Harden's survey result
Summary
“You could be in Paris… except the staff are nicer” at Didier Garnier’s stalwart “absolute old favourite” in a quiet Chelsea backstreet. For its silver-haired Francophile following, it ticks all the boxes for “a proper French restaurant”, serving ultra-classic bistro fare (“the menu changes rarely”), “wonderful desserts” and a “fabulous Gallic wine list at very reasonable prices”. More sceptical reporters feel it’s “delightful”, but that “it’s a pity they don’t put a bit more effort into the cuisine”. They are drowned out, though, by the proportion who feel that “for a very relaxing meal, there’s nowhere better”. Top Tip – “try and get a table under the awning”.
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”.
For 32 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
"A great French restaurant used by knowledgeable locals"
"What used to be a nice quiet neighbourhood restaurant has been taken over by golden oldies from all over London but food is still good solid French cuisine and service brisk and friendly. Excellent value wine list, including lots of half bottles. "
"A corner of France in Chelsea. Lovely food, delightful dining area, attentive, perfect service. And by Chelsea standards, not that expensive! Wonderful"
"as good as ever"
"Always enjoyable authentic Chelsea bistro with charming terrace behind Chelsea Square and popular with its silver surfers. Classic french lunch dishes with emphasis on excellent fresh fish, all served with charm and style. "
"Excellent again. I have never been disappointed here. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £33.00 | £43.50 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £18.00 | £36.70 | £11.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.90 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
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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