Brasserie Zedel — Restaurant in London

I am very disappointed. Maybe I am more severe because I am french and I expect the same quality as in my country but anyways here’s my thoughts: the dinning room is cold, not cozy, the chair old and uncomfortable decoration is vintage but put you into a nice atmosphere I didn’t see tablecloth like this since many years, doesn’t look classy at all Most of the staff wasn’t aware of what was in the menu and couldn’t explain it. there were so many staff but lots of them were doing nothing or chatting together Thank gosh the manager was super lovely The snails are a disgrace sorry, they are out of their shell lost in litters of grease. The taste is flat which makes me question the quality of it Oysters are so thin and have nothing inside and you cant even taste the sea notes. I am from the sea side and paying 3.75 for one oyster this tasteless is crazy. I ask if they were frozen and they told me no like they were offended. But honestly these oyster are poor and I’m still questioning the freshness. The menu doesn’t reflect France modern food but maybe they wanted to stay in the vintage ambiance Mains were really nicely done and tasty, I recommend the chicken and fish stew One of the staff interrupt my partner to ask if he was Italian. Which is not really polite to say the least the service charge is 15% which they didn’t mention which is crazy seeing the service we got there is also a cover charge: 1.50, they tried to explain what it was but to me it just looks like a little extra cost to sit in their dining room before we start the dinner the lovely receptionist told us we need to leave by 6.46, oh great I feel welcomed. I’m the end we Stayed longer and it was not busy. For the price of the wine I was expecting a sommelier or someone that knows his wine or can recommend a perfect match for each plate like we do in France. Instead we have « this one is the most popular. Amazing Desert was nice: the crème brûlée is lovely. Profiteroles are nice with some good chocolate but a little hard.

After we have been to The American Bar next to the dining room which has a much cozier vibe with experienced and trained staff which saved the evening. Their cosmopolitan is amazing

To conclude, as a french people for me it looks like a touristic place that cost us more than 175 pounds which is a lot that’s why I’m expecting a lot. I wouldn’t recommend it to give you a real idea on our culture. However for tourist it’s a nice place to visit and there’s shows which looks pretty cool...

If you are planning a pre-show meal in the West end, this is well worth some consideration. We wanted a venue close to the Queen’s Theatre and this was only three minutes away. It was easy to book a table online and you would be advised to do this because Zendel gets quite busy. From the menu, you can see that it is basically a restaurant serving French cuisine and this attracted us. There is a reasonably priced set-menu although the choice is somewhat mundane. You will have far more choice with the a la carte alternative but will also pay far more. Brasserie Zendel is hidden away underground in an inconspicuous backstreet. The entrance seems very tiny and inside there are just a few tables. However, looks are deceptive. You descend via the stairs and it is rather like an entrance to the Underground. It soon opens out into a central concourse with varies rooms off, above you will see a majestic chandelier. It all feels very much “Phantom of the Opera” or “Gay Paris” The art deco is magnificent, the ambience enticing, intriguing even a touch mysterious. You are greeted by well turned out staff and waiters, who take you to your table. The service is first-rate. You are well looked after. I really rate the architecture, design and service. This is a global village. The clientele represents all age-groups, classes and countries. A perfect opportunity just to enjoy the atmosphere and engage in some fascinating “people-watching.” Such excellence did not extend to the food and drink because there were some minor criticisms. Water was provided along with tasty baguette and butter. The wines were expensive. The choice of starters was good and the traditional Soupe de Poisson was a hit with my daughter. The other daughter’s quiche by contrast looked mundane and sparse with little to commend it. My sea bass was very enjoyable. The same was true of the sea bream on a bed or artichoke ordered by my other daughter but a younger person would have been disappointed with the lack of quantity and might be advised to order at least one additional side dish. Remember therefore that the portions might be considered on the small-side. Desserts we tried were profiteroles and crème brulee. Both were very good and the latter surprisingly large. Despite the odd criticisms regarding the food, it was of a good standard. Overall, I would certainly recommend a visit to such a beautiful hidden...

Oh no — Brasserie Zédel has gone downhill!

I came last Thursday 27th February. The first thing I noticed was poor reception at the cloakroom. The woman was completely frosty and acted like she couldn't care less. Not at all welcoming! To cap that, upon returning my items later in the evening she didn't remember my bobble hat – luckily I remembered and she went back a second time...

The restaurant had an unfriendly, unwelcoming woman on the door as well – acting as though she was thinking, 'What are you doing here?' (despite the fact that I was among rhe smartest dressed). She was completely without a smile – totally unlike the brilliant, warm welcomes I've had from men on the door in the past ten years. Maybe psychology is at play (!) but the welcome should be consistent.

Then, for the first time ever, I was moved from my table after two hours, but as I was by then alone I didn't mind too much. It was just surprising as in the past I've always stayed all night (despite the bookings being only for two hours). The guys at the bar were very friendly and looked after me, which was nice. And I always have something to read with me. It just added to an 'off' evening.

I had the prix fixe with two courses (chopped steak americain, and rhubarb coupe). I'm a seasoned and keen cook, and would say the spinach was lacking flavour; it needed nutmeg and lemon. The peppercorn steak and frites were delicious, each cooked perfectly (perfect 'medium' steak and a fab crunch on the frites). Unfortunately the rhubarb coupe was bland and needed a little vanilla bean or similar. In addition I had expected a warm dessert not an ice – I have sensitive teeth. The menu doesn't reveal that it is very cold (I had imagined stewed rhubarb).

Finally, the musicians didn't seem that great this time (I'm involved in professional music) and didn't seem to play well known songs as much as random things. It also seemed an odd sound quality that night – they weren't so audible.

The dining room is superb – I always love being in such magnificent Art Deco surroundings, so I always look forward to my visits. However I really hope it's not like this...