L'Aventure

I have never written a review before, but after my visit to L'Aventure I felt the need to voice my opinion. While the atmosphere and quality of food were reasonable, the service in the restaurant was outright offensive which includes the senior waiting staff as well as the owner herself. After having been served in the most disrespectful manner throughout the evening, our experience was crowned when the bill arrived with the wrong amounts and our (very friendly) request for a correction was not even met with an apology but with some snooty remarks. The evening was definitely tainted by the service experience.

The place is excellent. Went there with a friend not expecting much and was totally surprised. Service was very fast and efficient. The only drawback was that our French waiter was not articulate enough in English to discuss the wine list with us in detail. However, the wine we have chosen was great value/money ratio. If you like snails - you must order them here. Overall, I will give 8+ stars, but am giving 10 to improve on statistics spoiled by some dissapointed customer.

L'Aventure is an excellent and romantic neighbourhood restaurant. In summer you can book a table on the small terasse in front. The menu is good and changes regularly. Some of the clientele has been coming there for years, it is that good. The staff is mostly French, as are the excellent wines. The French lady owner is there on most days and happy to chat if you want. It is not a "posh" or pretentious place, and possibly it is slightly overpriced, but that is a feature of the location, the locals can afford it! Book in advance, as the place is not that big, and in demand.

Visited Valentines this year and was chosen because highly recommended by a colleague and virtually neighbours as live near. We were greeted instantly by a waitress with attitude who was nonchalant and brusque clattering cutlery on our table, for a bill of approx £120 with service charge I was expecting the service to at least be effortless. The food was pleasant enough but average. Menu in French is a nice touch but when she bristled over a slight translation required it just made it seem pretentious and asking for bread plates we were told there were none left. I’ve had a few great meals at the Ivy for a lesser price with fantastic service. A real shame because it tainted a romantic night

I’d like to say don’t go here because the food is bad, but I can’t. I’d like to say don’t go here because the service is awful and non-attentive, but I can’t. I’d like to say don’t go here because the wines are poor quality, but I can’t even do that. The only reason I can say don’t go here is because L’Aventure is a gem of a restaurant, a most amazing experience and I want to keep it all to myself.