La Buvette

Scores tell it all. More suited to couples, very intimate, fantastic food and you'll be pleasantly surprised when you get the bill!

I have visited Richmond a number of times and on my last visit came accross this wonderful small bistro. i arrived for an early dinner before going to the ballet at Richmond theatre. what a super treat. There were a handfull of other tables who had picked up on the same idea, but when we left at around 7.20 they were nearly full. Great value food, simply executed and presented. I had what I assume were their signature dishes: fish soup with an intense flavour; onglet steak and chips – that wonderfull French cut served rare and then a creme brulee. My friend ate from their menu which is totally prix fixe and enjoyed a goats cheese salad followed by simply grilled cod fillet with butter beans and chorizo sausage. We stuck to the house wine which was fine for £14 per bottle. service was discreet and friendly and the atmosphere wonderfully buzzy. It prooved a bit of a rush getting 3 courses in, in an hour and a quarter but will return and allow myself more time next time.

This is a restaurant that has managed to get it just right. An ideal setting in the centre of Richmond but tucked away in a quiet spot opposite a church. (As it was a fine day I ate in the attractive courtyard, so I can't describe the restaurant itself.) Food that is simple bistro fare, but beautifully cooked, and an excellent value set price menu at £12,75 for two courses or £14,50 for three. Just a word of warning however – the set price menu shows only the items which attract a supplement, so the fish soup and onglet steak with salad and chips, which I assumed to be included, were shown as extras on the bill.

A charming atmosphere and decor – so I was really looking forward to the food. But had a terrible cheese/rocket fig starter: slightly old wilted rocket-processed figs- 2 miniscule pieces of cheese- not enough to cut the sickly sweetness of the dressing. Worst chese/fig starter I have had. Main course good but red wine reduction too strong for the bass though lovely with the scallops and very well cooked. Husband's main of lamb was fatty and whisked away before he had even finished – which he didn't mind. Desert of pear in an unsuitable glass sundae dish with ice cream – plain and so boring- almost as boring and ill presented as the apple tart. Such a disappointing meal for such a pretty place. Unlikely to return. Maybe a more imaginative chef, better presentation and new crockery might help.