Top Table: Orion

From the moment you enter, the sleek yet intimate interiors set the stage for a meal that is clearly centred on the food. Webb has incorporated a cosy private dining room, a marble-clad chef’s counter, and a decadent raw bar laden with oysters, crabs, and prawns. It’s a foodie’s haven with seafood proudly taking centre stage.  Elsewhere, the partially-open kitchen adds a theatrical element, allowing diners to witness the artistry behind each dish without it feeling intrusive.

Our evening began with a selection of small plates, each offering a glimpse of Webb’s creativity and respect for high-quality, local ingredients. The “Dad’s Bread” - sourdough with whipped chicken butter - is particularly noteworthy. Moreish flavours aside, the dish includes a deeply personal nod to Webb’s late father, Philip, with £1 from each dish being donated to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. 

The lobster and prawn toast, a signature dish, elevates the classic dim sum favourite with black sesame, lime, chilli, and carrot purée, striking a careful balance between heat and sweetness. The smoked fillet of beef tartare, topped with salted egg yolk and served with grilled sourdough, was rich and deeply flavourful, demonstrating Webb’s ability to enhance rather than overpower his ingredients.

As we moved onto the larger plates, the seafood dishes instantly piqued our interest. The pan-seared halibut fillet arrived with burnt onion purée, pickled shallots, and a roasted halibut sauce that complemented the delicate fish beautifully. The Cornish monkfish, accompanied by celeriac purée, remoulade, and sea herbs, was executed with precision, the gentle char highlighting the freshness of the fish. Side dishes such as the slow-cooked butter thyme potatoes with Parmesan and chargrilled mixed greens with burnt leek dressing were thoughtfully prepared, proving that even seemingly simple elements can be transformed into elevated dishes when handled with care. 

Desserts at Orion perfectly showcase Webb’s playful creativity while demonstrating his technical skill. His reinterpretation of the classic Twix, for instance, is a clever creation that boasts a medley of textures alongside a rich, indulgent finish. The sticky toffee pudding is equally impressive, luxuriously moist and decadently sweet - a comforting yet refined conclusion to a meal that celebrates imagination and craftsmanship in equal measure. 

The whole experience is further elevated by the service which we found to be professional and attentive without being intrusive. Beyond this, diners are made to feel both welcomed and unhurried, allowing the meal to unfurl with ease.

At its core, Orion is a testament to Webb’s culinary vision: a focus on high-quality British ingredients, classical technique, and a playful yet refined approach to flavour. The restaurant’s thoughtful design, engaging menu, and polished service make it a standout addition to Wimbledon’s dining scene. A confident debut from a chef whose passion for food shines through every plate.

orionbyalexwebb.com

Address: 75-77 Ridgway, London, SW19 4ST