There's such a large number of quality restaurants in London that the choice can often be overwhelming! This might be the reason restaurants with recognisable patrons often attract diners in their droves – the choice is whittled down and you have the chance to taste that tantalising dish you saw cooked up on TV the other night. Here’s our top picks of the best celebrity chef restaurants in England's capital - don't forget to stop by the next time you book a London serviced apartment with the SilverDoor team.
1. Gordon Ramsay – Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is the flagship restaurant of notoriously irate chef, Gordon Ramsay. Serving modern, French cuisine, Gordon has three Michelin stars – the first Scot to achieve such a feat. Gordon now spends more time on the TV than in the kitchen as the star of a number of successful TV shows including, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, ‘Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares’ and the ‘‘F’ Word’. It’s his use of expletives rather than his food that’s made him a true celebrity – but with three Michelin stars to his name he must be doing something right and that’s why Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, is our number one.
2. Michel Roux Jnr – Le Gavroche
Descending from a long line of culinary geniuses, Michel Roux Jnr learnt from the very best. With two Michelin stars, Michel’s restaurant, Le Gavroche is a must for any foodie Londoners. Unlike other celebrity chefs, Michel actually works full time in his kitchen, regularly making time to meet and greet his diners. Michel is no stranger to the small screen either, as judge and presenter of the BBC’s ‘Masterchef the Professionals’ and the ‘Great British Food Revival’. Still to establish himself as a household favourite, Michel Roux Jnr’s Le Gavroche is our number two.
3. Jamie Oliver – Fifteen
All round nice guy and everyone’s favourite Essex boy, Jamie Oliver opened his non-profit restaurant, Fifteen in 2001 with the aim of helping unemployed youngsters learn a new skill. The menu has recently changed from having an Italian influence to British. Relax and enjoy a few cocktails in informal surroundings as you watch talented young minds prep your dinner. What this restaurant lacks in Michelin stars, it makes up for in charm and a feeling that you’re helping to give back, as all profits are invested into the apprenticeship scheme. Jamie is a TV do-gooder having changed government policy for the better through his prime time programmes including, ‘Jamie’s School Dinners’ and ‘Jamie’s Ministry of Food’.
4. Heston Blumenthal – Dinner
The eccentric scientist of the culinary world, Heston Blumenthal’s lesser known restaurant, Dinner comes in at number four. Although Heston is absent from the kitchen, the chef’s at Dinner still serve up a historic gastronomic extravaganza designed by Heston himself worthy of the two Michelin stars it’s been awarded. The décor is contemporary, but mindful of tradition and has an innovative pulley system exposed by a floor to ceiling glass wall. Impressively, Heston is completely self-taught, but takes his inspiration from both the Science and History classrooms. His ‘Heston’s Fantastical Food’ series saw the chef at his most creative, experimenting with breakfast, pub grub and chocolate. In his Willy Wonka experiment he brought to life Roald Dahl’s creations including the lickable wall paper and chocolate waterfall.
5. Raymond Blanc – Blanc Brasserie, Southbank
Authentic French flavours can be found in Raymond Blanc’s chain of restaurants, Blanc Brasserie. This particular restaurant is based in the Southbank, perfect for those attending the theatre or visiting the attractions in the area. As welcoming as Maman Blanc’s home, the menu is hearty and warming – all that you would expect from world renowned chef, Raymond Blanc. A regular on the BBC, Raymond is currently filming a cookery show in partnership with Kew Gardens called, ‘Kew on a Plate’, set to air later this year.
