Sensational cuisine makes the wait worthwhile

Haute cuisine quality on the high street: this cheaper, petite soeur of double Michelin-starred Pied a Terre, is truly a knockout.

Situated in London's foodie haven, Marylebone, the whole thing screams, or rather whispers, W1. Local thirtysomethings rub shoulders with groovy suits, yet you'll not feel out of place if you're younger thanks to refreshingly chummy service.

And it needed to be - given the length of time the modern European food took to arrive. My monkfish cheeks, pommes puree and braised oxtail (£8.50) had the sort of flavours that roll around the tastebuds like Brigitte Bardot on satin sheets.

My friend declared her puy lentil veloute with bacon puree and poached egg (£7.50) heaven - until she took a forkful of her main. "Mmm, that is beautiful," she sighed, polishing off the seasonal signature dish: roasted hare with root vegetables (£17.95). Tucking into my velvety haunch of venison, pumpkin and orange purÈe with port sauce (£19.95), I pitied any vegetarian: there's no option for them on this hearty winter menu.

We weren't sure if it was the small portion sizes, or the long digestion time between them, but by the time our mains were cleared we were still hungry. Perhaps we should have plumped for the greedy sounding "Surprise Tasting Menu" after all - five courses for £49.50pp (for the whole table).

Still, our fancy shmantzy French desserts: apple bavarois with blackberry sorbet and cinnamon creme fraiche (£6.50) and a £5.95 warm financier with almond milk (not a kinky banker, but a type of almond sponge cake), bridged the gap.

Well, that and a selection of hand-made choccies (£2.85). Quality dining? Yes. Mission accomplished. But if you're really hungry don't head to L'Autre Pied unless you have packet of crisps first.

L'Autre Pied
Blandford Street, London, W1U 3DB