Le Saint Julien

I went here in October and wasnt all that impressed. Only managed one main meal, I arrived at 6 and wanted to leave at 7:15 for a concert, shouldnt have been too difficult to serve 2 courses in 1h15, especially with half empty restaurant. My plaice was raw in the middle so I got the waitress but she just took the dish without asking if I wanted anything else instead. The exact dish came back, maybe it had been cooked in microwave, who knows.
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mormayes
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Monday, November 09, 2009

I dined here as it was my partner’s birthday, and thought it would be a nice treat. We’ve been here before, and enjoyed the experience in the past.

Well, things didn’t get off to a particularly good start when it was evident on arriving that they did not have my reservation. After a couple of moments of confusion on the manager’s face, we were shown to a table for two which practically ajoined another table for two – hardly allowing for any privacy of conversation.

To the food: the starter was foie gras terrine with chutney. This was fine – the creamy richness of the foie gras coming through, nicely balanced by the acidic fruit of the chutney, and accompanied by some delicious toasted pain de campagne. A basket of three slices between two diners was an odd portion, ’though. But so far so good

What a horror, then, when my companion’s starter plate was whisked away while I was still enjoying my terrine, to another horror when his main course (confit de canard) appeared within seconds! Apparently the chef said the duck was ready to go and the waiter said he would leave us alone once the main course had been served. We didn’t want to be left alone, just not to be faced with our next course straight after the previous one. And sure enough, within a minute of my finishing the terrine, the duck was in front of me.

The confit was tasty as were the rösti and sauce, although slightly overpowered by the full-bodied Côtes du Rhône. The desserts (and what a relief when told the chocolate fondant would take 15 minutes to prepare) were a delight, the cheeses were a nice variety including some chèvre, and served at room temperature, thank Goodness.

Foodwise I could recommend the place, but if you want the freedom to relax and eat at your own pace, I’d go elsewhere.
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Mark B
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Friday, October 16, 2009

We booked for "Special Offer: 50% off food". The food was OK, not more.

We were surprised by the "OPTIONAL Service charge 12.5% " that was added to the FULL price.
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TalE - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, August 05, 2009

I went there with a friend on the London Eating 50% off food offer. The evening didn't get off to a good start - when we arrived they had no record of the booking. Fortunately I'd printed and brought the booking confirmation, and after a short wait in the bar area we were given a small table in the corner.

Service was friendly throughout. The food and dining experience though was, at best, passable. From the size and quality of the steaks served to us compared to those brought to the next table, I suspected that corresponding savings were being made in the kitchen for those dining with the 50% off food offer.

Overall, I would not rush to return.
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GaryC - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Saturday, July 25, 2009