Latest reviews for Restaurants in London, United Kingdom

Benihana - Rev-up your time machine back to 1980 by pretzel

pretzel — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:50:09 +0000

Review by pretzel

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7376 7799

Website: http://www.benihana.com

I experienced Benihana for the first, and most definitely last time, last night. If i'd dressed up in shoulder pads, stepped out of my gold capri and been arm in arm with a nice man sporting a find moustache and 'burns, I couldn't have felt more back to 1980.
The 'reception' area is like a hotel foyer of the naffest kind. I assume they're used to truck loads of tourists and felt the need to pen my friend and I in there, refusing to allow us to go through to the restaurant area until the rest of our party of 10 had arrived.
Finally through to the restaurant area. I'm now in danger of sounding like Alan Whicker, but then the 'dinner theatre' began. x2 chefs set light to the teppanyaki plates, piled high onion rings into spouting volcanos, and fried up bits of fish, meat and seafood. At Â£18/head any restaurant would represent good value, but the food was bland beyond belief, totally inauthentic and frankly cheap and nasty. Since when did japanese food come with egg friend rice and onion soup? Since when did Japanese food come with horseradish dip, rather than wasabi? Benihana should have diversified in 1980 and gone into the Vesta Curry ready meal-market. It've been a totally natural brand extension.I experienced Benihana for the first, and most definitely last time, last night. If i'd dressed up in shoulder pads, stepped out of my gold capri and been arm in arm with a nice man sporting a find moustache and 'burns, I couldn't have felt more back to 1980.
The 'reception' area is like a hotel foyer of the naffest kind. I assume they're used to truck loads of tourists and felt the need to pen my friend and I in there, refusing to allow us to go through to the restaurant area until the rest of our party of 10 had arrived.
Finally through to the restaurant area. I'm now in danger of sounding like Alan Whicker, but then the 'dinner theatre' began. x2 chefs set light to the teppanyaki plates, piled high onion rings into spouting volcanos, and fried up bits of fish, meat and seafood. At Â£18/head any restaurant would represent good value, but the food was bland beyond belief, totally inauthentic and frankly cheap and nasty. Since when did japanese food come with egg friend rice and onion soup? Since when did Japanese food come with horseradish dip, rather than wasabi? Benihana should have diversified in 1980 and gone into the Vesta Curry ready meal-market. It've been a totally natural brand extension.

Cafe Pacifico - An old favourite by LiG

LiG — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:49:49 +0000

Review by LiG

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 7728

Website: http://www.cafepacifico-laperla.com

Tags: mexican, crowded, good value

In tourist-trap Covent Garden it is easy to get ripped off with expensive, diluted cocktails. At Cafe Pacifico the very professional bartenders will mix them to your taste (and strength) and they have more than 100 tequilas to choose from.
Mexican food is not fashionable or pretentious - it's stodgy and filling, so don't expect culinary fireworks.
Having been to most Mexican restaurants in London, including Texas Embassy, Wahaca etc, I think CP is one of the most consistent, and the staff are really friendly (I witnessed a manager and waitress helping a customer who had clearly consumed too much alcohol, making arrangements for her to get home safely).
CP has been owned by the same people for 25 years and they even grow their own avocados in Spain to make their guacamole. I think that attention to detail speaks for itself.In tourist-trap Covent Garden it is easy to get ripped off with expensive, diluted cocktails. At Cafe Pacifico the very professional bartenders will mix them to your taste (and strength) and they have more than 100 tequilas to choose from.
Mexican food is not fashionable or pretentious - it's stodgy and filling, so don't expect culinary fireworks.
Having been to most Mexican restaurants in London, including Texas Embassy, Wahaca etc, I think CP is one of the most consistent, and the staff are really friendly (I witnessed a manager and waitress helping a customer who had clearly consumed too much alcohol, making arrangements for her to get home safely).
CP has been owned by the same people for 25 years and they even grow their own avocados in Spain to make their guacamole. I think that attention to detail speaks for itself.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen - Gourmet Burger Kitchen by miffy

miffy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:58:31 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8998 0392

