If you like French food like I do then I’m sure you’d love La Petite Maison, a chic dining room that’s ticked my foodie boxes for all the right reasons.
Hidden in a discreet mews in the heart of Mayfair with roots hailing from Nice, LPM brings cuisine of Southern France and the Mediterranean to London. They also have outposts in Paris, Cannes, Dubai, Beirut and soon Miami.
London in Winter may not have the same ambience as the French Riviera capital but the cosy bistro brings a similar sophistication with its chic interiors. The place is smart and fancy enough for special occasions but it’s also quite relaxed to mirror that cool, dreamy Nicoise/Mediterranean vibe.
We paid the bistro a visit during Christmas Eve Eve. The festive decor was kept to a tasteful amount and I’m glad I didn’t have to cringe at the sight of twinkling fairy lights while I ate my dinner.
The table greeted us with some toms and lemon, which you’re meant to slice up and eat with some bread if you fancied. Plump and fresh as they looked, my slight OCD restricted me from chopping these up to devour.
We ordered a bottle of 2014 Saint André de Figuière Cuvée Magali (£35) which paired nicely with our choices which were mostly seafood.
The olive tapenade (£3.50) made for a decent amuse bouche. Slap a good tapenade on a crispy non-greasy crouton and you’ve got my attention.
I was craving for some carpaccio de boeuf (£13.75) so I requested that and it came looking as festive as the holiday season. Lightly cured sirloin with a pickle dressing, this was too pretty for words.
The beef itself was of good quality but needed a squeeze of lemon and some pepper to make it absolutely outstanding.
This starter was delightful, but not as enjoyable as these bad boys…
These beautiful escargots (£15.50) were laid on our table with a bang on scent of delicious garlic butter. They came in picture-perfect shells and were of decent size.
I almost cried when I ate my first snail. The earthy flavour came big with a fantastic chew. Moreso, that garlic butter sauce was absolutely perfect for bread mopping! You must order this dish when you visit LPM.
For mains, I chose the turbot aux artichauts barigoule (£34). It’s essentially a steak of turbot in white wine and olive oil sauce. Admittedly, the flavour profile reminded me of a dish I’ve had in Asia which I can’t pinpoint for the life of me.
Though the first few bites were rather confusing, this dish won me over. I thought the fish was cooked very well and the sauce was well balanced. I loved the cook on the veggies as well although to be honest, I didn’t care much for the small bits of chorizo.
The loup de mer en croûte de sel (£34) was really good, too. Salt-baked sea bass may not sound exciting but this was a testament to how simple and fresh produce can make outstanding dishes. It was so refreshing with the sweetest cherry toms, some sort of courgetti and artichokes. I loved how it transported me to sea-side dining in Southern France.
For sides, we ordered some haricots verts and potato gratinée (£6 each). The gratin was insanely delicious that I could possibly have the whole thing for mains. That’s a lot coming from someone who’s not too big on tots!
At this point I was already full but I thought it would be best to try a dessert for blogging purposes (har har, who are we kidding here?) The tarte fine (£9.50) was as authentic as can be with the pastry crisped to a tee and making a beautiful bed for the perfectly thin slices of caramelised apple.
I had such a wonderful meal at La Petite Maison. The food was fantastic and service was pretty good. By the time we topped up with espressos I was basking in festive glee (possibly because our sommelier kept our glasses full at all times). I’d definitely recommend you visit this charming bistro and discover the French Riviera through your palate!
La Petite Maison
54 Brook’s Mews, London W1K
Ave spend pp: £90
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It all looks so lovely but the escargots scare me! I just can't wrap my head around eating snails… I can't wrap my head around sitting next to someone eating snails… scary times! 😉
I can slurp it under the table so you won't have to cringe! Happy new year, Frankie! x
I went here years ago and loved it! I need to go back one day. I would have basically chosen the exact same dishes as you 🙂
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Seafood lovers, unite! We can go together! x
That gratin looked like perfection! xx
Tasted like perfection, too! x
I haven't visited there yet, sounds like a lovely meal and pretty healthy too! Would definitely try that sea bass
I'd happily go with you, Suze! I really enjoyed the place! x
LPM is one of my favourite restaurants in London, not least as they have some of the freshest and creamiest burrata in town - not to mention the melt-in-your-mouth french toast! Must try the tarte fine next time 🙂 Ayushi xx
The tarte fine is as authentic as can be! I've yet to try the burrata and the french toast though! x
Oo Honey this place looks FAB! That beef carpaccio is so beautiful (and uniquely presented), and I want to faceplant into that pud! Let's catch up soon? Lots of love, Andrea xxx
Andrea's Passions
Yes please! I'll message you! x