Michelin Star Restaurants in London
La Trompette reviews
Average... no other word can describe our experience. The staff were pleasant enough and the service was good but nothing to write home about. The food itself was unremarkable at best and bland at worst. Not only did it lack the 'WOW' factor but seemed like something your average person could make at home. The best thing about the restaurant was the sommelier, who was very knowledgeable and helpful. No need to go back again... next time we'll book at a good gastropub instead - The Anglesea Arms.
by teamnatro, 20 Feb 2011
by teamnatro, 20 Feb 2011
Perhaps I was in the wrong to build up the expectations so high in my own mind? Anyway, quite possibly the blandest food I've ever eaten.
Michelin Star? For what? I'd liken my Mullet to boil-in-the-bag fish but that would be a step up. My wife's veal starter was cold and sodden due to the whole tinned tomato that was dumped straight on top of it. My friend found plastic in his dessert, not once but twice! Yes, that's right. They took it away and brought back a fresh serving for it only to contain more plastic! I'd have drowned my sorrows in wine if only the sommelier hadn't taken 40 minutes to get to us.
An awful dining experience; the place has never heard of the word 'flavour'. As for being French... I think Le Boudin Blanc et al need fear not.
by Chet, 25 Aug 2010
Michelin Star? For what? I'd liken my Mullet to boil-in-the-bag fish but that would be a step up. My wife's veal starter was cold and sodden due to the whole tinned tomato that was dumped straight on top of it. My friend found plastic in his dessert, not once but twice! Yes, that's right. They took it away and brought back a fresh serving for it only to contain more plastic! I'd have drowned my sorrows in wine if only the sommelier hadn't taken 40 minutes to get to us.
An awful dining experience; the place has never heard of the word 'flavour'. As for being French... I think Le Boudin Blanc et al need fear not.
by Chet, 25 Aug 2010
Good in parts.
I was disappointed that there was no alternativee to the 3- or 4-course set menus and that this had not been flagged at the time of booking.
The service was friendly; this was particularly welcome as my teenage son was with me. Perhaps not as streamlined as at La Gavroche, but better than the sluggish, slightly surly service we experienced at Locanda Locatelli.
A touch too much hard sell on the drinks (eg champagne was suggested as an aperitif). When I asked for a jug of tap water I was told that the policy was to refill glasses.
Our first courses - gazpacho and a beetroot, chicory, walnut etc salad - justified La Trompette's Michelin star. In contrast, although there was nothing wrong with our main course - seared mackeral - it lacked the wow factor.
The cheese selection was excellent, although my request for a small green salad to accompany it caused confusion. Salad leaves did materialise, but without a dressing.
Return rating: unlikely. Chez Kristoff's position as our favourite local restaurant remains unchallenged!
by Susanne, 15 Aug 2010
I was disappointed that there was no alternativee to the 3- or 4-course set menus and that this had not been flagged at the time of booking.
The service was friendly; this was particularly welcome as my teenage son was with me. Perhaps not as streamlined as at La Gavroche, but better than the sluggish, slightly surly service we experienced at Locanda Locatelli.
A touch too much hard sell on the drinks (eg champagne was suggested as an aperitif). When I asked for a jug of tap water I was told that the policy was to refill glasses.
Our first courses - gazpacho and a beetroot, chicory, walnut etc salad - justified La Trompette's Michelin star. In contrast, although there was nothing wrong with our main course - seared mackeral - it lacked the wow factor.
The cheese selection was excellent, although my request for a small green salad to accompany it caused confusion. Salad leaves did materialise, but without a dressing.
Return rating: unlikely. Chez Kristoff's position as our favourite local restaurant remains unchallenged!
by Susanne, 15 Aug 2010
Despite us being late, the staff were welcoming and helpful. The food was excellent and the service attentive without being excessive. I don't know where the 'surly staff' were, but I guess that must be a thing of the past, as we saw none of it.
A memorable experience with wine well chosen by the sommellier.
