Mes Amis

I have just had my 60th birthday party here: 22 people was just the right number to fill this wonderful little place. There was a crackling fire and such a warm welcome from James (the proprieter and chef) and Regina (who served us). Once we had all arrived and rather squeezed into the place for a glass of champagne, we sat down at 3 very pretty tables to a range of Labanese starters chosen by James. He then offered us a choice of lamb, chicken, salmon or vegetarian main course - all of which he prepared on the cooker in the corner. Then followed birthday cake & 6 candles. The wine flowed and we had such a happy evening, with much swapping of seats, so we all talked to each other. The lamb was cooked to perfection (I didn't try the other main dishes!), but everybody seemed to clean up their plates. In the whole of London I could not have chosen a nicer, more characterful, more relaxed, happier place to have a cosy party with family and good friends. Thank you James!!
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Wendy Wilmot
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, March 08, 2008

Mes Amis is like no other. Tucked neatly into the Crabtree Estate it is sufficiently out of the way for enough people not to know about it and to leave if for the locals. And nothing will keep the locals away. Neglect to book at your peril.

The decor is nothing short of hilarious. You're essentially eating in the proprietor's sitting room, and what a sitting room it is. Somebody splurged at the plastic fruit shop back in the 1960's and was let loose with paint pots to match. And never seen reason to change it since.

Within this sitting room there is also the kitchen. Everything is prepared before your eyes. This man has absolutely nothing to hide. And he has no reason to, everything is fresh. Everything is simple. I don't recollect even being offered a menu, but I took quite a big group along. But who needs a menu when his recommendations are spot on, and what is placed in front of you is second to none. Delicate but unpretentious flavours are a testament to their freshness. This is not Cordon Bleu, but doesn't purport to be. It's just good.

The proprietor himself is charming, extending a warm but civilised welcome to all who grace his threshold. His staff - when he has them - share this.

Would I recommend this to anyone? I'd love to say no, absolutely not, just to ensure I had more chance of getting a table. But I'd also like to ensure that enough people grace his establishment to keep him open, not that this seems likely to be an issue, barring retirement. For a thoroughly enjoyable evening out, that happens to be extraordinary value for money, look no further.
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Nick
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 26, 2007

we went to mes amis on a saturday evening. We had never been before. The decor is eccentric and the ventilation in the restuarant a little lacking. however the food is cooked infront of you and is com[letely fresh. Quite distinctive but fantastic flavours. 30 pounds for the 2 of us. Delicious food and service.
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Felicity Record
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, May 12, 2007

Whenever I fill out my annual Harden’s restaurant survey, and they ask for your “top astronomical experience” – I always put Mes Amis. My boyfriend took me there on our first date and at first I was appalled at the tacky low-key décor – but once I tasted the food, everything changed. The food is, quite simply AMAZING. And still selling (in the heart of Fulham) for 80s prices (3 courses plus wine for 2 is £40). Cauliflower cooked in lemon juice, garlic prawns, unbelievable hummus and pita bread, succulent tahini chicken and mouth watering lamb filets… all in huge portions (my boyfriend and I usually share a main and we still emerge absolutely stuffed). And the after dinner baklava is free! The owner cooks everything right in front you and always has time for a chat. Don’t let Mes Amis’s eccentric interior scare you – take one bite and you’ll be an instant convert.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, May 09, 2007

John, I find your review hard to believe. I absolutely love and adore Mes Amis, it is without a doubt my favourite restaurant in London. The food, decor, atmosphere and staff are all utterly charming and the value for money amazing. I am selfishly slightly regretting even writing this review as I do not want to give more cause for the hoards to descend and make it hard to get a table...
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Amy
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, March 12, 2007

As is clear from the numerous and glowing reviews, John's is an anomaly - he either caught them on an off night, or behaved in a manner which warranted his treatment. The tone of his review suggest the latter is the case.

Mes Amis is great, I live just down the road and we often go in for a dinner to avoid cooking! It is testament to its quality that even on the gloomiest of midweek evenings, you are hard pushed to get a table after 8 o'clock without booking.

The food is wonderful and you can happily while away a couple of hours there.

I couldn't have asked for a nicer restaurant to be parked 100 yards from my house!!
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Andy
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, March 09, 2007

I absolutely disagree with John's comments below. This is a hidden gem of a restaurant in London for those who are tired of paying grossly inflated prices for mediocre food.

The restaurant is more like someone's front living room but creates a very cosy and kitsch atmosphere!

Food is prepared from scratch by the proprietor - while you wait and freshly cooked and portions are generous.

Everytime I visit this establishment, it is almost impossible to spend more than £25-£30 per person for a 3 course meal, including wine. Definitely worth a visit!
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Melanie Wright
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Friday, November 10, 2006

I went last night with friends. Good food at a reasonable price.

As there is only 1 guy cooking, waiting and serving, don't expect fast service. However the food was worth it and the portions were a good size.

For the price and location, i'd recommend it.
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Al
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, August 09, 2006

fantastic, kitsch, atmospheric, delicious and cheap
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Absolutely brilliant.
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hanna dobrzynska
Tuesday, August 09, 2005