Bellevue Rendezvous

In a neighbourhood already spoiled for choice - Chez Bruce and about a dozen others round the corner - Bellevue Rendez-vous is a fine addition to Wandsworth’s dining scene.

It’s the sort of French place that France does so well and London often attempts to copy… and generally fails. A simple menu - and there wasn’t a thing on it I didn’t fancy - charming surroundings, lovely staff, and excellent hearty cooking.

The menu offers two options, a very sensibly priced a la carte - you’d be pushed to break the £30 barrier for three courses - and a bargain set menu at £19 for three courses. From the former, carrot soup was sweet, smooth and very well made, while the braised rabbit was also met with murmurs of bunny-eating delight. I went for the set menu and a seasonal quiche - light, gently cheesy, packed with good veg - and probably the best confit of duck I’ve had this side of the Channel.

The cheese board looked astonishing - and a bargain at £8.50 - but I’d been eating cheese all day professionally (Long story) so instead opted for a shared chocolate fondant, which rounded the meal and us off in rich fashion.

With carafes of very decent wine available at £10 for the half litre, Bellevue is a lovely rustic experience in SW London. Every neighbourhood should have one. If only the property in the region wasn’t so expensive: this is the best argument yet for moving - gulp - south of the river.

I can’t believe we have lived within walking distance of this restaurant for years (actually remember it in its previous incarnation as an Italian), but haven’t visited it until a couple of weeks back.

The menu is quite short and changes regularly, and the food was absolutely excellent! I had a very filling cassoulet (delicious, with belly of pork and a duck leg). The cheese selection was vast compared to what you often get even in restaurants that call themselves French, and I was so full that I actually struggled (well, a little bit) with the dessert (apple tart with cinnamon ice cream). And the bill for the whole lot was more than reasonable.

Unusually for a French restaurant they also have a take-away menu, but the extremely friendly atmosphere makes a visit in person certainly worthwhile.

This is now definitely our new favourite French restaurant in London, especially since the Old Clapham has closed down.