best restaurant in london..

[Guruchelles]

I went to Pied a Terre a couple of weekends ago. It was absolutely amazing. I think it's one of only five restaurants in London to have two Michelin stars.

There are only three in the country with three stars: Ramsey's on Royal Hospital Road, The Fat Duck, and The Waterside Inn, but the latter two are in Bray.

I know Michelin stars don't count for everything but they're a good starting point.

 

[Pip]

For atmosphere, the Boxwood Cafe is sublime, its a little walk opposite Green Park station and very discreet and hidden. Quite dark, jazzy and atmospheric with a piano player. Its not a cafe at all either - its a real place to woo your woman.

That sounds good but I know that area well and can't place it. Is it really tucked away or something?

ETA: Omgzzzz wait! Is it in The Berkley? I've been there (a couple of times actually) and it was excellent!

 

[Ms T]

Hard to say and all depends on mood.
I am not a fan of posher places as I can't relax but would be interested to try a couple.

Have been here before and enjoyed it - http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/
Not unique or spectacular but good food. Last time I had a 400g fillet steak washed down with some good red wine.

I'm not a fan - seriously overpriced, and the steak's the only good thing they do. I rarely order steak in a restaurant - I'd rather cook it myself at home, to be honest.

 

[tarannau]

You not been tempted by Ramsey's Maze Grill then?

I've got to admit, I'd love to have a truly outstanding steak here. Curse the Americans and their broilers, but they're genuinely in a different league.

 

[ethel]

if you like steak/meat try to larder in clerkenwell. my dining companion almost hcame in the middle of the restaurant. 50% off on toptable at the minute too!

 

[Ms T]

You not been tempted by Ramsey's Maze Grill then?

I've got to admit, I'd love to have a truly outstanding steak here. Curse the Americans and their broilers, but they're genuinely in a different league.

Go to Jack O'Shea's master butcher in Knightsbridge and buy one to cook at home. Amazing bits of meat and a lot cheaper than Maze Grill. He's a really nice chap too, despite the wanky location. He gave me a free bag of cherry tomatoes!

http://www.jackoshea.com/

And they've just started doing deliveries. Woot!

 

[Cheesypoof]

That sounds good but I know that area well and can't place it. Is it really tucked away or something?

ETA: Omgzzzz wait! Is it in The Berkley? I've been there (a couple of times actually) and it was excellent!

yeh! its not easy to find as the address is just 'knightsbridge' and its down a stairs and stuff but it really is incredible. must go back soon!!

 

[Pip]

You not been tempted by Ramsey's Maze Grill then?

I've got to admit, I'd love to have a truly outstanding steak here. Curse the Americans and their broilers, but they're genuinely in a different league.

Is that the one in Grosvenor Sq? I've been there too (check me out! ). I'm with Ms T though - I don't see the point in paying over the odds for a steak in a restaurant when (until recently, at least) I could get excellent steak on my doorstep for a fraction of the price, and chose lamb instead. It was lovely (obviously), but tbh I've had comparable grilled lamb at Mangal (sp?) in Dalston, and got to spy on Gilbert and George to boot.

 

[tarannau]

I know what you mean about preferring cooking steaks at home Ms T. And with a leading butcher as a family friend I've not been short of exceptional beef to cook. 99% of the time I reckon I could cook better at home.

But, and I hate to admit this, the Americans reverence for perfect steaks does pay dividends. The ridiculous heat of broilers ensures the holy grail of steaks- beautifully charred, flavoursome outside with perfectly near-rare inside.

As much as I love my cast iron griddle, as strong as my smoke resistance is, I can't quite match that experience. And neither can anywhere in London, apart from potentially Maze. I'm curious.

 

[Pip]

You're making me want a Maze steak now

 

[ethel]

i can't even choose between ramsay's places now! nom nom nom!

 

[tarannau]

My old snobby boss swore by the Royal Hospital Ramsey, although Claridges is meant to have a fantastic lunch deal.

Not been to either myself.

