The Michelin guide for 2018 has awarded two or three stars to a total of twelve establishments across London. All of them are to be found within Mayfair, Chelsea and Kensington.
It’s unsurprising that this area plays host to the most commended and exclusive restaurants in the city. With luxury accommodation for visitors available in the form of both serviced apartments and hotel suites, it is natural that the area should offer the best of the UK’s fine dining.
The Michelin Guide
What makes the Michelin guide so important? It’s long established. It originated in 1900 as a publication designed to increase the demand for French car sales. The mid 1930’s then saw the inclusion of restaurant classifications. The breadth of coverage that the anonymous Michelin reviewers have achieved quickly made this the definitive guide for those seeking culinary excellence.
✽ ✽ signifies Table excellente, mérite un détour (excellent cooking, worth a detour)
✽ ✽ ✽ denotes Une des meilleures tables, vaut le voyage (exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)
The Classic
For a classic fine dining experience, you cannot go wrong with Le Gavroche. With two stars, this half-century established Mayfair establishment showcases the culinary skill of the Roux dynasty in a luxurious club atmosphere.
Not far away sits The Greenhouse, where understated yet attentive service abounds. Offering sleek and innovative modern-French cuisine, this restaurant is stylish and discreet.
The Institution
With flagship outposts in both Paris and London, Alain Ducasse is a gastronomic institution. His restaurant at the Dorchester has retained its three stars since 2010.
At the opposite end of the scale, celebrated chef Claude Bosi’s move to Bibendum brings two new stars to the 2018 guide. The Bibendum building is an institution in itself. The famous Michelin House, dating back to 1911, delights with Michelin Man stained glass windows and floor mosaic. It’s naturally an establishment that should boast culinary stars.
The Experimental
Don’t be fooled by the name. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal may feature the name of Britain’s foremost molecular gastronomist, but any experimentation is based on classics here. With external views of Hyde Park, and internal views of a historic working kitchen, Dinner celebrates culinary history with a trademark twist.
The Foodie
Keeping everything natural, including the decor, Umu’s Japanese menu includes both seasonal Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine and modern and classic sushi.
At the classic British end of dining, Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley is now rebranded simply as Marcus. Offering both à la carte and seasonal tasting menus, it is perfect for those who delight in the perfectly balanced.
The Experience
Sketch is a building full of culinary options. Entering the Lecture Room & Library, though, unveils the ultimate dining experience. You ascend the grand staircase to be dazzled by the glass ceiling dome and surrounding art.
Similarly, Helene Darroze at the Connaught has recognised their status as experience dining by offering their diners a souvenir menu.
The Atmospheric
If formal dining isn’t your thing but great food is, The Ledbury’s relaxed atmosphere is for you. Australian chef Brett Graham has made the most of the restaurant’s slightly off-centre location (nudging from Kensington into Notting Hill) to make a space to unwind.
More central to Chelsea, Restaurant Gordon Ramsey balances the classic with the modern. Retaining three stars since 2001, the attention to detail and flawless service in this establishment makes it second to none.
The Unique
There are two dinner sittings at The Araki with just nine available seats at a chef’s table of ten. So a reservation here is a rare thing to achieve. The three stars attributed to this restaurant are as much about the ceremony of eating as about the Japanese cuisine.
When staying in London, those who have chosen the exceptional comfort and service levels of a serviced apartment will seek a dining experience to match. Our apartment locations are within easy reach of the establishments above so that whatever your dining priority, there is a two or three-starred restaurant that will offer you perfection.
If you are looking to stay in London, we have an impeccable range of serviced apartments nearby all of these gastronomic experiences in Mayfair, Chelsea & Kensington.
