L'Abat Jour

Well, I'm really not sure the best way to describe this restaurant. OK, it was on a Thursday just before xmas in the fringe of the City so it's understandably quiet but that should not jeopardize their quality.

Whilst the waiter was friendly, the food turned out to be rather poor. My companions had fried calamari for starters - it looked to me that they're just the frozen ones which you could pick up from a supermarket. Then came the main, a few of us had steak and all of them were over cooked - I wasn't particularly surprised as it happens so often in the UK. However, the particularly disappointing part was that the vegetables and sides were clearly frozen produces...they gave us massive portions and we only found out it why when we saw the bill; whilst we ordered a portion of vegetables, a portion of spinach, a portion of chips and a portion of aubergine but the bill was showing 3 portions of vegetables, 2 chips, one spinach and no aubergine (well it never turned up).

Ok, it might be petty, we queried it and we were told that that's what we ordered...raah it went on and on and on and the waiter refused to accept that it was an error and have the situation resolved. We did not even get into the debate that the food was actually of poor quality and the sides were all from the freezer!! I got bored of the discussion so I suggested that we would withhold the service charge, as it pretty much equates to the amount in dispute. At this point, the waiter was referring to me as a f#*king something, nice touch and funny enough that didn't persuade us to tip him.

I'm sure that this place is normally a gem but on this occasion the chef probably went home early and left some muppet in charge. I think swearing at customers is also a tad impolite.
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vl
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Friday, December 21, 2007

I have just returned to my office from a christmas lunch having had the worst meal I've had in my life and I think this was a general opinion, the main course arrived, no potatoes or vegetables, after five minutes the potatoes arrived,and not enough for the table, fifteen minutes later the vegetables arrive by which time most people have finished. I was so un-impressed by this establishment I left without ordering a sweet, but not before complaining to the manager, who only said that he was sorry and that was it, very uncareing of the standard of food provided, at £32.00 for a 3 course lunch I felt required an explanation, but not forthcoming. Needless to say I will never darken there doorstep again.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Superb blend of French, Italian and Spanish menus and winelist. Topped off with traditional British courtesy and superb service.
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David Marks
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Sunday, November 19, 2006

When I was working in the City I frequently lunched at L'Abat Jour and considered it the best in London. Since I retired the restaurant has been taken over by Judy and Jose and I am able to lunch there less frequently. However, I must congratulate them on improving on perfection. Always a delightful culinary experience with most friendly and attentive service.
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Roy Cross
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 10, 2006

Very friendly with excellent food and service from Judy and Joseph
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john royle
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, March 02, 2006

I visit L'abat-jour on a regular basis and cannot fault the food or the service. Joseph and Judy both make us extremely welcome and as your reviewers have mentioned, they are very accommodating.
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Sandi Goddard
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 02, 2006

8 of us visited last night (Thursday) and had a very enjoyable evening. The food was good and the service was friendly and welcoming.

Atmosphere was a bit lacking, as we seemed to be the only people in the restaurant, but this did not detract too much from the experience (but may do with a smaller party).

Food wise, I had Canneloni to start with, which was very nice, full of cheese and spinach stuffing. This was followed by Sea Bass for the main course, which was very nicely presented, and full of taste.

Other items on the menu included chicken, pasta, steak and fish dishes. This wasn't the standard "what type of pizza would you like" fare that you sometimes get in italian restuarants.

All of those in the party appeared to enjoy their food and there was not a lot left over at the end of the evening!

Wine was reasonably priced and there was quite a good selection.
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Friday, October 07, 2005

A wonderful restaurant. Fault could not be found with either the service or the food. The manager 'Joseph' was extremely helpful and very accomodating. There was a group of approx 100 of us and there was not a single complaint. Compliments to the Chef.
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Lisa Thompson
Wednesday, October 05, 2005

What a wonderful place. I could not fault either the service or the food. Even better now it has been refurbished. The manager Joseph was very accomodating for a large group and we did not get a single complaint. Simply wonderful.
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Lisa Thompson
Wednesday, October 05, 2005