French cuisine for me has some of the most well-balanced and well-presented dishes in their repertoire, whilst also being rustic and simple. Zédel has a good reputation, so was it any good? Time to find out...
Ideal for:
Having a good value meal in a fancy setting
Celebrating the best of French cuisine
Dinner with mates or date
Ambience & Décor
The winding staircase from the street-level Café was littered with posters depicting the history of French cinematography. At the foot of the stairs, the central double doors led to Zédel. Stepping through, the wow-factor hit you. This cavernous converted underground theatre had ornate vaulted ceilings, decorative white marble and large vibrant overhead lighting. The best features were the white-marbled, golden topped Corinthian columns and the brass ‘Zédel’ grandfather clock at the rear. The opulent décor was a tribute to the past, and I loved it.
Service
Despite a busy Saturday afternoon, they showed plenty of attention as I waited for my dining companion. French-style restaurant etiquette is always a classy affair, and Zédel delivered a faultless service.
Food
I selected the Terrigne de Campagne ‘en croute’ (left) as I am lover of terrines and pâtés. The dish was delicious and the portion was generous, given the dense nature of the terrine. The ‘en croute’ pastry was perfectly flaky. The strong, earthy flavours and textures of the terrine complemented well with the tangy pickles and the fresh, zingy and vibrant sauce.
The Choucroute “Zedel” (below) is a simple stew from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France. The Germanic influence is present, as the dish has sausages and sauerkraut. In tandem, the dish has other salted meats and potatoes, with the water released from all used to make a broth. No explosion of complex flavours, heat or finesse here, with the focus on how well the meats are cooked. Very bland for an Asian palate and one I thought I would try but never again.
The Pain d’Epice Perdu (below) dessert was a fancy bread pudding glorified with brioche bread, apricots and alcohol. The boozy kick from the apricot liqueur brought a vibrancy to the dish. The dollop of cream on the side brought some tartness and smooth texture which complemented the light fluffy pudding. This was not too sweet, and a fantastic way to forget the disappointment of the main.
3 courses plus a drink for c.£30 was amazing value. Brasserie Zédel served authentic, classic and rustic French cuisine, with superlative service, set in one of the most amazing dining rooms in London, and all for unbelievable value. The venue is the wow-factor, and perfect for all occasions. It is a shame the food does not match the rest. Brasserie Zédel gets a B rating.
Photos of Brasserie Zédel and more can be found on Instagram here.
Final grade: B
Final comment: One of London's best venues. Zédel gives good value authentic food.
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