Harden's survey result
Summary
“A diamond gem of the neighbourhood!” – this “unique”, if “tiny and cramped” traditional Gallic bistro in Crouch End is “always a joy”, according to most of the many who comment on it. “Chef Robert and FOH Jean-Christophe are simply wonderful” (“two guys having fun on their own terms”) and “the interaction with the owners and French retro-cooking served with real enthusiasm make for a really delightful experience” (and one that’s “pretty good value considering the quality”). More cautions reporters like it, but say “it’s fine if you treat it as a local bistro that’s good but not exceptional all round” (“we ourselves do not visit for the quality of the cuisine, but it’s the lovely and jolly service and the liveliness of the atmosphere that justify the 30-mile round trip from Theydon Bois!”). Fans, though, say it’s sheer “perfection”: “if I lived nearby I’d go every night!”. Top Menu Tips – “perfect onion soup”; excellent rib-eye with peppercorn sauce; “beautifully rich Tarte Tatin”.
Summary
“Jean-Christophe’s Slowik’s affability and lovely front-of-house wisdom and Robert Reid’s fine cheffing remain delightful as ever” at this “happily old-school bistro in Crouch End, located firmly in the great late 80s dining scene”; and its February 2023 crowdfunded “move to (slightly) larger, nearby premises has made eating here a more comfortable experience”. “If every neighbourhood had a restaurant as good as this”, the world would be a better place. “Traditional, un-fancy French food is simply and lovingly prepared and served” – “… wish they had restaurants like this in France!”. Top Menu Tip – “tarte Tatin is not to be missed; and if they are doing the pig’s trotter Pierre Koffman, which chef Robert used to cook for MPW, then don’t hesitate”.
Summary
“A great wallop of France at its best – superbe!”. This Crouch Hill newcomer from a pair of industry veterans is “everyone’s new favourite for good reasons” – “chef Robert Reid and his friend Jean-Christophe Slowik, who have worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in the past, have created a rural French bistro that is low on snobbery and pretence but has a genuine Gallic ‘je ne sais quoi’ that feels effortless. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is very pleasant and the worry is that it will soon become impossible to book here”.
For 33 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 Les 2 Garcons?
14 Middle Lane, London, N8 8PL
Les 2 Garcons Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Reliable neighbourhood stalwart, my go to for fish soup and rum baba. The steak tartare is a bit too sharp with a bit too much gherkin/ capers but good enough! "
"Several recent visits confirm that this place adds to the joy of nations, or at least of Norf London. A strong, fairly traditional main menu is enhanced by a rotating blackboard menu of specials (lots of options, though some disappear fast). Recent wins include an unctuous Fromage de Tete; oeufs cocottes with ceps; the large, perfectly caramelised pear Tarte Tatin, apparently for two people but sufficient for four; and the pigs trotter Pierre Koffman delivered by MPWs trotter king. Ebullient service, a happy atmosphere, not-the-cheapest BYO option and a sense that all will be well with the world for at least a couple of hours."
"We visit L2Gs every few weeks in order to pander to our niece’s very restricted tolerances for menu items. Thus she always has the French onion soup followed by rib-eye steak with pepper corn sauce followed by her share of the tarte tatin. Except for the wonderful tarte tatin, we ourselves do not visit L2Gs specifically for- the quality of the food, never the less we always find our visits very enjoyable since the friendliness of the welcome, the efficiency of the service and the liveliness of the overall atmosphere make the 30 mile round trip from Theydon Bois well worth while. So just occasionally we do fill a gap in our calendar when our niece is out of the country with a visit to Middle Lane."
"We went in with high expectations for a family celebration but left a little bit underwhelmed. It’s fine if you treat it as a local bistro, good but not exceptional all round. "
"4 of us had starters and main courses. We shared two apple tarts fine desserts. 1 bottle of house red. The bill including 12.5% service was £231. Per couple £115. The scallops starter had two scallops for £17. "
"Absolutely superb cooking. Fish soup and onion soup perfect as were our fish dishes. Pear tarts tatin beautifully rich. House red also excellent. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
14 Middle Lane, London, N8 8PL
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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