London Restaurant Round Up: The Best Spots to Visit this Autumn
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By Niamh Walsh on 1st September 2023
Join us as we delve into the lively culinary scene of London, uncovering the top restaurants to try this autumn.
As the leaves start to turn and a gentle chill fills the air, London's culinary scene comes alive with the flavours of autumn. From stunning rooftop views to cosy corners, the city offers an array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey as we reveal the top restaurants to grace your taste buds this season.
Atop the iconic Sky Garden, Fenchurch Restaurant awaits; a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience coupled with breathtaking scenary. This autumn, the panoramic views of London's landmarks form the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. However, it's not just the view that captures attention; Fenchurch's menu is a tribute to modern British cuisine at its finest.
The ever-evolving menu, meticulously curated by culinary virtuoso Kerth Gumbs, is a masterpiece. The refined creations are not only a feast for the palate but also a testament to Chef Gumbs' Anguillian roots, with creative Caribbean-inspired cocktails and prestige wines expertly paired.
The tasting menu encourages diners to embark on a sensory adventure, immersing themselves in the synthesis of flavours and cultures that lie at the heart of each carefully plated masterpiece. To elevate this experience, the in-house sommelier has paired an impressive wine selection, ensuring that every sip and bite harmoniously complement each other.
The allure of the Collins Room at The Berkeley reaches new heights with the introduction of the 'Young Chef Champagne Menu' by Champagne Laurent-Perrier. This extraordinary culinary collaboration celebrates British cuisine and French elegance, creating a dining experience set to make waves in the London food scene.
As part of The Berkeley's young chef incubator program, the menu brings forth the next generation of top chefs in the UK. It seamlessly blends the sophistication of Champagne Laurent-Perrier with contemporary British flavours, carefully paired with Laurent-Perrier’s Cuvée Rosé and Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature. The exclusive menu, set against the backdrop of The Berkeley’s Collins Room, features delights like Seared Scallop, White Asparagus and Ricotta Ravioli, and Mango Cremeux & Manuka honey cream. The offering evolves every six to eight weeks to embrace the changing seasons, using locally-sourced ingredients to ensure quality.
Average Cost: £60 - £100 per person
White Asparagus and Ricotta Ravioli with Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle
Step into the vibrant world of Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London, where a Southeast Asian culinary journey awaits. An exclusive invitation welcomes you and your guest to indulge in an experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Singapore's diverse cultures.
Head Chef Jun Yung Ng takes the helm, infusing every dish with authentic Asian flavours that transport you to the heart of Singapore. Amidst the captivating ambiance, relish an extensive array of culinary delights, all complemented by a carefully curated selection of Chinese wines and exotic cocktails or mocktails. From the first sip to the last bite, the experience promises a symphony of tastes and textures.
The à la carte menu presents an array of options that capture the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. From delightful weekday lunches to elegant dinners, immerse yourself in dishes that pay homage to Singapore's culinary heritage. Dive into beloved local favourites and savour the authentic flavours that define this culinary melting pot.
For an extraordinary dining experience, consider indulging in signature dishes such as the Beef Rendang Curry, Black Cod, Lobster Laksa, or the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice with Ginger and Chilli.
For those seeking an intimate and cosy dining experience, The Jones Family Kitchen in Belgravia hits the mark. The restaurant exudes a rustic charm, creating an atmosphere that feels like an autumnal retreat. The menu is comfort food, featuring dishes that warm the soul and tantalise the taste buds.
Tucked away in Eccleston Yards, this gem includes a West-facing terrace, inviting you to savour outdoor dining at its best. Whether you're after steaks that are the talk of the town, inventive autumn cocktails, or a tranquil al fresco scene, JFK has it all. Their famed dry-aged steaks, grilled to perfection, remain a highlight, but the menu dances to all tunes. Peek at their menus and discover a culinary journey that's both cosy and creative.
A new entrant on the scene, Angel Above Portobello has made quite the impression with its move to The Distillery on Portobello Road. Led by executive chef Peter Breckon, who has honed his craft alongside culinary luminaries like Heston Blumenthal and Mark Hix, this restaurant is a treasure trove for food aficionados. The menu is a journey through carefully prepared small plates and sharing dishes, each reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
Indulge in the artistry of culinary craftsmanship with dishes that tell a story. Start your journey with tea-smoked salmon, its delicate smokiness mingling with the richness of the fish. Move on to a roasted hispi and leek mosaic terrine—a visual masterpiece that combines flavours in every bite. And when it comes to sharing, the offerings are a revelation. Premium and lesser-known cuts of beef and pork are thoughtfully combined to create sharers that not only delight the palate but also champion ethical dining. From succulent pork belly with crispy crackling to a tender beef brisket that melts in your mouth, Angel Above Portobello's commitment to sustainability is both admirable and delicious.
Average Cost: £30 - £50 per person
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Address: The Connaught, 16 Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
The Connaught, the Mayfair home of elegance, opulence and world-class service, houses Hélène Darroze’s 3 Michelin-star restaurant, where the hotel’s dedication to fine art continues to the plate. Accompanied by Pierre Yovanovitch’s intimate and charming interior design is a tasting menu that combines familiar seasonal ingredients with culinary innovation and outstanding service.
The menu offers a level of personality that’s often lost in such fine dining. Each dish names Hélène’s hand-selected farmers who provide the main ingredient of each dish, emphasising the beautiful freshness of her cooking. This freshness is an impression that permeates the entirety of the tasting menu, with particular accreditation to the Tomato, Sardine, Lemon Thyme and Gazpacho Gelée which takes such well-acquainted ingredients and turns them into something breathtaking.
Despite Hélène’s French heritage, her menu offers quintessentially British ingredients that are subtly enhanced by Asian influences like her Pigeon with Pea, Gooseberry and Wasabi and the stunning Cornish Lobster, Tandoori Spices, Citrus and Coriander.Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is where signature British ingredients, opulent yet inviting interiors and strokes of culinary craftsmanship unite to produce an unforgettable experience.
Average cost: £195-£215 per person (5-7 courses). Wine pairing is also available at £140-£640 per person.
This autumn, London's culinary landscape promises to entice and inspire. From rooftops to cosy corners, these restaurants provide a diverse range of experiences, each celebrating the essence of the season on a plate. Whether you're savouring the skyline views or indulging in comforting classics, these establishments are poised to make your autumn dining an unforgettable affair.
Here are some additional tips for planning an autumn dining experience in London:
Book your table in advance, especially if you are dining at a popular restaurant.
Be prepared to pay a premium for autumn dining, as many restaurants offer special menus and events during this time of year.
Dress for the weather, as it can get cold in London in autumn.
Allow plenty of time to explore the city before or after your meal.
There’s a reason that Six By Nico has a loyal crowd of returning diners. With a clever six course tasting menu that changes every six weeks, the restaurant group — conceptualised by chef Nico Simeone — is constantly innovating and delivering fresh and evocative dishes.
London’s brunch scene is thriving, with every corner of the bustling capital hosting home to a new brunch concept, from a menu inspired by Oats to sweeping city views, we are spoilt for choice.
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