 

[Ms T]

My old snobby boss swore by the Royal Hospital Ramsey, although Claridges is meant to have a fantastic lunch deal.

Not been to either myself.

I've been to RHR twice - both times it was really, really good.

 

[Ms T]

Is that the one in Grosvenor Sq? I've been there too (check me out! ). I'm with Ms T though - I don't see the point in paying over the odds for a steak in a restaurant when (until recently, at least) I could get excellent steak on my doorstep for a fraction of the price, and chose lamb instead. It was lovely (obviously), but tbh I've had comparable grilled lamb at Mangal (sp?) in Dalston, and got to spy on Gilbert and George to boot.

Blimey! I take it you weren't paying.

 

[Ms T]

I've been to the Ivy and thought it was just alright. Not amazing. I really, really want to go to St John's though.

I agree - nice but not fabulous. Posh comfort food.

 

[Ms T]

I know what you mean about preferring cooking steaks at home Ms T. And with a leading butcher as a family friend I've not been short of exceptional beef to cook. 99% of the time I reckon I could cook better at home.

But, and I hate to admit this, the Americans reverence for perfect steaks does pay dividends. The ridiculous heat of broilers ensures the holy grail of steaks- beautifully charred, flavoursome outside with perfectly near-rare inside.

As much as I love my cast iron griddle, as strong as my smoke resistance is, I can't quite match that experience. And neither can anywhere in London, apart from potentially Maze. I'm curious.

I set the smoke alarm off every time I cook steak.

Actually, I find I can make better food than a lot of restaurants. It's a bit of a problem.

 

[Pip]

Blimey! I take it you weren't paying.

Got it in one

 

[Ms T]

Got it in one

I want your friends.

 

[catrina]

I've been to Nobu in New York and it kicks arse. I've only been to Ubon in London (Westferry), owned by the same people. The atmosphere isn't quite there but the food is phenomenal.

My favourite so far has been Angela Hartnett at the Connnaught but that's no longer there.

Chez Bruce is good, but I don't think it's the best London has to offer, it's just kinder on the wallet. (Our tarte tatin was a little burnt.)

 

[Xanadu]

I thought Ubon was always planned to be a poorer cousin to the New York branch?

 

[ethel]

catrina: two new angela hartnett restaurants coming shortly! maybe one of them will win

 

[fogbat]

Rules in Covent Garden is the daddy if you want game, traditional english cuisine etc.

 

[Athos]

Surely there can be little debate. It has to be Ramsay's RHR place. I bet you'd be hard pushed to find anyone who has eaten there who'd tell you there's anywhere better in London. (But if they can, I'd be very interested to hear it.)

 

[lights.out.london]

Pont de la Tour or Rules during the game season.

 

[Cheesypoof]

Pont de la Tour or Rules during the game season.

Fab location, but DONT TOUCH THIS PLACE OUT OF SEASON!!!

I had 'grouse' their once and cutting it (with a sharp knife) was like cutting into a rugby ball. With no vegetables. Absolutely awful (and i still cant believe the PR who organised this didnt check whether people ate game). Out of about 15 of us no one could cut it to start, and when someone finally succeeded, their grouse went shooting across the table (which was facking hilarious!).

 

[Homeless Mal]

China Tang for the glamour and the mood.

TBH if it is a group go to a cheap Viet or Chinese and have a ball after. I reckon most of the really good and expensive restaurants in London are for rich people. I wouldn't go to a Ramsay as joint as it is basically a chain restaurant.

 

[oryx]

Absolutely awful (and i still cant believe the PR who organised this didnt check whether people ate game).

Absolutely shocking.

You just can't get the staff these days, can you?

 

[Andy the Don]

Gordon Ramsey at Claridge's for the full "old school" experience.

 

[Gromit]

Stavros Kebabs

If money is no object have the extra large mixed kebab with chips.

 

[beeboo]

oooh, get us all with our fancy restaurants! It's all changed round here hasn't it?

Le Gavroche and Petrus are the best I've eaten in, very high nom-factor