Harden's survey result
Summary
This “lovely little neighbourhood restaurant tucked away in a sort of arcade” is “head and shoulders above the competition in the culinary desert of Taunton” and has been “reliably excellent over many years”, charming its legion of devotees by means of an “always interesting menu (fantastic daily specials to boot)” and a “very professional and likeable team” led by chef Richard Guest and FOH Cedric Chirrosel, the founders back in 2011. Top Tip – “a mainly game-led seasonal menu before Christmas was particularly good, without being overly festive in an Xmassy way”.
Summary
“As good as it gets in Taunton”, this “exceptional” French bistro (sleek, with a glass-walled extension) is a “gem of a place” that remains utterly “reliable” well into its awkward teenage phase (it was founded in 2011 by Richard Guest and FOH Cedric Chirrosel). It was praised this year for its “unhurried and relaxing atmosphere” and “wonderful food” – not least the prix fixe (“we were amazed when we saw the plates coming out…such generous portions and much more interesting than run-of-the-mill set menus”).
Summary
A “small but perfectly formed bistro-style” venue which was set up by Richard Guest and FOH Cedric Chirrosel in 2011, and has since firmly made its mark on the local dining scene with its impeccable local sourcing and “nice French-style cooking” (also inflected by British and Asian touches). Fans say that the “idiosyncratic” venture is “as good as it gets locally” (“when it is open we never go anywhere else”).
Summary
“A local ‘go-to’ restaurant” where co-owner Richard Guest is at the stoves, and where “there are always some surprise choices on the excellent modern European/French menu”. Co-owner Cedric Chirrosel runs the front of house, with dining in the courtyard in warmer months.
For 34 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 Augustus?
3 The Courtyard, St James St, Taunton, TA1 1JR
Restaurant details
Augustus Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Always a delightful experience when opportunity arises when travelling past on the M5 - very easy access from the motorway. Excellently prepared food and well curated wine list, with good selection by the glass as well as carafe. Book in advance though, justifiably popular! "
"A real treasure, classic French bistro quality, value and service that is so difficult to find nowadays, even in France. True perfection."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £34.00 | £42.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £12.50 | £29.00 | £10.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
3 The Courtyard, St James St, Taunton, TA1 1JR
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 10 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 10 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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