Bibendum

I recently had a most enjoyable evening at Bibendum at a friend's birthday meal. The service was excellent - I found the staff to be some of the most welcoming and attentive of any restaurant I have been to in London, but without being in any way overbearing or fussy. When a friend of mine was having trouble deciding on a starter, the waiter was most helpful in giving her some advice, and clearly knew what he was talking about.

The drinks and food arrived relatively promptly after ordering, and the general atmosphere of the room was highly pleasant throughout the meal. It is obviously a very popular restaurant, and the tables were all full while we were there, but far enough apart to give us some privacy.

I had grilled scallops in a creamy, garlic risotto to start, which was sublime, and rib-eye steak in a red wine 'jus' for main. This was less good, but still very enjoyable and cooked to perfection. The wine list is certainly one of the best I have seen in London (or, indeed, anywhere).

The only negative comment I have to make is that I did think the prices were a little too high for what we got. Despite the food being excellent thoughout, I have had the same quality in other Central London restaurants for more reasonable prices.

That aside, I can highly recommend Bibendum for those that appreciate fantastic cooking in a very pleasant environment.
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Tim Gabbitas
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Friday, April 28, 2006

My party visited last week and the reason I write is to compliment the best dish I have had this year.

The starter of warm smoked eel with Jersey Royals and pancetta in a watercress veloute was a taste senstion and I felt I was judging Master Chef when eating it. Worth the visit alone.

The other courses were all to a high standard but this one stood out and I will be cheking if its one the menu when I go back
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Irish paul - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Monday, April 24, 2006

This review is for the oyster bar only. The surroundings were very authentic, eating in the former Michelin garage. We had a huge platter of oysters for lunch which was actually quite good. The atmosphere was relatively informal but the clientele was definitely of a higher class. However, I did feel that they were pushing for us to order the wine quite a bit. Otherwise, the service was efficient, curt but not very friendly. In summary, the oyster bar is a place to enjoy the surroundings or for special occasions, but I wouldn't recommend it for value or the best oysters.
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Danny Lim
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2
Thursday, April 20, 2006

Love the decor of this place and the eclectic clientele. I went on business and was amazed at just how many staff there were and how attentive but without being overbearing.

The starters were excellent (crab mayonnaise x 2, foie gras, and aubergine and lentil stack)but the main was a tiny tiny bit disappointing. My colleagues all opted for scallops which they assure me were delicious and my sea bass was beautiful. The french fries however were over-cooked, the new potatoes and the carrots were drowned in butter and spoilt their flavours.

However we all had a great evening in great surroundings, people watching. Next time I'll just not order any side dishes.
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Tracey Clayton
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 6
Friday, March 10, 2006

After reading about Bibendum in a printed guide I selected it as the place with the right-sounding combination of good food and atmosphere to celebrate my wife's 60th birthday on 21 January. I then read some of the mixed reviews below, but decided to go ahead on the assumption that a good restaurant will always get some bad reviews. We were a party of nine. We found the food, service and decor so good that we came out collectively elated. We went to have a good time and the restaurant made sure we did. Admittedly I pushed the boat out by adding in a big chocolate birthday cake, accompanied by champagne. I agree it's not cheap: but a good place for a special occasion is never going to be. The Latin phrase 'Nunc est bibendum' translates as 'Now we must celebrate with a drink!' We did.
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Peter Morgan
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, January 23, 2006

At a recent lunch for two, we were presented a menu which offered a three course lunch for £28.50. We only had two courses, water and coffee. We split the bill, which included service, and I paid £41. Later I thought that expensive and assuming we had been overcharged emailed to query the bill. I was informed that lunch costs $28.50, whether one has one, two or all three courses. This is not pointed out when either the order is taken or the bill presented. I had to complain twice before the general manager somewhat ungraciously offered to refund the cost of the coffees. Would I return? Never. Will I tell everyone about Bibendum's disgraceful billing policy? Hell yeah.
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Erin Reilly
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Thursday, January 19, 2006

I can't understand why Bibendum has recieved any bad reviews; it offers some of the most superior culinary delights in London. It may be on the higher end of the pricing scale but you are paying for the exquisite cuisine, unobtrusive service and great atmosphere. The food is not geared towards a healthy/de-tox/'skinny wet latte' diet so if that is what you are looking for, don't come here!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 11, 2006