Not cheap, so I'm saving up to go again.
by cnar0berts, 16 Jul 2010
A memorable experience with wine well chosen by the sommellier.
Not cheap, so I'm saving up to go again.
by cnar0berts, 16 Jul 2010
Dined with four last Saturday. First visit to La Trompette with an open mind, although read some reviews before going over the threshold. We arrived by taxi and were placed in an acceptable area and the welcome was excellent. One of us had dietary constraints and Adele took care to have the meals prepared as necessary. The raviola with shellfish was excellent and the surcharge was in order. The pithiviers of quail was unbelievable. I followed with sea bass to my taste and the daube of beef was good although sparse (and if the vegetables were plentiful, I guess that diner would have less critical). We must say that all the food was served to our requirement. The wine accompanying the meal was selected with the recommendation from the excellent sommelier. We finished up with desserts and dessert wine and coffee. The cost was around £70, which was acceptable including the service. A great place to celebrate an occasion, and we even walked back home in the early hours of Sunday.
by tjgolf353, 18 Mar 2010
by tjgolf353, 18 Mar 2010
My husband and I have eaten at La Trompette three times. On each occasion we have been greeted warmly and service has been excellent. The food has been excellent too, and the attentiveness of the server very thoughtful. I can recommend the recent October menu. In short, value for money is exceptional and I cannot rate the restaurant more highly. Do disregard the negative reviews about the personnel; I can assure you if this was the case, it has been rectified.
by diana simmons, 12 Nov 2009
by diana simmons, 12 Nov 2009
The food is good, although I find the menu a little pretentious and expensive for what it is. I have been twice and on both occasions experienced cold service tinged with self-importance. For better food, warm welcoming service and wondereful French ambiance I suggest you travel just half a mile to Le Vacherin. Owner and Chef Malcolm John (ex St Quentin of Knightsbridge) deserves several Michelin stars!
by Robert Morley, 19 Oct 2009
by Robert Morley, 19 Oct 2009
I've been to La Trompette many times. The food there is gorgeous and we've always enjoyed it very much. The staff are great and so friendly.
by annemariesmyth, 15 Dec 2008
by annemariesmyth, 15 Dec 2008
La Trompette is a lovely little restaurant. Good friends invited us to join them there for dinner and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
As we were guests, I let the wine list land with our host, who finally passed it on to me. We ordered a lovely red Burgundy, to which I added a Meursault. Unfortunately, as this was also partially a business dinner, I did not make notes on the wines. The wine list was fairly simple, but geared toward the cuisine of the restaurant. This seems to be very common in the UK. In the US, too many wine lists are filled with the same common wines, regardless of what the kitchen is doing. Wine IS food, and needs to go WITH the food.
I started with a Seared Loin of Tuna (with green bean and caper vinaigrette, tapenade, sauce vierge and quail’s eggs), followed by the second-best Red Mullet (with risotto of brown shrimps and herbs and grilled fennel), that I have had - both in the UK, incidentally. By the mains, the Meursault was gone, and the Pinot Noir went well with the mullet, especially with the fennel. We ended with a lovely cheese platter for the table, and finished the wines. I added a Ferreira Quinta do Seixo VP.
I never saw the check, but do not feel that La Trompette was at all expensive, especially by London standards.
by Bill Hunt, 26 May 2008
As we were guests, I let the wine list land with our host, who finally passed it on to me. We ordered a lovely red Burgundy, to which I added a Meursault. Unfortunately, as this was also partially a business dinner, I did not make notes on the wines. The wine list was fairly simple, but geared toward the cuisine of the restaurant. This seems to be very common in the UK. In the US, too many wine lists are filled with the same common wines, regardless of what the kitchen is doing. Wine IS food, and needs to go WITH the food.
I started with a Seared Loin of Tuna (with green bean and caper vinaigrette, tapenade, sauce vierge and quail’s eggs), followed by the second-best Red Mullet (with risotto of brown shrimps and herbs and grilled fennel), that I have had - both in the UK, incidentally. By the mains, the Meursault was gone, and the Pinot Noir went well with the mullet, especially with the fennel. We ended with a lovely cheese platter for the table, and finished the wines. I added a Ferreira Quinta do Seixo VP.
