The Ritz London

Classic hotel fine dining charm

Langoustine, Á La Nage and Bronze Fennel

Ritz is surely the most classy and elegant hotel in London. Since it was first opened in 1906, it has since become the venue for the rich and famous. It is highly popular with royal families, celebrities and wealthy tourists. You will be mistaken if you are in France if you take a step into its stunning dining room. The Louis XVI style decor makes you feel like you are in a royal palace than in a restaurant. In charge of the Michelin 1 starred restaurant is chef John Williams, he has modernized Ritz's Haute cuisine offering while still maintain the traditional charm. You will see classic sharing dishes such as the pressed duck and beef wellington, and John is especially renowned for his seafood cooking. To fully experience what Ritz is all about, I opted for the 8-course epicurean menu.

The Ritz

Canapes

Native lobster, tomato, basil

Crab, Granny Smith Apple and Avocado

Egg custard, truffle, parmesan

The first course of native lobster was fabulous, the light tomato and basil consomme delivered such a refreshing and sweet taste to the lobster, it was a faultless dish. The egg custard had a tofu-like texture, very smooth and creamy, the combination of truffle and parmesan add a delightful rich savouriness to the dish, truly wonderful. The langoustine was another top-level dish, cooked to perfection, the double cream and shellfish stock created such a luxurious sauce that I got nothing but love for it. The main of grouse was not as strong as the seafood dishes, while it was cooked to the perfect temperature and well seasoned, I found the juniper balance was a bit off which really overpowered the whole dish. It was still an enjoyable dish but fall a little short if I compare it to other dishes on the menu.

Grouse, Celeriac, Walnut

Cheese tart, fig

Coconut meringue, mango, lime

Salted caramel parfait, fudge

P4

Going to the Ritz has been on my to-do list for a long time so I am glad I finally got the chance, and it fully matched my expectation. The service was world-class, the decor was stunning, and as for the food, I think it somewhat falls between 1 to 2 stars level. The seafood cooking at The Ritz can easily rival other 2 stars restaurant in London. If you do wish to dine at the Ritz, putting on a jacket and tie is a must for gentlemen, but it is well worth the effort. 

Food 4/5

What I paid:
£183 with wine

Average cost without drinks and services:
£120

150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR

https://www.theritzlondon.com/dine-with-us/the-ritz-restaurant/