London Belgravia Restaurant Guide

For a “quintessential English experience” in London, it’s hard to beat this “wonderful family-owned and managed hotel in the heart of Victoria and its marvellous dining room”. “Perfect, courteous and caring service” is at the heart of a formula which feels like “a trip back to yesteryear” and which is “class personified”. As such, though not at all corporate, it’s “a first-rate way to wow potential clients (especially Americans!)”, backed up by luxurious traditional cuisine that’s “old school and all the better for it”. There’s also a “fascinating wine list, with many entries chosen personally by Mr Goring on his travels”. This is also the location for “the most civilised breakfast in London”, and there’s a “marvellous, sumptuous afternoon tea served in the opulent lounge at the Goring: enveloping cosy chairs, fine china, an extensive selection of teas, sandwiches, scones and the prettiest of cakes, plus Champagne options. A total treat best saved for special days”.

“Very experimental”, “highly creative and fun tasting menus” win high praise for this “high-end Basque eatery”, and although one or two reporters “expected more given its association with the fabulous Arzak in San Sebastian”, most are dazzled by its “skilful and dramatic” cuisine. The very ‘boutique-hotel-y’ dining room is “clinical”, but “what the space lacks in ambience is more than made up for by the terrific attitude of the staff!”

“Treat yourself – you won’t be sorry!” This “dark and luxurious”, “fusion-Indian” has a “surprisingly different tapas-style approach that just works”. “Subtly-spiced”, “wonderfully fragrant” small dishes (many of them from the grill) are prepared in the open kitchen, providing “contemporary food at its best… if at Belgravia prices”. “Don’t let the staff cajole you into more dishes than you need!”.

“A real old favourite which seems to have new life with its current chef” (Cedric Neri) – this converted Georgian townhouse in Belgravia is “a secret gem”, with “some very fine Italian cooking”. It’s “smart”, “very friendly”, and “the prices are fairly modest considering the quality”.