Raison d'Être reviews
Best place to find chocolate chip cookies. They really are perfect in every way, except that they are a little overpriced for their size.
by edithearot, 08 Dec 2007Excellent cappucinos and sandwiches. Mediocre music. Often too loud. Cafe society feel, but listening to owner's conspiracy theories and pontification on politics gets seriously boring. Stick to the food!
by tbasmith, 10 Jul 2007Want to have a great cappucino and argue politics with the regulars? This is the place. It's cafe society at its best with Ben, the owner and agent provocateur. Challenge him on his wild conspiracy theories and odd facts. It's all good fun and the sandwiches are terrific.
by Nerdbird, 02 Jul 2007Um... why is this the 12th nicest thing in the city? As a cafe, I would suggest it's slightly above run-of-the-mill, but no more than that. It's a place to buy a coffee and a croissant. Do not expect to be amazed.
by Bubbles J. Smith (6 reviews), 23 Apr 2007The food is simple but good and the coffee is fantastic. I do, however, find the music at times overly loud and unecessary.
by Anonymous, 18 Apr 2007Fantastic coffee and great food. Given the quality, it offers good value - even for a student!
by Anonymous, 10 Nov 2006An excellent little cafe, serving things like croissants, yoghurt and fruit salad for breakfast, then a variety of tasty baguettes, toasted focaccias etc. through lunch and the afternoon. Unlike most of the 'specialist' coffee shops that have proliferated in recent years, this place actually knows how to make the stuff.
by Anonymous, 01 Dec 2005One of the only cafes in London with an actual "Cafe Culture!" Good, extremely fresh food and the best cappuccino's in London. If you haven't been there, you're missing out.
by Tigerlily, 29 Sep 2005Freshly baked baguettes are very popular; approx 30 seats; a favourite cafe with the Evening Standard.
One of the loveliest coffee shops in South Kensington and an essential stop in this part of the French Quarter. Conveniently close to the museums and the Royal Albert Hall. There are colourful displays of the fresh food fillings, soothing music and a cosy atmosphere, all enjoyed by the regulars who have stayed loyal to this lovely cafe over the years.
The compact high tables and wall decorations are aesthetic and characterful. The owner's attentive service with charming smiles, the speed of his beautiful peeling of the avocados and the staffs' joyously seamless flow of teamwork are a pleasure to see. You will be energised by the sheer joie de vivre here. More than a sanctuary.
Great food, great music, great people working there and the best baguettes ever.
by claudio (2 reviews), 12 Mar 2005Have we missed a great cafe in London? Let us know.
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