Racine

Myself and my partner visited Racine for lunch today. I had been before and really enjoyed it but today left us dissatisfied.

I'm not particularly fond of over friendly staff but our waiter was aloof to the point of being rude. When asked what the English meaning of a French word was, our waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied "it's just a vegetable". I'm aware that the whole thing about Racine is the unassuming staff but being as unhelpful as this is unprofessional - the antithesis of Henry Harris's vision, I'm sure.

Having finished our mains (which WERE lovely) we were looking to order our dessert. However, getting our waiter's attention was proving difficult as he was holding his colleague (a waitress) IN A PLAYFUL HEADLOCK!!!! Once again, I'm not so sure that this was part of Harris's plan.

Racine have let their standards slip - I was tempted to let the optional 14.5% service charge slip as well. We won't be revisiting.
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Joseph
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Monday, November 26, 2007

Sorry, can't let Jamie's comments be the last word (though he's entitled to his views).

I've been eating at Racine for about 4 years now, on average 3 times a year. Every time I look forward to it, every time I leave happy and contented. I was there again last Friday. Food, as usual, excellent: on a par with the kind of "good" neighbourhood restaurant in France which it emulates so well. Where else will you find a starter of calf's brains - delicious.

I was treating someone for their birthday and she was happy too (she always has the ham and celeriac remoulade so they must at least do that right).

But it's the service which makes it stand out too - wholly professional, friendly but not "chummy". I went once with a friend who had a dozen oysters. Just as he'd finished the first 6, a passing waiter obligingly turned the plate round for him so he could start on the remaining 6. It was done seamlessly, without fuss and showed that the waiters there know how to use their eyes (wish more would do so !). They deserve the 14.5% service charge.

In short, a top place and very reasonable value for the quality
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JohnP
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, September 25, 2007

rubbish food terrible
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jamie
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Worth trying!
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Pascal
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Well, what a nice surprise for a restaurant in central London to actually exceed expectations. Racine offers top notch French cuisine at relatively reasonable prices, in a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere.

Starters included Bayonne ham with celeriac remoulade - light and tasty, and sliced loin of pork. Mains excelled - the rabbit with mustard sauce was first class - the little hopper was meaty and tender, and the sauce and accompanying dauphinoise were spot on. Veal with bone marrow was devoured by our other guests.

Service was charming. There are few places that can justify a 14% service charge on the bill, but this is one of them.

The wine list was also sensible, and enough quality in the budget rangers to keep most happy. The Pinot Noir on the house selection was strong.

Will definitely be back.
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DW
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, February 08, 2007

I loved this place. It's a little more serious in atmosphere than certain French restaurants in its bracket – none of the stock French bistro cliches – but the service when we went was excellent up to a point.

Our 2nd bottle of wine was corked, but the wine waiter wouldn't accept it. I know a bit about wine and it was off, but he professed to know otherwise. I couldn't be bothered to argue…

Otherwise, out waiter was excellent, the supply of bread was endless, and the food was superb.

The clientele were slightly old, obviously just finished in Harrods next door, but it was all quite convivial.

To me, this is less a fun place, more a night out for serious French foodies
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Thursday, January 11, 2007

We went to Racine for a late lunch today 6 Jan 07 and felt it lived up to its good reputation that I've read about in magazines. The staff were friendly, helpful and accomodating, and did not rush us at all. We had the lunch menu which was well presented,tasty and typically French. The Chardonnay was beautifully chilled and the atmosphere was very good. We shall return in time.
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, January 06, 2007

Very French, honest, unpretentious cooking in a comfortable environment with warm ambiance. Exciting dishes, hearty portions and occassional flashes of surly behaviour from the French staff completes this magnificently authentic gallic culinary experience. We will return.
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EdwardB - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Very French. I enjoyed the culinary challenges set by the chef. Calves brain followed by Veal kidneys. My dining partner was in seventh heaven with Smoked Duck salad followed by Grouse that had been hung just long enough, gamey but not too ripe, and served pink; all consumed with an excellent bottle of claret that was the recommendation of the day. Puddings included a Marmalade Creme and beautiful plum compote assist by a couple of glasses of Sauterne before finishing with a coffee. A delight to have food served in great ambiance that does not have the pompous nonsense so many reastuarnats have these days. They also serve steak for the less adventurous. At £140 all in I thought the meal was value for money and saves the cost of a trip to France.
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Edward B
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Racine = Spectacular food, service and a real cozy ambience. Rabbit was excellent but the quail was absolutely divine!
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Brazza - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, October 16, 2006