Ormer Mayfair

Hidden gems in Mayfair

Canapes

I first encountered Ormer back in 2016 when it just opened, it was headed up by Shaun Rankin, a talented chef who has a Michelin star in his Jersey restaurant. 8 years later, many things have changed, with head chefs coming and going. In the last 3 years, the platform belong to Sofian Msetfi. A British chef with Moroccan heritage who appears to have a habit of mixing Japanese elements into his modern European-style cuisine. Ormer landed a Michelin star in the 2024 guide and I was interested to see how much has it changed since my last visit. The restaurant offers a tasting menu and for dinner occasions only.

Endo at the Rotunda

The London sushi benchmark?

Trio of tuna

I rarely splash my cash on Japanese fine ding as it is the most expensive cuisine in London, and most places would set you back more than £250 per person when factor in service. For that very reason, I would need to make sure if I do go for Japanese, it has to be worth my dosh and my time. I had an excellent meal at Roketsu in 2022 which specializes in kaiseki cuisine, but also a really underwhelming sushi meal at Roji. Among the foodies' community, Endo is supposed to be the peak of sushi in London and I would love to test that theory. It serves an omakase blind-tasting menu only, you would not know what to get till you get there.

Galvin La Chapelle

 Classic French charm revisit

Dorset crab raviolo Dashi “beurre blanc”, braised fennel, Baerii caviar & trout roe

I have been eating my way around London for over 10 years, seeing so many new restaurants opening and closing at such a fast pace. I got to a point where now I understand it is not always about the next hot new opening, why wouldn't you want to visit amazing, reliable places that would guarantee you great food and a good time? Lately, I have been going back to places that I have enjoyed in the past. Galvin La Chapelle is one of those places that I always wish I would visit more often as I had some great memories there, so once I found out it had a revamp back in early 2024, it was a good excuse to head back.

Sollip

Modern European cuisine with a light Korean touch

Dongchimi

I have to admit the Michelin star guide does have an impact on me when searching for a place to eat. Without it, I would never have come across Sollip, a 1 starred restaurant run by a Korean couple in London Bridge. I have never had upmarket Korean food in London before, nor have I come across a modern European restaurant with Korean influences, so I was eager to see what Sollip could bring. It is a tasting menu only venue, with a short one for lunch and a longer one for dinner.

Restaurant St. Barts

Totally British to the core

BBQ turbot

There are many restaurants in London these days that focus on local ingredients, trying to source as locally as possible to ensure the freshness and condition of the ingredients. However, few like Restaurant St Barts take that to the next level. It would only use ingredients from the UK and refuse to touch anything beyond that. For example, it won't use lime at all given the temperature of the UK is not able to grow lime to the desired quality the restaurant seeks. It offers a tasting menu only format, with fermentation and aging methods to produce flavours you normally would not find from British ingredients.

The Midland Grand Dining Room Restaurant

Not your usual Hotel French food

Duck a la orange

There are plenty of great French restaurants in London, from the classic Otto to creative venues such as Bibendum. However, these places would easily set you back well over £150 if not more. I found it hard to find anything that is less than £100 for a 3-course meal while the quality is close to a Michelin star level. The Midland is one of those rare places that I feel does the job. The beautiful setting within St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and some of the most comfortable chairs have turned this place's decor into one of the finest in London. 

Noble Palace

Classy Cantonese banquet 

Peking duck

Noble Palace, the low-profile Chinese restaurant hidden in St James has been a regular spot of mine when I am seeking a casual dim sum meal or a full-on Cantonese-style banquet feast. The kitchen is pretty fixable of coming up with a bespoke menu to your liking according to classic Cantonese cooking, as long as you give the kitchen a week or 2 notice in advance. For my 18th visit, I came up with a menu containing some classic Chinese British dishes such as sweet and sour pork and dishes popular in Hong Kong, but have yet to get mainstream interest like the seafood clay pot and wok fry Dover sole.

Gloria

Not as glorious as it seems

Langoustine and black pepper tagliatelle

Part of the flamboyant Big Mama group's collection of funky Italian restaurants in London, Gloria in Shoreditch is an all-day trattoria that attracts tourists and people who love to follow social media trends. This is not my kind of place to go to usually, from what I can see on its website, all Big Mama group's Italian restaurants have similar menus, but each carries a different name with different decor, the food offering seems basic enough for Italian cuisine, from cold cut, pasta to pizza etc. 

