Bibendum

Had a business lunch here last week and really enjoyed it. Warm welcome, fantastic bread and a good atmosphere considering it was Monday lunch. Whilst my game terrine starter was just OK, the main of pheasant was genuinely superb. Cooked perfectly and served properly with bread sauce and a liver croute - thankfully I had some bread left from the starter because I really didn't want to leave any of the jus behind. The a la carte prices are pretty eye watering but it is one of the lovliest rooms in London for lunch so it goes with the territory I suppose.
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Nick Lambert
7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Went here for dinner last night expecting great things but were very disappointed.

We arrived to be greeted by the lady at the front desk who was very brusque and marched us to our table which was jammed in the corner. We were given some olives and the menus which are written in a very annoying font which is difficult to read. An age went by before someone came to take our order and then we went through the whole thing again with the wine list.

I had the steak tartare to start and my girlfriend had the pigeon which was quite good, the tartare on the other hand was not great, the meat was not chopped very well so involved a lot of chewing. For mains I had the rabbit while my girlfriend had the steak au poivre. The rabbit was dry despite all the sauce and some black pudding which had been stuffed inside, my girlfriends steak was large and chewy (maybe the same batch of meat the made the tartare out of) and she couldn't finish it.

The bill came to £142 for 2 with a bottle of wine, I don't think I will be returning despite Michael Caine sitting at the next table.
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Willy Myers
4 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Thursday, October 27, 2011

My first visit, and the bare-tiled stairway doesn't provide the warmest of welcomes. The dining room itself and all the staff we encountered made up for this with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere and there was plenty of buzz from the well-spaced tables.

Everything sampled by our group of three hit the spot, but I'd say the boundaries of what constitutes a reasonable price are being pushed a bit. A positive experience which I'll be very happy to repeat on the right occasion, but a slight mark-down for value.
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Kentishwanderer
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Went for Saturday lunch after a spot of wedding dress shopping with my sister and mother (who uses a wheelchair). As we arrived to the double doors at the front of the restaurant I could see the manager leaning and chatting on the reception desk, he saw us and then left my sister and I to struggle with the doors to get mumsie inside. Not a great start. Food was not too good either.... I had a main course of ox tongue which was so salty it felt like it had chemically burnt my oesophagus, asked if we could have 3 courses and be out in an hour and a half, told yes, that was a lie. We had to skip dessert. asked if we could have the coffee instead of dessert due to time constraints....... told yes, then waitress comes back to say that she asked her manager and we had to pay for coffee on top of three courses, bill was wrong, no goodbye on way out, couldn't find my jacket.......blah blah. A shame, could have been an off day....
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5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

I have eaten at the restaurant three times now and would definitely come again.

I love this place - it's more than a restaurant, it's an institution! Great tasting food, simply prepared, although certainly rich in a classical French way (buerre, more buerre!).

The a la carte prices can be a little hefty for a menu which is essentially a posher version of what you'll find in any good Parisian bistro. But it is just about justified by the excellent waiting team who really know how to run a high class service and probably the best dining room in London.

Highly recommended - as good for a romantic evening for two as for a large family lunch.
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Foodie - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Monday, September 13, 2010

Fabulous (again). Went on Saturday to celebrate my birthday with six friends. Such a lovely restaurant. The menu is well balanced and a good choice. I plumped for scallops (my one weakness), followed by a steak au poivre, and creme brulee. The scallops were delicious, perfectly cooked and a lovely tangy flavour. The steak was also cooked perfectly, and the brulee was delightful. The meal for one of my friends came out late (only slightly) but the waiter apologised and gave us extra veg. When the bill came, they did not charge for her meal, the extra veg, or the 2 brandies that were ordered. Can't say fairer than that can you. Also, the staff had noticed it was my birthday (I think the present unwrapping gave it away), and gave me one of their lovely butter dishes as a present.

One of the more expensive restaurants, but worth every penny. Will be going again, definitely
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Jean Hughes
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic.

Classy venue and great food. I have been on so many occasions I am almost part of the furniture.

Service is efficient, you hardly know they are there, but do a great job in looking after you while you eat.

I would recommend to anyone if they like a touch of class and great food!
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Madeleine
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, December 07, 2009

The service was good and attentive.

The food: Asparagus & hollandaise sauce: 16/20 Very basic starter, well cooked and tasty btw.

Cod with balsamic vinegar and bettroot: 14/20 The fish was a bit over cooked, maybe I had to ask it to be fondant. The green beans served on the side were delicious, very well cooked and tasty.

Crème brûlée: 10/20 Well the crème brûlée had a pleasant and generous taste of vanilla, unfortunatelly, the texture was miles away from it has to be.

The value for the price paid is very good, we'll be back.
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Dianna Voitane - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, April 27, 2009

Went for lunch on Saturday 21st February. The service was relaxed but attentive and the dining room is bright and buzzy. The food was well prepared but may be too rich for some tastes. However, you can't argue with 29.50 for three courses of such quality.
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The Colonel
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 23, 2009