Our Reviews

71 Bell Street, Reigate, RH2 7AN
Tel 01737 241966

Open Mon-Fri noon-2pm (last orders), 7pm-9.30pm; Sat 7pm-9.30pm (last orders); Sun noon-2pm

Web: www.labarbe.co.uk Email restaurant@labarbe.co.uk

Situated on Reigate’s Bell Street, La Barbe opened over 28 years ago. Oozing romance, this charming restaurant is decorated in a provincial French style with tiled floors, exposed brick walls, simple tables finished with summer yellow cloths and walls decorated with framed caricatures. With French speaking staff and a traditional French menu, you could almost have stepped off Bell Street and onto a French boulevard.

The menu encompasses all things French with escargots and indulgent, luscious creme brulée. The wine list is a mix of the classic and the adventurous, with an extensive selection of fine French wines alongside New World flavours.

My guest thoroughly enjoyed her starter of asparagus wrapped in fluffy mozzarella and Parma ham, while my duck and pistachio terrine was sensational, the pistachio nuts perfectly complementing the sharpness of the red onion and the sweetness of figs in the chutney. Roast parsnips and a rack of lamb seasoned with a pecan nut crust and a fruity green apple and wine sauce was a warming autumnal dish. The venison and cèpe mushroom casserole served with celeriac purée and caramelised pears was hearty and robust.

Our experience more than fulfilled the promise of the menu. Each course was savoured individually, from the beautiful presentation to the distinguishing flavour and texture of each dish.