Harden's survey result
Summary
“A wow all-round that will live long in the memory” – this “dreamy” Louis XVI-style dining room is renowned for its “magical” décor (a rival for any Disney castle) and has long been a top choice for an ‘expense-be-damned’ celebration, particularly a romantic one. But, these days, many feel that “the mindblowing food can match it too!” While the classical cuisine has long been respected for its consistent quality, its current performance is notably “at the top of its game”. “John Williams’ masterful orchestration of his very fine kitchen, produces some of the best and most interesting food in London”: “perfectly executed luxury dishes” with spoiling ingredients and “with sauces to die for”. “The outstanding flavours will have you running out of superlatives and there is the added bonus of theatre via cooking at the table” (“the crêpes are pure visual and gustatory pleasure!!”). “Immaculate service” is “silky smooth” too and arguably “it is a mystery why Michelin award it only one star as there are many worse two and three star restaurants in the UK”. It is mightily expensive, of course, but “sometimes it is worth forking out for a truly fantastic time”. It is also – with its regular dinner dances and strictly enforced dress code – a bastion of how to celebrate in traditional fine style: “How marvellous to dine to the sounds of a live pianist or band, and in a dining room where everyone has been forced to dress properly. Tie-less slobs are still turned away!” and “not a pair of jeans or trainers in sight!”
Summary
“By far the most attractive dining room in London” is a regularly made claim for this uniquely “romantic” Louis XVI chamber: “one of the last places in the country (sadly) where proper silver service of the traditional, gueridon variety is delivered; and with faultless aplomb; and also (mostly) without pomposity”. Even those who say “the food is ultimately secondary to the amazing ambience of the room” often note “it’s still very delicious”; and quite a few reporters feel John Williams’s “classic French cuisine with top quality ingredients and superb sauces” unfairly risks being overlooked (“super-refined and exceptionally beautiful – my guest was a little less excited by the flavour combinations than I was, but, on the whole, dishes lived up to their appearance, and I felt it was almost worthy of a second Michelin star”). “Not cheap, but you get what you pay for!” (and that includes the weekend dinner dances).
Summary
“For a very special occasion, there is nowhere better” than this “beyond-compare” Louis XVI chamber, widely acclaimed as “the most beautiful dining room in London”: “it will not only rekindle the romance in your marriage, it’s also great for impressing on business”. “Not to be totally outdone by the surroundings, staff are friendly and unpretentious, and the classic cuisine under head chef John Willliams is measured and precise (if not exactly cheap… but it’s not supposed to be!)”. Top Tip – “a lovely fancy place for an epic breakfast”; also “the dinner dance is special and great value”.
Summary
“For a very special occasion, there is nowhere better” than this “beyond-compare” Louis XVI chamber, widely acclaimed as “the most beautiful dining room in London”: “it will not only rekindle the romance in your marriage, it’s also great for impressing on business”. “Not to be totally outdone by the surroundings, staff are friendly and unpretentious, and the classic cuisine under head chef John Willliams is measured and precise (if not exactly cheap… but it’s not supposed to be!)”. Top Tip – “a lovely fancy place for an epic breakfast”; also “the dinner dance is special and great value”.
For 32 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 The Ritz?
Restaurant details
The Ritz Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Wow! There’s a sense of occasion walking into the grand restaurant and any fear of stuffiness or over formality vanishes quickly thanks to the professional but relaxed staff. Top quality, lux ingredients brilliantly cooked and a very high standard throughout the 8 courses. Good value for the quality and location."
"This visit was to a private dining room and the food was again gorgeous, the surrounding wonderful and the service excellent, really getting to like The Ritz. "
"A great trick to pull off: a formal dining room with staff in formal tail coats, yet somehow relaxed and relaxing. Lovely food, with effortless ability to cater for allergies without compromising on the experience. Hats off!"
"We had a lovely evening at the Ritz eating really delicious classical food. The service was wonderful and the ambience magical. All in all a delightful experience in a beautiful dining room. "
" Everything was perfect, the 'Langoustine À la Nage' are Exceptional. "
"We had a voucher for dinner, the set menu, with a glass of champagne and two glasses of wine each. Personally I thought this worked out as good value for the experience. The food, every course, was excellent with great flavours. The staff were very efficient and friendly. The ambience is great - the dining room is stunning. I would go again other than the dress code puts you off and is now a bit dated."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £87.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £175.00 | |
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| SundayLunch | £87.00 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 175.00 | Dinner only | 5 |
| Menu2 | 195.00 | Dinner only | 7 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £46.00 | £63.00 | £27.00 |
| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £58.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £9.50 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 12.50% |
150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
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