Tabac Clerkenwell is a French bistro and wine bar at 45 Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell. Its dining room combines the convivial character of a Parisian neighbourhood restaurant with the bustle of one of London's best known market streets. A front terrace and covered rear garden add outdoor spaces for lunch, dinner and drinks throughout the year.
Starters follow a recognisably French path, from onion soup, country pate and Burgundy snails to cheese souffle, salmon tartare and oysters. Mushrooms baked with garlic, parsley butter and Comte provide a rich vegetarian opening. Bread, butter and carefully prepared sauces reinforce the direct bistro style of the kitchen.
Main courses include steak frites, duck confit, beef bourguignon, mussels and a seafood bouillabaisse. Ratatouille topped with potato and Comte gives vegetarian diners a substantial alternative, while lunch brings croque monsieur, croque madame and other compact classics. Sides of potato puree, green beans and creamed spinach are designed to accompany the larger plates.
Chocolate mousse, creme brulee, poached pear and a French cheese selection bring the meal to a traditional close. The wine list contains more than one hundred French bottles, supported by aperitifs, cocktails and other bar drinks. This careful pairing of familiar food, broad wine choice and an intimate garden makes Tabac equally comfortable for a quick lunch or a long evening meal.
Address: 45 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QL, United Kingdom