Dorian

British Bristo, fine dining price

Crab and artichoke rosti

Dorian is an interesting restaurant, it became very popular ever before it gained a Michelin star, it presents itself as a refined yet approachable neighborhood dining spot, effortlessly blending modern elegance with a touch of classic charm using open-fire cooking methods. Renowned for its focus on locally sourced ingredients and inventive dishes. While it does look like a casual and modern bistro, the menu is loaded with luxury offerings, from caviar, and lobster to langoustine, therefore depending on what you go for, you can end up easily spending more than  £100 per person.

Veal sweetbread, celeriac, monkfish

Quail and langoustine

Dorian’s menu is a celebration of seasonal British produce, reimagined with a contemporary twist. I found it interesting that it enjoys combining seafood and meat together. One example is the monkfish and sweetbread dish. It somehow worked as it shared a similar texture. My main version was just the perfect winter dish, it came with chops and rump cut, the burnt edge from the open fire cooking created an inviting smoky aroma and the meat was so tender and rich, with the beetroot and winter berries added bittersweet element to create a really well-rounded dish. The dessert was the weak point of the meal, a pear tart was overly sweet and the ice cream melted when it arrived, it felt like the pastry department was coming from an entirely different kitchen.

Turbot, razor clams and green garlic

Venison chops, blackberry and bone marrow

Dorian is a shining example of what a modern British restaurant can be—an establishment that honors its roots while pushing creative boundaries. From a pure food pov (apart from dessert), I enjoyed it as everything cooked so well with the spot-on charred note and reached just the right temperature, along with good use of sauces. However, the setting and service did not match the food, as it is a small room with tables so packed to one another, and the service was really just.... standard bistro level. Dorian is undeniably on the higher end of the price spectrum, and when I am spending fine dining level price, I am looking for the whole package, not to mention you might need to return your table fast if the place is busy.

Food: 3.5/5

What I paid: £120

Average cost without drinks and services: ALC £90


105, 107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT

https://www.dorianrestaurant.com/