Having just opened in the heart of Epsom & Ewell, Bordelaise is a true celebration of French heritage and instantly transports you back to a bygone era of Southern French dining that is authentic, rustic and chic.
The restaurant layout is divided into several dining areas; one large room downstairs with low level beams and rustic charm and two smaller upstairs rooms – each with its own character and then you have an equally beautiful courtyard garden for al fresco dining. It is clear that great care has gone into every detail; from the hand-painted ceramics to fresh flowers and the avant garde, French inspired decor.
As someone who is in perpetual search of an authentic yet memorable French restaurant in Surrey, I was eager to see if this new offering would deliver on its promise of transporting guests to France – and it certainly did!
SAVOIR-FAIRE SERVICE
Upon arrival, we were met by the charming owners Olivier & Imogen – whose impeccable manners and warmth set the tone for the evening. We were asked whether we wanted to eat inside or choose to dine in their courtyard garden. As the weather was on our side, we chose the courtyard and were shown to our quaint table for two on the outdoor terrace.
All the staff at Bordelaise demonstrated a remarkable knowledge of both the menu, cocktail and wine list, offering thoughtful suggestions without a hint of pretension.
The cocktails we ordered to start were sublime; the ‘Honey Thyme Margarita’ was sweet but hit the spot with Tequila, Cointreau, Lime and Thyme Laced Honey and the ‘North African Rose’ consisting of Gin, Rose Liquer, Grapefruit, Cardamom and Lime was equally impressive and a really refreshing option for a hot Summer’s day.
Throughout the meal, service was attentive yet unobtrusive, with empty glasses swiftly refilled and courses arriving at a leisurely, unhurried pace. Thank you Imogen, Lena, Kacey and the rest of the Bordelaise front of house team for all your hard work! The restaurant was full on our visit – but you would not have known this by the impeccable service we received.
A CELEBRATION OF FRANCE
The Bordelaise Menu is a nod to classic French dining – with a few modern flourishes to keep things interesting. Starters range from the delicate – think ‘Salmon Tartare’ and ‘Truffled Beef Carpaccio’ – to the hearty, such as a robust ‘Classic French Onion Soup’ crowned with bubbling, gratinated cheese with a side of toast.
My fellow diner began with the ‘6 x Escargots’, each snail swimming in a verdant pool of garlic-parsley butter. The aroma was intoxicating, and the taste even more so – tender, earthy and rich without being overwhelming. I opted for the ‘French Cheese Selection’ on a rustic, wooden cheeseboard served with blue cheese, goats cheese and Emmental with a tangy onion relish and French baguette slices to accompany. It was divine.
MASTERFUL MAINS
Now for the main event, I was torn between the ‘Homemade Confit Duck Leg’ and the ‘Pan Fried Seabass,’ but ultimately could not resist the allure of the former.
The Duck arrived with skin crisped to a dark golden hue, atop a bed of petit pois a la Francaise, bacon lardons and a creamy purée sauce. Each bite was a revelation: the Duck was supple, moist and plentiful, the skin shatteringly crisp, and the puree sauce providing a sweet counterpoint.
My companion’s choice, the ‘250 Gram Ribe Eye Steak’, was equally impressive. The Rib Eye was cooked precisely to order – medium-rare, as it should be – and sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness. The accompanying French Fries (cooked in Beef Dripping) were a lesson in perfection: golden, piping hot, and dusted with salt. A small bowl of blue garlic and cheese sauce and Bordelaise Jus completed this fabulous plate.
It is well worth mentioning that Bordelaise specialise in every steak going and offer ‘2-4-1 on Steak Main Courses’ every Tuesday night. As well as a delectable ‘500 Gram Cote De Bouef’ a ‘250 Gram Rump Steak’ a ‘200 Gram Flat Iron’ and a ‘200 Gram Onglet Steak’ you can ask your waiter for “More Cuts on the Board’ for a steak to suit every discerning tastebud. And if Mussels are your thing be sure to visit on ‘Moules Frites Thursdays’ to get delicious, discounted Mussel Mains!
THE WINE LIST
One of Bordelaise’s crowning glories is its expertly curated wine list. There is an array of bottles and 500ml carafes, each carefully chosen to compliment the menu. We opted for a Rare Vineyards Roussillon Malbec to start, which was delicious and went perfectly with our Steak and Duck main courses.
Prices are reasonable for the quality, with options catering to both the casual sipper and the seasoned wine connoisseur.
THE SWEET FINALE
Although we were definitely filling up, we could not resist sampling from the dessert menu – a parade of French classics, each more tempting than the last. The ‘Tarte Tatin’ was a standout: caramelised apples melting atop a buttery, flaky pastry, served with a generous scoop of ice-cream. The ‘Triple Chocolate Dessert’ consisted of a rich and impossibly airy chocolate mousse on a crunchy chocolate biscuit base, topped with dark cherries and a side of freshly cut strawberries and dollop of whipped chocolate ganache. Yum!
For the traditionalist, the ‘Crème Brûlée’ was textbook, with a glassy, sugar crust giving way to a silken custard beneath. Or for a lighter dessert option the ‘Eton Mess’ that our next day table ordered (x 5 portions) looked delicious too.
MORE MEMORABLE MOMENTS
What sets Bordelaise apart is not simply the quality of its food or the beauty of its setting, but the thoughtful little touches that linger in memory long after the meal is over.
Bordelaise distinguishes itself not with gimmicks or extravagance, but with an unwavering dedication to authenticity and excellence. Whether you are a devoted French cuisine lover or simply in search of a memorable night out, this restaurant offers a little slice of French magic, right on your Surrey doorstep.
From your first glass of red wine to the final morsel of heavenly dessert, every aspect of the Bordelaise experience whispers care, craftsmanship and a genuine love of cuisine. For those seeking a culinary escape to France without ever boarding a plane, Bordelaise is a destination not to be missed. Look out for their Weekend Bottomless Brunches and Sunday Roasts launching soon.
Bon appétit!
CONTACT BORDELAISE
Contact Bordelaise Epsom & Ewell for more information and to make a booking now:
Tel: 01372 650346
Address: 17 High Street, Ewell, Epsom, KT17 1SB
Website: www.bordelaise.co.uk
Instagram: @bordelaise.uk
