When I first started dating Mr Silver, he recognised that I was a lady of discerning tastes, a food lover and a champagne quaffer. He treated me like a princess and took me to top London restaurants, fabulous bars and cool gastropubs… he clearly knew how to impress me…
It was only later that I found out his favourite restaurants were actually Nandos and KFC… Anyway after three years together on we still really love our date nights and try and have one every couple of weeks (which generally don’t involve fried chicken). I thought I’d share with you the best places in London for the ultimate in luxury dates nights. These are the places to celebrate something special, seriously impress your other half or maybe even propose.Welcome to the Platinum Spoon Collection…
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
About: I took Mr Silver here for his birthday a couple of years ago; it is the place to go for complete unbridled, money-is-no-object total luxury. Alain Ducasse himself has 21 Michelin stars and is one of the most decorated chefs in the world. He has starred restaurants all across the globe including Paris, New York, Hong Kong and Toyko, his London outpost is located in the 5 star luxury hotel, The Dorchester.
The restaurant is one of only two three Michelin starred restaurants in London, and I can safely say it’s the best I’ve been to in the UK capital.
Food: The menu is contemporary French and the taste of the food and the ingredients that are used are incomparable. Do be aware that this truly special occasion dining and the price tag reflects the incredibly high quality cuisine and service that you will receive.
Atmosphere: The dining room is small and intimate with veils of light and little candles, it is a romantic and beautiful setting.
The Ledbury
About: Another choice for high-quality, luxury dining is The Ledbury, the place we chose to celebrate our three year anniversary. The restaurant is the holder of two Michelin stars, and is located in Notting Hill.
Food: If the occasion is a particularly special one, go all out and choose the tasting menu to sample more of Brett Graham’s fine cuisine.
Atmosphere: The ambiance a little on the formal side, but the care and attention from the waiting staff and the high quality of the food mean you know you’re somewhere really special.
Galvin at Windows
About: Galvin at Windows is quite literally high-level dining. Located on the 28th Floor of the London Hilton, with spectacular views of the Hyde Park, it was the perfect destination for my birthday dinner one year with Mr Silver.
Food: The restaurant’s Michelin-starred rating reflects the high quality of the cuisine. The menu is modern French and if you’re going all out, the degustation menu should be your menu of choice. Galvin at Windows also offers a fab value for money set lunch making the restaurant a much more accessible option.
Atmosphere: The view really adds to the wow-factor and make sure to get cocktails in the lounge in order to get the full experience.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
About: London’s other triple-starred restaurant. Mr Ramsay has long been known for his world-class dining and though he’s had his ups and downs over the years, his Chelsea flagship has stood the test of time. The restaurant was established in 1998 and chef Clare Smyth has been at the helm since 2007, leading a strong and talented team.
Food: The menu is modern French and chef Clare Smyth mixes new with classic ideas in her cuisine. The signature starter of ravioli of lobster, langoustine and salmon will be forever etched in my memory as the best starter I’ve ever had. All the food is exquisite (we plumped for the tasting menu again) and we had an amazing experience with lots of fun and exciting amuses added in.
Atmosphere: When you enter the dining room you can see why it’s difficult to get a table. The main restaurant is small and intimate with the crisp white tables that have become synonymous with fine French dining.
HKK
About: I’m a huge fan of Hakkasan and Yauatcha, and Mr Silver and I actually had our first dinner date at Hakkasan in Mayfair. However, for a real Platinum Spoon experience, I would recommend trying HKK. Our experience here was, once again, for Mr Silver’s birthday last year, I really spoil him don’t I 😉
Food: HKK offers a really one-of-a-kind Chinese fine dining experience and dinner is a fifteen course menu of Cantonese dishes, each a totally stunning and inventive plate. You can go a little smaller at lunch if want a less full stomach and a lower price tag.
The restaurant now has it’s first, well-deserved Michelin star and I wouldn’t be surprised it gained a second at some point. Grab a cocktail at the bar too, I recommend a Floating Goddess!
Atmosphere: Forget the white tables clothes, this establishment is Shoreditch chic. Think metals, grey and industrial cool but very sexy and sophisticated.
Other Platinum Recommendations
Nobu (Located in Old Park Lane or Berkeley Street) – For absolute top-notch sushi, a glamorous dining room and potential celebrity sightings.
Sketch: Lecture Room and Library – For inventive food combinations, a quirky dining room and egg shaped loos.
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – A sexy black and red interior and an open kitchen. Expect fabulous food though slightly sketchy service.
Zuma – For delicious Japanese, a sexy sleek interior and cool cocktails.
The Square – For two Michelin starred French cuisine and top-notch silver service.
There you have it, the ultimate in luxury London dining recommendations. Please let me know if you have any others that you suggest I try, I’d love to add some more favourites to my list.
