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October 2018: Chef-patron Michel Roux Jr has appointed Gaetano Farucci as the new head chef of Le Gavroche; the departure of previous head chef Diego Ferrari (who has opened Caractère with his wife, Michel’s daughter, Emily Roux) left the vacancy. Gaetano has been working at Le Gavroche since 2013.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“When everywhere else seems forced to bow to fashion and follow the latest trend, Le Gavroche sails serenely on, delighting those who appreciate the true heart and spirit of gastronomy!!” Michel Roux Jr’s Mayfair “haute cuisine temple” (here since 1982, founded by his father Albert in Chelsea in 1967) may “in some respects reflect an earlier era of fine dining”, with its “fabulous” Gallic cuisine (“superb Omelette Rothschild”, “soufflé Suissesse to die for!”…), but that merely reinforces its position as “an absolute favourite” for its massive following, who confirm that “every mouthful is a delight”. “Very warm and welcoming staff have absolutely nailed the balance in service, friendliness and knowledge” and – especially for a basement – the very “grown up” dining room is supremely “cosy, luxurious and celebratory”. “As well as top notch food, the wine list is spectacular and although there are oligarch-friendly, five-figure bottles, if you look there are some gems for those willing and able to pay more for a special wine”. And “the great man’s regular presence is one of the special things about Le Gavroche” – “Michel told us some of the history of the restaurant and really made us welcome!” A visit is a second-mortgage job, of course, but there’s a “marvellous value set lunch (even if you do have to book it three months in advance)”.
Summary
“A well-oiled, old-school machine that still delivers!” The Roux dynasty’s Mayfair icon “never goes out of fashion” to its army of fans for whom it’s “simply the best”. Founded in Chelsea in 1967, it moved to its current “cosy” site round the corner from the American Embassy in 1982, and even if the occasional reporter “wishes it wasn’t in a basement” the general effect “oozes class and charm”. Michel Roux Jr succeeded his father at the helm in 1991, and “the regular presence of the great man himself adds value; he takes time with his customers and actually talks!” (Currently his daughter Emily is being primed as next in line.) The Gallic cuisine – under head chef Rachel Humphrey – is “rich and sumptuous”, while the “polished but un-condescending” service under Emanuel Landré is “almost other-worldly good”. “A hefty chunk out of the wallet” is of course de rigueur, but even so gripes about “arm-and-a-leg” bills increased this year, contributing to the food grade missing a 5/5 for the first time in a few years. Top Tip – “The fixed price lunch menu is still the best deal in London!”
Summary
London’s oldest temple of Gallic gastronomy narrowly missed the No. 1 slot in this year’s survey, but for its legions of fans remains “the absolute pinnacle of fine dining”. Established by Albert Roux nearly 50 years ago (and run by his son, Michel Roux Jr for the last 25), its hallmark style combines “richly indulgent” cuisine (overseen by head chef Rachel Humphrey) and an “astonishing, predominantly French wine list”, served in a “classy” if “dated”, “’70s-France” basement setting, while it follows a pleasing, “slightly anachronistic” formula (“jackets required for men, ladies’ menus don’t have prices”). “Ever-attentive, charming and unostentatious” staff add further to the experience, as does the “accessibility and personal attention” of the main man, who is much in evidence. The price? – best not to ask, but the set lunch is “stonking value”. Top Menu Tip – soufflé Suissesse.
Summary
Michel Roux’s “iconic” Mayfair bastion (est 1967, by his father Albert) provides a “flawless and indulgent” treat, wherein “psychic” staff deliver “elegant” French cuisine and a “wine-lover’s” list “full of gems”. That the basement setting looks “a little dated” is all part of the traditional charm, and the main man’s regular presence helps underpin “a truly magnificent experience”. Top Tip – “the best value set lunch ever”.
Restaurant details
Le Gavroche Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We went for the menu "exceptionel" with some lovely dishes one or two superb some great some ok. Highlight was the dessert and the cheese choices less exciting was the lamb course. The squab pigeon was delicious as was the fish and scallop but not hugely memorable. Toilets clean and well presented. Staff polite and efficient but wow what a lot of them"
"it's still as good at ever"
"Simply faultless lunchtime experience serving French classics and deserving of it's Michelin 2 star rating. This place delivers such a great feel good factor in terms of the combination of delicious food, impeccable service and a smart but by no means stuffy ambience and for an esteemed Mayfair restaurant with such a pedigree. I felt the cost for the midweek set lunch was worth every penny. If you are lucky, Michel Roux may even appear and visit you at your table. You can tell, this great man really puts his heart and soul into maintaining the high standards you would hope for in such a revered establishment. It does not disappoint!"
"The standard remains as excellent as ever. The lunch is fantastic value for the incredible dining experience you receive - treated as treasured guests with the best food and really great wine included. We also attended one of the special evenings, which was really something - the best venison I have ever tasted stood out among an evening of superlatives."
"A repeat visit and this time the food seemed a little less wonderful, a little less wonderful. Service felt a little rushed - no pre-dinner drink offered - and there was a sense of churn through tables. Very disappointing for what it costs."
"The 10-course-menue was the best meal I I‘ve ever eaten. With each course, you think that it can not make an increase, and then the next one is even better"
"Not the place it once was. Still worth a trip if you haven’t been though, but far better places in London. Used to be my wife’s favourite restaurant. Went for the tasting menu for the first time on my last visit, was very disappointed with the food(although still good) and the unimaginative wine pairings."
"Finally managed to get a lunch booking. We had a great meal and a great time. Still good value at lunchtime."
43 Upper Brook St, London, W1K 7QR
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm-10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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