Authentique - Epicerie & Bar image

Authentique - Epicerie & Bar

Bar Wine bar

One of the Top rated Wine bars in London


Address

114A, 116 Fortess Rd, London NW5 2HL, United Kingdom

Website

www.authentique-epicerie.com

Contact

+44 20 3609 6602

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (311 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: wine (25) time (11) wines (11) staff (9) good (9) service (8) French (8) delicious (8) cheese (8) great (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Wendy B. 11 months ago on Google • 681 reviews
    We have just eaten here for the fourth or fifth time and it is still outstanding. Food, wine, service everything is perfect. Plus a great deli and wine selection too. I cant recommend this place enough.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marco C. 1 year ago on Google • 64 reviews
    L'Authentique is a French oasis in the heart of Tufnell Park, north of Kentish Town. This is the second time my friends and I come here for their 5 course dinners which focus on a different French region each time. This time it was Rhône (Lyon's region) and it was a delicious experience complemented with 6 glasses of wine (one for each course plus one when you sit down as an aperitif). For each dish and wine the staff explain their origins and give a bit of history of the wine yard. This is £69 per person and it's oh so worth it and good value for money. Despite its lovely epicerie/cafe appearance, l'Authentique delivers a 5-star dinner that is luxurious and pampering. We have already booked the Christmas one and I urge you to quickly do the same to not miss out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Leone P. 3 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    My first encounter ended a bit with a negative opinion. But the second time, I honestly found an amazing service and a good choice of wines. Sad to say I can't rate the food as much as the kitchen was closed at the time, therefore I can only rate 4 stars. Without doubt I would recommend for the wines, despite disagreeing with the policy that more expensive wines also have a more expensive corkage fee, as usually it tends to be the opposite.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca T. 1 year ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Seriously the best wine bar in North West London. Service is fantastic (they really care and are passionate about the produce they serve). I've been 3 times now and have never been disappointed. You will have the best night here if you like good food and wine with friends!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tarek C. 2 years ago on Google
    My favourite restaurant and french wine shop in our area. Firstly, the staff is absolutely fantastic. From the manager to everyone that helps behind the counter. All very knowledgeable about the produce in the shop. The food is delicious as well. When paired with a great wine, your taste buds are just out to party. Obviously, you'd be remiss if you did not have the cheese platter. Can't wait for my next visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pavel G. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect place with friendly people for a fast meal or a long-term and fascinating wine club on saturday 3pm :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Camila H. 1 year ago on Google
    Very authentique french wine bar. It’s all about france and a different region every 6 weeks when they change the menu. Service was super good and staff very knowledgeable. If you’re a wine aficionado this is your place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David G. 2 years ago on Google
    UPDATE MAY 2021 THE ETA JAMES CLASSIC SPRINGS TO MIND.... ** At Last ** Their garden was open this Tuesday lunchtime. Braving the unhelpful weather, I reclined in comfort in the covered area. Made all the more relaxing with the assistance of a very nice Mersault and their fabulous charcouterie (with cheese). Thank goodness the duck pate was still a staple addition. Rough, earthy and mouth watering with their warm, crunching baguette and fine, unsalted butter. Make no mistake, I am absolutely NOT a food expert. But, I know what I like and there is absolute logic in the fact that the most special items invariably cost a little more because of their popularity. Demand begats supply and Prix N'est-ce pas? BE WARNED - when they are allowed to fully reopen, you will probably find that they will become full quickly. Obviously it's the food and wine. But, it's also the atmosphere, the relaxing courteous, friendly staff who make you think you are always welcome. Because, the truth is.... You are. March 2019 EXPANDED MENU - OPEN FOR LUNCH IF you are like me and you "know what you like" but are not an expert when it comes to who the wine's great-great grandfather was or which particular type of soil the grape sidled up to..... then you may appreciate the subtle, accurate and helpful staff here. They listen. You can say "i like this and it tasted like that but with more 'thingy'" and these knowledgeable people will seek to come with an equivalent BUT nicer, tastier, more interesting and delicately delicious. Such that, within a short space of time, you feel welcomed and content. HOWEVER, If you know your Mersault or Gevrey Chambertin....... then they are happy to oblige. They DON'T look down upon you (a common mistake of many an expert) they are in the business of returning, satisfied clientele who will recommend and spread the word. Good restaurateurs (or business owners - same thing) know that gaining customers trust and rapport makes for a long term happy relationship. "Athentique" has learned this lesson well. They have opened a garden at the back. They have hot food as well as the fabulous charcuterie and cheese boards. TODAY I tried the goat. With charred leeks on top and "creme fresh" style goat curd in the side. A wonderful combination of textures and tastes. The goat was tender and full of flavour. So much more tasty than lamb. The curd (just a smear added to each forkful) melted over the meat and blended perfectly. A glass of 2015 Mersault and the desert or rhubarb with bergamot merengue enabled my tastebuds to be interested. The rhubarb was not softened to a syrup (as is often the case). Perhaps it would have been better for me if it had been a little more tart to taste. Each to his/her own. I have visited a number of times. I like the layout. Les (thursday night) jazz cool. I feel like a valued customer. It is very easy to return. It's getting busy in the evenings. Closed all day Mondays. PS - not just a restaurant/bar - they have many delicious items (jams, wines, cognacs. French pastries, cheeses) available for purchase. Apricot jam on a waffle anyone?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher L. 2 years ago on Google
    I've lived for quite a few years in France and this lovely wine bar does its culinary heritage more than justice. A very wide range of wines and other typical French products (cheeses, dried sausages) make for a very authentic experience - it felt just like stepping into a corner of France! The service was great, Amaury and his team are very welcoming. Will definitely come back! Merci beaucoup!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Fiona G. 4 months ago on Google • 194 reviews
    The wine was very expensive but good. Food was not what we expected. Moldy and unfamiliar cheeses. Didn't know what we were eating. The server was not clear with what they were offering. Bread, almonds, pickles, and olives were tasty. If you're a wine and cheese conisseur, check it out, but unfortunately, we won't be back.

