34 Charlotte St, London, W1T 2NH
Harden's survey result
Summary
“David Moore is a most wonderful host” and has lovingly nurtured this “London stalwart” on Fitzrovia’s ‘restaurant row’ since it first opened in 1991, maintaining it all the while as “everything a fine-dining restaurant should be”. A bijou site, the space has been much improved over the years, with a “cosy and comfortable” ground floor (and glossy, glam private rooms on the upper levels). A succession of chefs have made their name here over the years, and the latest to arrive mid-survey in March 2025 is Alberto Cavaliere from Sabor (who replaces Phil Kearsey, who had to quit over a leg injury). We’ve rated it on historical feedback, though, on the judgement that under David’s watchful eye its “fabulous standard of cuisine” that’s “worth every penny” will be maintained. Top Menu Tip – “a great plant-based menu” has become a hallmark feature. (“I have been visiting here since the 1990s when I worked just around the corner in Fitzrovia. Not being a vegan, it was my daughter who introduced me to vegan options at this place and I was amazed at what had been achieved with the vegan tasting menu, well up to standard of the usual fare – fine vegan dining is not only possible, but can be exceptional!”)
Summary
“A new chef has arrived but standards are maintained” at David Moore’s hallowed Fitzrovia townhouse, which has remained in London’s top culinary ranks ever since it first launched in 1991 despite numerous changes of personnel, the latest incumbent at the stoves being chef Phil Kearsey, appointed in May 2024. With the option of a forward-looking plant-based menu, it provides a “great experience for all types of diner” (“we had a mix of omnivores, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans and the tasting menu catered for us all”). “Service is attentive and the sommelier always happy to chat”. Over the years, the limited space has been carefully refitted and designed, and it suits most occasions: “if you need a restaurant to perform for you, try Pied à Terre”.
Summary
“Over 30 years on this is still a class act” – David Moore’s Fitzrovia townhouse has proved one of London’s enduring temples of top gastronomy – currently under chef Asimakis Chaniotis – and “this old favourite has also evolved over the years”: “the introduction of a vegan alternative menu is pure genius (as an unreformed eater of meat and fish, I was well-and-truly wowed by the plant-based version)”; and “as always the wine list is a treasure trove”. There are a few quibbles: that “commercial pressure seems to have limited choice” a little of late; the odd “unexceptional” meal is reported; and its “long and thin” premises can feel “a little crowded”. But overall feedback is sunny, helped by “thoroughly welcoming and unobtrusive service” which also helps make it a strong “romantic” bet.
Summary
“Still impressive, reinventing itself and going strong!” – David Moore is the “warmest of hosts” and his exceptional Fitzrovian townhouse has been at the vanguard of London’s dining scene for three decades now. “Many chefs pass through his patronage” – the current incumbent being Asimakis Chaniotis, whose “surprising” and “fabulously flavoursome” dishes include the option of one of London’s foremost vegan tasting menus: “particularly impressive, imaginative and fun – even carnivores don’t miss the meat!” It’s not a huge site, but clever conversions over the years have created a “comfortable” and “lively” space (with a chef’s table and bijoux private dining room on the upper floors). There were a couple of ‘off’ reports this year, of the “maybe-I-caught-it-on-a-bad-night” variety. But all-round raves remain the norm here: “I have been coming to this restaurant for over two decades and have never failed to be delighted!”. Top Tip – “the vegan feast was a highlight of lockdown” and has continued as a home delivery option – “a wide range of delicious dishes, all with tantalisingly deep flavours”.
For 34 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 Pied à Terre?
Owner's description
Pied à Terre is an independently owned West End gastronomic restaurant located in the heart of Fitzrovia, London W1. Pied à Terre was established in 1991, operating under the guidance of David Moore.
The restaurant has gained some of the highest awards and accolades possible, starting with its first Michelin star in 1993 and becoming a two Michelin star restaurant in 1996, retaining one star currently.
Regularly featured in the best in London articles, it's recently been listed as one of 5 'must visit' London restaurants and has one of the top ten wine bars in the Capital.
Pied-a-terre is a most go to destination for food lovers. We are delighted to offer a range of exciting menus to satisfy carnivore, vegetarian and vegan requirements.
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £65.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Service | 15.00% |