With a great location, superb innovative cooking and a friendly atmosphere, Cafe Des Amis is certainly worth hunting for.

The Venue
Ideally located in Covent Garden’s theatreland but hidden down a small side street off Long Acre, Cafe Des Amis boasts an intimate seclusion from passing tourists and less informed City visitors. Being nicely tucked away suits the restaurant, where a warm and welcoming atmosphere belies the sophistication of the food and service. Floor space is used impeccably with tables being close enough to feel sociable, yet separate enough to feel private, something that adds to a friendly yet romantic atmosphere. The main restaurant sits above an atmospheric downstairs bar that offers some of the most enviable cocktails in London, as well as some deliciously strong cheeses, so those of you not partial to their somewhat pungent aroma might want to give that particular area a miss. Cheese fans, however, will be in heaven.

The Atmosphere
Despite the undisputable splendour of the food, service and setting Cafe Des Amis boasts a vibrant and chatty atmosphere that’s borne from customers who appear genuinely relaxed and enjoying themselves. And as well they might. Many, it appears, are regular visitors to the restaurant, or are those lucky enough to realise that looking a little deeper into Covent Garden can be a very rewarding exercise indeed. Service is first rate and has that valuable knack of being almost unnoticeable, whilst still splendidly efficient, polite and friendly. Soft music is filtered through tiny speakers providing a nicely sedate accompaniment to the pleasant chatter of the diners. Lighting is delicate, and adds to what’s a romantic, seductive atmosphere.

The Food
Cafe Des Amis boasts an extensive menu that benefits from some delicious culinary flair. Highlight starters include wonderfully juicy tiger prawns in a fluffy and crisp tempura, ably assisted by a light pepper antipasti, as well as plump, fresh oysters with a vibrant shallot and cabernet sauvignon vinegar. The beautiful presentation certainly hints at the excellent flavour and makes tucking in feel almost sacrilegious.

A seriously lean roast duck breast is a beautiful pink and is drizzled in a well balanced honey and soy sauce, complemented by its bed of red cabbage fondue with pancetta and Granny Smith apples. The sweetness of the dish threatens to overbear but the subtle salt of the pancetta brings it wonderfully into line. The sea bass with clam vinaigrette is delicate in comparison but the exemplary cut of fish and the confit of cherry tomatoes make it a great choice for those looking to keep things light and refreshing.

Desserts are similarly impressive and showcase the considerable competence in the kitchen. Particular highlights are an outrageously rich soup au chocolat that’s balanced nicely by an aromatic black pepper ice cream perched on top; a refreshing, light and cleansing green tea ice cream and a sumptuously flavoursome passion fruit sorbet that’s far too easily returned to.

The cheese board is a real highlight, providing you have room, offering the very best from the well respected cheesery, La Fromagerie, just down the road. The only slight gripe that some might have is the absence of a good chutney accompaniment - their offering erring on the slightly bitter side and missing the sweetness some prefer with strong cheeses.

The Drink
With the main restaurant overlooked by a superbly stocked bar and a downstairs offering some staggering cocktails, Cafe Des Amis has a selection of drinks that can at least attempt to rival the exquisite food. Even the inexpensive house red, a 2006 Bladet Clement Cuvee Prestige is soft and warm, retaining a delicate yet robust flavour. The concise list rises up steadily to some excellent more expensive options so there really is a good choice for all budgets. For those looking for beer there’s an adequate range of European options in bottles and on draught, with the Belgian options being especially good. To finish, the coffee is suitably potent and well worth exploring.

The Last Word
A must for theatre-goers, or anyone that fancies a good meal, Cafe Des Amis is a Covent Garden highlight just waiting to be discovered.

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