Les Associes

‘Vegetarian dishes on request’ says the menu in the window of this homespun bistro, sandwiched between two terraces on a residential street. Having made such a bold statement (for a French restaurant), la carte goes on to offer fine Gallic food, such as onion soup, or le tartare d’avocat au pistou (avocado, olive oil, balsamic, basil, tomato & shallots), fit for meat-avoiders. Others might sit down to fish of the day with pan-fried duck foie gras, pork mignon with plum sauce, or rib-eye with peppercorn sauce – all served with fresh vegetables & potatoes, & none much above £15. While the decor may lack a certain je ne sais quoi, service is warm & graceful, & the all-French wine list is made up mostly of bottles produced on small family vineyards that use sustainable cultivation methods.