La Bouffe — Restaurant in London

We booked online for 2 at 19:00. We walked in and immediately felt like we stepped into a bistro in Paris. The decor, lighting, candles, music. We were warmly welcomed. It’s cosy but enough space to sit comfortably. Cloth napkins, beautiful white bistro style plates. I ordered a delicious Kir Royale. A little bowl of popcorn was brought to the table. And I have never tasted something so simple that was so delicious. It was garlic and lemon. This small touch was really nice.

We were given menus and there was a black board of specials. We had from the specials parsnip soup, fennel and orange salad. The soup was absolutely homemade. The salad was fresh and vinaigrette perfect. The dishes were freshly made, the soup was piping hot. Had baguette and butter with the soup. Smeared à bit of butter on the sliced baguette, immediately transported to Normandy. I don’t know where that butter came from, but it’s the simple things like which impress, because again, it’s the small details. The starters were à nice size, leaving enough room to enjoy the rest of the meal.

We had from the specials- entrecôte. And from the menu chicken chasseur. Both dishes were cooked with care and detail. The herby butter on the steak, the thinly slices layered potatoes, unbelievable. The subtle hint of rosemary in the potato, the broccoli had a small smokiness to it. It was not sides just thrown on the dish. The chicken chasseur, the sauce was beautiful. Pearl onions, mushrooms, garlic, etc all perfectly chopped and the sauce was well balanced and flavorful. And again, the potato squares were roasted, hint of rosemary. It’s the kind of dishes you take your time to savor and enjoy, while sipping on Syrah, transported to Paris.

We just had room for dessert. I am not an expert but I believe they were made on site. The Paris Brest beautiful chocolately. But the star was the tart tatin, again this subtle hint of à herb, not too sweet, just like it should be and not huge portions (which is off putting).

The service was excellent. Attentive. Kind. They want to be there, want to make you happy. They ask feedback. And I asked how the popcorn was made, because it was that good, and I was given the recipe!

It’s a proper chef and team down in the kitchen who care about what they create. Food creates emotions and memories.

Thank you, La Bouffe, for making our Friday night perfect. It’s a small local bistro, that is special and a gem on that street and...

A lovely venue, not big, tables small but well-spaced, lots of Frenchy decor, just the right side of pastiche - right down to "tirez" on the door. Chairs possibly too small for a large bum, but mine isn't too large, yet.

Langoustine soup (very rich, perhaps a round or two of bread to mop up would have been nice). £14

Entrecôte (ordered rare, but turned up blue, fine by me, but others ordering rare might want a little more done: perhaps this is an English-French difference of expectations as to cuisson), with potatoes (layered and baked, like a sort of pommes boulangères, not really parmentières as advertised), and broccoli - not overcooked, just right. £39

Vacherin of crème fraîche ice cream (really outstanding) and lightly-cooked blackberries. £10

Also a cocktail £15 and a 125ml glass of house pinot noir £15 in an unfussy glass.

Attentive service, and none of that annoying "how is your food?" and "is everything alright?" for which reason I might even eat here alone (hope it's dog-friendly). My leftover steak (it was big) was doggy-bagged for me.

There were vegetarian and plant-based options, but not...

I was very excited when my wife and I found out a French restaurant was coming to the road we live on - it’s our favourite cuisine.

It certainly has a French feel to it and certainly looks Parisian.

Food was good. Only issue was the steaks we had for main. It’s advised these are served pink and I know in France they tend to cook them a level “pinker” than what you’d expect in the UK, however, a good chunk of it was basically raw. So both my wife and I left a decent sized amount uneaten - disappointingly we weren’t asked as to why or if there was an issue.

Tarte tatin was superb.

My main criticism is price. Our bill was £190. We had two drinks each, one snack, one starter, two mains and shared a dessert.

It’s by far the most expensive restaurant in the area and if I want to spend that much, I’d want to go somewhere a bit...