Harden's survey result
Summary
This “friendly French bistro on Islington’s busiest street has all the predictable Gallic offerings – onion soup, escargots, crepes – and a decent wine list”. It inspires few criticisms and is “pleasant enough” to be a useful address “well-placed for the Almeida theatre”.
Summary
“Calves’ liver, perfect coq-au-vin, deeply flavourful venison stew” – this Gallic venue in Islington doesn’t aim for foodie fireworks, but fans like its traditional approach, “warm” atmosphere and “willing” service. The less rosy view is that the cooking is “rather standard French food, if good enough for an evening with friends”. Top Tip – the interior is split level in some areas and regulars say “the top section especially feels romantic”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Petite Auberge?
283 Upper St, London, N1 2TZ
Restaurant details
La Petite Auberge Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Special starter Beetroot Tartar (aubergine caviar, goat curd, maple vinaigratte aioli & crostini) was just your common beets with goat cheese. The accents weren't noticable. Another special starter of crab stuffed avocado needed a powerful aioli to bind the filling and enhance the flavor. Special main of monkfish was tasteless. Menu stalwarts of coq au Vin and rabbit in mustard sauce were strong in conception and well executed. Wine list needs vintages (and, in some cases, producers. You can't just say "Fine Tawny Port". It has to be [Producer] [Age statement] Tawny Port. E.g. Dow 10-year Tawny Port). Waitress appeared to be untrained in the art of service. Left the water she brought for us to pour. Asked people what they wanted in the order that needed least effort on her part. She may have been a Sunday-night fill-in. Came here about a year ago and it was better. This visit was a disappointment. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | £66.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £8.50 | £21.50 | £0.00 | £8.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
283 Upper St, London, N1 2TZ
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 11 am‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am‑10 pm |
| Friday | 11 am‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am‑9 pm |
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