Bar Boulud

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 66 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA - View on a map
Telephone: 020 7201 3899

Bar Boulud Restaurant In London
Details Image
Overall 7.5
Food 9.0
Service 9.0
Atmosphere 6.0
Value 6.0
Based on 1 reviews

what the critics say

Telegraph

Zoe Williams - 9.5/10

Monday, July 05, 2010 - The menu reads like a dream, literally, something your subconscious might wish. There is a whole course just of sausages. I started with the petit aioli, so beautiful I wish I'd taken a picture of it...A continued with a magnificent burger. I guess it was about 6in tall, but not absurdly large in diameter. It was a 'Frenchie', so had Morbier cheese and confit pork belly as well as the beef patty, but it wasn't even the accessories that made it. Rather, the beef had a wonderful tenderness and made a delicious, full-frontal attack that wasn't just a heap of salt.

Guardian

Matthew Norman

Saturday, June 05, 2010 - The menu is Franco-American meaty, but all the appeal is provided by brilliant service from friendly French staff in maroon shirts...Neither of us could be done with puds, and we left agreeing that the borderline rapturous reception for this newcomer, elsewhere and on the foodie blogs, must have more to do with imaginary imperial garments than anything else. On this form, Heston will kick Boulud so hard that this mediocrity will take its rightful place as an overflow pen for those who can't get in upstairs.

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your comments review this restaurant and win a bottle of champagne

Extrordinarily excellent burgers and very good service, a little on the pricey side for me but I guess that's to be expected in this part of town. Overall I highly reccomend.
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Steve Kerr - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 8 stars
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Friday, December 16, 2011

Very disappointed. The room is depressing with a low ceiling. The food quality was only average and very overpriced.

The worst part was the wines. Outrageously overpriced!

Will not be returning.
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Rodger Slape - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 3 stars
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Monday, July 04, 2011

Very disappointing. Menu looked fantastic. Started badly when I ordered fromage de tete and waiter wanted to make sure that I didn't really want to order cheese! Fromage de tete over salty. Guest brought wrong starter twice. Burgers dry and tasteless and frites not as good as McDonalds. Floating island quite good.

Was this just a bad day ? A real shame.
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Fatty
Overall rating 4 stars
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Monday, March 14, 2011

I have been here twice now and have twice had the pulled pork beef burger. I love a good burger and this is one of the best in town. I don't like the fries that they come with but forgot to ask if they could change them this time. We had an early evening reservation and were told that we had to be gone in two hours. As it was just my friend and myself this wasn't a problem but I do hate double seating in restaurants. Even though we had plenty of time, we found the staff quite pushy in getting us to choose desserts and it spoilt the experience somewhat. The plated desserts were world class standard. I know the head pasty chef so guessed that I wouldn't be disappointed. Finally, the house red was £5 for a small glass but is the nicest that I have ever tasted. Go.
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Sarah - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 9 stars
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 07, 2011

On the spur of the moment, we decided to go into town and do a spot of sale shopping. Having traipsed around the shops all day long, we thought we would at last give Daniel's new Bar Boulud a go at the Mandarin. When we are in New York, we always eat at Daniel's, and out of all the 3 michelin starred restaurants, we have always preferred his. We arrived at 9.30pm off the cuff with no reservation last Monday (bank holiday). The place was absolutely heaving still and despite being full, the waiter found us a table within minutes -good start. Within 15 minutes of sitting down, our food had arrived and was perfectly cooked. We had steak and sole, both were excellent and extremely generous portions. The price; well I live in the home counties and most of my local pubs are more expensive for a steak. We though it was excellent value for money. Our desserts also were excellent. This isn't 3 michelin starred food or a 3 michelin starred experience, but for the price you pay, you get superb food in a place with a nice buzzy atmosphere, perfect for casual dining when you want something decent to eat. We were most impressed, and it takes a lot to impress us! Can't wait to return. Well done Daniel.
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J NOBLE
Overall rating 10 stars
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, January 10, 2011

I never really go out in the Knightsbridge area, so when I found myself there last Saturday I thought it would be good to try Bar Bouud. After hearing great things about Daniel Boulud's New york flagship restaurant I had been wanting to try this place since it opened.

After a quick drink in the bar while we waited for a table, we were then led to the main restaurant. The place looks cool, light and airy despite it's basement setting. The menu reads really well with a huge choice of classic French dishes along with an American influence. We started with a shared platter of charcuterie, which although being £28 was well worth it. 5 different terrines (2 chicken, lamb, beef and pork), some great cubes of pig head, 2 different hams and some saucisson. It also came with toast, 4 pickled veg and mustard. It was plenty for 2 but could have been enough for 3 or even 4 people. Mains were also good with my Piggy burger being cooked a lovely rare and my friends Coq au vin was top notch. Cheese for dessert was the only let down with the choice not being great and the cheeses themselves not being in good nick.

The wine list was top heavy on Burgundy and Rhone (I think this is were the chef is from) and also top heavy on prices with little under £50. We ended up with a nice Chorey les Beaune for about £60, which went well with all the dishes.

