Harden's survey result
Summary
“Jean-Christophe’s Slowik’s affability and lovely front-of-house wisdom and Robert Reid’s fine cheffing remain delightful as ever” at this “happily old-school bistro in Crouch End, located firmly in the great late 80s dining scene”; and its February 2023 crowdfunded “move to (slightly) larger, nearby premises has made eating here a more comfortable experience”. “If every neighbourhood had a restaurant as good as this”, the world would be a better place. “Traditional, un-fancy French food is simply and lovingly prepared and served” – “… wish they had restaurants like this in France!”. Top Menu Tip – “tarte Tatin is not to be missed; and if they are doing the pig’s trotter Pierre Koffman, which chef Robert used to cook for MPW, then don’t hesitate”.
Summary
“A great wallop of France at its best – superbe!”. This Crouch Hill newcomer from a pair of industry veterans is “everyone’s new favourite for good reasons” – “chef Robert Reid and his friend Jean-Christophe Slowik, who have worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in the past, have created a rural French bistro that is low on snobbery and pretence but has a genuine Gallic ‘je ne sais quoi’ that feels effortless. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is very pleasant and the worry is that it will soon become impossible to book here”.
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 Les 2 Garcons?
14 Middle Lane, London, N8 8PL
Les 2 Garcons Restaurant Diner Reviews
"4 of us had starters and main courses. We shared two apple tarts fine desserts. 1 bottle of house red. The bill including 12.5% service was £231. Per couple £115. The scallops starter had two scallops for £17. "
"Absolutely superb cooking. Fish soup and onion soup perfect as were our fish dishes. Pear tarts tatin beautifully rich. House red also excellent. "
"Buzzy bistro vibe turning out dishes that take you back to the great days of London cheffing - Harvey's being the spiritual home of these two garcons. Remember when Hardens started? This is the sort of place we would all have raved about. Corkage is a little above the norm for the 'burbs at £30ish but you leave very well fed and happy."
"Great local restaurant and very friendly service"
"Good neighbourhood restaurant. Very busy on Saturdays, a bit noisy with tables very close. Food a bit too salty for my liking. But excellent traditional fish soup and still the best rum baba in town! "
"A very nice restaurant providing traditional well presented French Bistrot cuisine which although definitely not haute cuisine, and therefore not rated 5 as per the listing, is nevertheless very welcome. The portions are quite generous and the prices reasonable. The standard menu shown on their website wasn’t that appealing, but the specials board was full of very attractive options. The service was extremely prompt but nevertheless relaxed, and the overall atmosphere lively. Our first visit but we will definitely be back especially since we can park almost right outside."
"It must be amongst the best for this price range. Reliable good cooking. Best rum baba in London, flambé at table, generously drenched.,Excellent fish soup , silkiness that you get when you’ve ground the bones and muslined. Good beef tartare. Wonderful chips, crisp melt in mouth delights. And huge portions! Long may the 2 boys continue their wonderful cooking!"
"In a new place, and they have managed to keep the atmosphere. The food is traditional French and very good."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £8.95 |
| Service | 12.50% |
14 Middle Lane, London, N8 8PL
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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