Angelus

Very mixed evening at Angelus – first time visit. For some reason staff didnt engage with us throughout the evening, either by listening or talking, and we left feeling like second class citizens compared to other, obviously more regular or higher spending vistors. Examples: gave us the wine list, then took it away without asking us if we wanted to order any wine, so got a second wine list and went up to the bar to order. When the wine came, it was the wrong bottle, and the waiter implied he wasnt paying attention because he was too busy when we ordered at the bar… Offered bread by the waitress who was looking away talking to colleagues rather than noticing we didnt want any more bread… waiter said goodbye loudly to a customer across our table while serving us… and so on, through the evening. Tables very very close (6inches) so you will need to be comfortable with your neighbours: ours were speaking italian so less intrusive.
Wine excellent and not expensive for the quality £20-1000/bottle. Food average, and quite expensive so not great value. Lounge area very nice. Atmosphere buzzy and busy, so what could have been a good evening was spoiled by the service.

It’s not often that when I sit down to post a review on SM I can so vividly remember what the food was that I had without having to crib from the restaurants web site, so suffice to say the food was outstanding.

I started with restaurant’s signature Fois Gras Crème Brulee, rich Fois Gras pate topped with a sweet caramelised crunchy top. The only gripe would be that it is a large portion and you want to eat it all not leaving room for main!

The Osso Buco of Monkfish (I had to ask, served on the bone) with shellfish broth, was superb, the fish moist and succulent and the broth would of made a lovely soup starter on it own.

Then desert it only got better, the Chocolate Assiette, rich chocolate ice cream and mouse, a mini chocolate fondant with chocolate oozing from it’s core, a white chocolate Mille-feuille, passion fruit twille and a large chocolate disc. Was a delightful way to finish the meal, just pushing you over the sated barrier.

That was the food, as for the rest of the experience… the service was pleasant enough, efficient with out been overly fussy. The tables are so close I’m not sure how one would manage to get out for the lavatory during the meal, I had to ask twice that the adjacent table be move more than the allowed 3 inches from our table.

I think the sommelier missed that his new venture is a bistro with starters of around £12 and mains of around £24, rather than the Michelin stared Le Gavroche, there was a couple (literally) reasonably priced bottles on the menu but quickly got into the 60/70s and hundreds, even thousands. In fact there were more £1000+ bottles to choose from than <£50 bottles. It is all horses for courses, if I go to a bistro I expect good value wine to go with my good valued meal, if I want high end I’ll go Michelin.

The bill came to £370 for the four of us, with two £71 bottles of wine making up a substantial part of it. For me it was lovely food, but the rest of the gripes would deter me from returning.

We choose this restaurant as it was within walking distance of our hotel and it had a good review. The food was excellent along with the service. It is a small cosy restaurant which makes it intimate although as previously mentioned the tables are close. We would go back again our vist was Saturday 27th March 2010.

You cannot go wrong at this charming brasserie just a block from the Lancaster Gate Tube. I have eaten at Angelus three times over the past year and have always found the staff welcoming and attentive and the food interesting and well-prepared. The wine list is interesting, with a broad range of styles and prices and, as you might expect, emphasises French selections. Angelus is not inexpensive, but if you are seeking a dining experience that is several steps above your local gastro-pub, but that does not bruise your wallet like Gordon Ramsey, give it a try!

Took my fiancee there after just getting engaged. It was absolutely excellent.
They brought us a complimentary selection of sweets after our meal, and were given a menu to take away signed by Thierry (the owner) which was a really nice touch. I really could not fault this restaurant. Go there with confidence!

such a nice restaurant in the middle of nowhere
great service, food and wine. will definitely be going back
lemon tart is a must