Harden's survey result
Summary
“For a romantic touch of Paris”, this “archetypal” Gallic bistro in Covent Garden (dating from 1946) certainly looks the part – “a warren of rooms”, which has seen numerous additions over the years, and where the “delightful” ambience is at its strongest in the oldest section of all. The cuisine is very “traditional” and, according to most diners, “still superb after so many years”; but others are more nuanced in their praise: “it’s not the best French food by far, but a visit is like meeting an old friend who’s been in your life for decades”. Top Tip – “the pre-theatre deal is great value”.
Summary
“Long may it survive!”; fans “never tire” of this “well-established favourite” of 70 years’ standing – an “evergreen, authentic buzzing bistro” near Seven Dials, whose “charmingly eccentric”, much-extended premises have “a unique, unmistakably Gallic atmosphere”. The odd critic feels that its “old-fashioned French” cuisine has “seen better days”, but the vast majority feel it’s “no bad thing that it’s predictable”, praising results as “delicious” and “sensibly priced” (and loving the “fabulous cheese trolley”). Top Tip: “great pre/post theatre deals”.
Summary
“I’ve been coming with friends since the ’60s, and though it’s nothing too fancy (escargots, steak-frites, excellent cheese) it never disappoints” – that’s the kind of loyalty which keeps this “very cosy”, 70-year-old bistro in business, and even if “maybe it’s past its best”, “it’s still hard not to fall in love with it”. Much-extended over the years, “there are lots of small rooms, and although I can never decide if the food is as good as the decor, the eccentric layout is certainly all part of its charm”. Top Tip – “pre-theatre it’s a steal”.
Summary
“A firm favourite for over 20 years!” This “old-fashioned”, Covent Garden 70-year-old – much-expanded over the decades – is supremely “idiosyncratic, with lots of quaint, little hidey-holes”. Its “traditional Gallic staples” are “not the best in town, but you know you’ll be well fed without spending crazy prices”, especially if you go for the super-popular pre-theatre and lunch deals.
Owner's description
Mon Plaisir, London’s oldest French restaurant, has been a purveyor of the finest French cuisine for over half a century.
The entente cordiale hits you as you enter and the French atmosphere is as thick as the waiters’ French accents. You’ll find yourself surrounded by wonderfully original French artefacts. You could even find yourself leaning against the pewter topped bar which once graced the lounge of a Lyonnais brothel.
Mon Plaisir Style
The four rooms have completely different feels, as you enter you find yourself in the original dining room which hasn’t changed in the restaurant’s long history. Since then Monsieur Lhermitte, the proprietor has added three more uniquely individual areas. With the help of Biba designers Whitmore Thomas, he has managed to capture the feeling of French decadence in the Forties.
But people don’t go to the restaurant to look at the walls, Mon Plaisir’s menu boasts the best of French food, from traditional to modern, just a browse through the menu will send your saliva glands into overload.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £18.95 | £21.95 |  |
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| Pretheatre | £18.95 | £21.95 |  |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £9.00 | £21.00 | £4.25 | £7.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
Mon Plaisir Restaurant Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A second visit in recent months for old times sake. Both meals poor. Tonight food only vaguely warm. Overcharged on bill and menu charging £2.00 to change garnish when they mean change vegetable. Poor overall. Maybe a tourist spot?"
"Very French in a good way. Excellent for pre and post theatre dining."
19-21 Monmouth Street, London, WC2H 9DD
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