Website: http://www.gbkinfo.co.uk

Tags: lively, good value, crowded

Though small the gourmet burger kitchen is within easy reach of every bus that goes through ealing and the train station if you are coming from further a field to enjoy the food here. Of course a place like this in ealing is bound to attract families from around the area and I can see why. The food is definitely child friendly but this is not mac donalds or burger king and the more sophisticated side of gourmet burger makes it popular with parents and young professionals alike. The food is delicious and very varied with plenty to choose from on your burner. The decor is comfortable but modern and attractive and in summer the front disappears meaning, though small and crowded it is not stuffy and hot. Looking for food in ealing? try here!Though small the gourmet burger kitchen is within easy reach of every bus that goes through ealing and the train station if you are coming from further a field to enjoy the food here. Of course a place like this in ealing is bound to attract families from around the area and I can see why. The food is definitely child friendly but this is not mac donalds or burger king and the more sophisticated side of gourmet burger makes it popular with parents and young professionals alike. The food is delicious and very varied with plenty to choose from on your burner. The decor is comfortable but modern and attractive and in summer the front disappears meaning, though small and crowded it is not stuffy and hot. Looking for food in ealing? try here!

The Cinnamon Club - Beautiful setting Beautiful eating by french_girl

french_girl — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:51:05 +0000

Review by french_girl

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7222 2555

Website: http://www.cinnamonclub.com

Tags: indian, expensive, cocktails

Beautiful food and setting makes a meal out a luxurious event.

The spices are delicate and well balanced. Even when hot you can actually taste all the flavours not just feel a burning heat.

Well worth ordering fish and seafood dishes so that you can experience how to complement with spices rather than killing the flavour that you find with fish in many Indian restaurants.

Good mixture of british food and ingredients in their menus just approached with modern Indian freshness.

Cocktails are a must. Real luxury treat in the bar. Best I've even had.

And service is excellent, smooth knowlegable and polite.Beautiful food and setting makes a meal out a luxurious event.

The spices are delicate and well balanced. Even when hot you can actually taste all the flavours not just feel a burning heat.

Well worth ordering fish and seafood dishes so that you can experience how to complement with spices rather than killing the flavour that you find with fish in many Indian restaurants.

Good mixture of british food and ingredients in their menus just approached with modern Indian freshness.

Cocktails are a must. Real luxury treat in the bar. Best I've even had.

And service is excellent, smooth knowlegable and polite.

Rosa's - Great by bakerga1

bakerga1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:19:09 +0000

Review by bakerga1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 5830

Tags: lively, good value, thai

This place is fantastic. I almost do not want to write a review as it may get popular and this would spoil the charm of the place. The food was fantastic I recommend the fried seabass. Also worth noting that it is a bring your own booze restaurantThis place is fantastic. I almost do not want to write a review as it may get popular and this would spoil the charm of the place. The food was fantastic I recommend the fried seabass. Also worth noting that it is a bring your own booze restaurant

Archipelago - Fun, but not for the squeamish by char23

char23 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:17:41 +0000

Review by char23

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7383 3346

Tags: lively, terrace, expensive

With a menu full of things like kangaroo and chocolate-covered scorpions, this restaurant is for adventurous eaters. I loved the atmosphere, and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. It's a bit expensive, but worth the experience! With a menu full of things like kangaroo and chocolate-covered scorpions, this restaurant is for adventurous eaters. I loved the atmosphere, and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. It's a bit expensive, but worth the experience!

Out of the Blue Bar & Kitchen - by Browners

Browners — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:00:55 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7207 8548

Tags: relaxed, lunch, food

Good breakfast. Probably one of the best in the Clapham Junction area. No idea what it is like as a bar.Good breakfast. Probably one of the best in the Clapham Junction area. No idea what it is like as a bar.

Farshad Restaurant - Very good! by lisahappe

lisahappe — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:45:17 +0000

Review by lisahappe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8998 8118

Tags: lively, family & home feel, good value

I went here for a birthday in May and had a wanderful time! the food was lovely and the service was great. They put on live music and there was dancing, we were treated very well, almost as if we were the only people there! the only disappointment was that their belly dancer didnt arrive...I went here for a birthday in May and had a wanderful time! the food was lovely and the service was great. They put on live music and there was dancing, we were treated very well, almost as if we were the only people there! the only disappointment was that their belly dancer didnt arrive...

Aroy - just tasty by canmanjoe

canmanjoe — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:30:14 +0000

Review by canmanjoe

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8540 8887

Tags: thai, good value, family & home feel

tasty food, good price, food made fresh with good ingredients.
portions are medium sized, but that's no harm :-)tasty food, good price, food made fresh with good ingredients.
portions are medium sized, but that's no harm :-)

Pizza Bella - Very family friendly by french_girl

french_girl — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:24:53 +0000

Review by french_girl

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8342 8541

Tags: italian, lively, crowded

Always a great place to bring the children. Staff are really attentive without being smothering. My favourite pizzas in london, less generic than the big chains.Always a great place to bring the children. Staff are really attentive without being smothering. My favourite pizzas in london, less generic than the big chains.

