Chabrot

What a gem! I’m always so intent on battling through the crowds in front of Harrods that I missed this charming bistro across the way and down an alley. Intimate, yet not claustrophobic, Chabrot is the real deal when it comes to authentic French-​but-​not-​in-​France bistros. I went with my French father, who hails from Reims, and he too was pleased with our lunch experience. First thing that caught my eye — they have my favourite white wine: Picpoul de Pinet!
For a starter, we both had the Soup of the Day, which was Gazpacho. Thick yet light and fresh, it tamed my hunger without leaving me too full for my main course. Papa had the Charcuterie Board, which had a small bowl filled to the brim with foie gras that was divine, & I had the cod avec des petit pois et des lardons. A perfect lunch dish, the filet of fish was light and airy while the lardons gave it a welcome heaviness.
We finished with two espressos, which came with complimentary madeleines — yummmmm. Can’t wait to come back here!

Wow this little gem of a restaurant is amazing. Went back after a long time away and was blown away again. Very pleasantly surprised since most restaurants in london go downhill with time. Delicious fried squid for starters and the best roast lamb with couscous for main. The desserts were to die for. Seriously, you can order anything from their menu and be guaranteed culinary satisfaction. Top of their game for sure.
Thrilled to hear they’re opening another Chabrot in spitalfields market at the beginning of next year. Bring it on!

I was fortunate to have local friends introduce my wife and I to Chabrot, and we have returned a couple of times since. I’ve also taken business associates here and they deliver every time. The staff are warm and funny. The food is amazing! They have an excellent wine selection as well as a few wines that they offer at a discount each week. The atmosphere is great. It can be a little pricey especially with starters, bottle of wine and dessert. But it is worth it.

Very solid for no frills french food.
If you are in the mood for basic, reliable french food, this is an excellent choice. Chabrot has a very bistro like feel, with a lively atmosphere and simple décor. We went for the cote de boeuf which was cooked perfectly medium rare (red inside). The portion sizes were overall very ample and the prices fair, considering this spot is located in Knightsbridge. My only complaint was the surprise price of one of the specials i ordered (29 sterling for a plate of langostines). I wrongly assumed it would cost in the 10 to 15 sterling range… in line with most of the starters. But it was delicious and I will go back.
Pros: Service, value, wine list
Cons: ask for the prices of the specials

Photos and more here

After having read formidable reviews about Chabrot in the Metro and the blog Cheese & Biscuit this restaurant was top on my list to try, particularly as I am always a bit at loss on where to go in Knightsbridge. I don’t like to be ripped off, you see.
In the end, I was not as taken with Chabrot Marina and Chris. The food was good, but it was by no means exceptional and it didn’t leave any lasting impression. The main criticism I have though, is that I found it rather overpriced. Ok, we are talking Knightsbridge here, but the only fish main on the menu £29? To be fair, there were cheaper dishes to choose from, but I really wanted fish. £29 I may pay at a Michelin star place with amazing atmosphere and great reputation, not at something that calls itself bistro (that’s the cheapskate in me, sorry)
The atmosphere was positively remarked on by most reviews I read about this place. I assume most of the reviewers must have sat downstairs which did look nice upon entering. We were however led upstairs to an empty, drafty room and apart from the checked tablecloth, I didn’t feel much of a pleasant French flair I have to say.
Now there is one thing worth mentioning about Chabrot Bistro D’Amis. They do a Plat du Jour, I think from 6 – 7 pm and also for lunch. We got there at 7:30 and sadly missed it as it is very good value for money. The dish of the day, one glass of wine and a coffee for 17.50, this is such a bargain for Knightsbridge! I do have to come back for this.
Back to the A La Carte menu. We started with the Broad Bean Salad with Fresh Ewe Cheese (7.50). I didn’t know what ewe cheese is (let alone how to pronounce it!), so you might not either if you are not English. Let me enlighten you, an ewe is a female sheep #englishlesson.
This was a lovely and clean dish which I rather enjoyed.
Then the starter which I shouldn’t order but can never resist: Foie Gras Terrine (12.50). The quality of the delicious foie gras spoke for itself and didn’t need any flamboyant presentation.
The mains were rather decent. As I didn’t want to have meat and the fish, as I may have mentioned, was 29 pounds, I went for a pasta. Pasta in a French restaurant is not the dish to order, but I was quite happy with the result. The home made Pasta with Asparagus (12) was perfectly al dente and nicely seasoned. I would have liked a bit more asparagus though.
The Grilled Baby Chicken with Lemon and Garlic (17.50) was succulent and well flavoured, simple and really good. But the presentation oh dear.
I didn’t like the cheese (9.50). I usually love cheese! And I love French cheese! All three cheeses left me absolutely cold, in fact the one on the left I found actively unpleasant. You might enjoy them though, I know that cheese tastes are highly subjective.
As you might guess by now, I won’t be hurrying back for the a la carte menu. I will try the plat du jour though and will sit downstairs in the nice part the next time. Should this change my opinion you shall be the first to know.