Authentique - Epicerie & Bar in Camden

I would have given this place a higher rating, but for one aspect. The positives first - the atmosphere on a dreary Sunday afternoon was lovely. They've got the lighting just right for a cosy, warm ambience. It was between meals and I ordered some bread and it came warm, with lovely salted butter. The wine was fine but quite expensive relative to other places. But the real problem came when we finished our drink. Our waiter asked whether we wanted more and when we said we did not, he seemed to decide on our behalf that it was time to leave. He brought the bill without me having asked. He then came and asked whether I was ready to pay the bill. Had the place been rammed and turning away customers, or had we lingered hours over one glass of wine, I'd have had more sympathy. But this was a Sunday afternoon, there were a lot of empty tables, and we had stayed for less than an hour. We felt ushered out, unwelcome, and for that reason will not be going back.

This place is not that great. I would skip. It’s a bunch of wine snobs and is way overpriced. So many better options

Such a great spot for locals and French expats! Always a lovely welcome from the team and a genuine love for the product. We pop there often for a casual wine and sharing plates. They have the best French products in store, from wine, cheese and charcuterie to jam and terrines.

Hidden jam is the world I’d use to describe this place. Service is excellent, from start to end stuff was so nice and welcoming. Food menu is essential but authentic as per their name. This is a good point for me since I don’t trust places with endless food options. Finally wine… what can I say.. it’s a French place selling French wine, you should only trust them. But I’d definitely recommend the Beaujolais wine you see in the picture. It was excellent! A la prochaine.

If you’ve ever seen the videos of geese screaming as they have tubes forced down their throat and food pumped into their stomachs until they’re at bursting point then you’d agree that, as a civilised society, foie gras is not something we should be selling anymore. The rest of the shop is nice enough but I’d recommend going to places that have a more ethical outlook.

We went to have some wine, and Alice our waitress was so knowledgable about all the different wines that we tried and we really enjoyed them all and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was a very fun evening. We also sampled some of the food and everything we ate was amazing. Lovely flavours to everything and complemented the wines well. The overall experience was great, the atmosphere in the restaurant and service were some of the best we’ve ever had. I can’t wait to go back again and try some more wine.

I've been coming to this wonderful place since soon after it opened, but have never written a review until now. The four guys who set it up are all charming , very knowledgeable, and so friendly. The chef, Clemence is superb, and very inventive. We had two starters, a pear and blue cheese salad, and a sweetcorn 'gazpacho', followed by lamb chops with hazelnuts, chimichurri and a Jerusalem artichoke sauce, and then a stracciatella mousse. All mouth-wateringly excellent. Such a restaurant would grace any neighbourhood, and in Tufnell Park we love it!

Everything about this place is top-notch! From the venue and its style/vibe through food and wine menu to individualized and friendly (as well as very knowledgeable) service!!! The only problem is, that I have just found out about it now - way too late! You've got surely a regular client! Highly recommended place!!!

Was taken here last night by our daughter and son-in-law. They have constantly raved about this delightful little restaurant/shop. I now know why! A total delight from start to finish. Brilliant wine selections, and a very tasty selection of charcuterie and cheeses. Oh and do try the canelé for dessert. The staff are all so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and a great vibe. Can’t wait to go again!

I walked into the epic Epicerie because I was in the neighbourhood. Picked up some confit and the most heavenly balsamic. Very pleasant and helpful staff who clearly care about their customers and their products. May their tribe increase. Planning to go to the bar for a treat soon.

I ordered a picnic lunch for my partner's birthday and we loved it! We had the L'Authentique Board, the bell pepper and goats cheese quiche and a bottle of rose - it was a lovely surprise, delivered on time and beautifully presented. Thanks very much!

This place has class and is supported by pleasant and highly knowledgable staff who will guide you through the wine list and dishes. The ambiance is that of a bistro combined with a tapas bar. Wines are available by the glass as well as bottle and there are themed dinners. The portions are not large but beautifully cooked and you are expected to order as you eat with plenty of French bread available. Certainly Filet Mignon and Tartiflette are a must if you visit. Afterwards you can browse on a limited selection of cheeses and other delicacies available for purchase. I even noticed some Canneles de Bordeaux! The bill for 2 with a bottle of wine was around £70 and this is good value considering the quality of food and wine served.

Every neighbour should have a wine bar like this. Well sourced seasonal food, reasonably priced French wine list and enthusiastic and competent service. Please stay an NW5 and don’t even think of making it into a chain!

Un concept « restaurant/bar/épicerie » comme nul par ailleurs ! Des produits d exception, une équipe aux petits soins, de quoi passer une excellente soirée !!! Nous avons passé un moment incroyable dans ce lieux très chaleureux, on se sent comme à la maison Les vins chinés directement auprès des producteurs sont excellents, le restaurant propose une carte à couper le souffle! Allez y les yeux fermer ;)

The concept of Authentique is quite simple - in the delicatessen part of the shop they sell excellent and unusual French cheeses, some good saucissons and pâtés, and a range of interesting wines. So why not add a dining room and allow people to "eat in" as well as buy to take away? As I say, a simple enough idea. The execution of this simple idea is however superb. The selection of cheeses is first class, and of meats only very slightly less so (it could perhaps be a touch more varied). And the meat and cheese is complemented by a small but delicious hot food menu as well. The wines are good, with a number from the less well known regions of France (a major list from Corsica, for example). The bread with the meal is definitely "pain rustique", and delicious. What makes the place is the service. The owner was there on the night we went, and welcoming and engaging, happy to discuss the choice of wines and help us in any way he could. The other staff are also knowledgeable and go out of their way to be helpful and friendly. The impression is that they like working here. The bill is slightly more City Centre than Tufnell Park - this is not "cheap eats". But it is good value given the quality of the food and service. Very highly recommended.

I'm lucky enough to live next to Authentique. I've seen this French "deli" evolved to what it is today, a French landmark in the Kentish/Tufnell Park area. Great wines and beers, fantastic and knowledgeable staff + a nice atmosphere without that occurrent "arrogant/posh" vibe that some French restaurants have. The concept is what makes this place so fabulous: on one side you have the shops and in the other, the place to enjoy your drinks with some charcuterie, cheeses and little desserts. You can't ask for more, so if you're up north don't miss out!