Eat & Drink
Originally published on Tuesday, 24th November 2009
Top Five Treat Restaurants 2009
UJ rounds up its top five treat-eats of 2009.
After a tough financial year it warms the cockles to notice that, not only is the restaurant scene more rocking than ever but glam dining seems to be making a comeback – in the East London too of all places, with La Chapelle just open in Spital Square. Tis the season to spoil yourself, and one lunch or dinner at any of the restaurants below is worth a week of eating out at lesser establishments.
La Chapelle
One of the most impressive spaces we’ve seen in a long time, the Galvin brothers’ latest venture more than lives up to expectations. With winning signature dishes like lasagne of Dorset crab with chanterelles & chervil, a top wine list and a Cafe Deluxe and aperitivo bar attached, what’s not to love?
Info
35 Spital Square, E1 6DY / 020 7299 0400 / www.galvinrestaurants.com
Apsley’s
This dazzling deco dining room is now lorded over by three Michelin star chef Heinz Beck, whose contemporary take on Italian classics like carbonara and slow braised veal cheek will melt the coldest heart. Try and blag your way into the Garden Room post dinner, for cognac and cigars.
Info
The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA / 0207 259 5599 / www.lanesborough.com
Chez Bruce
It’s not just deluxe contemporary French comfort food, like roast cod with olive oil mash, provençale tomato and gremolata, that’s close to perfection at this place. From the service, to the lighting, to the fact that you pay one set price whatever you order, it’s posh dining without the pretense.
Info
2 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EG / 0208 672 0114 / www.chezbruce.co.uk
Tom Aikens
While upstairs at Tom’s Kitchen may be where the hip kids hang, Tom Aikens is strictly for discerning grown-ups who like a touch more sophistication. That said, Tom now cooks up a separate menu of classics, like roast scallops with garlic and thyme and papardelle with truffle, and his petit fours are made to linger over.
Info
43 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT / 0207 584 2003 / www.tomaikens.co.uk
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
The ultimate indulgence . Morsel after morsel of loveliness but without any nouvelle fussiness; just real flavours, done superbly in dishes such as Label Anglais chicken stuffed with ceps, or even just the pomme purée. And a damn sexy hangout too. Retire to the upstairs bar for fireside digestifs.
Info
13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE / 0207 010 8600 / www.joel-robuchon.com