Bouchon Racine

Sometimes a restaurant closes and it is a tragedy. I wasn't around in London in 2015 (I was still a bumpkin in Leeds), but that was the general consensus when Bouchon Racine on Brompton Road closed. Then, in 2022, it reopened in Farringdon. And the plaudits roled in once more.

I get my hair cut in Farringdon (Kesman represent), and Bouchon Racine is just a street over from my barbers. So I decided to chance it and see if they had any spaces for lunch. No dice, but the Front of House was able to pen me in for the evening service if I wanted it. Yes, I certainly did, though I didn't actually expect them to keep the seat reserved for me.

Arriving back at 6pm, they seated me immediately (at apparently 'the best seat in the house', as it is where the owners sit when they attend a service) and drew my attention to the huge blackboard that has the daily menu chalked up. 

I'll get it out of the way now: Bouchon Racine is excellent. The only reason it doesn't scrape my Top 10 is because I would marginally prefer to dine at The French House, but it should be noted that The French House is a bit more British than Bouchon Racine, which is decidedly French. Pierre Koffmann recently attended and also expressed his admiration for Henry Harris' cooking, so you know it's legit. Bouchon Racine is an easy recommend, and here is why.

The service is excellent and attentive, the menu robust but not overwhelming, the cooking refined and flavourful, the atmosphere electric. And, most importantly for me, you will try dishes that you will long remember.

Along with my glass of Côtes du Rhône, I had the rabbit with mustard sauce and bacon for my main, along with a side of new potatoes, and a crème caramel with armagnac prune for dessert.

The main was delicious, cooked to perfection, but it was the crème caramel that really blew me away. I didn't ask for the armagnac prune, but I am very glad I got it, and would now consider it a sin to order the dish without it. Deliciously sweet with that beautiful alcoholic counterpoint, the Bouchon Racine crème caramel is a legendary dessert.

The restaurant was considered the 5th best restaurant in the UK by the National Restaurant Awards in 2023. I can see why.

Value for money? C. £60 for a glass of red wine, main, side, dessert and service charge. This is a stellar restaurant, so yes.

Would I return? Yes, definitely.