Les 2 Garçons

"Les 2 Garçons is one of those restaurants that glows. It’s a pulsating maroon lighthouse that runs on comforting confit duck and Crouch End locals who require a drip of its vin rouge. In the Venn diagram of fans of Pixar's Ratatouille, readers of The Sunday Times, and admirers of Keith Floyd, Les 2 Garçons is firmly in the middle. On any midweek evening this restaurant heaves with young families, champagne-clinking 70-somethings, and friends going all in on an indulgent French meal. It’s a typically quaint bistro with illustrated plates and adorable little hand-painted butter dishes. Your neighbouring table will more than likely ask you how the onion soup is (it's wonderful) or whether that’s the duck (it is, and back off)—not just out of innate British nosiness, but because you’re pretty much on each others’ laps in this place. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Don’t be surprised to see the chipper chef come out to explain the blackboard, serve your tartare, and stick around for a chat. He’s got the touch of a ballerina when it comes to a tarte fine aux pommes. That said, none of it is earth-shattering cooking. But nor is it trying to be. This is food and a restaurant that’s very difficult not to love, and not to bed in at—which is why absolutely everyone always wants to squeeze in. Food Rundown French Onion Soup Wearing a helmet of molten, gooey cheese and perfectly sweet and rich once you break through, this is exactly what you want from a French onion soup. We’d recommend a turn of pepper. Duck Confit, Lentils, Mushrooms, & Garlic Butter A bistro is best judged by its classics and this duck passes with very good marks. The bird is rich and tender, although not quick falling off the bone. The lentils are suitably woofing with garlic and the variety of meaty mushrooms are far from an afterthought. photo credit: Jake Missing Tarte Fine Aux Pommes The thinking person’s apple tart: a little thinner, a little more refined, but still with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Completely glorious." - Jake Missing

"The two garçons in question are Robert Reid and JC Slowik, both stalwarts of the London restaurant scene, and their experience is here to see in every element of this immensely likeable French bistro, which is far bigger than their previous place and thus better for coping with demand. Expect all the classics to be found on the menu or blackboard, whether that’s duck confit or escargots; the baba au rhum is not to be missed and the all-French wine list is appealing priced." - Michelin Inspector