Urban Junkies London - Friday September 11th, 2009

There's something life affirming about an unpretentious, reliable local that doles out quality comfort food with a comforting pinch of feel-good factor. Friendly, family-run Frenchies or Italians usually do the trick, but a taste bud-tingling bowl of noodles and just the right amount of communal buzz and banter hit the spot too.

Bellevue Rendezvous
A diminutive Wandsworth newcomer (or rather make-over), run by Francophiles Pablo and Stephanie, features a winning combination of classics like boeuf bourguignon and crème caramel with cosy, convivial service. Great value set menus too.

218 Trinity Road, SW17 7HP / 020 8767 5810 / www.bellevuerendezvous.com

Enoteca Turi
Recently named Best Italian in London by Hardens, this 20-year-old restaurant is not your average trattoria. Former Connaught sommelier and maitre'd Giuseppe Turi and his wife Pam turn out consistently delicious dishes 'di campagna' and boast a knock-out wine list.

28 Putney High Street, SW15 1SQ / 020 8785 4449 / www.enotecaturi.com

Angelus
Not quite family-run, but owner Thierry Tomasin's presence ensures that there's always a warm welcome at this brasserie deluxe. Whether you go for a café au lait or their signature foie gras crème brûlée, you may get quite attached.

4 Bathurst Street, W2 2SD / 020 7402 0083 / www.angelusrestaurant.co.uk

Ida
Rustic, retro and a little bit unpredictable (there's no website and the phone is often left unanswered) Ida regulars can forgive this tucked away treasure almost anything. The pasta is legendary, the wine always flows and life feels sweet.

167 Fifth Avenue, W10 4DU / 020 8969 9853

Tre Viet
This no-frills BYO may not manage the welcome the Mediterraneans do but makes up for it with Vietnamese food so good it's often hard to get a table. Go for the banh cuon (pork and mushroom rice-flour pancakes) and pho for the soul.

251 Mare Street, E8 3NS / 020 8533 7390

by SL

Chez Michel:
10 Rue de Belzunce
75010, Paris
+33 1 44 53 06 20
Mon: 7pm-12am;
Tue-Fri: 12pm-2pm, 7pm-12am

For traditional Parisian fare in rustic French surrounds, Chez Michel’s smart yet affordable cuisine can’t be beat. Always busy and buzzing, service is casual and quick at this bistro headed up by Thierry Breton, where the food takes inspiration from his Brittany roots featuring Breton crêpes, lasagna layered with chèvre and artichoke hearts, and desserts best ordered in advance to ensure swift delivery for tingling tastebuds.

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