Bistro Aix

We arrived early for a meal on a Tuesday night, so it was no surprise to see that we were the only ones in the restaurant. Though as soon as we were in the staff were attentive and astute to our needs. We were not hurried at all throughout the whole meal which was, overall, a good meal. Starters of Scallops and leeks were good, nothing too exciting except the great flavour of tender scallops. Main course of Rack of Lamb with Potato and vegetable gratin was very pleasing though the lamb was a little over done and not well rested I would say. My companions Venison was rather tough as well and the whisky sauce it came in had no hint of whisky. Though she was also served perfect mash potato which is always a treat, though it was unfortunately the best thin gon her plate! Desert followed, as it does, and I opted for the Chocolate Fondant, home made vanilla Ice cream and Cherries soaked in some sort of liquor that escapes me now. Fondant was perfectly running in the middle and crisp on the edges though far from sweet enough for my taste. Vanilla Ice cream was flawless and the cherries were inedible as they were drenched in the liquor - it was more like doing a shot than taking a bite! We washed all this down with a fine French Chardonnay from their very nice wine list. £92 for 2 people, 3 courses and a bottle of wine. Not too bad but for that price I would have expected a slightly higher standard of cooking and some better thought out flavours. It was all a bit bland but I wouldn't write this place off entirely. The starters and deserts were good quality food. Maybe we chose the wrong mains? Delightful staff and a good atmosphere. I would happily give it another go as there was lots more to choose from on the menu.
Comment on this reader review

Chris Mole
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, May 03, 2007

Don't listen to the pomp of these jumped up "connoisseurs". Aix is definately a very good restaurant. Fine french food, with an occasional twist. Only shocking thing is that our European pride is some what astonished when we here that the head chef is an American! Oh well, highly reccomended- best french restaurant in Crouch End (including Les Associes!).
Comment on this reader review

tom
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, April 15, 2007

this is the second time i have been to this restaurant and whilst my wife wasnt atacked almost physically by the owner for complaining about uncooked fish this time , its a really very mediocore and very overpriced place . i wouildnt have gone but it was for a chums birthday and 12 of us were there . i had chevre with date jam to start which was greasy , followed by cassoulette which was overcooked , salty and hard and i left most of it . a friend who sat opposite had very hard duck . it was clear that there was little point of sending food back . the service was very poor and we were left by staff for long times when we wanted more wine or milk with coffee etc . we had to ask three times for the remaining hot drinks . all very strange and amateur . this poor service might have been partially explained by us being placed in the unattractive rear end of the restaurant . we couldnt understand why no one would come and see if we needed anything and were forced to come to the bar area to pay for the food in the end and were very surprised to find the front part of the place totally empty at around 11 pm . the staff were just to lazy to get off their backsides to provide service .

whilst i have read nice reports of this place , i can only imagine that this is on the few good times the place gets things together . if you are looking for a good local retaurant which offers value for money which consistantly turns out good food then forget this place and go elsewhere .
Comment on this reader review

steven f
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Sunday, March 04, 2007

This is a greedy restaurant. Too many reservations taken by a manager whose kitchen can't handle the number of tables. Don't go on a Saturday night. We arrived at 8.30 and weren't served our main couses until 10.15 despite several complaints to the waiter. The food, when it came, wasn't good. Soggy chips, overcooked steak, osso bucco that was tough and flavourless, and overpriced at 15 pounds. The atmosphere is OK, though make sure you're not plonked in the grotty room at the back. The service is overstretched and the cooking is haphazard; alternately decent then lazy. Very mixed bag. Not nearly as good as it thinks it is. Wouldn't go back.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Sunday, January 14, 2007

This was my 4th visit to the Bistro and this time I thought: I will write a review because this is really a great restaurant.

I took two of my best friends and we had Foie Gras and Chicken Livers as starters. Very good.

Main course: Osso buco, duck and filet. Everything was delicious, especially the Osso buco, which is so rare to find in London.

For dessert we had Panettone Bread Pudding, Honeycomb Ice Cream with hot chocolate sauce and the chocolate fondant. Excellent.

We were served by a sweet Indian waitress in a romantic setting, with little candles and small red lights. Very refined music.

It was a wonderful evening and now... I'm looking forward to going to the Bistro again!
Comment on this reader review

Max Antonello
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, December 02, 2006

Went in alone as I planned to take my other half at a later date. They were horrified at having to serve somone on his own. Gave me a tiny table eventually. The waiter has a real attitude problem as he really didnt want to serve me . The food wasnt bad and I would have ordered a bottle of champs if I felt his attitude was better. On leaving I asked if the restaurant was open over the bank holiday only to be told by him it was def closed. At the same time the other waiter told me it was open and I would be welcome. I would only consider taking my girlfriend here if the waiter in question left.
Comment on this reader review

peter
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I have been going to Bistro Aix since it opened and, although a few times on a saturday night the service was a bit slow, on most occasions it was just excellent - especially the food is really superb. I love the atmosphere with the classical music, it's so romantic. We had my boyfriend's birthday party there in their private conservatory room and was very successful, reasonably priced and excellent service. Everyone was very impressed. I don't understand how anyone can complain about this place - how lucky we are to have such a lovely restaurant in Crouch End where every other place is overpriced rubbish!
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Was there for a birthday meal on Saturday and it was terrible. The starters arrived within 20 mins of us arriving but the main course didn't appear until 90 mins of us arriving. We asked where the meal was on more than one occasion and was told continually 5 mins. The waiter then started to avoid us. when the food eventually arrived it wasn't cooked as we had asked. When complaining at the end of the meal about the service we had received and how the table next to us had managed to get their meal within 30mins of arriving we were met by a HUMPF by the waiter. He reacted as though it was our problem the food was late, incorrectly cooked and had ruined our night. I then spoke to the owner of the restaurant who instead of being apologetic about the incident reacted in the same manner as the waiter. I would avoid this place like the plague!
Comment on this reader review

paul
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, March 20, 2006

John Dunne in the Ham&High’s local Broadway edition gave this a good review. He went there with author Max Arthur who describes it as the only good restaurant in North London. A bit harsh on the others, but it must mean something. Max knows his restaurants, and his food. I’ve been there twice, very good both times.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Friday, March 10, 2006

A quick update to my review below. As I chomped happily through my rare and juicy steak (with chips and a well dressed salad) the other week, I was oblivious to my husband's thoughts about his meal. I was concentrating too much on enjoying the £12 bottle of house red. Very fruity.

My husband didn't complain at the time, so I don't feel too sympathetic with him, but since then he's practically run out of words to describe the awfullness of the risotto with which he was presented. I'm getting fed up with it. Apparently it was one of the worst things he's ever tasted and he can't imagine how a chef would ever plate it up.

So, it seems that the message is, Aix can be a little inconsistant. And, if you're unhappy with something, say so. How can they even begin to make amends if you keep mum? Granted though, if you've had a hard day you may not feel like asserting yourself. And why should you? (Well, because you'll have to pay for the meal - adding insult to injury).
Comment on this reader review

Ph - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Monday, February 20, 2006