Colbert — Restaurant in London

I came a few years ago when I lived in the area and loved the vibe, food and service. How things have changed now. I was dieing to go back but wish I hadn't bothered! I booked a table on a busy Saturday evening looking forward to it all week. Positives, lovely French brasserie like being transported back in time. Elegant and chic. You don't need to dress up but definitely look neat and smart. Great vibe. Super busy. Make a booking. You are unlikely to get seated or will have to wait a while without a reservation. The table was allocated for one and a half hours. Big restaurant. Tables are quite close together inside. There is outside seating too but this is more for drinks plus a bar. Food wise think rich French food. Menu looks good on paper and last time I came it was. This time it was awful and way overpriced. Service was beyond shocking apart from the gentleman who greeted and seated me at the door. Staff were otherwise rude, unfriendly, rushed off their feet and not interested. At one stage, the waitress was taking my order and talking to and taking the order of the couple next to me at the same time! People were waiting ages for food. The lady next to me got her meal, finished it and then her husband got his by which time she was having a coffee already! The pineapple juice was warm, sour and tasted like a carton left out. I didn't realise there were two sizes of juices. How surprising I was automatically given the big one so they could make more money I guess?! The food was awful. The grilled octopus was horrible. The salsa was not salsa. I love octopus and eat it often but this was cold and tasted awful. Thrown in a plate with no presentation skills. Bland. Looked almost like pet food that was oily. They provide complimentary bread but I didn't bother. If you are offered water and accept then you will be charged for it. The water is not free. Tables were not cleaned. The one next to me was left dirty after guests left. I was asked thrice by the same waitress within ten minutes if I wanted dessert which again showed that she was not interested nor listening. The only thing they did do was give the expensive bill quickly! For a restaurant of this standard, they failed to deliver on food, service, cleanliness and more. The only positives are that it is a really nice place which has a cool atmosphere. Also a shout out to the one gentleman that actually cared and provided good service! Don't bother or waste your money. There are better places who appreciate...

I'm still reeling from the exceptional dining experience I had the pleasure of enjoying at this exquisite French restaurant last night! From the moment we walked in, we were treated like royalty, and the service was truly impeccable. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and had a warm smile that set the tone for the rest of the evening.

The ambiance was elegant and sophisticated, with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and beautifully presented decor that transported us to the streets of Paris. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, teasing our senses and building our anticipation for the culinary delights to come.

And then, the food! Oh, the food! Each dish was a masterclass in French cuisine, with flavors that danced on our palates and presentation that was almost too beautiful to disturb. We started with the Escargots, which were cooked to perfection in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that had us scraping the shells for every last bite. The Steak Tartare was another highlight, with tender, high-quality beef that was expertly seasoned and presented with a delicate quail egg and crispy crostini.

But the true pièce de résistance was the main course – the Duck Confit, which was so tender it just fell off the bone, and the flavors were so rich and deep that we were left wanting more. The roasted vegetables were cooked to perfection, and the accompanying sauce was the perfect complement to the dish.

Dessert was, of course, a must, and the Crème Brûlée was a revelation – creamy, rich, and indulgent, with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that added a delightful textural element to the dish.

Throughout the meal, our server and managers checked in on us regularly, ensuring that we had everything we needed and answering any questions we had about the menu. The wine list was extensive, and our server helped us choose the perfect bottle to pair with our meal.

In short, this French restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves fine dining. The service, ambiance, and food are all top-notch, and we can't wait to go back and experience it all again. Five stars isn't enough – I'd give it ten stars if I could! Bravo to the chef, the service team, and everyone involved in creating this unforgettable dining experience. We can't recommend this restaurant highly enough – it's...

I had the pleasure of dining at Colbert in Sloan Square for a lunch meeting. Colbert is a French-style cafe bar and restaurant with a chic Parisian ambiance that instantly transports you to the streets of Paris, minus the Eiffel Tower at Sloan square .

Now, let's talk about the cocktails. I decided to start with the "Azure Mexican," a delightful concoction that supposedly combines del Maguey Vida Mezcal, aperol, rosemary syrup, lime juice, grapefruit soda, and angostura bitters. However, to my surprise, the waitress informed me that they were out of the essential ingredient - the elusive Vida mezca which is 100% organic agave . Fear not, my adventurous taste buds were willing to settle for a tequila substitution. Little did I know, the bartender had other plans.

When the cocktail arrived, I took one sip and immediately sensed something was amiss. I called the waitress over and asked her to investigate the mystery of the missing mezcal. To my disbelief, she returned with the shocking revelation that the bartender had replaced it with gin! Gin, in a cocktail named "Azure Mexican"! I couldn't help but wonder why they didn't just rename it "Blue English." Thankfully, the manager swiftly rectified the situation with an average tequila, which, I must admit, was a step up from the gin fiasco.

Despite this cocktail catastrophe, the food at Colbert was truly exceptional. I started with the Prawn & Avocado Cocktail, a refreshing combination of flavors that danced on my palate. For the main course, I opted for the Grilled Octopus with tomato and chorizo salsa sauce - a dish that showcased the chef's mastery of flavors and textures. And for dessert, the Coupe Amandine stole the show, boasting pistachio, hazelnut, and almond nougatine ice cream that was a sweet symphony in every bite. I capped off the meal with an espresso macchiato, because who needs sleep when you can have coffee?

In conclusion, despite the cocktail mishap, my experience at Colbert was nothing short of splendid. The food alone made up for any disappointment, leaving me with a satisfied and satiated palate. However, I can't help but ponder the state of service in most London restaurants over the past few years. Are gin-filled Mexican cocktails the new norm? Only time will tell.

Bon appétit, Nick...