Elegant French Dining in Marylebone

Marylebone W1 – it`s a postcode that often pops up on Lussorian, with its grand hotels, gastro pubs, trendy boutiques and celebrity residents (Madonna and the Gallagher brothers for starters..), it`s all too easy to get distracted by the local glitter which is why I`m so glad I chose to visit Café Luc last week – the epitome of classic French dining with not a gimmick in sight.

In fact, for an elegant Parisian afternoon you could do worse than while away a few hours in this district.

First spend a few hours checking out some fine french art at the wonderful Wallace Collection before heading over into the high-street for some rest and recuperation at Luc itself.

The cafe’s interior evokes a Manet masterpiece in it`s classic brasserie style: everywhere there are mirrors and brass finishes, low hanging lamps shine on a polished silver bar where endless wine glasses catch the candle light and all the while staff rush around in starched uniform pausing only to snatch up an empty plate (empty being the opposite of how you feel when you exit this place. Food here is incredible).

On a Marco Polo Martini aperitif (made using tea infused gin), we dined on fresh buttered asparagus, marvelled at perfectly poached quails eggs on top of a fantastic `crab tian`.

My equally fishy main of delicate lemon sole was only mildly eclipsed by my friends hearty salmon parcel that rather brilliantly combined broad beans with pomegranates in a light filo pastry – we both fell in love with this ingenious combination.

With an extensive wine list on offer it`s also a good idea to forsake holding back on the baskets of moreish French bread (diets are definitely off the menu!)

That goes for desert too where you`ll find a `nutella créme brulee`. Surely the food of gods? It’s the special guest star on their celebratory Bastille set menu and it can only be a matter of time before this particular pudding captures the heart of our nation too!

However, don`t think you have to make it an evening visit. Luc is also famous for it`s brunch and afternoon tea, their set menu (I`m told the mussels in particular are popular) is a good shout for families and incredibly good value.

So when you need a break from the designer sales this summer, do it Parisian style at Café Luc, I`m sure they have a cocktail with your name on it.