The Guardian did not get it wrong. I won’t go through what we had, as the menu can be seen here. But in summary, our meal for four was superb in every respect. As well as seriously impressive food, the service was just right – not too fast, not too slow and hit just the right note.

The bill for three courses for four people including a bottle of 2001 Medoc and a 2004 Petit Chablis was £200. Not cheap, but you wouldn’t expect it to be – this is a superb eating experience.

While we were there the phone was constantly ringing, and they kept tactfully informing the callers that they were fully booked. So for dinner booking is absolutely essential, and it’s advisable for lunch too.

So now at last Richmond has a top-class restaurant again. Well done to the team at La Buvette.

La Buvette, 6 Church Walk, Richmond, TW9 1SN                                       

Tel: 020 8940 6264

Thus Matthew Norman, a restaurant critic at the Guardian, in a recent review of La Buvette, Richmond. So Richmond’s very long period without a first-class restaurant (see my review of A Cena on 28th Feb for more on this) may be at an end.

I cannot hope to do better than a critic on a national newspaper, so please just follow the link to read Matthew’s article:

The Guardian – Review of La Buvette

Needless to say, we’ll try it ourselves as soon as possible and report back.

La Buvette    6 Church Walk, Richmond, Surrey   Tel: 020 8940 6264