Harden's survey result
Summary
“My refuge when feeling homesick for France” – Didier Garnier’s “long standing favourite” in a quiet Chelsea backstreet is “a typical French restaurant of the kind that you might find in the Dordogne”. “It can get very crowded and there’s not much privacy between the tables. But it has a very loyal following” particularly amongst a well-heeled, silver-haired crowd, for whom it’s a “go-to” destination thanks to its “traditional, buzzy atmosphere”, “dependable French-bistro cuisine” and a “wine list which has some great bargains” (“not your usual SW3 mark up – try the wines priced £30-£60, top value”). Didier himself presides over the “discreet and effortless service” and provides “excellent professional advice on the choice of vintage”. The odd naysayer finds it all “shockingly old-fashioned”… but folks have been saying that for years.
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”.
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 Le Colombier?
145 Dovehouse Street, London, SW3 6LB
Restaurant details
Le Colombier Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Never disappoints. Entree of Endive, blue cheese, and walnuts. Perfect balance with a light dressing. Main of lamb cutlets which were tender and sweet. We mainly go to have the Crepe Suzette."
"The Grande Dame of French cooking sails serenely on, unapologetically oldfashioned. What impeccable service. Lovely atmosphere. Food is perfectly good without being startling - just what the customers expect - and by Chelsea standards, reasonably priced. I love her "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £33.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £15.50 | £28.70 | £11.00 | £11.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.40 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 13.00% |
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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