Banners - folksy foody fun by french_girl

french_girl — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:21:04 +0000

Review by french_girl

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8348 2930

Website: http://www.bannersrestaurant.co.uk

Tags: international, good food, great atmosphere

always great if you need a huge portion of food. Great for brunch but gets very crowded.always great if you need a huge portion of food. Great for brunch but gets very crowded.

Leon - Great post-Tate pit stop by Litro_K

Litro_K — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:34:02 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7620 0035

Website: http://www.leonrestaurants.co.uk

Tags: lively, international, cheap eat

This stylish Leon branch sits in a shiny new development right behind the Tate modern. Large, airy, and true to the best bits of the chain, it was a welcome pit stop after a recent trip to the gallery. Like all other Leons, the food if fast, healthy and fresh, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. I had the original superfoods salad and a lovely iced lemonade with ginger and mint. All very decent and came in at under Â£6. Service came with a smile and I'd happily return anytime!This stylish Leon branch sits in a shiny new development right behind the Tate modern. Large, airy, and true to the best bits of the chain, it was a welcome pit stop after a recent trip to the gallery. Like all other Leons, the food if fast, healthy and fresh, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. I had the original superfoods salad and a lovely iced lemonade with ginger and mint. All very decent and came in at under Â£6. Service came with a smile and I'd happily return anytime!

J - love em, but often busy by rodomel

rodomel — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:05:45 +0000

Review by rodomel

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 3703

Tags: italian, lively, crowded

Love these guys when friends are in town, but they do get very busy - a good sign! But sucks when you are hungry. Week days are better! Love em! All on the menu is great.Love these guys when friends are in town, but they do get very busy - a good sign! But sucks when you are hungry. Week days are better! Love em! All on the menu is great.

Edokko - Authentic by StephenGrayston

StephenGrayston — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:59:34 +0000

Review by StephenGrayston

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 3490

Tags: japanese, business, lively

This restaurant is owned by Ito-san, who trained to be a Sushi chef under one of Japan's top Sushi chefs in Tokyo. Edokko means 'Child of Tokyo'...

The food is superb and like many of the UK Japanese Sushi chefs, Ito-san rises early in the morning to go to the fish market and select the fish himself. If it is one thing that Japanese Sushi chefs know about - it's fish and freshness.

I truly recommend the food, the atmosphere and the service, and prices have risen owing to food price increases across the country, but I still think it is very good value considering to the quality of the food.

Can be very crowded in evenings and lunchtimes - make sure you book.

Stephen.This restaurant is owned by Ito-san, who trained to be a Sushi chef under one of Japan's top Sushi chefs in Tokyo. Edokko means 'Child of Tokyo'...

The food is superb and like many of the UK Japanese Sushi chefs, Ito-san rises early in the morning to go to the fish market and select the fish himself. If it is one thing that Japanese Sushi chefs know about - it's fish and freshness.

I truly recommend the food, the atmosphere and the service, and prices have risen owing to food price increases across the country, but I still think it is very good value considering to the quality of the food.

Can be very crowded in evenings and lunchtimes - make sure you book.

Stephen.

Le Boudin Blanc - by StephenGrayston

StephenGrayston — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:47:08 +0000

Review by StephenGrayston

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7499 3292

Website: http://www.boudinblanc.co.uk

Tags: french, romantic, lively

Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, although typicallly, you cannot park anywhere in that area.Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, although typicallly, you cannot park anywhere in that area.

Katana @ The International - mrs elizabeth ashby by hunkychunky

hunkychunky — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:21:09 +0000

Review by hunkychunky

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7655 9810

Website: http://www.theinternational.uk.com

Tags: thai, business, asian

Katana is ideal for a pre theatre meal, as the Duke of York's theatre is round the corner. We reserved a table for two, the set menu at Â£14.95.
Poor choice on the menu, so we asked to see the Ã la carte menu. The prices were outrageous so we stuck to the set menu.
Thai Green and Red Curries were very bland, rice and noodles were an added cost. We will not return.

