A one-time municipal tearoom tacked on to a church hall is the unlikely setting for this creditable neighbourhood bistro. La Buvette has no problem attracting punters, despite a lack of passing trade. Richmond locals come for a regularly changing menu peppered with workmanlike renditions of the bourgeois classics – chicken boudin blanc, grilled mackerel with ratatouille, signature onglet steak, & desserts such as chocolate fondant & crème brûlée. The food is perfectly acceptable, if predictable, & there’s an exclusively French wine list to accompany it. However, a meal is lifted from the mundane by capable staff who are prepared to smile: which is just the way most regulars like it. Clever menu structures mean there’s always a deal to be had, making this a good option for budget-conscious diners, too.
This year, however, will see big changes, as the restaurant's lease comes to an end in August and as it will not be renewed or extended, La Buvette will be closing its doors. Our last day of trading will be Sunday, 25th August 2019.