La Cage Imaginaire is a small, delightfully quaint, traditional French-Mediterranean restaurant which can be found tucked away on the picturesque cobbled street of Flask Walk in Hampstead. Its interior is intimate, romantic, white-tablecloth elegant – the perfect place for a meal with that someone special or even a quiet business lunch. There’s a really good set menu for lunch (served between 11:30 and 17:00): 2 courses for £15.95 and 3 courses for £19.95 – very reasonable considering the quality.
View from the street 
Interior looking in 
Interior looking out
I had the amazing Wild Mushroom Risotto topped with Parmesan to start. I loved it. Highly recommended. My friends started with the slightly bland French Onion Soup and a specially prepared, tangy garden salad (not on the menu). I moved on to their Sirloin Steak (250g) which, while tasty, was cooked more medium than the medium rare I asked for. Like the delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast with Brie Cheese and Wholegrain Mustard Sauce which my companion had, my steak was also served on a bed of mashed potatoes and asparagus; mine with a lovely red wine sauce. The third member of our group didn’t have a main, reserving space for a Banana Crepe with Butterscotch Sauce for dessert instead. I finished with the sinfully delightful Dark Chocolate Mousse.
Garden Salad 
French Onion Soup 
Wild Mushroom Risotto topped with Parmesan 
Sirloin Steak (250g) 
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Brie Cheese and Wholegrain Mustard Sauce 
Dark Chocolate Mousse 
Banana Crepe with Butterscotch Sauce
Service at La Cage Imaginaire was friendly and attentive thanks to a lovely Italian lady who had visited my home base of Dubai the year before. She was the life and soul of this cute little eatery, effortlessly chitchatting with each of the tables each time she visited them (which was quite frequently). It was so refreshing to have someone add that personal touch. The food at this restaurant is good but it’s the service and ambiance which convinced me to go back when I am next in London – worth a visit.
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