Richly decorated in photo's of classic blues and rock 'n' roll musicians, with oodles of local artwork slathered all over the walls; La Provencal Café has a welcoming and addictive "home-spun" atmosphere that is rather refreshing to see on the corner of a busy junction in Herne Hill. Surprised by this I didn't really know what to expect as I sat down to my table, and I must confess I was quite enjoying the informal ambience that filled the air. The prices on the eclectic dinner menu (around £20 - £25 a head for a three course meal with drinks), at a glance, seemed adequate in regards to what was on offer; on closer inspect however, once reading past the exciting offerings such as Moroccan Spices or Thai Fishcakes, I came to realise that what I was really looking at merely burgers and chips, or stuffed peppers, disguised with fancy trimmings. I opted for the Pan-Fried Butterfish Fillet with Sauteed Butternut Squash and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Dressing, yet was severely disappointed to find that the fish was bland and far too over-cooked, and that as much could be said for the vegetables. Despite it's inviting wine menu, I was more than disappointed with La Provencal Café, and almost succumbed to feeling foolish for not paying heed to it's garish orange sign. But if you're not overly concerned with the quality (and choice for that matter) of your food, and opt for atmosphere and good service then maybe this is the place for you. read more

Cafe Provencal - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

I dunno what it is about this place. I've been by a number of times, always thinking "I should pop in, seems a nice place to while away an afternoon with a book and a coffee and maybe some soup". So today, I finally went in. I don't quite know how to describe it, but the mood was... frenetic. there was too much going on and too many people in such a small place, and the waitstaff and whatnot didn't seem like they knew what was going on. I couldn't move or get a seat or anything. I finally just ordered a coffee to go and stood there, dodging the waiters trying to get the bar staff to make their stuff, watching as a tray of drinks cooled on the bar. It seemed like a lot of ado, but not much actually happening. Finally got my coffee to go... in a polystyrene cup. Without a drinks lid sort of thing. Now, this is Herne Hill, all organic and/or fair trade and/or ethical, all the time. And it's still, technically, the EU. I didn't even know that polystyrene cups were still legal. And then I had to tear the lid to drink from it. And then it was the worst cup of coffee I can remember. Now, this is including several cups of instant I had while working in rural Uganda & Zambia, when I was desperate for coffee after long terrible trips and hadn't settled on just having tea. I wanted to like this place before I came in. That's why it's got 2 stars instead of 1. read more

I've often slow-walked past this lovely local cafe restaurant so I could peek in at the interesting things they have on the walls, but my first proper visit wasn't until yesterday. I found the atmosphere as cosy and down-to-earth as the decor, there's absolutely loads to look at and my friend and I were made to feel very welcome the moment we entered. I had the vegetarian brunch minus eggs and it was good, if not amazing. £6.95 got me beans, portobello mushrooms, tomatoes and sauteed potatoes (no toast or hot drink, unfortunately) and as they're relatively bland foods at the best of times I don't think it's fair to use the dish as an indicator of the others they serve. The decadent Bloody Mary my friend and I each enjoyed was absolutely splendid though, with just the right amount of spice. I'd love to go back to Cafe Prov - it's a short walk from my house, it's got a great buzz to it and a good Bloody Mary can be hard to find - but although they seem open to alternative diets, in reality there's very little on their menu that can be adapted for vegans. The rest of you should get down there though, I'll just amuse myself at the bar ;) read more

Cafe, bar, restaurant, whatever, smack in the centre of Herne Hill. Lovely, lovely atmos - chilled as you like, plenty of paintings on the walls, mismatched furniture - you know the drill. Then there's toys for kids in the corner (mothers will be pleased), entertainment for adults hidden in the tables. There's a small menu for meals - the food is great but rather expensive, and service is lovely but rather slow. It's an awesome place to come for a catchup with your ladyfriends - particularly if you can secure one of the sofas - but the money factor detracts a bit - it seems a touch out of touch with the demographic and the feeling. Or maybe I'm just getting tight in my old age. read more

Sounds like it's french from its names, but its not, its a modern European cafe style resteraunt with quirky decor great music and good food. there was plenty of choice for me as a veggie and the staff are freindly. read more

What a cool place!!! I have been here twice and will be back again. Nice little cafe under the railway bridge in Herne hill that specialises in European cusine and a nice selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Haphazard in layout because of bits being added later the music and chilled atmospehere is King here. I had a lovely chilled out wait for a friend before the recent Fireworks display with a coffee, a beer and the most cheesy cheesy garlic bread I have ever had. It was yummy. So yummy in fact that if had more time i was going to hit the dessert list of crumbles and chocolate. My previous visit was years back when I wasnt into cafes and was in myteens, it was as everything is when your are Harry Enfield's Keven character put it 'alright'. I am pleased that I have changed and this place, has simply grown. read more

Great place if you like quirky friendly, somewhat arty underground places. And food is excellent. It has become a regular Sunday brunch spot. Great lamb burger or omelet. You get your share of books to read (mostly about music in the corner where I sit). Friendly relaxed staff as well helps for a smooth brunch lazing into the afternoon before a walk into Brockwell park. The name might suggest it's french, but as a frenchy, i couldn't find much of frenchiness in it, but that's fine, they're relaxed. read more

