The Ledbury

World-class

raspberry millefeuille, olive oil ice cream

I have almost lost count on how many times I have been to The Ledbury, The 2 Michelin starred restaurant is simply the best fine dining restaurant in London for me. It has everything you want from a top restaurant. Great service, relaxing decor with stunning food from the kitchen. Chef-owner Brett Graham has been maintaining the restaurant level at such a high standard for many years now, it has held 2 Michelin stars for 9 years and without a doubt, it will keep its 2 stars for the 2010 guide. For lunch, it offers a no choice 4-course set menu, as well as an a la carte and tasting menu. The beauty about The Ledbury is that the cost of the menu covers the service charge so actually, it is one of the cheapest 2 Michelin star restaurants in London.

White beetroot, eel, sake

Datterini tomatoes, lobster, sorbet and shiso

Fresh almonds, green beans, peach and grated duck liver parfait

Egg, Celeriac, Dried Ham, Chestnut Mushrooms, truffle

For my 13th times at the Ledbury, I opted for the tasting menu as usual. The main meal kicked off with a refreshing summer dish of lobster salad with tomato, the hero element was the tomato sorbet, it was blended masterfully with the perfect balance of sweetness and sourness. For the meat course, it was the aged Galloway porterhouse steak, cooked with rosemary with a killer garnish of buttery bone marrow. The meat was so very tender, and the earthiness of the black truffle totally uplifted the richness of the meat, it was a well-executed meat dish. I am not a massive dessert person, but I got to give high praise to the raspberry millefeuille. The pastry work was sensational, thin and crispy, with not a trace of grease. It was easily the best dessert from The Ledbury, as much as I love its classic brown sugar tart, the millefeuille was an upgrade.

Steam cod, seaweed, sugar pea

Purple Aubergine, olives and lamb sauce

Aged Galloway porterhouse steak...

with bone marrow, black truffle and potato

As expected, The Ledbury delivered yet another top-level meal. Refinement is what this restaurant all about. No clever gimmick or shocking presentation, just pure excellent ingredients, handled by a team of great chefs, with a clean and slick presentation that delivers sensational flavours. If Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester has 3 Michelin stars, I don't understand why The Ledbury hasn't, as The Ledbury is better in every way. The locals at Notting Hill are really lucky to have such a great restaurant like The Ledbury.



Food 5/5

Executive chef: 
Brett Graham


Average cost without drinks and services:
Lunch menu: £80
Tasting menu: £150


27 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ

http://www.theledbury.com/