Hide

A new 'Hide'

Grilled lobster with black pepper, pickled rose petals

Located in the smart address of Mayfair, Michelin-starred Hide by chef Ollie Dabbous has gone into a transformation. Beforehand, I recalled it used to have 2 different concepts across 2 floors which was confusing, and I had a very underwhelming meal there. The revamp of the restaurant has since merged the 2 concepts into a pretty standard ALC and tasting menu format. The food offering is still very creative, with a Nordic theme blended with international flavours. For my visit, I opted for the ALC menu and I noticed the restaurant was busy on a random weekend lunch, showing Hide is going strong.

Berners Tavern

Classy British brasserie 

Berners Tavern pork and pistachio pie bread and butter pickles

Out of all the restaurants owned or consulted by chef Jason Atherton in London, no one would challenge you if you claim Berners Tavern is the most beautiful. Located inside the classy Edition hotel not far from Oxford Street, Berners Tavern has a New York brasserie feel with its golden colour theme with paintings spreading across the entire dining room. It offers an all day dining affair with food based on British cuisine, yet with a hint of influences from around the world. My first visit was back in 2013 when it first opened and looking at the menu, it doesn't has changed much since. 

The Game Bird

 Classy traditional charm

Venison, cabbage, redcurrant

The Game Bird is a British restaurant located inside the 5-star Stafford Hotel in Mayfair. As the name suggests, it is highly regarded as one of the top places for game meat in London, therefore, my last 3 visits have always been around the game season in late Autumn/ early winter times. My recent visit has switched things up for me to sample what The Game Bird is capable of outside game season. As expected, the seasonal ALC menu has no game dishes anymore in Spring so I opted for other meaty dishes to share.

The Grill at The Dorchester

Modern classic British fine dining

Beef wellington

The Grill at The Dorchester has long been a dining choice of mine since it appointed chef Tom Booton to be the executive chef of the venue. Since taking on the venue, Tom has turned this place into a British fine-dining powerhouse. I really enjoyed how he has taken classic British dishes with a modern makeover but maintained the true essence of British cuisine. It had just revamped its menu for 2024 so a perfect time for a revisit.

Noor Cordoba

An Andalusian food journey experience

P4 in style

Located in the historical Spanish city of Cordoba, Noor is a one-of-a-kind place you won't find anywhere else. Chef-owner Paco Morales has tapped into the past of Southern Spanish cuisine history, with inspiration from Roman, Isalm to modern days to create something totally unique. This is a tasting menu-only restaurant with a choice of either a short, medium or long menu. In fact, even the short menu contains about 10 courses so you will for sure be here for a long time. I visited in the summer of 2023 and soon after it was promoted from 2 Michelin stars to 3 stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide.

Cañabota Seville

Classy seafood bar

Ref prawn and white asparagus

I am a seafood addict so whenever I plan my holiday, I always would run research to see if there are any decent seafood venues where I am heading. Canabota on paper is just the kind of place I know I will enjoy. Fresh seafood, cooked to order in a smart casual bar setting, and indeed I had a great experience back in 2020, which landed a Michelin star not long after I had been. Therefore, when I decided to head back to Seville again, it was an easy decision for me to head back. The restaurant doesn't really have a fixed menu, instead, they provide an ever-changing daily menu based on the catches they get on the day.

La Barra de Cañabota Seville

Casual yet quality seafood joint 

Spiny lobster

I am a seafood addict, whenever I arrange travel, I always look to see if there is a seafood restaurant that has a reputation worth trying. La Barra was an easy decision as back in 2019, I had the chance to visit its older brother Canabota which I very much enjoyed (and it went on to win a Michelin star). So when I discovered it has a more casual seafood offering in the name of La Barra, I booked without needing to think twice. The space is mostly a highchair counter setting, with only a few more traditional sit-down tables at the back of the venue.

El Rinconcillo Seville

The oldest restaurant in Seville 

Iberico pork and cheese 

El Rinconcillo is the oldest restaurant in Seville and one with a reputation that makes it extremely popular. No matter which day of the week, you likely will see a long queue of people waiting before it opens, as the downstairs tapas space is for walk-in only. However, you can book a table for a more formal experience to enjoy big plates alc styles. Since I have been to its tapas space in the past, I decided to go for its restaurant space for some old-school Southern Spanish cuisine.

Park Chinois

Pure class Chinese New Year feast

Lo Hei salad

Whenever Chinese New Year comes around, many Chinese restaurants across London would create a special one-off menu to celebrate the occasion. For Park Chinois, its New Year specials are loaded with interesting dishes with a classic vibe, such as a simple stir fry mustard green topped with aged cured duck. I have to admit I have been to Park Chinois so many times now (This is my 27th) so I always welcome new dishes to try out. This time, I opted for a selection of dim sum as starters before diving into some Chinese New Year special dishes as the main event.

Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine London

Traditional Chinese New Year vibe

Spinach and mushrooms on tofu

Like many other Chinese restaurants in London, Imperial Treasure would offer a special Chinese New Year menu to celebrate the occasion. For very old school Chinese fine dining, besides China Tang at the Dorchester, I would say Imperial Treasure is the no2 choice. Its 2024 Chinese New Year menu was almost a copy and paste from 2023, as I recall I tried most of the dishes. Not an issue for me as long as it tastes great.

Hakkasan Hanway Place

 The OG London Chinese fine dining den

Smoked Jasmine beef rib

It is fair to say Hakkasan is the OG who started a Chinese fine dining trend in the early 2000s. Back in the day for most people in the UK, Chinese cuisine is all about your local takeaway or traditional Chinese joints in Chinatown. Hakkaasan injected a modern, refined vibe with top-class food, and it is now more of a lifestyle brand instead of a restaurant brand. The last time I dined at Hakkasan was before Covid and I wonder if much has changed since.

Mei Ume

New age Chinese

Peking duck

Located inside the elegant Four Seasons Hotel in Tower Hill London, Mei Ume is an Asian restaurant that offers both Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Somewhat of a strange concept but clearly one that is working as it has been trading since 2018 and I have been told it is the most profitable food and beverage offering within the hotel. I suspect partly has to do with that it is the only fancy Asian restaurant in the Bank/ Aldgate area. This is my 6th visit.

Michelin

A list of Michelin starred restaurants I have covered in my blog. By no means, Michelin is the perfect restaurant guide, but still, a decent source when it comes to searching for top-level dining experience and a guide that is respected by top chefs around the world. 

* Rating as of 2024 guide

UK

Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester***

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal** (1st)

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal** (2nd)

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal** (3rd)

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal** (4th)

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal** (5th)

Angler* (1sit visit)

Angler* (2nd visit)

Angler* (3rd visit)

A Wong*

Behind*

Brat* (1st)

Brat* (2nd)

Brat* (3rd)

Core** (1st visit)

Core** (2nd visit)

Core*** (3rd visit)

Casa Fofo*

City Social* (1st)

City Social* (2nd)

Club Gascon* (1st visit)

Club Gascon* (2nd visit)

Claude Bosi at Bibendum* (1st visit)

Claude Bosi at Bibendum** (2nd visit)

Claude Bosi at Bibendum** (3rd visit)

Da Terra* (1st)

Da Terra** (2nd)

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal* (1st)

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal** (2nd)

Endo*

Elystan Street*

Galvin La Chapelle* (1st visit)

Galvin La Chapelle* (2nd visit)

Galvin La Chapelle* (3rd visit)

Galvin La Chapelle* (4th visit)

Galvin La Chapelle* (5th visit)

Harwood Arms* (2nd visit)

Harwood Arms* (3rd visit)

Harwood Arms* (4th visit)

Harwood Arms* (5th visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught** (3rd visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught** (4th visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught** (5th visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught** (6th visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught** (7th visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught*** (8th visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught*** (9th visit)

Helene Darroze at the Connaught*** (10th visit)

Humo*

Hide*

Kitchen Table* (1st visit)

Kitchen Table** (2nd visit)

Kitchen Table** (3rd visit)

Kitchen Table** (4th visit)

Kitchen Table** (5th visit)

Kitchen W8* (2nd visit)

Kai Mayfair* 1st visit)

Kai Mayfair* (2nd visit)

La Dame de Pic* (1st visit)

La Dame de Pic* (2nd visit)


La Dame de Pic** (3rd visit)

La Trompette* (1st visit)

La Trompette* (2nd visit)

Lyle's* (1st)

Lyle's* (2nd)

Lyle's* (3rd)

Lyle's* (4th)

Le Champignon Sauvage*

Murano* (2nd visit)

Midsummer House**

Moor Hall**

Mountain*

Nut Tree Inn* (1st)

Nut Tree Inn* (2nd visit)

Ormer* (2nd visit)

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay***

Pavyllon*

Paul Ainsworth at Number 6*

Petrus*

Pied a Terre* (1st visit)

Pied a Terre* (2nd visit)

Pollen Street Social* (4th visit)

Pollen Street Social* (5th visit)

Pollen Street Social* (6th visit)

Portland* (1st visit)

Portland* (2nd visit)

Portland* (3rd visit)

Sketch (1st visit)**

Sketch (2nd visit)***

Sketch (3rd visit)***
 
Story*

Sollip*

St John* (1st visit)

St John* (2nd visit)

St Barts* (1st visit)

