Enter Villandry – a restaurant, bar and foodstore – all in one! Take a turn off busy Oxford Street, and dine effortlessly in stylish surroundings from French inspiration. Since opening its doors in 1997 this London eatery has become very popular with the Fitzrovia fashionistas and with its trendy deli, inspiring food menu, and array of cocktails, Villandry has definitely got it all.

The Venue
Villandry plays host to a relaxed 60 seat bar, boasting a wide variety of wine and spirits. The luxury foodstore which can only be described as a food lover’s paradise, specialises in cheese, ham, olives and oils from around the world. The swish restaurant seats up to 100 hungry customers. A vast area with high ceilings and open planned windows, it keeps its charm with dark wooden detail and decorative walls.

The Atmosphere
In the restaurant, you should feel lost in the swarm of friends, couples and colleagues, but Villandry’s combination of dim lighting in quirky tree trunk beams and intimate candlelit tables gives this restaurant a romantic and cosy feel. Music beats softly as friendly waiters deliver a steady flow of eye-watering meals, and clientele mutter amongst themselves about their day. An ambient retreat from busy working life. Each member of staff is designated to their own part of this glowing empire, expressing desire and knowledge of their product.

The Food
With three kitchens preparing classic European dishes, take your pick from an uncomplicated menu, bold and appealing. Even the house salad starter is unique. Uninspired leaves in a bowl? Not at Villandry – the salad is sneakily hidden inside a giant pita bread. After cracking open the oven surprise, tuck into a colourful bed of fresh lamb’s lettuce, rocket, and ripe tomatoes, complimented with light mustard vinaigrette – refreshing and sublime.

Main courses are presented to a high standard. The generous helping of salt and pepper squid with homemade tartare sauce is a joy. The delicacy exceeds the common rubbery texture often found in squid, is lightly battered, and well seasoned. Don’t leave without sampling the classic desserts. White chocolate marquise with compote of Gariguette strawberries are textures which strike your palate one after the other, the sweet strawberry glaze, followed by creamy white chocolate, then finally, the base crunch. Prices average £8 for starters, £17 for mains, and £7 for desserts.

The Drink
The wine list is vast, and mainly French. Try a glass of Villandry’s house white from Languedoc. The touch of passion-fruit offers the wine its sweetness. Cocktails are made to perfection, sweet, and slightly naughty, these sugary delights are oozing with flavours and are almost too pretty to drink.

The Last Word
Don’t be put off by the concept – detail is not lost in any area, this three in one really works.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (6) image gallery (2) book a table