If you think that French food is all flounce and pretension then Chez Manny makes every effort to prove you wrong.

The Venue
Chez Manny is a warm, comfortable restaurant with an inherent cosiness that's difficult not to be charmed by. It fits in well with the many other Battersea eateries nearby, which all tend to go for that neighbourhood edge. The colour scheme itself is rich with reds and oranges contrasting well with the dark wooden tables and chairs, but it’s enlivened by large front windows, foliage and fairy lights. If it’s comfort you’re after then there are a few sinking sofas and couches for enjoying a drink before or after your meal (or if you just fancy checking out the bar separately) and there are even a handful of alfresco tables for when the weather is nice – although you’ll have to fight tooth and nail for these on a hot summer’s day.

The Atmosphere
Chez Manny is a real family affair. Manny himself is the effortless host of the restaurant and his brother Guillaume keeps things going behind the scenes in the kitchen. This, along with the cosy interior and location in Battersea, ensures that this is a friendly, welcoming spot that really does brush off any preconceptions that French food is all pomp and fuss. The clientele is mainly made up of locals and this only perpetuates that genuinely friendly ambience.

The Food
French food made from family recipes – such is the heart of Chez Manny. And the prices are reasonable, with the bulk of the main courses barely pushing over the £10 mark. The roasted fillet of salmon served with creamy dill sauce (£11.50) is simple and concentrates on bold flavours. The salmon is well cooked and flakes nicely, and the delicate saltiness comes through nicely, complemented well by the surprisingly light sauce with a pleasant creaminess that isn’t cloying. Alternatively, the fillet of corn fed chicken (£13.50) is a wonderful example of the ‘boring’ poultry. Tender, moist and perfectly cooked, it comes marinated in tangy, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and is wrapped in a salty bacon that lends its flavours to the delicate chicken. For the price, it’s excellent value for money.

The Drink
With over 80 bottles to choose from, the wine menu at Chez Manny is certainly an impressive sight and it’s well divided based on tasting notes. Although the skew is most definitely French, they do cover a whole selection of old and new world bottles as well as most grapes and regions. And prices start at just £12.50, which is incredibly low for a restaurant of its type. However, with the prices increasing to just £65, you do feel like they may have missed a trick by not offering some spectacular bottles, even if it is just for the occasional punter looking to really splash the cash. Then again, maybe that would just fly in the face of everything they believe in?

The Last Word
Chez Manny is the ideal spot for trying out French food if it usually intimidates you. It may not be the pinnacle of French cuisine, but it’s accessible and heartfelt.

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