London Belgravia Restaurant Guide

“Still glowing from its Royal Wedding connection” (and nowadays with a Royal Warrant to show for it) – this once-sleepy, nowadays increasingly fashionable, traditional British five-star hotel is situated conveniently behind Buck House. Established in 1910, it is still run by the Goring family, who have been investing heavily of late, with the relaunch of the hotel’s bar and a new restaurant space in 2019 (where its partnership with Nathan Outlaw, branded ‘Siren’, was very short-lived). The “delightfully old-school” main dining room is a “perennial stalwart”, whose “quintessentially-British menu” was slightly bizarrely starred by Michelin a few years ago. That’s not to say that the cooking is not “traditional and of high quality”, but the real reason why this is the perfect venue for lunching your maiden aunt or “wowing visiting prospective clients” isn’t the food, but its “impeccable”, “old-fashioned” service and the “impressive surroundings” of this “light, elegant and high-ceilinged” chamber (whose “roomy tables allow for serious business discussions”). No surprise that prices are a tad “steep”. Top Tip – afternoon tea in the adjoining lounge can be “crowded” but otherwise is as it would be done by Disney – “like a fantasy step back in time” – “we went wild for the sandwiches and scones which were offered in abundance!”

“Cracking Indian fine dining with-a-twist” is to be had at this “congenial” and moodily “cavernous” Belgravia fusion-venture (under the same ownership as Chutney Mary and Veeraswamy). The tapas-style dishes, prepared in an open kitchen over the grill, deliver “vibrant” and “fabulous flavours”, and rank amongst London’s very best. Overall, it’s “a bit expensive”, but a “super, super, super-lovely experience”.

This longstanding “local gem” in Belgravia is a “properly Italian restaurant”. Currently on great form under chef Cedric Leri, “the food is better than ever, the service ever delightful, the room continues to please” – but “it’s rarely full, which is an eternal mystery”.

2018 Review: A “good pit stop near Victoria” serving “great burgers and steak” and other fare, plus Saffa wines, all “under the South African banner”.