We were invited along to Oriel a French restaurant in Chislehurst, they have been open since the end of June this year and already seem to have a large returning clientele and for a Thursday night were very busy. Located in the heart of Chislehurst, Oriel is situated on the site of the old Cafe rouge, at the top of Chislehurst High Street. As you walk in to this welcoming restaurant you can see no expense has been spared on the decor, bright clean, fresh and cosy, an interior expertly created by celebrated French designer Richard Lafond, a one-of-a-kind mix of retro and vintage furniture sitting alongside antiques, mirrors, brass and copper, giving it a warm cosy feel.

There is a handy carpark a minutes walk from this very popular restaurant, which makes it very convenient to park anytime of the day.

We arrived and it was a little early but within an hour the place was buzzing for a Thursday night. It seemed to be full of regular customers, who the staff seemed to know very well which is always a good sign.

Executive chef Martin Caws spent a year working in some of the French capital’s finest restaurants to draw up a menu that takes traditional recipes and gives them a contemporary twist, making them healthier and lighter. Oriel promised to bring the food of Paris to the High Street, and they certainly did that for us.

The menu is extensive for a restaurant of its size, we sampled a mix of starters, I had the Eggs mimosa and crab , these are amazing Stuffed eggs, with crab meat, mayonnaise, radish, baby gem lettuce all home made of course. We also had a tasty shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce, sliced avocado and green apple, the flavours were amazing.

The choice of mains was vast, I had a confit of lamb shank, this was my favourite so tender and melted in your mouth. My guest had a peppered fillet 7 oz steak which was cooked to perfection served with a cognac sauce, seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes, I must confess I tried both. There was just enough space to squeeze in desert, a warm chocolate moelleux, a softly baked chocolate cake delicious! Well I couldn’t say no! My guest had Rum baba, Chantilly which comprises of yeast cake, saturated in rum syrup served with lightly whipped Chantilly cream.

The food was amazing and the service was fabulous, we can see why people return time after time.

Oriel serves great French bistro food all day, seven days a week. Their inspiration is taken from classic Parisian bistros but with modern touches. Expect classic dishes, daily specials, sharing platters and decadent desserts.

This would make both a great family meal out, a friends evening out or maybe just pop over to Chislehurst for little shopping one afternoon and a light lunch. Oriel also features an outdoor dining space, a perfect place for a leisurely brunch, lunch or dinner, especially on a lovely summers day.

To summarise the atmosphere was lovely, the decor beautiful and the food yummy….We will see you soon !

Address: 9 High St, London, Chislehurst BR7 5AJ.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am – 11pm & Sunday 9am – 10pm.

Telephone 020 8295 5000

http://www.orielchislehurst.com