Le Gavroche

Description

The first UK restaurant to be awarded one, two, and then three Michelin stars, Le Gavroche remains a class apart.

Since opening in 1967, this Mayfair bastion of French cuisine has been very much a family affair, and chef-patron Michel Roux Jr continues the tradition today. The elegance of the menu and the ambience is impeccably tailored, while the discreet service has won its own plaudits.

his two Michelin-starred bastion of French dining turned 40 last year but is showing no signs of middle-aged decline. True, it might not be the most cutting edge of dining rooms, but the thick carpets, old-fashioned chairs & linen-clad tables provide comfort by the bucketload, while maitre d’ Silvano Giraldin ensures service runs like clockwork. Best of all, the food rarely disappoints.

A lovely amuse-bouche of bite-sized pieces of turbot in breadcrumbs with pea puree might precede a delectable starter of flaky crab with thin, crisp toast & diced, dressed tomatoes.

Mains are equally accomplished: lamb shoulder braised to immaculate tenderness & teamed with Moroccan-style couscous, say. And the selection of petits fours provides sweet consolation for diners who have skipped dessert in favour of the extraordinary cheese trolley. All this from a bargain 48 pound set-lunch menu, including water, wine & coffee. Prices are higher in the evening, but for an upper-crust gastronomic treat, this is hard to beat.