I never saw the check, but do not feel that La Trompette was at all expensive, especially by London standards.
by Bill Hunt, 26 May 2008
We ate at La Trompette last night. Simply put, we made the following observations:
a) Food is good, but menus very similar to Chez Bruce (not necessarily a bad thing).
b) Managerial staff are extremely rude - think your worst Parisian nightmare (French shrugs, know-it-all comments, etc.) and you've got it.
c) Younger staff (who are constantly chided in front of guests by above managerial team) are very friendly and helpful.
In conclusion, do go for the food, but you will be surprised that somewhere like this could get a star and be so indifferent on service. Incidentally, service was 12.5% and VAT was added AFTER the food and service, making it an expensive evening (cheese plate, for example, was £10).
by THHolmes, 09 May 2008
a) Food is good, but menus very similar to Chez Bruce (not necessarily a bad thing).
b) Managerial staff are extremely rude - think your worst Parisian nightmare (French shrugs, know-it-all comments, etc.) and you've got it.
c) Younger staff (who are constantly chided in front of guests by above managerial team) are very friendly and helpful.
In conclusion, do go for the food, but you will be surprised that somewhere like this could get a star and be so indifferent on service. Incidentally, service was 12.5% and VAT was added AFTER the food and service, making it an expensive evening (cheese plate, for example, was £10).
by THHolmes, 09 May 2008
We discovered La Trompette about five years ago and are wowed every time we go. I've only just seen that it has been awarded a Michelin star - fantastic and well deserved. Terrific service, lovely menu, super ambience. Love the place!
by britzkiwi, 06 Feb 2008
by britzkiwi, 06 Feb 2008
Having dined so many times in the past few years and also recently at a friend's 60th Birthday at La Trompette, I am amazed it has taken so long for it to get its Michelin star. This is the best restaurant in West London, as is its sommelier, Mattheu. It does not get much better anywhere else for food and wine in the UK. You will pay more for the location and decor, but here you pay for what's on your plate and in your glass as well as for classy service. Ignore the late arrival review, as no restaurant can please 100% of the time, and this is not typical of La Trompette. If you don't dine here, you will miss a real treat. Enjoy.
by Cameraman, 03 Feb 2008
by Cameraman, 03 Feb 2008
I've lived locally since 1989 and am really dedicated to La Trompette. The food is simply very good, reasonably priced and I'm told the wine list is great. My issue is dead simple: I booked and ran late, coming from the Opera House with two Royal Ballet members. We rang in regularly, explaining we were behind but the Eastern European staff member encouraged us to continue - this was entirely their error.
When we got there, all our coats were taken and we were moving to a table when the French manageress stormed up to us, refused us the table, forced us to our coats and ejected us. I said we'd warned 3+ times en route, were only 5 minutes over time as it turned out (itself unspecified until then) and she relented (!) by offering the three of us "a little cheese".
In effect, we were thrown out, humiliated in front of a restaurant plainly still 100% in full swing, and the staff refused to admit their own complicity in having created the entire problem. We could have eaten late easily in Covent Garden at Sheekeys or elsewhere, as Royal Ballet folk get respect, especially post a first night. In W4, you get shown a wet street on a Bank Holiday, your coat handed back and frankly offensive passive-aggressive abuse from the manageress. I wrote carefully to Bruce Poole but with him now being a rich, important restaurateur, he wrote a pretty offhand and vague reply. That's what you get for being a regular of his from Day 1. Good on you, Bruce...
POSTSCRIPT: Further to my complaint to La Trompette, I have written to Nigel Platts-Martin and Bruce Poole simply to discuss the issue. They refuse to reply. It is odd that the cooking industry is now an aristocracy of haughty omeletteers. Bring back the Berni Inn, pineapple rings and a tangy prawn cocktail. At least the staff towed the line!
