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The owners of Club Gascon , Le Comptoir Gascon and wine bar Cellar Gascon have won acclaim for the smart, French-style tapas menu they’ve devised at this stylish basement restaurant. A discreet entrance leads downstairs to an impressive, high-ceilinged dining area, graced with billowy full-length curtains, dark wood and leather fixtures, and exposed brick walls. A parade of perfectly executed and presented morsels lived up to our consequent expectations. High points included a juicy fillet steak, served with buttery wild asparagus and delectable toasted garlic purée. Ravioli also delivered delicacy and balance, with a meltingly soft cheese filling enhanced by a veil of creamy, aniseed-scented sauce. Simple numbers didn’t quite make the grade; a crisp spring vegetable salad betrayed no hint of the promised lavender in its lemony dressing. Neither were we convinced by the braised lamb, which needed an infusion of meaty juices to rescue it from ordinariness. Our waiter, although well intentioned, was a touch too eager to clear dishes away as soon as we paused for breath. But despite the stumbles, this spot provides rich pickings for well-heeled tourists and monied Chelsea residents.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
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LE CERCLE. Went there last night. Had cocktails which friends loved but they took a huge liberty with what they called a Vesper - way too much Lillet in it. Food was good and no one was unhappy with any choice with the lamb getting a universally good response. Service although attentive was quite amateur, I guess we got an inexperienced member of staff. Virtually everyone eating was French except the waiters and barstaff who were Eastern European. Try and get a booth if there's a party of you, well worth it. Would recommend the place and its a reasonable price for the area.
Having had a really enjoyable meal at Le Cercle last year, we returned again recently with a larger family group. What a mistake. The waiting staff were really quite rude - taking little time to explain the unusual set up to the new guests, and insisting that we had ordered too little food when in fact we were left stuffed. When the food arrived, it was delicious, but often plonked down unannounced, leaving us guessing what was what. The only items that came speedily were those we hadn't ordered - like the multiple bottles of mineral water opened without our permission and the red wine that was poured to everyone, including teenagers, without checking. If only they had been as attentive with the things we actually wanted, like a glass of beer and extra tea cup - both of which we had to request twice.
All in all, I love the french-tapas set up and the food and setting is lovely. But the service lacked the friendliness and flexibility that a larger party needs, so I’d really mainly recommend the place for couples.