Langan's Bistro is the hidden gem of Marylebone. The area has a number of restaurants but the quality and price vary enormously. When we lived up here we tried a fair few of them but ultimatly we tend to return to the bistro and it's more upscale stablemate "Odin's". They are located next to each other and provide hearty brasserie fayre at a reasonable price and with charming service. The bistro itself can be best described as bijou, small interior but beautifully decked out. It is a textbook example of how to embue a small dining space with character and charm. The walls are adorned with numerous pictures and paintings whilst parasols hang from the ceilings. Anywhere else this my look odd or tacky but here it just adds to the charm.
We popped in last night on our way home, as we fancied a casual but tasty dinner. We weren't disappointed. We were greeted warmly on entering and shown to a nice comfy table. The menu is short but excellent value. I started with crispy squid whilst my lovely wife went for the ravioli. Both dishes were delicious not too big but just right to warm us up. We were also given some welsh rarebit canape's to tide us over until the starters came. To follow my wife had a lovely smoked haddock gratin and I went for the crispy duck on a bed of pak choi. It was lovely food and went well with the seasonal veg including some lovely cabbage.
Though pretty full after such a nice winter warmer we made room for dessert I had a perfectly poached pear and ice cream whilst my wife went old school and had rice pudding. I washed this down with a kir and lovely glass of rioja. The restaurant filled up as we ate including a party of 9 which the staff coped with admirably. This is not a big restaurant so the kitchen and front of house need to be really organised. As we were sitting by the servery I could see how all the meals came out together and all the patrons looked really happy. When this happens you get a really nice buzz running through the place.
This place really is a treasure and for a good inexpensive meal out it is a no brainer. My only regret is that it doesn't open weekends except for the Sunday of the Marylebone fete. My wife and I have had many lovely meals here and it consistently delivers on all fronts. If you are up in the area walk on past the various faddish joints around and head for this charming cosy curio you won't be disappointed.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9