L'Esperance

An appaling meal, the lamb shank was microwaved and the mash was watery and cold, even the waitresses could only muster a half hearted and embarassing attempt at an apology.

Plenty of other places to eat that would beat this place hands down.
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2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Saturday, October 22, 2011

I would agree with the last review - having had lunch a couple of times at l'Esperance I think it is a lovely place to to be, the food is always fresh, tasty and well-cooked and service is second to none. And the house champagne and wine is very well-priced.

I am an occasional visitor to Surbiton and would always return to this charming bistro.
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Sandy
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, June 07, 2011

I don't know where the previous reviewer was eating, but I can't help thinking that this must be a case of mistaken identity and they are thinking of some other restaurant. Having eaten here on several occasions I must say that this is one of the best restaurants in the Surbiton area. The food and wine have always been delicious and the waiters, chefs etc all show clear pride in what they do.
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Christian
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 28, 2011

Visited L'Esperance with 5 friends - looking forward to an evening with good food and pleasant atmospere - unfortunately we got neither, in fact we refused to pay for 3 meals as they were that bad. The woman in charge was positively vile.
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David D
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, November 03, 2010

With friends I have dined at L'esperance on the past 3 saturday evenings. I agree its a great welcome you get from the owner and waiter (both French and I am told that the chef is French). Both of them seem to know every previous customer by name. We nearly always go for the blackboard dishes of the day. Last Saturday I had tasty Mushroom soup and Salmon. There is always a meat and a fish dish. Or you can stick to the a la carte menu as our friend did on Sat with the Duck. Potatoes and fresh veg could be more but for a little cost we have learnt to order one or two more portions, say of french fries and veg.

I think most of the desserts are home made in advance and one of the favourites is Chocolate Mousse. Everything is reasonably priced for a local neighbourhood restaurant so lots of regulars like us. Saturday and Friday evenings are always busy but you are never forgotten. We now book for 7.30 before the rush so that we get our starters and mains reasonably quickly then we can relax over desserts and coffee etc. Our Kir Royals much cheaper than central London could have done with a bit less Cassis in them. Next time we will mention at time of ordering.

Overall excellent and good value for money.
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rob duncan
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 23, 2009