Above: Chef Alex Dilling © Lisa Tse
Alex Dilling has made an international name for himself with his stellar cuisine. As Executive Chef of Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and The Greenhouse, he maintained the two-Michelin-star status of both restaurants, following which he spent some time traversing the globe, creating pop-up gastronomic events with esteemed chefs and dining venues. Now, back on his native British soil, he’s bringing his revered French-inspired cuisine to London with his latest restaurant, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal.
“The opening of my restaurant at Hotel Café Royal is a culmination of my experiences working around the world and with some of the most exciting and talented chefs for over twenty years. Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal represents everything that I love about French cuisine and being able to work with the most incredible products meticulously sourced from artisans and producers from the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. My dream, together with my talented team, is to not only be one of the most ambitious restaurants in the country but one where our guests feel at home and can come time and time again. There is no better location for this than in the iconic Hotel Café Royal,” says Alex.
Open as of 1 September 2022, this sleek fine-dining venue serves dishes rooted in classic French cuisine reinterpreted with a modern and creative touch. Diners can expect dishes such as boullibase with marinated red mullet, cockles and oyster cream; l’oeuf doré with smoked sturgeon, potato and aged Kaluga caviar; and a dessert with Araguani chocolate, smoked Piedmont hazelnut and Tahitian vanilla.
Above: Laminated brioche with smoked sturgeon rilletes and aged Kaluga Caviar at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal © Justin De Souza
Above: Brittany pigeon “farci” with preserved truffle and sauce Albufera at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal © Justin De Souza
Above: A dessert featuring Duarta 70% chocolate with tonka bean and whisky at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal © Justin De Souza
In celebration of Alex opening his first standalone restaurant, the renowned chef takes FOUR on a foodie tour of London, sharing all his favourite dining venues in this fabled city, which is so rich with gastronomic prowess.
Restaurants
“I love all of these restaurants as I can see the identity of the chef within the cuisine, and whether fine dining or casual, they are all places I feel relaxed and know I will eat extremely well,” says Alex.
Above: Interior of Claude Bosi at Bibendum
Above: Food at Fallow
Above: Outdoor seating at Andrew Edmunds in Soho
Claude Bosi at Bibendum
Nestled within the iconic Michelin House in central London, this two-Michelin-starred venue serves the height of French haute cuisine. To the backdrop of beautiful stained-glass windows, guests can savour well-balanced dishes packed with bold flavours and oozing with technique.
Fallow
Located in the heart of St James’s, Fallow is a contemporary eatery where conscious creativity takes centre stage. Led by chefs Jack Croft and William Murray, guests can expect a variety of snacks and main meals, spanning from vegetarian to sea- and land-based fare.
Andrew Edmunds
Established in 1985, Andrew Edmunds is set in a beautiful eighteenth-century townhouse and offers a seasonal menu complemented by an impressive yet reasonably priced wine list. This, paired with its laid-back atmosphere, has made it a favourite among locals.
Casse-Croûte
This Bermondsey gem radiates all the charm of an authentic French bistro. It may be quaint, but it packs a punch in culinary excellence. Serving only three plates per course, with dishes changing almost daily, the food is always fresh, seasonal and full of flavour.
Above: Plantain, spiced efo and roasted peanut at Ikoyi ©Irina Boersma
Above: Orasay’s intimate dining area awash in natural hues © Alexander Baxter
Above: Prawn dish on the menu at Lisboeta by chef Nuno Mendes © Milo Brown
Ikoyi
Ikoyi, the cosmopolitan and contemporary restaurant founded by friends Iré Hassan-Odukale and chef Jeremy Chan, has catapulted to international fame over the last year, winning various awards for its incredible cuisine. Blending African spices with micro-seasonal British ingredients, the fare here is unmatched elsewhere in London and is a must-visit for those looking for a unique fine-dining experience.
Orasay
This elegant Notting Hill spot is the ideal cure for those good-food cravings. Its menu spotlights produce from the Western Isles, focusing on fish and seafood cooked to perfection and served in an intimate, relaxing space.
Lisboeta
This knockout from Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes is an ode to Lisbon in all her glory, exuding all the vibrance and character this city is loved for, delivered right in the heart of London.
Blacklock
Blacklock is the place to go if you’re craving a good, hearty, carnivorous meal. At all four of its outposts across the city, Blacklock pays tribute to the traditional London chophouse, serving a variety of unpretentious dishes and its speciality:
meat still attached to the bone.
Above: Interior of Blacklock © Haydon Perrior
Bars
“A great bar is somewhere I feel comfortable, and that has a genuine sense of hospitality. From the darkest pub to the best bar in the world,” says Alex.
The Cow
A Notting Hill gastropub bursting with friendliness and cheer, The Cow is a must-visit for that oyster fix. Take a seat, sip on a Guinness, enjoy a selection of prime British fare and soak up the good vibes.
The Punchbowl
A classy space set within a historic 1750 London public house, The Punchbowl is one of the oldest pubs in Mayfair. As such, it’s well versed in hospitality, so expect moreish food and great vibes in abundance.
The Connaught Bar
An esteemed venue set within one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, visiting The Connaught Bar is non-negotiable when in London. It nabbed the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 list, an undisputable testament to its incredible drinks offerings.
Above: Voronoi cocktail as part of the Formae menu at The Connaught Bar
Above: Exterior of The Cock and Bottle
Above:Juno cocktail as part of the Formae menu at The Connaught Bar
The Cock and Bottle
One of West London’s most charming and beautifully restored traditional pubs, The Cock and Bottle offers an array of local craft beers and a solid wine list, all in an inviting setting.
The Green Bar
Set within the five-star Hotel Café Royal, this luxurious venue is renowned as one of London’s most exclusive bars. Its menu spotlights botanicals and tonics, along with classic and modern cocktail creations.
Queens of Mayfair
With a good selection of wines plus an array of signature cocktails on offer, this pretty London spot is ideal for an after-work drink or a lengthly weekend brunch.
Above: Green Bar at Hotel Café Royal © Filip Latka