Bibendum is set in one of West London’s most recognisable venues – the Michelin building. With the Michelin man fondly watching you enter its doors, this top-class restaurant isn’t as stuffy as some of its counterparts.

The Venue
The Michelin building is a stunning venue along upmarket Fulham Road. You certainly can’t miss it as the Michelin Man stares out over Fulham in a series of cute poses.

When you enter Bibendum you first pass through The Oyster Bar – a slightly more relaxed affair where cocktails and champagne are drunk alongside oysters. Up in the lift, you soon arrive at the restaurant where you are greeted at the front desk by an extremely helpful member of staff who shows you to your table. And it’s then that you’re first met with the sight of the beautifully laid out restaurant. The colours are light and there’s lots of space – in fact, the restaurant is remarkably large. The tables are, of course, well laid out with gleaming glasses and beautiful silverware – and keep an eye out for the famous Michelin Man butter bowls. Importantly, for a restaurant you’re going to want to savour, the seats are comfortable and almost lounging. Although you feel like you’re somewhere special, you’re also instantly put at ease with such surroundings.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere here is really relaxed and conducive to a relaxing meal out. Nothing is rushed and yet everything is carried out with a measured efficiency only shown by consummate professionals. The staff are ultra polite and also very friendly – genuine smiles with good airs and graces all round. You’re not left to just one waiter, if any of the staff notice your glass isn’t full or you’re low on bread then they’re instantly on hand to help, without being asked first.

The Food
The food at Bibendum is where this restaurant really excels. It is top class fare. With a wide range of French cuisine to choose from you’ll be hard-pushed not to feel spoilt for choice. Starters include dishes like escargots, foie gras, open ravioli of lobster and crab meat. Mains are surprisingly substantial and there’s an excellent choice of fish and meat depending on your mood. Dishes such as the rabbit with cipolini onions or scallops saute provencale are delicately prepared, beautifully presented and taste as good as they look. The desserts are also excellent, whether you’re happy to wait the 20 minutes cook time for options such as the Pithiviers au chocolat, or want the more instant vanilla cheesecake. Whatever you choose you’ll almost certainly not be disappointed.

The Drink
There’s a great choice of delicious champagne at Bibendum, and it’s worth splashing out on a glass as a treat. There is also a comprehensive wine list, covering everything from the extraordinarily expensive right down to budget options – and even these will be among the best wine you’ve ever tasted. There’s no vinegary aftertaste with the carefully selected wines here.

The Last Word
Bibendum is nothing short of the pinnacle of excellence. Every box is ticked and it’s an excellent choice for anyone happy to splurge a bit on a top-class meal.

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