Over the years my tastes and habits, when it comes to food – have changed so much I don’t think I’d recognise myself if I could rewind seven years or so back. I was never a fussy eater, but I knew what I liked and more often than not, the simpler, quality led cooking would capture my heart. But then tasting menus, blow-torched mackerel and freeze-dried everything covered our plates. It meant for two things. Firstly London becoming one of the best places in the world for food, but also those simpler, original restaurants which created London started to close down. So when I heard about Petit Pois, tucked away on Hoxton Square I snapped up the opportunity to visit. A french bistro style restaurant with charm, simple and quality led cooking – which always starts with a glass of bubbly, or two.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Interior looks good after a refit of Ruby's which used to be on this site. There are now three booths, exposed bricks, sturdy weathered wood tables and an attractive shelf of plants.
We were there on opening night, which was also a bank holiday. As a result they didn't have the full wine list, and hadn't stocked up on some condiments such as mustard. We had the cheapest red available which was very pleasant.
We shared two starters. One order of beet root and blue cheese as well as the mushroom veloute. The soup was tasty but could have been served warmer. The beet dish was a small portion and not a salad as expected, but beetroot on a crostini with some rocket salad and a wedge of good blue cheese. Nice attention to detail in that the rocket had been picked over so, all of the hard stems had been removed.
For mains, my companion had the pork belly with parsnip puree. Tender meat, and not too fatty. Pleasant parsnip puree was not overly rich and garnished with a little apple. My blue steak frites was perfectly executed. Well rested, well sourced flat iron steak, plenty of crisp fries and a tasty bearnaise.
We were too full for dessert, but the waiter brought us a tiny taster of chocolate mousse that had piqued our curiosity. The booth next to us were gushing over it. Very nice mouse.
Nice dependable spot for bistro classics and affordable enough for frequent visits on nights you don't feel like cooking. Mains around £16.
What am amazing meal and experience. The food was exceptional just like the service from Alistair. Thank you Chef. Have the duck and mousse.
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