Le Gavroche

Le Gavroche Restaurant Review:

Since it opened on a previous site in the ’60s, Le Gavroche has been an established part of London’s culinary history, serving haute cuisine to a discerning, well-heeled clientele ever since. With Albert Roux at the helm it was the spawning ground of generations of chefs around Britain. His son Michel now wears the toque attracting a mix of clients that goes beyond the expected business expense crowd. This is the place where all foodies, young and old, rich and (relatively) poor, have to eat at least once in their lives. The chef uses luxury ingredients --- lobster, foie gras, turbot, etc. --- beautifully and often simply treated, as in hot foie gras and crispy pancake of duck flavoured with cinnamon to start; main dishes like roast rib of veal with creamed morel sauce are a delight to behold and a joy to savour. The cheese trolley sets a standard many aspire to but few achieve. Service is professional under the legendary Silvano Giraldin, and the 60,000-strong wine list is a lesson in quality that the sommelier charmingly guides you through, from the mainstream to the exceptional. Dinner is a grand affair, but lunch (when available) is a steal.