La Ratatouille

Richard E. ( 40s, Male, United Kingdom )

In France the menu du jour is something of an institution. A cheap, set menu, offering reliably fine food at a reliably fine price. For some reason, it isn't something that we in London have embraced. Maybe, however, in this time of David Cameron (and his little poodle), we should think more closely about how our French colleagues survive. I mean other than by abusing the Common Agricultural Policy. And Cameron himself of course.

Marylebone may have (well actually does have) many fancier and more expensive places, but should you wish for nothing other than some good old fashioned, classic French nosh at really rather good prices, you could do a lot worse than try Ratatouille. So the restaurant isn't exactly in the most glamorous of locations, under an NCP and in front of the local council's street-sweeping HQ, but it could be worse. Well, ok it couldn't really, but forget all that and think about the food. And the price.

Think pipping hot snails in garlicky, parsley butter. Think confit duck leg. Think creme caramel. No, nothing is going to light up the Michelin guide, but sod it; in times of austerity who cares. If you want some good old fashioned Relais Routier, something that isn't going to worry the star guides, or even the posh London restaurant critics, but is going to fill you up and isn't going to cost an arm and a leg, there are few better places in this part of town than here.