Cafe des Amis

You are correct, this place is an institution and my wife and I visited it during the latter half of 2006.

My first and only visit had been during 1988; I was with my company at a week-long exhibition at Olympia. My birthday was on the Thursday of that week, I was engegaed to the future Mrs BoSS and the directors took us there for a meal. We had a wonderful time, so much so, that Mrs BoSS and I had to try and find it when we visited London at the latter end of 2006. We had a smaching time - the food was excellent and the staff were wonderful. We'll be back!
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Chris Hunt (Born on Shoreham Street)
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, January 03, 2007

I had been to Café dea Amis for the first time in 1996, and had been underwhelmed by the food then. However, Nick's recent review on this site persuaded me to give it another go.

So I went there with a group of 9 people a few weeks ago. It did not feel cramped. The service was prompt, attentive and smiley. Some of us ordered a la carte; others took advantage of the fixed menu (£17.95 for 2 courses). The varied menu will satisfy all except non-fish eating vegetarians, for whom options are very limited.

First courses were simple affairs. My tartlet was a thin layer of flaky pastry with thin slices of tomatoes, parmesan and rocket. Nice enough, but nothing unforgettable.

The meaty main courses - lamb shank, steak and chicken leg- were all pronounced beautiful. My monkfish on a bed of spinach was slightly undercooked. Many of us could not resist trying the 'tripple-cooked chips', a very crispy version of your local chippy's fayre, first boiled, sealed in oil, and then deep fried. Good for sheer entertainment value.

Readers might be delighted to learn that the chocolate soup so highly praised by reviewers on this site is still on the menu. What is more, it fulfilled all its promises: creamy, rich, nice contrast with the vanilla and black pepper ice cream. Chocoholics heaven. Long may it remain available.

The dinner set us back £40 per person for 3 courses and drinks. Given the very central location, this is decent value for money.
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The lady that lunches - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

What can I say; I had the pleasure of visiting Café Des Amis last week to celebrate a customer’s retirement. We were welcomed by the friendly staff and treated to a drink in the basement bar before enjoying an excellent meal.

We all agreed that the restaurant had one of the best atmospheres we had experienced within London which was a nice surprise for a Tuesday night.

Defiantly recommended and will be booked the next time were in town.

Recommend booking as this little gem seemed full all through the night.
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Paul Winstanley
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, December 12, 2006

The biggest problem we had with this restaurant was choosing what to have. It's awful when you look at a menu and instantly see four different dishes you want!! We had a wonderful meal here on Friday lunchtime. The seared tuna was definitely the winning starter, however, the shellfish bisque was also superb. For main course, we could not fault the line-caught sea bass, but the 28-day old beef steak was superbly delicious. We will have to go back to try the rest of the menu - and their Christmas menu arrives soon - decisions, decisions.
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carie-ann goodenough
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Monday, November 27, 2006

Booked on line a few days before and never too sure what you will get but highly impressed _ from the telephone call to confirm the booking early in the day thru to a very good meal with very friendly and efficient staff - oh and recommend the bread and butter pudding!
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phil holmes
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, November 27, 2006

Went here for a birthday meal. Was very impressed with the service from the outset...attentive but not pushy and the ambience was chic without being pretentious. The food was imaginative, with interesting combinations which worked perfectly, such as scallops and chorizo. Would highly recommend for a special occasion.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Monday, November 13, 2006

I booked Cafe des amis well in advance to ensure a good night out post show. it was wonderful! the food was perfect and the location was quiet and hidden. it was a very romantic evening and i enjoyed myself no end. however the restrooms could have done with a spritz but... apart from that the service and atmosphere was delightful. i would definatly reccommend Cafe des amis but when you book ask to be in the middle of the restaurant to get the full experience of the lovely atmosphere. PS if you order the chocolate soup...share one between two... trust me!
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Annelie Ryan
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Saturday, October 21, 2006

It's not often that I stumble across a restaurant in London that provides a personal touch that makes you feel as welcome as the staff at Cafe des Amis did. I went out with a group of girls and we were all overwhelmed with the hospitality...and as far as measuring up against basic criteria it was all round an outright hit; fantastic food, good atmosphere and accommodating - what more could you ask for - wonderful! Why can't more restaurants be like this! It really is something to find a place like this
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Jennifer Chilton
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, August 18, 2006

Food was ok, not too bad. Price with drinks, desert and coffee is about 90. The 25% discount brought our price down. I as well think that the food could be a bit better, but it was really. Very rich food. Me and my wife enjoyed this place a lot. Service was good so I do not understand the other reviews. I recommend! Place had a good atmosphere too, so I do not know why reviews say it is a dark place? Casual and not too yppieThe bar down stairs is great, but it was a bit empty for a Friday night. I recommend if you have about 40 a person to spend. Drink prices were reaonable. Got a scotch and it was only 3.25£ Steak and liver was great. Oyster were a bit different but good.
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Morreat
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Sunday, August 06, 2006

Amazing food from start to finish, the seafood was delicious, the chocolate soup a dream and there excellent cheese selection. The staff were very friendly and eager to please...10 out of 10...Highly recommended
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Gabby and Guy
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, August 04, 2006