Katana is ideal for a pre theatre meal, as the Duke of York's theatre is round the corner. We reserved a table for two, the set menu at Â£14.95.
Poor choice on the menu, so we asked to see the Ã la carte menu. The prices were outrageous so we stuck to the set menu.
Thai Green and Red Curries were very bland, rice and noodles were an added cost. We will not return.

The Anchor & Hope - Consistently good by rd1975

rd1975 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:42:16 +0000

Review by rd1975

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7633 9144

Tags: good value, gastro pub, lively

Most people in London have their favourite place they will end up going to every other month - or even more frequently. The Anchor and Hope is my choice.

A wonderful informal buzzy atmosphere that will suit those people who are more bothered by what appears on a plate in front them rather than white linen, overly-attentive service and the spotlessness of the toilets.

Anchor and Hope quite simply does large, rugged, gutsy portions of exceptionally good food. Rather than dwell on one particular meal, here's some regular fayre:

Starters: Crab on toast, Bacon, snail and watercress salad, Beetroot and horseradish salad, Terrine, Artichoke vinaigrette

Mains: Rib of beef (served medium rare) and big chips for two, shoulder of lamb for five-ish - served in a huge earthenware pot to serve yourself - with a large tray of pommes dauphinoises (I would say this is their signature dish), leg of kid "saltimbocca" (wrapped in prosciutto) with minted courgettes, and a wonderful cassoulet.

Desserts: Flourless chocolate cake Queen of Puddings, various home-made ice-creams and a generous cheese-plate.

All of the above served by knowledgeable, humourous, friendly staff who, yes, occasionally may forget the odd order (happened maybe twice in about 15 visits) but the food is the main attraction in any case. The place is always full, always buzzing and is an absolute bloody joy that I couldn't give anything other than 5 stars. No reservations allowed (even to Kevin Spacey performing up the road at the Old Vic) so get there at 6pm to guarantee a seat. Get a sharing meal for 6 of you at should typically set you back around Â£40 a head.

Enjoy !Most people in London have their favourite place they will end up going to every other month - or even more frequently. The Anchor and Hope is my choice.

A wonderful informal buzzy atmosphere that will suit those people who are more bothered by what appears on a plate in front them rather than white linen, overly-attentive service and the spotlessness of the toilets.

Anchor and Hope quite simply does large, rugged, gutsy portions of exceptionally good food. Rather than dwell on one particular meal, here's some regular fayre:

Starters: Crab on toast, Bacon, snail and watercress salad, Beetroot and horseradish salad, Terrine, Artichoke vinaigrette

Mains: Rib of beef (served medium rare) and big chips for two, shoulder of lamb for five-ish - served in a huge earthenware pot to serve yourself - with a large tray of pommes dauphinoises (I would say this is their signature dish), leg of kid "saltimbocca" (wrapped in prosciutto) with minted courgettes, and a wonderful cassoulet.

Desserts: Flourless chocolate cake Queen of Puddings, various home-made ice-creams and a generous cheese-plate.

All of the above served by knowledgeable, humourous, friendly staff who, yes, occasionally may forget the odd order (happened maybe twice in about 15 visits) but the food is the main attraction in any case. The place is always full, always buzzing and is an absolute bloody joy that I couldn't give anything other than 5 stars. No reservations allowed (even to Kevin Spacey performing up the road at the Old Vic) so get there at 6pm to guarantee a seat. Get a sharing meal for 6 of you at should typically set you back around Â£40 a head.

Enjoy !

Hibiscus - Welcome to London by gastro1

gastro1 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:04:54 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7629 2999

Website: http://www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk/

Tags: french, expensive, good value

it is always difficult to move a restaurant within a city but to bring it down from Ludlow the little gastro hub in Shropshire is very brave indeed.

All I can say after eating there last week is bravo Monsieur Bosi ! you and your wife have done a great job.

The food is superb and original from the amuse bouche to a remarkable light chocolat tart infused with liquid choc and flavoured with indonesian basil.

Claude Bosi does remarkable things with vegetables somehow concentrating the flavours through pulverisation and blending with other compatible ingredients.

My one criticism is that the portions are slightly to small if you are going for 3-4 courses a la carte including cheese.

The wine list needs a bit of beefing up in terms of choice especially red and white Burgundy and a wider range of red Bordeaux to include some cru bourgeois and lesser grand cru classes' ( of at least 8 years of age)

I don't think it will be long before the 2nd star from Ludlow is restored and with some small changes this could become along with The Square and Pied a Terre a contender for a 3rd.