St Barts* (2nd visit)

The Clove Club* (1st visit)

The Clove Club* (2nd visit)

The Clove Club* (3rd visit)

The Clove Club** (4th visit)

Trishna* (2nd visit)

The Ritz* (1st)

The Ritz* (2nd)

The Goring Dining Room*

The River Cafe*

The Ninth*

The Five Fields* (1st visit)

The Five Fields* (2nd visit)

The Five Fields* (3rd visit)

The Five Fields* (4th visit)

The Five Fields* (5th visit)

The Coach Marlow*

The Hind Heads*

Waterside Inn*** (2nd visit)

Sabor* (1st visit)

Sabor* (2nd visit)

Sabor* (3rd visit)

Sabor* (4th visit)

Sabor* (5th visit)

Sola*

White Swan*

Wild Honey*

Trivet*

The Ledbury** (2nd visit)

The Ledbury** (3rd visit)

The Ledbury** (4th visit)

The Ledbury** (5th visit)

The Ledbury** (6th visit)

The Ledbury** (7th visit)

The Ledbury** (8th visit)

The Ledbury** (9th visit)

The Ledbury** (10th visit)

The Ledbury** (11th visit)

The Ledbury** (12th visit)

The Ledbury** (13th visit)

The Ledbury** (14th visit)

The Ledbury** (15th visit)

The Ledbury** (16th visit)

The Ledbury** (17th visit)

The Ledbury** (18th visit)

The Ledbury** (19th visit)

The Ledbury*** (20th visit)

The Ledbury*** (21st visit)

The Ledbury*** (22nd visit)

The Ledbury*** (23rd visit)

Sadly no longer with us

Greenhouse** (2nd visit)

Greenhouse** (3rd visit)

Greenhouse** (4th visit)

Le Gavroche** (1st)

Le Gavroche** (2nd)

Le Gavroche** (3rd)

Le Gavroche** (4th)

Spain

Azurmendi***

Akelare*** (1st visit)

Akelare*** (2nd visit)

Arzak***

El Celler de Can Roca***

Martín Berasategui*** (1st visit)

Martín Berasategui*** (2nd visit)

Restaurante Cenador de Amós***

ABaC***

Cocina Hermanos Torres***

Lasarte** (1st visit)

Lasarte*** (2nd visit)

Noor***

Alkimia*

Caelis*

Disfrutar**

Mirador de Ulía*

Massana*

Mina*

Mugaritz**

Etxanobe*

Enigma* (RIP)

Elkano*

Angle**

Abantal*

Canabota*

Canabota* (2nd visit)

Dos Palillos*

A Barra*

Ramon Freixa Madrid**

El Club Allard*

Saddle*

Gaytan*

Hisop*

Mantua*

Via Veneto* 

Hofmann*

Koy Shunka*

Restaurante Kokotxa*  (1st first)

Restaurante Kokotxa* (2nd visit)

Ricard Camarena**

Restaurante El Serbal*

Zuberoa*



Netherlands

Bridges*

Ciel Bleu**

The White Room*

Rijks*

Sinne*

212*



Italy

Agostino Iacobucci*

Andrea Aprea*

Ristorante I Portici*

Borgo San Jacopo*

Contaste*

La Bottega del Buon Caffè*

La Leggenda dei Frati*

Ora d'Aria*

Acquolina*

Enoteca La Torre*

Il Convivio Troiani*

Ristorante Lorelei*

Il Buco*

Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890**

Piazza Duomo***


Portugal

100 Maneiras*

Alma*

Alma**

Belcanto**

The Yeatman**

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova**



Austria

Carpe Diem*

Restaurant Steirereck**

Germany

Restaurant einsunternull Berlin*

Cordo Berlin*

France

Benoit*

Les Climats*

Le Celadon*

Les Fables de la Fontaine*



Ireland

Chapter One*

The Greenhouse**

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud**



Taiwan

Raw**

Mume*




Hong Kong


Amber**

Bo Innovation***

Pang's Kitchen*

Sun Tung Lok**

Imperial Treasure*

Ming Court* (2nd visit)

8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana***

Lung King Heen***

Shang Palace*

Ah Yat Harbour View*

Tim Ho Wan* (1st visit)

Tim Ho Wan* (2nd visit)

Tate*

Yan Toh Heen**

Kam's Roast Goose* (1st visit)

Kam's Roast Goose* (2nd visit)

Yat Lok*

Ho Hung Kee*

Jardin de Jade* (1st visit)

Jardin de Jade* (2nd visit)

Zhejiang Heen*

Yat Tung Heen*

Ying Jee Club**

VEA*