London is considered by many to be the best place worldwide for cuisine. Just ask Jol Robuchon, a French chef decorated with more Michelin stars than anyone else alive, who considers London to be the gastronomic capital of the world.With over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants currently in the capital alone, theres no surprise that London is thought of so highly in the food industry in recent years, an unprecedented improvement from the days when London regularly featured around the lower end of the best cities to dine in worldwide.Michelin stars are only awarded to restaurants that meet the highest distinction of quality food and service. Weve selected 4 of the best that you should try when in London.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair
Holder of 3 Michelin stars, the highest available, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is a benchmark for fine dining worldwide. Providing French cuisine in the ultimate luxe setting, this is where Londons elite come to dine in this magnificently decorated Dorchester offering.
Private dining is also available at this restaurant with the Table Lumire being the focal point for up to 6 guests, which is adorned with Herms china, Puiforcat silverware and Saint-Louis crystal. For larger gatherings, the restaurant also has Salon Park Lane which can hold 30 people, whereas Salon Priv seats 12 for a more intimate setting.
The menu is inspired by a mixture of French dishes with locally sourced British ingredients. It was described by Alain Ducasse as having the modernity of Beige in Tokyo, the seriousness of La Plaza Athne in Paris and the flavour of Le Louis XV in Monaco, all combined with the energy of London. One of the more popular signature dishes of Alain Ducasse at this restaurant is egg and crayfish which is as much a work of art as it is a culinary masterpiece to indulge oneself.
After you have finished your meal at this restaurant overlooking Londons Park Lane, Lady diners receive Chamonix cakes, a wonderful treat to take home from this memorable experience.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble, Westminster
Opened in 2009 and located at the 5 star St. James’s Hotel and Club, Seven Park Place is another French inspired restaurant using local British ingredients that result in magnificent yet simple dishes, all in a refreshing dcor that houses just 9 tables, the ultimate in exclusivity! There is also added space in the private dining rooms which are perfectly suited for get-togethers and smaller groups while enjoying the wonderful creations from William Drabbles kitchen. Parties from 8-40 can be accommodated for at this luxury London restaurant that also boasts 4 AA Rosettes to its name.
The menu changes seasonally at this Michelin-starred Westminster restaurant in order to reflect what ingredients are in season at the time of dining, with Ravioli of Langoustine being the signature dish served by William Drabble and co.
Afternoon tea is another delight served on the premise at William’s Bar and Bistro that makes for an exclusive gourmet getaway close to the heart of the city if you fancy something lighter to whet your appetite.
Apsleys, a Heinz Beck Restaurant, Knightsbridge
Another London restaurant opened in 2009, Apsleys is Heinz Becks first restaurant located outside of Italy and is a part of The Lanesborough 5 star hotel in London. It was also the fastest restaurant in London to receive a Michelin star, obtaining the award in under 5 months from the day of opening. The crystal chandeliers hanging overhead below a glass ceiling stand out as the highlight of this impeccably designed room.
The menu is a largely Mediterranean inspired one and many of the chefs in house were brought straight from Italy to help add that authentic Sicilian style cooking to the wonderfully flavourful food on offer here.
The Wine list is another huge asset to this Knightsbridge restaurant and with some of the rarest vintages available globally that reach well into the thousands, Apsleys truly is a haven for the rich, one that is certainly not ”just another hotel restaurant”.
The signature dish in this establishment is Carbonara Fagotelli, Heinzs own dish which consists of fine pasta, Pecorino Cheese, Veal stock, Guanciale and other top quality ingredients which is often copied but never bettered.
Once the meal is finished, guests can then move on to the lounge for tea/coffee and petit fours, a perfect way to end a true dining experience.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Knightsbridge
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal was founded in 2011 and has since gone on to receive 2 Michelin stars and place 7thin the worlds 50 best restaurants. Situated in the Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel facing Hyde Park, the enchanting surroundings of this restaurant add to what most critics are calling unforgettable fine dining in the heart of London.
The relaxed dcor of the restaurant makes a change from your normal Michelin star restaurant with glass walls that provide a view of the bustling kitchen where pulleys move over a fire to represent a time long ago.
The menu changes quarterly and is based on a British influence from centuries past. It features one of the more unique choice menus in London restaurants with some very uncommon dishes such as Frumenty, Rice & Flesh as well as Cod in Cider available. The meat fruit on offer at Dinner is the trademark meal of choice. The dish is a Chicken liver mousse made to resemble a Mandarin, all in the spirit of the restaurants location in this 5 star hotel. The delectable spiced pigeon also raises a few eyebrows yet diners are more often than not highly satiated after finishing this unique dish.
Private dining is common too in this restaurant and the coveted chefs table is always a treat.
