Bellevue Rendezvous

 

The much-loved Wandsworth French restaurant formerly known as Mini Mundus (what were they thinking?) has been rebranded as Bellevue Rendezvous - and all the early signs are good. The view over the road towards sports fields on the edge of Wandsworth Common may not quite be worthy of the adjective "belle" - but the name's certainly an improvement on the gimmicky alliterated former Latin moniker. The décor and food, too, are much better. Small but homely, Bellevue Rendezvous' 20-odd tables (including outdoor space in the summer) are rarely unattended thanks to a loyal local clientele, which makes for a great atmosphere. A set menu featuring some of the restaurant's traditional hearty classics is good value for money at ?15 for three courses (at lunch) or ?19 at dinner. An a la carte menu changes regularly and includes Gallic-influenced classics such as bavette steak with shallots, venison fillet, roast partridge, seabass, braised rabbit, boeuf bourguignon, smoked duck salad and lobster ravioli with girolles and sage. For vegetarians, pumpkin features heavily (under various guises) and while the wine list has horizons beyond France, a house white from Bergerac is tasty and reasonable at ?15. With its new look, this small world has come on leaps and bounds.