Sunday date night at Bellanger

French food is always my first choice. As far as I'm concerned it's the best in the world. Chuck in a heavy nod to Alsace cuisine with hearty German influences and I am doubly happy!

Bellanger is another dining experience from the dynamic restaurateur duo Corbin and King. An elegant eatery inspired by the original Alsatian brasseries of Paris.

On a sunny Sunday evening a few weekends ago I met my boyfriend on Islington green for a date here. Formally Browns ( which I always found underwhelming) it is satisfying to experience something with more class in this prime location.

The space is gorgeous with it's airy front leading into a back seating area filled with Art Nouveau, polished wood paneling, and brass.

We went for an intimate booth opposite the long mirrored bar.

To start Rob tried steak tartare for the first time and is now a lifelong convert. I didn't fancy any of the starters and so went for a small portion of delicate scallops with crispy bacon bits and cauliflower puree.

I imagine when this restaurant is packed it would have lively, noisy atmosphere but on a Sunday evening it wasn't busy and the result was relaxing. While we ate there was a pianist tinkling away in the background which was really charming. He played mainly classical pieces with the occasional foray into the modern song book. I particularly enjoyed Bowie's Starman and when I recognized the stirring Jurassic Park theme I squealed with delight!

For our mains Rob went for Coq au Riesling which we both agreed had the silkiest, tastiest mushroom gravy we've had. The chicken just fell away from the bone.

I was in a fishy mood and went for Hake with a side of spinach and pommes aligot which if you are not familiar with it is a cheesy twist on mashed potato. Yum!

After our comforting mains we were pretty full but couldn't resist sharing a perfectly formed Gâteau Forêt-Noire for dessert.

We took our time, bathing in the warm glowing lighting and gently clapping the pianist.