Service was also very good, our German waitress was great as were all the staff who looked after us.

Overall a cool place with great food and a nice buzz, not cheap but as I have said before, where is in London nowadays.
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Chris - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 8 stars
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, November 25, 2010

Our second visit was as enjoyable as the first. Some individual items on the charcuterie small board may look a bit meagre, but together they're plenty for a starter course. Scallops, venison and sausages main courses were excellent even if the servings are not over-generous. Our waiter came up trumps with a suggestion from the more modest end of the wine list.

The number of staff circulating around the room doesn't cease to amaze, but they're polite, efficient and never a nuisance.
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Kentishwanderer
Overall rating 8 stars
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, November 02, 2010

What started of well, went steadily down-hill after the warm greeting and nice drink at the bar. Once seated, the incredibly under experienced waiter blustered around, constantly interrupting and then deciding to knock our water over all three of us. Even when we suggested it would be easier to move to another table (plenty available) the inelegant attempts as mopping it all up took a while and just caused more irritation. After several more interruptions, including having more water, but fizzy for those who had asked for still and vice versa, we got through the uninspiring medley of cold meats. This was followed by a rib eye and two burgers which were so unmemorable, that they were not worthy of comment. Except to say that the plates were too small, the chips were poor and the steak was not up to much.

Then onto dessert - cheese all round, except for some specific cheeses we asked not to be included. Of course they brought us the cheeses, including the ones we did not want. A quick scrape of the plate back in the kitchen, and they returned minus the requested cheeses.

In summary - this is a restaurant attached to one of the best hotels in London - the service was appalling, the food was dull and the overall experience should not be repeated.

It is so disappointing when a restaurant promises so much and delivers so little, I have had better meals for half the price and nicer surroundings.
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Tim Wood
Overall rating 2 stars
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Sunday, September 05, 2010

I had an excellent lunch there today (18/09/10). Since I was on my own they sat me at the bar overlooking the kitchen which was intriguing as I have never seen inside a working kitchen before! I was offered a newspaper and drink then ordered.

For mains I had the Yankee Burger (rilled beef patty with iceberg lettuce tomato, sweet onion, sesame bun, pickle and pommes frites with cheddar cheese). This was one of the best burgers I have ever tasted.

For dessert I had the Coupe Peppermint (flourless chocolate sponge, hot chocolate sauce, mint ice cream, chocolate sorbet) which as absolutely delicious!

The service was very quick and efficient which is ideal for a quick lunch even though it was very busy and noisy.
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Mr CM - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 8 stars
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, August 18, 2010

I've made three visits to Bar Boulud in the last month. Each time I've been very happy with the food - the charcuterie is always the best bit. Wasn't mad about the burger or the choc peppermint sundae (which I would argue is made with garden mint not peppermint) but the former is extremely popular.

The dining room is split into two, but there doesn't seem to be one that's hipper than the other, both have been very buzzy when I've visited. There are plenty of tables at the bar, it would be a very good place to enjoy a lunch by oneself.

What is really amazing about Bar Boulud is the service. It's extremely attentive and professional, while also being friendly and relaxed.

With a couple of glasses of wine and 3 courses per person, I nearly always pay £40 a head including service. And I always feel that it's been well worth it - certainly enough to keep me coming back.
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June
Overall rating 9 stars
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, August 02, 2010


what the bloggers say

Londonelicious

Londonelicious

Thursday, July 15, 2010 - The Thai sausages were pretty delicious. And if you get the charcuterie, don't faff about...go large. LARGE. It's pretty awesome. Sea bass...now this...I'd like the recipe. This was pretty fantastic. I liked that it was crispy...The kitchen was fascinating and fun to watch. I like moving parts. I also like how you can sit at the bar right here and stare straight into the kitchen. That would be pretty cool for a solo diner. The Sommelier: I must give a special shout out to our wonderful sommelier. He was clever and funny and knew what we wanted and what we didn't know we wanted.

Gourmet Chick

Gourmet Chick - 8/10

Monday, June 28, 2010 - You must order one of the famous burgers. I tried the French burger and the Piggy burger both featured densely packed quality meat but for me it was the additions on the Piggy burger which stole the show, namely the slow cooked to a point of sweetness pulled pork that topped the beef patty. Great, crispy accompanying fries as well. Continuing on the meat fest theme, you also shouldn't miss out on the sausages. The porky and super spicy Thai sausage was a firm winner at our table but if you want a total cardiac arrest on a plate try the rich and creamy truffled boudin blanc that comes on a bed of even creamier mash

An American In London

An American In London

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - Surprise super star dish at Bar Boulud: the ridiculously-named 'chop chop salad,' with its crisp romaine lettuce, zippy ginger-soy vinaigrette, cashews, sesame crisps, avocados and lobster. And not dull, stringy, frozen-a-million-times lobster...The souffle I ordered on Wednesday evening wasn't bad, but what stole the show on both nights I ate at Bar Boulud were the fresh-from-the-oven madeleines. Light as air and lemony-good. You felt almost virtuous eating these, and they were a steal for 4 quid.

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