My experience here reminded me of another great French Chef who thrived in London - Pierre Koffman at Tante Claire (Royal Hospital Road) - the approach and philosophy is obviously different but the technical skill and execution from the kitchen was really impressive.it is always difficult to move a restaurant within a city but to bring it down from Ludlow the little gastro hub in Shropshire is very brave indeed.

All I can say after eating there last week is bravo Monsieur Bosi ! you and your wife have done a great job.

The food is superb and original from the amuse bouche to a remarkable light chocolat tart infused with liquid choc and flavoured with indonesian basil.

Claude Bosi does remarkable things with vegetables somehow concentrating the flavours through pulverisation and blending with other compatible ingredients.

My one criticism is that the portions are slightly to small if you are going for 3-4 courses a la carte including cheese.

The wine list needs a bit of beefing up in terms of choice especially red and white Burgundy and a wider range of red Bordeaux to include some cru bourgeois and lesser grand cru classes' ( of at least 8 years of age)

I don't think it will be long before the 2nd star from Ludlow is restored and with some small changes this could become along with The Square and Pied a Terre a contender for a 3rd.

My experience here reminded me of another great French Chef who thrived in London - Pierre Koffman at Tante Claire (Royal Hospital Road) - the approach and philosophy is obviously different but the technical skill and execution from the kitchen was really impressive.

Hunan - Chinese poetry by sokratis

sokratis — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:16:44 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7730 5712

Tags: chinese, expensive, good value

Gastro1 is absolutely right. Don't try too hard to decide on the menu. Youâ¬"re much better to allow the very friendly and discrete staff to take care of you. Let them know how hungry you are and if you have any general preferences and they will happily oblige. I went there with one of the venueâ¬"s best customers who knows the owner for about 20 years now, so had even more reason to sit back and simply enjoy.
Of course you have to be prepared for the downside. The food is so good and the atmosphere so relaxed that you will find yourself spending much longer than you planned for.
Our dinner started at 7pm sharp and finished at 11:15pm. During those four hours we proceeded to eat a wide variety of things that walk the earth, swim the oceans and fly the skies. I couldnâ¬"t possibly go through the list, but I would recommend that you try the shoulder of pork, which melts away at the slightest of spoon nudges and the crab with crispy noodle. We finished our meal with some greatly refreshing, frozen lychee liqueur served as a compliment. Great way to end the meal, which surprisingly (given the amount of food and drink consumed) did not leave me feeling bloated at all.
Towards the end of the night Mr Peng also walked the floor and greeted the customers personally. Itâ¬"s a very small, family-run place and such personal touches add very nicely to the whole atmosphere. Highly recommended.
Gastro1 is absolutely right. Don't try too hard to decide on the menu. Youâ¬"re much better to allow the very friendly and discrete staff to take care of you. Let them know how hungry you are and if you have any general preferences and they will happily oblige. I went there with one of the venueâ¬"s best customers who knows the owner for about 20 years now, so had even more reason to sit back and simply enjoy.
Of course you have to be prepared for the downside. The food is so good and the atmosphere so relaxed that you will find yourself spending much longer than you planned for.
Our dinner started at 7pm sharp and finished at 11:15pm. During those four hours we proceeded to eat a wide variety of things that walk the earth, swim the oceans and fly the skies. I couldnâ¬"t possibly go through the list, but I would recommend that you try the shoulder of pork, which melts away at the slightest of spoon nudges and the crab with crispy noodle. We finished our meal with some greatly refreshing, frozen lychee liqueur served as a compliment. Great way to end the meal, which surprisingly (given the amount of food and drink consumed) did not leave me feeling bloated at all.
Towards the end of the night Mr Peng also walked the floor and greeted the customers personally. Itâ¬"s a very small, family-run place and such personal touches add very nicely to the whole atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Comptoir Gascon - Mais, c’est fantastique by sokratis

sokratis — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:57:10 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7608 0851

