Les Trois Garcons
our review
Oh lordy, I’m wandering down from Old Street, it’s dark and there are people lurking about who may be dangerous hoodies or website designers, it’s hard to tell. Either way I could get mugged; it’s just a question of cash or invoice really. Here though is the magnificent converted old Victorian boozer that is Les Trois Garcons with flaming torches guarding the entrance. Inside it’s a warm, welcoming place stuffed to the rafters with what my mum would call a load of old tat, but which is really a remarkable collection of eclectic and valuable antiques. With candles everywhere, and waiters in formal French uniform, it’s quite a sight and has to be one of the most interesting and exciting restaurant spaces in London. It wouldn’t work in the west end, but here out east it’s absolutely perfect.
Chef Jerome Henry is cooking up a storm in this restaurant with inventive and playful menus that, it has to be said contain some pretty pricey dishes but hey, you get what you pay for. Service is typically French, which is to say that these waiters take no guff from anyone but if you’re the right sort of customer, i.e. cheerful, and relaxed they’ll make sure you’re well looked after.
A starter of Carpaccio of Galloway beef from Borough Market with quails eggs and salad dressed in a Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette, was a good curtain-raiser; melting beef of high quality dressed on the plate in an appealing spiral of wafer-thin slices. The mustard in the vinaigrette was a tiny bit overpowering, possibly horseradish might have delivered a subtler kick, but otherwise very good indeed. Radicchio and micro cress salad with burratine cheese and a blood orange vinaigrette came as radicchio ‘flower’ which toppled open to reveal Kylie Minogue. Well, it could have done, it was that theatrical.
An assiette of pork served with a raviolo (that’s a single ravioli, language lovers) stuffed with boudin noir, the crumbly French version of our own black pudding, was again very attractively plated. The pork had been divided into further components – some slices of fillet, braised pork belly, confit shoulder, and sat in a cider vinegar jus. This overall I have to say was in the end too rich for moi and seemed over-salted, but that may just be my taste. I did love the raviolo though and could in fact have stretched to some ravioli. Cornish line-caught sea bass with braised beef shin, Jerusalem artichoke puree, baby spinach, salsify and white spring truffles with a langoustine jus was a fine confection, well-seared skin on a quality piece of bass. I love the oyster-like flavour of salsify, an under-employed vegetable, and good to see Jerusalem artichoke too, although my dears it does rather give one wind. The white spring truffles seemed a little leathery; perhaps this batch had aged rather.
And so to dessert and an ‘assiette of chocolat’ no less, comprising an opera, marquise, and profiterole all made from 70% cocoa Valrhona. Very chocolaty, very pretty, very nice. The vanilla crème brulee next door shattered like glass, which was a good sign, and the base crème oozed opulence reinforced by the decadent white chocolate ice cream alongside.
And after to Lounge Lover, the stylish bar next door also owned and run by the three boys, in order to end a rather exotic night. Les Trois Garcons is more than the sum of its fab décor, it’s a serious foodie restaurant that delivers a full on evening. Recommended.
N.H - March 2007
your comments review this restaurant and win a bottle of champagne
Probably the most romantic restaurant ever. The food is amazing to match the incredible decor. I have heard and read so much about the decor and i was not disappointed. Neighbouring bars and restaurants are copying the successful formula but Les Trois Garcons will always be the real deal as they have set the standards. I can see why its popular, as you walk in, you are immediately transported into another decadent and glamorous world. All your worries seems to disappear as the welcoming and smiley staff greets you. We started the evening with cocktails in Loungelover located just behind Les Trois and its just as wonderful in another way. Next door to L3G are the copycat newcomers who are trying to confuse the clients as they don't even have a sign outside. Fortunately my friends who have been before knew exactly where to go.It was extremely busy but they coped very well. My only observation was that they turn their tables but seem to do it all about the same time so there is a bit of a bottle neck at those times. They should implement the system of turning the tables at 15 minutes intervals ie 7 till 9 and the next tables at 7 15 till 915 up till the 8 till 10 slot and it will ease the congestion they seem to encounter.All the waiters are incredibly nice but there was one who was a little abrupt.On the whole Les Trois is a jewel in the London crown.
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Shirley H
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Dont come with more than 8 friends or they will offer you a very limited menu. Food is barely OK. We paid £100 a head and it was not worth it by any stretch of the imagination. Decor was cheap and trendy looking.
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Brian
Overall rating 
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
this is probably one of the best restaurants in east london. Perfect for a romantic evening. The set menu is great value for money. I've been there recently and the style of the food has improve a lot. From the moment I made the reservations unti I left I could feel it was a restaurant owned and run by truly profesionals. They also have a fantastic website.
Next time I want to try their degustation menu because all the great reviews just bellow. You should really try this restaurant. They also can acomodate for large parties.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 12, 2008
Amazing Grazing!! A tasting menu in addition to the A la Carte is on offer at Les Trois Garcons. Special occasion, special friends, so why not we thought as there was not a single item on it any of us would or could not eat.
I have heard great things about the kitchen here but have not been for some time now. As a very reliable source pointed me back here without elaborating too much, I could tell she still had a sparkle in her eye. Of the seven or so courses we had nothing was left, every single plate was out of this world!! Flavours were clean and presentation without superfluous fuss. Plates went back to the kitchen mopped clean!
I have an idea all the ingredients used too create this memorable feast were very carefully sourced, it just does not look or taste the same when I try..... an inspiration indeed.
Forgive me for not elaborating on the details of our meal, but this is for your benefit you should try it for yourself! [menu's on their website if you are nosey!]
