55 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y 6LX
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Nowhere else like it!” – for “sheer class, history and pedigree” it is hard to match London’s oldest restaurant in St James’s (est. 1742, on this site since the 1980s). If you are a traditionalist, it is “perfect, perfect, perfect” – “a quintessentially British restaurant specialising in premium-quality fish and seafood – plus also game and meats” – whose discreet and comfortable old-world surroundings are typical of nearby clubland, complete with booths and well-spaced tables; and all orchestrated by “impeccable staff”. It’s best enjoyed if your Wealth Manager is treating you, obviously, although complaints about its notoriously terrifying prices were quite muted this year. Top Menu Tip – “Start with a dozen wonderful, plump oysters and a sharp red onion and red wine vinegar sauce. Then call over the carving trolley for several slices of perfectly rare meat from the large roast sirloin of beef”. Or take your pick of the caviar, lobster or twice baked Stilton souflé and “it’s a case of lunchtime heaven”.
Summary
“A last redoubt of traditional gastronomy” – London’s oldest restaurant in St James’s (est. 1742, but on this site since the 1980s) maintains its “quiet” and “calm” style, with “understated but excellent service” and “booths that make a superb place to do business”. Classic fish dishes – for example “very good Dover sole off the bone” – are the speciality and “ever-reliable”. A less welcome constant are its “eye-watering prices”: “everything was as I hoped it would be… apart from the bill!”
Summary
“Like a London club but with infinitely better food” – this “very civilised” St James’s veteran (London’s oldest restaurant, established in 1742, but not on this site) is “a real throwback to another era” (“it’s probably not the place to attract ‘influencers’, whoever or whatever they are!”). The menu (which majors in fish and seafood) is “as traditional as one can expect (as is the clientele)” – you are served “classic food, classically executed and classically served” and at its best results are “simply exceptional”. “Service is old-school professional” although, perhaps due to the strains of Covid, did not enjoy its customary 5/5 rating this year. Even so, Wiltons remains “a great place for meeting on business” and its pricing is such that it’s best to let the corporate credit card take the strain whenever possible. Top Menu Tips – “the Dover sole is still the best in the capital” and “their lobster thermidor is rich and everything you want in an indulgent food item”. Game is excellent in season and they do a “magnificent bone-in rib served from the trolley”.
Summary
“With a menu well-suited to any Edwardian gourmet” (“wonderful Dover sole” and other “excellent fish dishes”, plus game in season), this “very civilised” and “wonderfully traditional” St James’s bastion (London’s oldest restaurant, established in 1742, albeit not on this site) “just has a certain class about it” and is “ideal for taking someone on business who you want to impress” – “whether it’s for schmoozing or to seal a deal”. A particular highlight is the “old-style service” – “staff are wonderfully discreet” and there’s an “unwavering dedication to customer service”. Just one thing… “you need a very healthy expense account” before setting out, as the final reckoning can be terrifying. (“It is an icon, but if it was half the price, I’d double the score!”)
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Wiltons?
Owner's description
For those of you that are new to Wiltons welcome, to those who are familiar with the restaurant, “welcome home”.
Since 1742 Wiltons has been synonymous for the finest oysters, wild fish and game and traditional, courteous, hospitality.
The British menu aims to offer the freshest fish, game and meats from the very best fleets and farms the United Kingdom has to offer.
Wiltons still very much recognises and respects its origins, serving the finest Oysters from the British Isles since gaining our first Royal Warrant for supplying Oysters to the Royal household in 1836.
We politely ask that gentlemen wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers.
We do not permit short sleeves, graphic t-shirts, hooded tops or sportswear while dining.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £47.95 | £57.95 |  |
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| Dinner | £47.95 | £47.95 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £18.00 | £48.00 | £7.00 | £16.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £59.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Extras |
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| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Head Chef, Daniel Kent
Daniel joined Wiltons in 2011 having formerly worked at some of London's finest restaurants such as Le Café Anglais, Skylon and The Wolseley. He initially went to university with the idea that he would become a Restaurant Manager. However upon graduating, he fell in love with cooking, having been previously inspired by the many Sunday lunches at his aunt’s house where she would put on a feast of local Yorkshire produce and sherry laced trifle! He has a firm belief that use of great ingredients and an exceptional team behind him is the perfect recipe for a world class establishment. He has enjoyed re-introducing many of Wiltons classic dishes as well as showcasing many of his own creations.
55 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y 6LX
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
