Bistro Aix

I went to 'Aix' a couple of days ago, and I have to say that everything exceeded my expectations. You know, even if it's London it's not easy to eat out and be totally satisfied. Well, I found my place!

The menu is already something, there are so many choices that you need a good 20 minutes to decide. Anyway... It was the first time I had the foie gras cooked as it's supposed to be, not overcooked as you get in most places. I had lamb shank a la provencal to follow, tender and juicy, and what a portion! Baked Alaska to end with, really something to recommend.

The experience was made perfect by efficient and sharp waiters and the amazing classical music in the background. Loved it!
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max
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, June 25, 2010

Tried this place on a quiet Sunday evening. Liked the menu and thought the ambience was pleasant.

Not blown away by the cooking.

Onion soup was OK, nothing special. Bread was good and fresh.

Roast lamb cutlets with dauphinoise potatoes. Nice meat, but not cooked to perfection. I think it needed a hotter oven for better maillard reaction.

Creme brulee was enjoyable. Nice wide dish.

Overall OK, but pricey for what it was. I like to go to restaurants that can cook better than me. This one didn't meet that test.
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Fatty Lo''s Disciple
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Monday, March 01, 2010

So over priced....hugely overrated! This was my second visit, first visit about 7 months ago which was admittedly a pleasurable dining experience, however this return was horrid, just endorses my belief that there are very few consistently good restaurants in London, if you have a good experience dining in London, you got lucky. Sat down (with 7 other guests), was a saturday night so they were busy even though not all tables were full, and silly us for going on a Saturday night...... waited 20 mins for service, nobody came to ask us if we wanted any drinks, had to call the waiter to take our food order, had to ask for a wine list, had to ask for glasses for our water, asked for some more bread had to wait near on 15 mins and then when it did arrive it was cold (not warm like the first serving), Starters took near on 25 minutes to arrive, Onion soup had a crouton crust that was so thick it hermetically sealed the bowl meaning the soup underneath wasn’t properly warm…could not face the prospect of another long wait so ate it anyway, then the main course took near on 40 minutes to arrive, had the Osso Buco, what meat there was was nice, wasn’t much of it though, actually come to think of it…perhaps just three or four moderate mouthful’s, (hoorah for French fries and Spinach) but I had mainly a marrow bone encased in a thick layer of fat…yeeeuch! with a small helping of a risotto mush like substance underneath. French Fries were nice, so was the spinach. The Tarte Tatin (15 minutes to arrive) was alright, nothing special, pastry undercooked, flambé….damp squib more like. Chairs are unbelievably uncomfortable (unless you get the padded bench seat) sure they look authentic Bistro but an Austin Allegro is authentic but you wouldn’t want to sit in one of those for four hours! Bill came to around 40 pounds per head so not cheap, would I go back…sure if they were offering a free Christmas holiday to Barbados with every meal but that is about as likely as me ever returning to Bistro AIX. Avoid.
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Andy Berns
1 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Sunday, February 21, 2010

I have eaten at this restaurant many times and love the large classic French menu and the intimate dining room. The main problem is service. When the dining room is crowded there is a long wait between courses, because the kitchen seems unable to cope. If you go early, you should avoid these problems. I have never had a bad meal at Aix but have had to endure some bad-tempered co-diners who wanted their courses to come more snappily. The waiters are cool and professional, rather than friendly which is fine by me, but if you're looking for an effusive welcome go elsewhere.
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7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I highly recommend this delightful restaurant in Crouch End. The food, service and wines are all excellent in this French brasserie that could have been plucked from Parisian Boulevard. I’ve eaten here many times and have always left happy.
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Pure W
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I have been to Aix before and had good food but was a very different story last night:

Food didn't come as ordered, arrogant, pretentious staff, stingy portions, burnt fillet steak. My husband had fininshed his food before I had got mine.

Ready disappointed, not recommended - go elsewhere, pay less and eat better.
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hj - View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

I had a fantastic meal at Bistro Aix last night. The food was great. My osso bucco was one of the best that I have ever had, very tender and tasty. My wifes meal was also delightful. Her courgette ribbon starter was delicious and not something I have tried before. The food, ambiance and excellent wine list all contributed to a great dining experience. I will definitely be coming back to Bistro Aix in the near future. It was well worth the trip from sound London.
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John Craig-Nelson
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, July 18, 2009