Where to eat in London... Jean Jacques, Soho

Jean Jacques Soho

A modern Brasserie with infamous restaurants around Europe, Jean Jacques recently opened their first UK site in the heart of Soho, and I was delighted to go and try it out!

Simple but authentic decor

As we entered, we were greeted by a waiter and offered our choice of table in the charming brasserie style area on the ground floor. Simply decorated but with a lovely warm ambience - not at all retro, and not at all pretentious.  Upstairs is a more formal dining area, in addition to a small outdoor patio area at the back, perfect to sip your drinks from their cocktail bar in the basement (one I must try at a later date – as we were there for brunch (11AM), it felt  perhaps slightly too early to start on the booze!)

Nothing better than freshly baked baguettes!

After sitting down, we ordered some coffees, and the waiter presented us with their delicious sounding menu. 

Perfectly frothy coffee

Whilst the chain began in Russia, as the name suggests, the food leans towards the French bistro market. Delicious dishes on the brunch menu include everything from Croque Madame, Chicken Liver Parfait on Brioche, and Steak Tartare; to Ricotta Gnocchi, Fillet of Lamb, and Poussin on their evening dining menu.

Weekend brunch

Sticking with the brunch menu, feeling rather peckish, I decided to go for the crab salad – a mix of fresh crab, avocado and curly endive - whilst Joe settled on the  Omelette. Made with fresh organic eggs, it with filled with deliciously rich gruyere cheese and fresh herbs, and served with a side of wilted spinach. 

Crab salad and gruyere omlette

Both were absolutely delicious - rich and flavorsome ingredients, well prepared and well presented.

After our mains were cleared, we went onto deserts. Trying to keep healthy, I went for the fresh fruit salad, whilst Joe went all out with the lemon tart!

Desert time

Thinking I may regret my healthy option, although Joe's lemon tart was tasty, I wasn’t at all disappointed when I was presented with a huge bowl filled with a mix of exotic fresh fruit. The delicious passion fruit puree decorating the top  of the mix was the (nutritious) icing on the cake!  

Enjoying!

Need to know

Best Part: Whilst we couldn't fault the food, it was the fantastic service that made our experience so enjoyable. Nothing was too much for the friendly waiters, who we were warm, welcoming, and attentive without being annoying! 

Worst Part: That we couldn't stay all day!!! The dinner menu, filled with fresh fish and grilled meats, sounds delicious - one I'll definitely need to make a return visit for.

Evening menu

Price: For an authentic brasserie in the heart of Soho, prices were refreshingly reasonable, with starters from £7 and mains from £13. 

Best for: A sophisticated but simple meal, or drinks, any time of the day. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, coffees, wines - you name it!

Lunch menu

Would I go back? Most definitely - I have that cocktail bar to try out!

Couldn't miss this one - 'Scottish Fine Soaps' in the restrooms