and then bring out the 'other' menu in the evening, which is when I went. I agree 15% service charge is steep, but it is discretionary (even if it borders on embarrassing to query it). For me, service charge takes the guesswork out of tipping. But 15% is the highest percentage I've ever seen, hence 8, rather than 9.

Will I go back? Yes. But probably for lunch unless I'm feeling rich one day!
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Alan Ingham - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, December 23, 2011

We'd intended to eat in Soho, but my wife pointed this place out as we walked along Long Acre and we decided on an early lunch here.

Two courses for £14.50 /three for £16.50 is always going to be good value if the food's decent, and on balance I'd say the food here was better than that . Its not a gourmet restaurant- personally I couldn't give the food here 10/10- but that doesn't mean that it isn't very competently conceived, cooked and presented. My penne with taleggio, rocket and butternut squash was nicely combined and easy to enjoy, and the steak frites was as good as I'd expect from say a Chez Gerard.

The service was initially a bit off hand though it warmed up, and the wait for the main course was a few minutes longer than we'd expect. There isn't much atmosphere because the furnishings are unremarkable and the walls just white. You'd go here for the food and for the value- and clearly many of those who came in after us were known to the staff- always a good sign.

Finally the service charge at an admittedly discretionary 15% was IMO higher than it should be. I mentioned this and got the impression it might be causing the staff a bit of hassle.
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David Henderson - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 9
Monday, December 05, 2011

A really lovely welcome from the Bubbly Amandine from Biarritz. A modest feel to the place that seemed very classically french and comfortable in its skin.

The food was very good indeed. A starter of crab cake on asparagus risotto with a thai spice broth, topped with a salsa was risking too many ingredients on the plate, but it was a triumph - the slightly gloopy risotto echoing traditional thai-style sticky rice.

I went for the traditional steak with Bearnaise sauce - done very well indeed (a match for Chez Gerard) while the Mrs had a super Guinea fowl dish served with another risotto - this time of wild mushrooms.

The cheese was fair, but not stunning. Coffee excellent - my filter was a refreshing change from the ubiquitous Italian-style stuff we generally go for.

Best of all was the wine (Fourrier Combe aux Moines 98) - which we brought ourselves - that incurred a more than reasonable corkage charge. We splashed out on a couple of glasses of rosé to start which (after a slightly confected cherryade start) opened up in the glass to develop excellent minerality and a surprisingly long and elegant finish. Actually, their list is remarkably wide-ranging for a French place and I would only have had trouble choosing between many good options.

Would certainly return.

BTW - Sorry to break the 10/10 run, but I tend not to give 10/10 to anything as a matter of principle!
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Alex Lake
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, August 05, 2011

Went to Le Deuxieme Restaurant 25th January for pre theatre menu and had an excellent meal everything was perfect and the staff were wonderful it was faultless from beginning to end I would like to thank them for making such a lovely evening willl be returning soon thank you again.
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DEBBIE CRISFORD
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Ate here on Saturday evening before going on to the Donmar, which was a five minute walk away. We had booked for 5.45. but even though we were half an hour late the staff were very nice and held our table. The service was fast and friendly. The staff work really hard , ensuring that all the theatre goers get away on time. The food was absolutely delicious. We only had time for one course and coffee, but hopefully next time we go we can enjoy more of the excellent cooking.
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Mutti - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A terrric lunch venue (chosen due to its proximity to War Horse at New London Theatre) - lively atmosphere, attentive but not intrusive service - we chose the 3 course set menu which was excellent - faultless ( included coffee which was also excellent).

Highly recommended!!

The only thing which I must admit put me off as we were shown to our table was the shocking state of the chair covers - stained, worn and grubby.

This turned out to be a minor criticsm and shouldn't put anyone off what was a really excellent meal, but my heart did sink as I caught sight of them!!
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Sally A
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, September 18, 2009