Website: http://www.comptoirgascon.com

Tags: french, good value, cosy

Blink and youâ¬"ll miss the Comptoir Gascon. That would be a shame though, as this little bistro in one of the best, hidden gems in Farringdon. The place is tiny, with probably 25-30 covers that can be served at any one time and serves as a deli as well.
Itâ¬"s frequently very busy. However, if you find yourself with another person and have not booked then ask the staff if you can eat at the bar, which is most often free. It makes for a much more intimate, romantic setting if thatâ¬"s what youâ¬"re there for or a fantastic place to catch up with a friend over some hearty, French food, beautiful wine and a relaxed setting.
I had the oysters with chipolatas to start, which exploded with flavour, although Iâ¬"d skip the chipolatas next time as they take away some of the freshness of the oyster. We shared some foie gras and as the Cooksister suggest it was superb. Seriously one of the best Iâ¬"ve tried.
For mains we both had the Beef Onglet with Bordelaise sauce. I was intrigued by the name of the sauce and immediately thought of French debauchery and some interesting background about a Madame offering a special sauce for her clients. However, after a bit of research it turns that (rather disappointingly) Bordelaise refers to someone/thing that originates from the area of Bordeaux. The origin may be mundane, but I assure you the flavour is not. Bordelaise is made with red wine, bone marrow (a chunk of which was also present on the dish), shallots and a rich brown sauce called demi-glace (thank you Wikipedia). Itâ¬"s rich, intense and will make you pause for a couple of seconds after youâ¬"ve put a bite in your mouth to really enjoy all those endorphins having a party in your brain. The meat was expectedly cooked a perfect medium-rare and was full of flavour.
Finally, I have to make a special mention for the chips, or French fries in this case. They were excellent, but the true superstar of the show was the ketchup. Apologies. Ketchup is too demeaning. This is the best chilly, 5-start, A+tomato sauce you can find. Itâ¬"s Basque and called â¬ÜBiPiA, Euskal Ketxupa, Bazkâ¬" Onaâ¬" . I have taken a picture of it, which you can see above and Iâ¬"d strongly recommend trying it. Even if youâ¬"re not hungry go to Comptoir Gascon and order chips with ketchup.
Minor gripe about the place is that there is only one toilet for boys and girls and itâ¬"s a little bit too close to the dining area. Iâ¬"m sure they would have changed that if they could, but the space does seem to be at a premium.
Next time you find yourself in Farringdon do try this place out. In fact make sure that you find yourself in Farringdon so that you do.

Blink and youâ¬"ll miss the Comptoir Gascon. That would be a shame though, as this little bistro in one of the best, hidden gems in Farringdon. The place is tiny, with probably 25-30 covers that can be served at any one time and serves as a deli as well.
Itâ¬"s frequently very busy. However, if you find yourself with another person and have not booked then ask the staff if you can eat at the bar, which is most often free. It makes for a much more intimate, romantic setting if thatâ¬"s what youâ¬"re there for or a fantastic place to catch up with a friend over some hearty, French food, beautiful wine and a relaxed setting.
I had the oysters with chipolatas to start, which exploded with flavour, although Iâ¬"d skip the chipolatas next time as they take away some of the freshness of the oyster. We shared some foie gras and as the Cooksister suggest it was superb. Seriously one of the best Iâ¬"ve tried.
For mains we both had the Beef Onglet with Bordelaise sauce. I was intrigued by the name of the sauce and immediately thought of French debauchery and some interesting background about a Madame offering a special sauce for her clients. However, after a bit of research it turns that (rather disappointingly) Bordelaise refers to someone/thing that originates from the area of Bordeaux. The origin may be mundane, but I assure you the flavour is not. Bordelaise is made with red wine, bone marrow (a chunk of which was also present on the dish), shallots and a rich brown sauce called demi-glace (thank you Wikipedia). Itâ¬"s rich, intense and will make you pause for a couple of seconds after youâ¬"ve put a bite in your mouth to really enjoy all those endorphins having a party in your brain. The meat was expectedly cooked a perfect medium-rare and was full of flavour.
Finally, I have to make a special mention for the chips, or French fries in this case. They were excellent, but the true superstar of the show was the ketchup. Apologies. Ketchup is too demeaning. This is the best chilly, 5-start, A+tomato sauce you can find. Itâ¬"s Basque and called â¬ÜBiPiA, Euskal Ketxupa, Bazkâ¬" Onaâ¬" . I have taken a picture of it, which you can see above and Iâ¬"d strongly recommend trying it. Even if youâ¬"re not hungry go to Comptoir Gascon and order chips with ketchup.
Minor gripe about the place is that there is only one toilet for boys and girls and itâ¬"s a little bit too close to the dining area. Iâ¬"m sure they would have changed that if they could, but the space does seem to be at a premium.
Next time you find yourself in Farringdon do try this place out. In fact make sure that you find yourself in Farringdon so that you do.