It must be four or five years since my last visit, the food then was no match for the decor, today however it is the food that puts the collection of oddities to shame. Big thanks for raising the benchmark! PS East London feels somehow closer than I ever thought....
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Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Monday, May 12, 2008
This is one of the best restaurants in the whole world. It's like magic. Went there with my friends and had a great time. The food is a little bit too complex maybe but great for a special ocasion. However the best thing was their new bar, just next door. A perfect way to start or carry on with your evening.
Remember to take your camera with you! The srvice was great too! Our waiter was very funny but not intrusive.
A perfect girls night out!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, April 28, 2008
Here is a short and sweet review. Went the Les 3 Garcons last night for my birthday, and we hoped for a perfect night out. Well, the decor, ambience, and service were a 10/10... but the food was a bit of a different story. It ranged from a 10/10 for some items in terms of flavour, but my wifes main (a chicken dish) was a bit too dry and, well, not as great as the £27 it cost. My entree was part of the prix fix menu, and consisted of a paltry portion of buckwheat pancakes and some greens and mushrooms... althought the flavour was very good, i was left very hungry after and overall dissapointed by the entirety of the meal.
I like to think that a good meal is the sum of its parts. Well most of the parts here were spot on, but somehow, in the end, we left very dissapointed. I think it was also due to the very steep cost for what we felt was not an amazing meal. We have been to similar places and have been absolutely blown away (Wapping Project, Bistrotheque, Morgan M) and at each of these other places felt that we got very good value - but Les 3 Garcons did not provide the same for us.
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Dr J
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
From the moment we stepped in the door the magic began. Polished service from very knowledgeable waiting staff, mind blowing food and delicious wine. We cannot stop raving about the L3G experience.
As a treat for our three-year anniversary we indulged in an eight course tasting menu. My partner ate ‘anything’ whilst I was served only the finest fish, seafood, vegetables and foraged plants the UK has to offer.
I was thrilled at the sight of finger limes, think citrus caviar, accompanying deliciously sweet Dorset crab dressed with monks beard served with delicate baby salad leaves. My favourite dish of the night was the first of the season Morels, a taste sensation. A wonderful texture with a slight bite but not too chewy and filled with a creamy parsnip sauce accompanied by roasted new season garlic and other vegetables. Mmmm heaven.
Meanwhile my partner was raving about the delicate milk fed chicken from France that accompanied the morels on his plate. His favourite dish of the night was the pan seared foie gras and the oxtail, which Jerome Henry, head chef, informed us was braised over six hours resulting in the most amazing soft meat which fell apart under the weight of a fork.
Other treats included freshly shaved Italian truffles, Alexander leaf, wild nettle pasta and perfectly cooked buttery scallops.
By the time the Swiss cheese plate arrived we thought we were defeated, but we somehow managed to find some space for the delicious cheese and delicate pear poached in white port and honey. Divine.
When we first arrived at L3G we were overwhelmed by the décor, by the end of the night this became a distant second place to the first class food. A fantastic night and one we will be boasting about for a long time.
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Katrina
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, March 23, 2008
I took my girlfriend to Les Trois Garcons for valentines day in 2008 and overall we were both pleased with my choice. Very often on valentines day restaurants struggle with the increase in covers by providing sloppy service and sub-standard food. LTG provided efficient service, generally very good food and I never felt we were 'on a conveyor belt' of diners. Without going into too much detail, we had 7 courses from a set menu and 6 of the 7 were of a high standard. The only blooper was the medallion of veal which was very over cooked, but this was a blip on an otherwise very strong display of Anglo-French cuisine. The wine was a little lack-luster for a Pinot Noir but I'm being a little fussy. The decor of the restaurant is boho-handbag-taxidermist-kitsch (our table was being stared at from above by a stuffed giraffe!) and will leave a lasting memory.
In short, I would recommend for a romantic night out for people who know good food, aren't too fussed by the bill, expect confident and efficient service and have a soft spot for stuffed animals... 8/10
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Tom P, Shoreditch
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Friday, February 15, 2008
What a wonderful place! My son had invited his girlfriend, my wife and me to dinner to celebrate the end of uni and the start of the rest of his life. We all loved the place as soon as we set foot inside. The decor is ridiculous but great fun - going right through the worst of bad taste and coming out the other side. An interesting menu, but three of us wanted to go for the multi-course (8 of them) special, so I went along as well. It was a delight from start to finish. High points: the scallops were mmmmmh; the oxtail on pearl barley and the venison were just as ummmmhy; but the pea veloute with a truffle foam was the ummmmhiest. The service was excellent - a Kiwi waiter who got it just right, supported as needed by his colleagues. Altogether, nearly 4 hours of delight - an evening to remember for ever.
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Andrew Chojnicki
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, February 10, 2008
I took my partner to this restaurant for a birthday treat and had a very nice time. The decor does create an unusual ambience but to be honest you do quickly get used to it - the toilets are lovely though.
From being greeted and throughout it was difficult ot falut the staff, attentive, friendly and helpful throughout. The amuse bouche was delicious, our starters of scallop chowder and crab terrine were fine, a little on the bland side, but portion size and execution good. Mains were excellent, my partner's venison was tender and delicious and my pork was so tender it just fell to pieces and the sauce was gorgeous. I followed this with sorbets which were fruity and prettily served if a touch over sweet for my palate (my partner disagreed). The petit fours with the coffee were a really nice touch. The wine list was long enough to offer choice but not so long it confused, I was able to choose from several in my price range.
I found the food at Les Trois Garcons on a par with Pattersons and the service maybe even marginally better, however the cost was about half as much again (£170 compared with £110). Is the extra £60 worth it? I'm not so sure.
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Mel Morris
Overall rating 
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Monday, January 14, 2008
