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A Belgravia fixture for over 40 years, the Ebury is an appealing synthesis of new and old. Yes, there's the dark wood panelling, and a garish trompe l'oeil fresco in the rear dining room, but don't be deceived into thinking this is a mere refuge for aging Sloanes. The menu is happy to nod to grand French tradition, with dishes such as pork fillet with prunes and brandy, but the kitchen is also at ease with more Mediterranean flavours: the likes of roasted aubergine and chickpea compote, garnishing a fillet of sea bass. Simple grills are also available. A small front bar caters to those who just want to pop in for a quick drink from the eclectic wine list, which offers a good 30 choices by the glass. New and Old Worlds receive roughly equal billing. From the Rheingau region of Germany, Johannisberger Erntebringer riesling kabinett 2004 was packed with unpretentious charm. Time Out 2010 Families and couples head straight for well-prepared dishes in the restaurant at the back, such as rich, tasty rabbit terrine or succulent rack of lamb with sliced potatoes, garlic and thyme sauce. The selection of approximately 100 wines is to be commended for having nearly half of the total by the glass. The selection also manages to take in some good Italian whites, such as Piedmont’s Adelasia. Ebury is slick and well-mannered without any kind of style-bar fireworks.Time Out 2009
‘Frequently packed to the rafters with lots of tourists and locals stopping in after work, this reliably unchanging Belgravia wine bar/French bistro (50 years old and counting) in not a destination as such, but makes a great place to meet friends over a glass or bottle from the extensive list at fair prices, supplemented by consistently good eclectic fare; the trompe l'oeil murals never fail to amuse, as well’.
The self-styled gastro wine bar, now pushing 50, is in private hands again, after being acquired by one of its founder members. The Ebury is idiosyncratic and mildly eccentric with more than its fair share of characters. An eight-ounce fillet steak and minted new potatoes are still considered the sine qua non of a bonne table here, although chef Bernard Dumonteil does some wonderful franglais dishes such as devilled kidney vol-au-vent, and beef and onion suet pudding. Last year he created a Royal English menu to mark the Queen’s 80th birthday, with wines from the award winning Denbies Estate.
This bow-fronted Belgravia stalwart – open for more than 40 years – is an enduringly popular affair, its trompe l’oeil interior and enterprising wine list drawing a well-heeled crowd. The menu is an appealing mix of such dishes as home-cured Gravadlax with dill mayonnaise (£7.50), while grilled halibut served with confit Mediterranean vegetables might head-up mains (£18.95) and the short grill section could feature calves liver and bacon. Lime and lemon tart accompanied by a raspberry coulis (£5.50) might catch the eye at dessert. Wines come fashionably listed by style, with house from £13.50 and bags of choice-by-the-glass.
This long-standing wine bar (here for 40 years) offers a varied menu of Brit/Med influences to accompany an exciting wine list. Starters run to seared scallops with courgette blinis (£9.75) or Parmesan and herb-crusted sardines with tomato salad (£5.50). Steak and lamb grills are available from £16.50 or try a pave of salmon with roasted fennel and tomatoes (£12.75). Finish with chocolate and black cherry truffle cake (£5.50). The extensive wine list starts at £12.80.
Some say its ‘dated, dull and out of the 80s’ but we actually think the Ebury is a prime example of how a bit of care and attention can ensure longevity in the restaurant business. The evidence of a well-managed operation is everywhere, from the warm welcome to the fresh flower arrangements, while the classic dark wood décor still works a treat. Menus are surprisingly modern, with things like tuna sashimi with wasabi and teriyaki sauce or Moroccan lamb kebab and tabbouleh – there’s even crocodile tournedos – supplementing the usual grills. The bar is nice, too.
… After 40 years of business, it still retains its old-fashioned charm with oil paintings on dark-panelled walls and a faded garden mural on the back dining room. Despite the slightly stuffy interior, the restaurant menu has moved with the times. Adventurous options such as barramundi with asparagus and pan-fried kudu with sweet potato lyonnaise, supplement more familiar offerings of lamb and vegetable pie or fillet steak… The large wine list, which spans New and Old World options in the £15-30 bracket. More than 30 wines are available by the glass and half bottles also show up well.
Ebury Wine Bar, filled with young professionals, provides a cut-above atmosphere, delicious £15-18 meals... In the delightful back room, the fancy menu features modern European cuisine with a French accent; at the wine bar, find cheaper food that’s better than pub grub. This is emphatically a ‘traditional wine bar’ with only a few beers.
Opening times: For reservations call 020 7730 5447 |
Thank you… for generously providing champagne at our dinner… We had two Cricket Australia directors with us together with their wives and a pleasant evening was had by all. On the previous Saturday John Howard (ex prime minister of Australia) and his wife really enjoyed the Ebury Wine Bar as did our host Michael Ball. I feel sure they will return on some future visit to London. …with renewed thanks and kind regards. David Morgan, Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board 27 July 2009
Many thanks to you all for looking after us so splendidly on Saturday. Everyone enjoyed it very much – including, indeed especially, the host! – and I’ve had many comments on the delicious food and excellent ambiance. With my best wishes and grateful thanks. I just wanted to write to say how much we all enjoyed the evening on Saturday and to thank you and your staff for all the arrangements and hard work that was put into it. I know how much there is to do and what hard work it is – especially in the kitchen – but the end was worth it… The service was excellent and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. Thank you also for the cake. It was very generous of you to give it to us and again, much appreciated. It was also delicious… Thanks so much for your email… we had a fantastic meal… the staff were absolutely lovely and the food delicious… so please thank the chef… Ben had a great time and so did everyone else. We will be back soon for dinner. Thanks again for all your help organising the evening. Took a visitor from Sydney out for dinner tonight at the Ebury and what a fabulous place it is. The staff were excellent, the food was divine, the wine was superb, the ambience was incredible, the service was awesome and all for a price I seriously did not expect, under £100 for the 3 of us, bubbly included. I couldn't fault the Ebury on anything, seriously, if I could rate it higher I would. Thanks to everybody at Ebury that made our night a memorable success, we will definitely be back and have already recommended to others. This is a must try restaurant! Well done!! Overall rating: Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10 I went here for dinner last night and had an extremely enjoyable meal. The service was fantastic and I found the staff to be extremely helpful and attentive. …I had an great experience as far as service was concerned. I particularly enjoyed my steak, which I have to say was one of the best I have ever had in London. Perfectly cooked. I would recommend this cosy little restaurant to those seeking ambiance, excellent food and a wonderfully Christmasy feel. Their decorations are also superb. Overall rating: Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9 |
