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If you were to try to pick an area which sums up the hustle and bustle of central London it would be difficult to look beyond Convent Garden. Everything from the wackiest of street performers to the bright lights announcing the latest play competes for the attention. How refreshing it is therefore to have a restaurant and bar like Café Des Amis which is so close to this vibrant part of town but manages to offer a relaxing and convivial atmosphere for dining inside and out.
Located just off Long Acre and a stone’s throw from Covent Garden tube, it is as if an area of France has found its way to London. Executive chef Fabrice Renou has presided over the creation of a menu which is full of French favourites and has also thrown in some tantalising extra twists. As a result, when poring over the starters on the à la carte menu just one of the difficult choices is between the hearty moules marinières in an indulgently creamy sauce and the satisfyingly meaty Cornish crab topped with smooth asparagus mousse.
The choice is made slightly easier by the fact that several starters are available as mains, but this may not prove enough to distract meat lovers from the sumptuous simmentale beef fillet with gratin dauphinois. It was cooked to perfection with a delicate glaze which gave it a hint of crispiness on the exterior but melt-in-the mouth smoothness which each bite. Among the other choices were the seared scallops with a fruit marinade with extra tang thanks to the inclusion of plump pomegranate seeds.
Vegetarians also have a wide selection including a mixed peppers risotto and a goat’s cheese and caramelised onion tart.
Café Des Amis also has a competitively priced ‘prix fixe’ menu with a two or three course option and a range of tempting meat, fish and veggie options, available as lunch, a pre-theatre or a post-theatre option.
With two private dining rooms available for hire, everyone from the business customer to the casual diner is in for a dining experience which our friends across the Channel would describe as ‘magnifique’.
Arthur Browne
Recently revamped, the new and improved incarnation is a glowingly chic brasserie and wine bar. It's kept its popular summer terrace, still heated on cooler days, and regulars flock to enjoy the secluded al fresco eating. And of course, Cafe Des Amis is ideal for opera and theatre goers, all tucked in neatly next to those business lunchers and intimate lovers. As you'd expect, the modern French menu is an object of desire. Those having a glass or two will love the wine list - French by character but not overlooking the wonders of the New World. (Updated 03/08/2008)
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- Additional Info: Private Rooms, Children Allowed, Food, Cocktails, Non-Smoking Area, Cloakroom
Cafe des Amis - Bar & Restaurant Address & Contact Details
- Address: 11-14 Hanover Place,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2E 9JP
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Covent Garden
Cafe des Amis - Bar & Restaurant Location Map & Nearby Venues
For nearby Fluid Style venues 'click and drag' on the map above. 'Zoom out' for more. For summary info 'click a pin'.
Venues just round the corner...
- The Langley (0.14 km) Bar, Restaurant, Club
 
- The Roadhouse (0.15 km) Bar, Restaurant, Club
- Chez Gerard Opera Terrace (0.15 km) Bar, Restaurant
- Dirty Martini (0.16 km) Bar, Restaurant, Club
- Octave Restaurant & Jazz Bar (0.17 km) Bar, Restaurant
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