Brasserie St. Jacques
what the critics say
Andy Lynes - 3/5
your comments review this restaurant and win a bottle of champagne
In a different part of London, or perhaps better a more provincial town like Bath, this restaurant would do very well. Sadly, situated as it is within a stones through of Le Caprice, the Wolseley, and other power houses of dining excellence, the place won't survive very long.
The food was just too average. I like the big airy room, but its emptiness had a rather deadening effect on things. It also made the maitre d' nervous - he seemed to think that full-on 'Ratatouille' style French cliche would liven up the experience. Full marks for effort, but eventually he was just irritating.
Egg on toast soaked in a rich meaty stock was nice enough, if a little like food for old people. Main course of kidneys and mash was overcooked and like eating conkers. Pudding was creme caramel and was, well, creme caramel. It's nice even when processed and out of a plastic supermarket pot, so I don't count it in my food score. Creme caramel is cheating, on St James's street anyway.
Most of all though I was reminded how the cliched French dining experince belongs to my parent's generation. It felt like time travel in modern, cosmpolitan London, and I don't want to go back again.
Comment on this reader review
GILES HUXLEY-PARLOUR - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 
Food 3 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Saturday, September 27, 2008
We dined here on Saturday evening (about 8.30). The food was absolutely delicous, stunningly good oysters, followed by beautifully cooked rib eye steak and a superbly prepared steak tartare. Salads and sides were also very good.
This was washed down with a bottle of Fleurie and lashings of crusty french bread.
Service was attentive but not intrusive, but the restaurant was fairly empty except for another 2 tables of 4.
Ambience was very relaxed and cosy, and prices were about what you would expect for London.
We very nearly didnt go to this restaurant due to lack of reviews and general info. However, we were pleasantly surprised and will be definitely going back for another visit. Thoroughly recommended.
Comment on this reader review
brandybabe96
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