Love Cafe Prov, as it's known to the locals. Great world food in a really cosy environment (though watch out for the kids that quite often get parked in the toy corner as their yummy mummy Mums chitchat away for hours). I sometimes bring my laptop here and work a few hours (there's free Wi-Fi), and the waitresses never seem to mind. It's a dangerous habit to fall into though -- you go for lunch (ending up with a scrummy mackerel and chunky garlic chips, or a perfect omelette), and wind up ordering pot upon pot of tea -- not to mention a slice of fresh cake, too. Dinner is of particular note, though some of the dishes can be quite pricey. The vegetarian lasagna is of particular note for scrumptiousness. read more

The Prov has undergone a few changes in the last year - namely re-locating their bar to the front of the restaurant and moving lots of sofas and toy boxes into the back room. This means there are no more draft beers (which is a shame, as a cold pint of Hoegarden on a sunny day was one of my favourite reasons to pop in) and the bar area is now normally used for pram parking during the day. Great bluebeat ska, funk, and reggae tunes are always served up along with their legendary garlic chips. This is a great staple of Herne Hill, though I really miss their lovely goats cheese ciabattas. I've been dining here for 3 years and have only once or twice been disappointed with the meal - and I think it was because of a change of chefs. The Prov is legend - but the only thing French about it is its name. I think a previous poster may have been confusing the Prov with Pullens, just outside the station. read more

I am new to the area and have been exploring and trying out all of the other cafes around, but this is so far my favourite! Great atmosphere, love the decor and the staff is really friendly. The food is great, I am vegetarian and love love love their poached eggs with spinach - they are such a treat! I also had dinner here and tried some of their specials from the board, the food was tasty and fresh. Definitely recommend this place!! read more

Nice place to hunker down in on a rainy afternoon. Menu's a bit pricy but everything I've had is tasty. Really nice ambience.

Do not let the garish frogs on the sign for Cafe Provencal put you off. Yes, the cafe is not the most modern or stylish but it does offer a friendly, relaxed environment in which to have a drink, eat or find a corner to catch up with friends in. The quirky art on the walls gives it an informal and easy going atmosphere, while the food, although not a vast range is tasty, high quality and not overly pricey. For character and personality, Cafe Provencal is a good place to go. Personally I much prefer it in the evening when the lights are dimmed, candles lit and it takes on a peaceful cosy feel. read more

I've only ever been for breakfast but there's more to life than money and one of those things is decent eggs royale a close walking distance from your home. read more

Went here last weekend after a track cycling session at Herne Hill Velodrome. The food quality and portion size were totally satisfying for the post-spin hunger, only issue is that it took half forever to get the attention of a server and then even after that took quite a while getting the food out. The waitress then proceeded to browbeat me into paying 'optional' service charge when I went to the till, minus one star on the dining experience there... read more

Cafe Prov is one of those completely hassle-free places that are a dream come true when you just want to linger over some reasonably priced food with a bottle of plonk and friendly company. For a French place it is OK for vegetarians, and the unusual layout of the restaurant in a big curvy shop-front makes it feel very cosy and intimate. In my experience, staff have been quite happy if you just want to order a plate of chip and a couple of glasses of wine too - nice, friendly place. read more

I have been a Cafe Prov customer for years - their garlic chunky chips are super yum. There will always be something for everyone here, so it's a good reliable place in my stable of "where shall we go" places in the Herne Hill area. Very homey and casual. read more

This place serves up the most tasty and fresh sandwiches. It does the basics well like club sandwich and cod fish finger sandwich. All with fresh local bread and ingredients. Here I eat the side salad and fries because they are made to order. At other places I usually skip the sides. Enjoy! read more

Cafe Provencal - Cod fish finger sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

A reasonable space, but the quality of the food doesn't justify the prices and the coffee (I'm an espresso junkie) lacks crema and guts, suggesting either poor grinding or a lack of care - very below par. Service was not laidback or friendly - I felt as if I was being blamed for something by being there, even grunted at when I asked for the bill. Plenty of spaces for prams, etc., if that's what constitutes friendliness these days, though. Lots of art on the walls, etc., but I can't help but feel that the gestures at artyness are there to cover up a pretty slapdash effort. read more

Always made to feel welcome here and the food is reasonably priced. They have a nice selection of larger meals or just light snacks if you are not that hungry but just want something tasty. The place is really child friendly but they have done it very cleverly so that the area for children is situated around the corner in a cosy section so the kids and parents have a great time while but not getting on the nerves of those who don't want the little darlings bugging them. Cafe Provencal is one of my favourite places to eat after having lived around here for years. I almost don't want to write about it as like the fact that it is never too crammed and want to keep it that way. read more

Really nice cafe, friendly staff. Food is tasty, but more expensive than other local places that serve similar food. Certainly worth a visit though. read more

I've always enjoyed my visits to Cafe Prov. Most recently, my friend and I had a delicious meal the vegetarian special, which had to be one of the tastiest veggie meals out I've had in a long time. A baked dish with aubergines, yellow split peas, and a delicious crumble top. Light, hot (temperature), gently spiced. Our starter of tomatoes with parmesan on rocket was utter simplicity, but also delicious. The waitresses couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. Mustn't leave it so long before I return! read more

Great French food. Quite a rustic and quirky find. Food is good, especially the mussels and fish dishes. House wine is good quality. Informal restaurant with friendly and warm staff. Food is inexpensive and tasty. read more