Harden's survey result
Summary
“Love JC and Robert!” – this “ideal neighbourhood restaurant” in Crouch End “punches well above its weight” thanks to its “ebullient service” and “proper French food done to perfection”. “The two owners not only greet you when you arrive, they take your order and serve you in the flamboyant style of the past when ‘Haute cuisine’ was in vogue”. This is “French cuisine as we imagine we remember it” – “absolutely superb”. Top Menu Tips – “delicious Côte de boeuf (presented raw to you for your approval before being flamed!) and the best Rum baba ever (again with the obligatory flaming of the just-poured alcohol at your table!)”; “my go-to for Fish soup” and “the Onion soup is spot-on as are the fish dishes”; “beautifully rich pear Tarte tatin”.
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 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 Les 2 Garcons?
14 Middle Lane, London, N8 8PL
Les 2 Garcons Restaurant Diner Reviews
"This has been my go to neighborhood restaurant and it hurts me to give it 3 for cooking. The fish soup was ok - nice enough but not particularly fishy; the beef tartare a bit tough (a little bit); the duck confit definitely tough and too dry; rum Baba a bit too long in oven (just a little bit). It’s not bad and better than many but just not ‘spot on’ as previous visits. Restaurant was empty on Saturday lunch 3 tables including us. "
"Fish soup delicious as always. Scallops surrounded by lots of buttery sauce, so had to order portion of bread to mop it up. My friend had onion soup as usual. Ribeye was slightly chewy. Pear tarte tatin irresistible- but too much for 2 people- plenty for 4!"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.00 |
| 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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