  • 5/5 Lucas Bedford C. 6 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    Went for the Loire Valley dinner. 5 amazing dishes, which blew my pallet away, paired with 6 gorgeous wines, each with their own flavour and with the amazing staff describing in detail why it was chosen and what to expect. The perfect experience to develop an understanding of the Loire valley wines. Will definitely return for another tasting dinner, or just for the charcuterie/cheese spreads they offer.

  • 1/5 Kimberly E. 2 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    I decided to give it a belated review because every time friends talk about our experience I feel bad for having organised the wine tasting. We went twice and it was great, the person explaining really knew his wines and was spot on with timing. I then organised a big table for another tasting and went to pay for the deposit - service charged was included as an extra, meaning I had to pay even more than I asked my friends to transfer without even having the service. I mentioned that simply raising the price instead of doing this would be better because it was very inconvenient. Anyway we all turned up for the tasting, (the guy that usually deliver it wasn’t there) our glass were consistently empty, we couldn’t hear anything, very quick and bland explanation about the wine and not a good experience at all. So we haven’t been back and I am never organising such a thing again.

  • 5/5 anya g. 2 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    had a fantastic time tonight with my friend. service was top-notch and the staff couldn't be better if they tried. I'd recommend the walnut-soaked cheese and the chocolate moelleux.

  • 5/5 Holly 2 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Don’t normally do reviews but LOVED this place - amazing wine recommendation from the waitress who considered our preferences and price range, delicious high quality charcuterie and very good value for what you get, cute cosy vibe too. Highly recommend and also dog friendly

  • 5/5 O O. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    We live just down the road, every week we eat here. It is our favourite place to go, amazing cheese boards which change all the time, beautiful wine options and non alcoholic juices also! Super great service and cute low light vibe also. Music is 10/10 aswell!

  • 5/5 Misha O. 5 years ago on Google
    Place for people who like to have a conversation. Wide range of good wine and snacks. If you not in to wine there is a choose if other beverages I've ordered pilsner beer and it was nice. Prices for food above average but good quality and look aesthetic. ( French kitchen)

  • 5/5 Simon B. 1 year ago on Google
    Authentic French food with a changing menu and popup menus from other restauranrs. Also a fantastic wines, cheeses, and charcuterie store too. Its a great atmosphere. J'adore.

  • 5/5 Allan P. 1 year ago on Google
    The Saturday wine club never disappoints. Always great wines accompanied by wonderful cheese and charcuteri board.

  • 5/5 kathryn 1 year ago on Google
    Everything about this place is perfect! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the food is seasonal and delicious, and they have an extensive selection of delicious wine. The perfect place to relax with friends or to go on a date, authentic épicerie never disappoints!

  • 5/5 Laura M. 1 year ago on Google
    The place to be if you want authentic delicious French food and ambiance!

  • 5/5 Khalid R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice selection of French (and sometimes Swiss) cheeses, as well as wines and liquors. The staff are very knowledgeable, and are always willing to make a helpful suggestion. Definitely worth a trip!

  • 5/5 Liz W. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Dined here with a friend last night for first time: 5/5 each for ambience, friendly and professional service. 6/5 for the food, and for the wine selection, and the knowledge and attention from Vincent (FoH). We each had the Sea Bass - cooked to perfection. Will most definitely return. Delightful!


Call +44 20 3609 6602 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Free water refills
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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