Bleeding Heart Bistro

Bistro, Fish, French, Steak, Vegetarian, Wine Bars·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Bleeding Heart Bistro

Bronze Award

Quirky and colourful, this classically styled French bistro could almost be a set from the hit movie Amélie. Inside, vintage posters line the ochre walls, table settings show off the tricolore palette and there are wine bottles everywhere; the outside area is a delight in summer, when lobster and rosé are the top shouts at tables on the cobbles. The offer may be a little corny but it "always delivers". Of course, the food is straight out of the bourgeois French repertoire, so expect the likes of moules marinière or asparagus with hollandaise sauce ahead of omelette aux fines herbes, lapin à la moutarde or salade niçoise. Retro also rules when it comes to desserts such as petit pot au chocolat with whipped cream. Great wines on offer and notable special menus, including a summer Provencal one on the terrace. "Top service" too.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Bistro, Fish, French, Steak, Vegetarian, Wine Bars
Ambience
Fine dining, Lively, Romantic, Traditional
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating, Terrace
Special Features
Chef’s table, Dog friendly, Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

FAQs

Can you book at Bleeding Heart Bistro?

Yes, call us on 020 7242 8238 or email bookings@bleedingheart.co.uk

Helpful? 0

What is the ambience at Bleeding Heart Bistro?

The Bleeding Heart Bistro exudes a cozy, Parisian charm with a distinctively warm and welcoming ambiance. Nestled in a historic courtyard, the Bistro combines the feel of a rustic French hideaway with classic London sophistication. The space is softly lit, and the décor reflects a vintage French aesthetic, complete with rich wood accents, candlelit tables, and subtle touches of Burgundy red. Guests often describe it as a hidden gem where the atmosphere feels both lively and intimate, perfect for everything from casual gatherings to romantic dinners. Whether you're sipping on a glass of wine, savoring a hearty French dish, or simply soaking in the warmth of the setting, the Bistro's ambiance feels delightfully transporting—like stepping into a beloved Parisian bistro right in the heart of London.

Helpful? 0

What is the dress code at Bleeding Heart Bistro?

Smart-Casual

Helpful? 0

What is the menu like at Bleeding Heart Bistro?

The menu at Bleeding Heart Bistro offers a classic French dining experience, featuring both à la carte options and an affordable set menu. Starters like Loch Duart salmon rillettes and heritage beetroot salad are followed by mains including seabass with braised fennel and confit duck leg. The Bistro also has a 60-seat terrace with heaters for colder months, adding comfort to its unique ambiance of 19th-century French wine posters and vineyard sculptures. Diners can choose from over 350 wines, including by-the-glass options

Helpful? 0

Does Bleeding Heart Bistro offer gluten-free options?

Yes, the Bistro offers Gluten-free options. Ask your waiter for alternatives.

Helpful? 0

This venue also offers

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Christmas Parties

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Private Group Dining

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The Crypt at Bleeding Heart
Event Party Venue

The Crypt at Bleeding Heart

Location

Bleeding Heart Yard, Farringdon, London, EC1N 8SJ

020 7242 8238 020 7242 8238

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-15:00
Tue 12:00-15:00
Wed 12:00-15:00
Thu 12:00-15:00
Fri 12:00-15:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon 17:00-23:00
Tue 17:00-23:00
Wed 17:00-23:00
Thu 17:00-23:00
Fri 17:00-23:00
Sat 17:00-23:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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17 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Bert S

28 September 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Sarah C

03 June 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Matt B

20 December 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4

Sheila W

06 October 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Great place for dinner

I have never enjoyed a meal more the food was delicious and we really enjoyed the atmosphere obviously a popular place as it was almost full by 7.00.  The service was excellent my lamb shoulder pot au feu was excellent as were dauphinois potatoes crème brulee to die for and all at a reasonable price.

Jo

11 November 2019  
Memorably Bad Dinner Experience
 

It was meant to be a celebration dinner but turned out a great disappointment. The atmosphere was subdued for a Saturday night, but we quickly realised why the Bistro was half-empty: the Escargots was a disastrous starter - a tasteless mess of shrivelled blobs looking like they came right out of the micro oven. No appetising sizzle, none of the glorious smell of hot garlic butter... and served with cold stale bread too. The Ribeye Steak - the best steak on the Menu - was a grey, tired mass of tough matter, clearly grilled for too long at the wrong temperature; it was served with over-salted soggy chips and Bearnaise although we asked for peppercorn sauce. The Chocolate mousse gave us a glimpse of what we were hoping for that evening: a subtle, well-balanced beauty of a dish, a genuinely memorable finale to an otherwise memorably bad dinner experience. Add the indifferent service and you won't be inclined to come again.  In response to my bad review the management sent me a groveling apology promising "to sort this out" - but I've never heard from them again. What a birthday celebration...

 

Lucy M

09 April 2019  
A wonderful hidden gem moments from Farringdon Station. Real bistro atmosphere and reasonable prices for good, interesting dishes.

Diana B

27 June 2018  
Reliable good value food; good service; use when in City area.

Anon

01 November 2017  
Good food, good service and good ambience.

claire B

09 August 2017  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5
Vegan Friendly
One of our guests happen to be Vegan, we called the Bleeding heart and they advised it wasn't a problem, Upon arrival the guest didn't fancy the options on the menu, we started to think this was a disaster and would have to leave, but the waitress went and spoke to the chef who came up with additional items our guest could eat. The chef made up some vegan friendly food for the guest which he loved, in fact had the rest of the guests feeling jealous with the deciously looking vegan friendly fresh made food. The chef managed to save the day with his quick thinking! Everyone enjoyed the food all in all a nice restaurant.

Lynn W

15 May 2017  
Food & Drink 3
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 3
Local appointment
We had an appointment round the corner and I remembered liking this place a few years ago, so thought it would work for dinner. The location is nice in an off-road courtyard, the welcome was good, the atmosphere busy even on a Wednesday evening and we were hopeful for a decent bistro dinner. Our starters were fine, nothing special. I had the prawn and avocado cocktail, served in a tall Martini glass which is a bit awkward to eat from, and which I realised didn't have any avocado in it once I'd got to the bottom, and the salmon gravadlax with beetroot was said to be quite good. Then we both had the confit duck leg with Provencal vegetables as a side. It wasn't very hot and to be honest the duck was a bit firm, rather than the melting and tender dish we were expecting. With a carafe of wine and plenty of chat we were OK and had enough to eat but overall it was a bit average.
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