The staff at La Trompette were deeply in the wrong, unprofessional and their French manageress was unpleasant to us all. My girlfriend, A Royal Ballet principal, was left in tears. As even these media chef heroes know, the Royal Ballet is the world's finest company and ruthlessly difficult. Perhaps La Trompette could train their booking staff accordingly?
Why do seasoned professionals such as these grand restaurateurs refuse, when faced with shameful facts, to even address my complaint? They ruined an important evening casually and I surely deserve some reply.
by Geordie Kidston (2 reviews), 24 Aug 2007
When we got there, all our coats were taken and we were moving to a table when the French manageress stormed up to us, refused us the table, forced us to our coats and ejected us. I said we'd warned 3+ times en route, were only 5 minutes over time as it turned out (itself unspecified until then) and she relented (!) by offering the three of us "a little cheese".
In effect, we were thrown out, humiliated in front of a restaurant plainly still 100% in full swing, and the staff refused to admit their own complicity in having created the entire problem. We could have eaten late easily in Covent Garden at Sheekeys or elsewhere, as Royal Ballet folk get respect, especially post a first night. In W4, you get shown a wet street on a Bank Holiday, your coat handed back and frankly offensive passive-aggressive abuse from the manageress. I wrote carefully to Bruce Poole but with him now being a rich, important restaurateur, he wrote a pretty offhand and vague reply. That's what you get for being a regular of his from Day 1. Good on you, Bruce...
POSTSCRIPT: Further to my complaint to La Trompette, I have written to Nigel Platts-Martin and Bruce Poole simply to discuss the issue. They refuse to reply. It is odd that the cooking industry is now an aristocracy of haughty omeletteers. Bring back the Berni Inn, pineapple rings and a tangy prawn cocktail. At least the staff towed the line!
The staff at La Trompette were deeply in the wrong, unprofessional and their French manageress was unpleasant to us all. My girlfriend, A Royal Ballet principal, was left in tears. As even these media chef heroes know, the Royal Ballet is the world's finest company and ruthlessly difficult. Perhaps La Trompette could train their booking staff accordingly?
Why do seasoned professionals such as these grand restaurateurs refuse, when faced with shameful facts, to even address my complaint? They ruined an important evening casually and I surely deserve some reply.
by Geordie Kidston (2 reviews), 24 Aug 2007
One of the best restaurants in London...is in Chiswick. Talk to the sommelier - one of the best anywhere and very friendly with it.
by LucaJJ (2 reviews), 09 May 2006
by LucaJJ (2 reviews), 09 May 2006
Good restaurant with nice starter. The service was slow and the main course took over an hour and was undercooked and tasteless. This was quite disappointing as the starter and wine was delicious.
by Ellen4526, 02 May 2006
by Ellen4526, 02 May 2006
Very nice simple but very good restaurant in a little Chiswick backstreet. Very good service and a great sommelier. Will definitely go back. tom
by THomasw (2 reviews), 05 Apr 2006
by THomasw (2 reviews), 05 Apr 2006
I have eaten here for lunch on a few occasions and the standard is always consistently high. The duck, egg and root vegetable starter is gorgeous and highly recommended. The waiters are very knowledgeable on which wine to have, and I have never been disappointed.
by USHI, 25 Jan 2006
by USHI, 25 Jan 2006
Speaking as a lowly West Londoner I couldn't be more thrilled that La Trompette is out here. You're not exactly short of good restaurants in Central London - it seems only fair that we should have the best!
I first visited the week it opened and have been back probably on average once a month since. It has rarely disappointed.
by w7 (4 reviews), 10 Jan 2006
I first visited the week it opened and have been back probably on average once a month since. It has rarely disappointed.
by w7 (4 reviews), 10 Jan 2006
Best proper French restaurant in London, busy, great wine selection with waiters helping select the perfect wine with the meal, excellent food and atmosphere. Only negative is that it's all the way in Chiswick and not more central... priced at £50 pp with wine.
by Reesh, 20 May 2005
by Reesh, 20 May 2005
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