Submission type: Ask Eddie

Subject: Top London Restaurant for Romantic Meal

Text: Dear Eddie,

For our wedding anniversary last year my husband and I went to the top floor of Smiths of Smithfield in London which was amazing both in terms of service and quality of food. We are looking for a restaurant of a similar quality in London to go to this year but don’t want to go to a restaurant in a hotel. We would like British/French food. 

Any suggestions?

Many thanks,

laura Richards

Hi Laura,

Your previous place seemed to have offered ambience, views as well as good food. If John Torode reads this column, he should be very proud of the Top Floor at Smiths of Smithfield.

I am goiung to assume that you are happy with £50 a head without drinks

Lets start with 3 restaurants with views:

Oxo tower Restaurant – Oxo Tower Wharf , Barge House St, London SE1 9PH. T: 0207 803 3888 o

http://www.harveynichols.com/output/Page128.asp

This place gives you a great view across The Thames.

Next,

Galvin at Windows, The London Hilton, Park Lane, W1K 1BE 0207 208 4021

http://www.galvinatwindows.com/

 This gives you a view across Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.  I know that you said no hotels but increasingly, top chefs operate out of Hotels on a “rental” basis and its not the same kitchen as room service. This is modern British cooking with a twist.

Another place is Gary Rodes’ Rodes 24 at Tower 24, Old Broad St, London EC2N 1HQ, T: 0207 877 7703. This is on top of the Gerkin and Rodes is always reliable.

http://www.rhodes24.co.uk/

All three places offers great food and views.

However, if you would prefer diner followed by a West End show, try Marco Pierre-White’s

The Criterion, 224 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HP T:0207 930 0488

Don’t expect to see him. He has given up cooking but he has good chefs working for him. The art deco restaurant is one of the most interesting in London and you are right next door to Piccadilly Circus.

Finally, if you simply wish to look into each other’s eyes with minimal distractions, try

Le Gavroche, 43 Upper Brook St, London W1K 7QR, T: 0207  408 0881. This is managed by the other Masterchef  judge Michel Roux Jr. There is no better classic french restaurant in London.

http://www.le-gavroche.co.uk/

Hope this is what you want.

Eddie

30 November 2009