Southwark, French Restaurant Guide

“Just the sort of ‘corner Bistrot’ everyone loves to go to!” – this “intimate” (if “overcrowded”) yearling – a sibling to Soho’s Ducksoup – continues to put in a storming performance. “It has casual vibes in the best way” and “charming service, which is welcome in the madness of Borough Market”. However, the main draw is its “tempting menu” of “earthy” French dishes, “simply presented but massively flavoursome” (and “particularly fantastic if you love offal”). Downsides? In true Gallic style, “this is perhaps more one for salad-dodgers as there’s not much in the way of veg”. And even some fans note that “when the bill does come it can seem surprisingly expensive for what you’ve had”. Top Menu Tips – “Someone definitely knows how to make sauces here” – “slipsole in herby cream, lovely crispy pork cheek and a pork chop with girolles”; “lovely ducks’ hearts on aligot... and the snack of puffed pigs skin”; “mallard and beetroot is succulent and generous”; try the “sizeable pistachio eclair for dessert”.

“A haven of reasonably-priced deliciousness in the mosh-pit of Borough Market” – this year-old sibling to Maison François (see also) is, say fans, “a wonderful addition to SE1”: “as good as its St James’s stablemate but at a lower price”, offering “proper French bistro fayre from a short menu of classic dishes that does exactly ‘what it says on the tin’, to a huge range of clientele (from tables of tourists to couples on dates); so the vibe is certainly not precious”, making it “a very useful and enjoyable spot”. “You must be able to put up with the freneticism and noise”, however, and one or two reporters found it “unexceptional after all the rave views… they must have a good PR team”! Top Menu Tips – “best steak tartare ever” and “incredible steak and red wine jus”.