Xdisclaimer: No attempt was made to authenticate the sender's name. > > I have a friend who just made a BIG real estate deal. > > He wants celebrate in London eating at 5-star > > restaurants. Can anybody supply suggestions? Someone mentioned the Connaught. It's not a place I'd recommend for a high rolling celebration, as it is very old fashioned. For a quiet lunch or dinner, yes. It has wonderful school-of-Escoffier food and more flunkies (flunkeys?) than customers at times. The place was furnished by Edwardians and some of the napery has possibly, after what appears to be about 90 years use, reached the end of its natural life, but what are these little things when compared to side dishes of boiled rice loaded with cubed truffles and fois gras? I love the place. Try Bibendum, it's more festive. I'd avoid Marco Pierre White, they have developed a bad attitude since they moved into Knightsbridge. Le Gavroche is dark and clubby. If the real estate magnate cares more about the food, go to La Tante Claire. Again, a quieter atmosphere with perfect food. By the way, what does "5 star" mean? Who's awarding? Gault-Millau use toques and don't Michelin only go up to three stars/rosettes?
London, United Kingdom
5-star London restaurants
The consensus of the newsgroup over the past 6 months is that the Tante Claire, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3, 0171 352 6045 is the greatest French restaurant in London. For modern classic cuisine and top service consider Le Gavroche, 48 Upper Brook St, W1 1PF (0171 408 0881). Of the other Michelin 3* restaurants in London I have read mixed reports on The Restaurant at the Hyde Park Hotel (Marco Pierre-White) and Nico at Ninety at 90 Park Lane (Nico Landenis). Outside of the French mold is Bibendum, Michelin Building, Fulham Road, tel 0171 581 5817. Having actually eaten there I can supply a full review if required. Graham
Graham B. wrote: > The consensus of the newsgroup over the past 6 months is that the Tante > Claire, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3, 0171 352 6045 is the greatest > French restaurant in London. For modern classic cuisine and top service > consider Le Gavroche, 48 Upper Brook St, W1 1PF (0171 408 0881). > Of the other Michelin 3* restaurants in London I have read mixed reports > on The Restaurant at the Hyde Park Hotel (Marco Pierre-White) and Nico at > Ninety at 90 Park Lane (Nico Landenis). > > Outside of the French mold is Bibendum, Michelin Building, Fulham Road, > tel 0171 581 5817. Having actually eaten there I can supply a full review > if required. > > Graham > I think the River Cafe in Hammersmith should be listed in this class too.
I second the opinion on Rule's, we try and go there whenever we visit my family in Egland. Lunchtime is a very good time to go, much quieter, few tourists. Excellent game and really wonderful desserts, if you like things like "toffee pudding" (it was worth every single calorie)! Robin L. wrote: > MICHAEL F. wrote: > > Graham B. wrote: > > > ... BIG SNIP ... > > In several months of eating out every night in the greater London area, > I'd proffer up "Rule's", the oldest (?) restaurant in London. Dickens > had his corner there (George Washington Slept Here). It's a bit tumultuous > and noisy in what I would imagine could be a good Dickensonian spirit. The > food and wine were excellent, although expensive. They have game dishes > from their own farm and the surroundings are very old Brit. > > Rob Lake > (ex-BP) > [email removed]
> I think the River Cafe in Hammersmith should be listed in this class > too. -- Michael Forrest Agreed, terrific Northern/central Italian, and bear in mind that the key to the place is simple food cooked from perfect ingredients. I can provide a full review as well but bear in mind that the River Cafe, Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, Nr. Hammersmith 0171-381-8824 is south of Hammersmith in West London, perhaps 4 miles from Hyde Park Corner for example. Never the less well worth the journey. Note also that diners have to be out of the restaurant by 11 PM to comply with local regulations - they tell you this when you book. Also a small group is unlikely to get a table for the whole evening. Graham