From the bistro

A Guide to French Bistro Classics in Muswell Hill

From moules frites to croque monsieur, here is what to order at a French bistro.

Moules frites

Few dishes say French bistro quite like a steaming pot of mussels with a pile of crisp fries. At La Petite Colline we serve moules three ways. Moules marinière à la crème are cooked with onion, celery, herbs, white wine and cream. Moules à l’ail add plenty of garlic. Moules à la Provençale swap the cream for tomato, onion, celery and peppers.

Order them as a starter for £9.50, or as a main with French fries for £17.95. Keep a piece of bread back for the sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Croque monsieur & croque madame

The croque monsieur is France’s answer to the toasted sandwich. Ours is layered with ham and creamy béchamel, topped with melted cheese and served with French fries. Add a fried egg on top and it becomes a croque madame.

It is one of the most popular dishes on our set lunch, which is served every day from 12pm to 5pm.

Coq au vin & bœuf bourguignon

These two slow-cooked classics come from Burgundy. Coq au vin is chicken braised in rich red wine with smoked lardons, mushrooms and root vegetables. Bœuf bourguignon is a deep, comforting beef stew. Both are perfect on a cold evening in Muswell Hill.

Escargots & soupe à l’oignon

If you have never tried snails, our escargots à l’alsacienne are a good place to start. They are served in their shells with garlic butter, parsley and lemon zest, with baguette for dipping.

Prefer something more familiar? Our soupe à l’oignon is a classic French onion soup with croutons and melted Gruyère.

Crêpes, tarte Tatin & crème brûlée

Always leave a little room. Our dessert menu has seven crêpes, from a simple lemon and sugar crêpe to a flamboyant crêpe Suzette with orange sauce and Grand Marnier. There is also tarte Tatin, a caramelised upside-down apple tart, plus a classic crème brûlée.

Where to try them in Muswell Hill

You will find every one of these dishes at La Petite Colline, our French bistro at 259 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10. We are open every day from 12 noon for lunch and dinner.