Harden's survey result
Summary
“I love it because it reminds me of when I lived in France!” – Didier Garnier’s “good, old-fashioned brasserie” occupies a tucked-away Chelsea corner in a cute, well-situated backstreet, and is particularly “popular with a local upmarket clientele”, who are forgiving of the fact that it’s “a bit packed and noisy” and a little “expensive” for somewhere not aiming to produce culinary fireworks. Selling points are its “traditional French-bourgeois” menu, “elegant” decor, “attentive and professional service” (with le patron much in evidence), and an “extensive wine list” (which, unlike the food, “is not at Chelsea prices at all”).
Summary
“A little corner of France in the SWs” – Didier Garnier’s “comfortable and old-fashioned French brasserie” on a tucked-away site (with a large outside terrace for the summer) has, for just over two decades, maintained a massively loyal following, particularly amongst “older Chelsea residents”, on the strength of its “classic” (if rather “no frills”) cuisine; “an excellent wine list with prices that are hard to beat”; and notably “courteous” service. “Tables are packed closed” though, and “it’s noisy when busy”.
Summary
“A little corner of France in the SWs” – Didier Garnier’s “comfortable and old-fashioned French brasserie” on a tucked-away site (with a large outside terrace for the summer) has, for just over two decades, maintained a massively loyal following, particularly amongst “older Chelsea residents”, on the strength of its “classic” (if rather “no frills”) cuisine; “an excellent wine list with prices that are hard to beat”; and notably “courteous” service. “Tables are packed closed” though, and “it’s noisy when busy”.
Summary
“A little slice of France in Chelsea which never fails to please” – Didier Garnier’s “tucked-away, corner-restaurant” is in the style of a “classic Gallic brasserie” and particularly benefits from its “hands-on owner” and “enthusiastic and charming” service. For its (older) “very loyal clientele”, “the greatest virtue is that, as all around it changes, everything here remains the same”, not least the dependable “traditional” fare. What’s more “M Garnier knows his wine and has a superb list that’s sensibly priced and imaginative”. It’s “the perfect place to take your grand aunt” – “the fact that so many regulars keep coming back in an area where there is so much top-notch competition speaks for itself!”
For 31 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 Le Colombier?
Restaurant details
Le Colombier Restaurant Diner Reviews
"As expected, the food and the ambience were excellent, but the service was, at best, somewhere between sketchy and off-hand. If you are being charged £100 a head, one expects a little more attention"
"This is a remarkably consistent restaurant. The menus is full of classics and hardly changes. If you like that, it's really good - and feels really French. An excellent fairly priced wine list too."
"as good as ever"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £28.00 | £38.00 |  |
 |
|
| SundayLunch | £30.00 | £40.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £12.50 | £32.00 | £10.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.75 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
145 Dovehouse Street, London, SW3 6LB
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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