The Café des Amis is tucked away up a very narrow side street, designated as Hanover Square, between the Long Acre and Floral Street. We had come across it on the Top Table website where they were offering half price on food which seemed too good to miss.
It has a downstairs bar and the restaurant is at ground level. We arrived fifteen minutes early and were shown directly to our table. Eeven at 5.30 it was beginning to fill up! A waitress brought menus and the wine list and asked if we would like a drink. Beware if you order shorts and mixers. We are not used to the bulk dispensers, common in London bars, so did not think to ask for the whiskey with just a splash of ginger. Josephine got a full glass. It was not a problem with my gin as I would always use the full bottle of tonic.
We ordered starters, Josephine the French onion soup, whilst I opted for the classic steak tartare, which is not something one sees too often these days. These arrived with astonishing speed. The soup was thick with onions and topped with cheese on toast and very satisfying. The steak tartare was served with crisp toasted french stick, salad and a drizzle of dressing. It is chopped with onion rather than minced which gives it a smoother texture that I have had before.
The house red was Le Bosq Rouge, which was from a variety of grape types and would suit just about any palate. Definitely a good choice.
Our main courses were sirloin steak with a pepper sauce, served with chips and vegetables for Josephine and calves liver with smoked pancetta on a bed of mash for me. The only complaint would have been that, compared to Irish mash or champ, it was a little watery.
Service in general was very good and the waiters efficient and smiling.
All in price including the now mandatory service charge £72.00.