Recreating the bustling ambience of a classic Parisian bistro this side of the Channel, Elena's L'Etoile in Charlotte Street continues to maintain its identity amidst the flurry of contemporary designer decorated restaurants. Its endearing setting, in the heart of Fitzrovia, is enhanced by elegant art deco lighting and autographed celebrity photographs on the walls. Having seen the passage of more than a century, since opening its doors in 1896, it has evolved to cater to a new generation of diners with its subtly updated French cuisine and a thoughtfully chosen wine list calculated to appeal to all palates.

With dining rooms spread over four floors, this spacious establishment's warm welcoming atmosphere makes it just the place for a family get together or leisurely dinner with a bunch of good friends. Rich red velvet banquette seating and starched white table linen enhances the pleasure of dining here. Named after the venerable Elena Salvoni, 'Queen of Soho' and maître d' at various restaurants for 70 years but now retired, it?s a stand out even in its cosmopolitan locale where rubbing shoulders with media celebrities and theatre stars is par for the course.

The à la carte menu embraces seasonal dishes and updated classics with one or two old favourites still on the list. The choice of starters include chicken liver parfait, rillette of confit duck, baked darne of mackerel, poached cod cheeks or double baked mushroom soufflé all of which makes for a good beginning to the meal. Then you can move on to main course of salmon and leek fishcake with watercress and chive cream, pan roast breast of Gressingham duck with fondant potato and parsnip purée, trio of slow cooked pork with Parmentière potatoes  or rib eye steak with hand cut chips and wild mushroom jus.
 
The dessert selection features tempting puddings of warm carrot cake served with orange sabayon, vanilla crème brûlée, lemon tart with Chantilly cream,  pave of dark Valrhona chocolate with cinnamon ice cream and white chocolate and passion fruit crema cotta, any of which brings the meal to a fitting end.

Alternatively a fixed price three-course meal, chosen from the aptly named mini à la carte menu offers such classic dishes as chicken chasseur with roast potatoes or beef Wellington, while the restaurant's signature lemon tart with clotted cream or a selection of fine French cheeses makes for a perfect ending. A pre theatre menu is also available.

Elena's L'Etoile offers many examples of New and Old World vintage on its carefully compiled wine list with a large selection served by the glass. House wines include Cuvee Duboeuf Blanc, Sauvignon de Gras, Saumur Rouge la Cabriole and Chateau de Parenchere Bordeaux.

Four beautifully appointed classical French style salons located in the Regency townhouse can accommodate small private parties of up to 30 people for breakfast, lunch or dinner while the whole restaurant can be booked for larger events for up to 140 guests with party menus starting at £30.25. Click on their Website for further information.