Le Gavroche or Royal Hospital Road?
Discussion
My GF and I are heading to London in January for a weekend away and having eaten at a one Michelin starred restaurant this year (Sat Bains, Nottingham) have deided to try a 2-star next. We're torn between Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche or Ramsey's Royal Hospital Road. We've also considered Hibiscus and The Maze.
Any input on experiences at either appreciated - also willing to consider any other's in London we may not have thought of?
Thanks in advance.
Any input on experiences at either appreciated - also willing to consider any other's in London we may not have thought of?
Thanks in advance.
Restaurant Ramsey is a 3 star restaurant. La Gavroche is a 2 star restaurant. The only other 3 star restaurant in London is Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester who received his 3rd star in 2010.
If you want 2 star restaurants within London you have the following choices: Hibiscus, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Le Gavroche, Marcus Wareing, Pied a Terre, The Capital, The Ledbury and The Square.
Out of the 2 star restaurants I would recommend either La Gavroche or Marcus Wareing (The Berkeley). Marcus is a good favourite to receive his 3rd star next year.
If it's between La Gavroche or Ramsey, then I would go with Ramsey in a heart beat.
If you want 2 star restaurants within London you have the following choices: Hibiscus, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Le Gavroche, Marcus Wareing, Pied a Terre, The Capital, The Ledbury and The Square.
Out of the 2 star restaurants I would recommend either La Gavroche or Marcus Wareing (The Berkeley). Marcus is a good favourite to receive his 3rd star next year.
If it's between La Gavroche or Ramsey, then I would go with Ramsey in a heart beat.
Both very classical (cuisine wise) restaurants and I'd say that Le Gavroche runs a little older in terms of their target demographic. I'd prefer Royal Hospital Road, but it's only open Monday to Friday, so depends on how you're planning your weekend away. Marcus Wareing is excellent and Hibiscus is also very good, with Fridays and Saturdays having "bespoke" menus that are devised on the day (and to your preferences on the fly). Maze has lost its principal chef since being (one) starred and The Capital lost both it's stars after Eric Chavot left.
I rate both, but RHR is a bit up its arse and difficult to get a booking. Le Gavroche is an experience and, if you haven't been told what it's like, the look of the place is a bit of a surprise.
Better than both is the Ledbury in Notting Hill. Two stars, the second gained this year. It is a restaurant still on the upward curve and everything about it is good. This is the only place that has really moved the game on for me in this country in the last couple of years.
Better than both is the Ledbury in Notting Hill. Two stars, the second gained this year. It is a restaurant still on the upward curve and everything about it is good. This is the only place that has really moved the game on for me in this country in the last couple of years.
CraigW said:
RHR was decidedly average (for the price) last time.
Marcus waring beats it hands down.
Marcus Wareing is very good, as is Helene Darroze, Arbutus, Hibiscus and the Square (visited over the last six months), but the Ledbury is even better (three visits in the last three months - it's that good).Marcus waring beats it hands down.
RHR, cheaper by far and amazing service. His best restaurant and kind of his baby, personnally lunch was better as it wasn't so rushy. le gav was amazing, scallops were the nicest starter i've ever had, but we've been to gordon's 3 years running and le gav once, and we're booked in again for Nov in gordons. Either way you will love it, relax, let them take care of you and watch the magic unfold... (bit gay that? where's some diy'ing to man up a bit?)
I took the wife to Gavroche in September for her 40th and for my 40th in March we are booked for RHR (they book up to a year ahead now).
Gavroche, I personally found a little disappointing overall. Nothing I can quite put my finger on as both the food and service were excellent. I've also eaten at the Waterside and thought that was much much better. For Ramsay you could also consider Claridges (it did have a dip but I've heard it's much better now). It's totally different to Sat Bains in every way (and I love Sat Bains place).
How about Hestons new place at the Mandarin Oriental, opens in December.
Don't get too hung up on the stars, it just seems to push the price up.
Gavroche, I personally found a little disappointing overall. Nothing I can quite put my finger on as both the food and service were excellent. I've also eaten at the Waterside and thought that was much much better. For Ramsay you could also consider Claridges (it did have a dip but I've heard it's much better now). It's totally different to Sat Bains in every way (and I love Sat Bains place).
How about Hestons new place at the Mandarin Oriental, opens in December.
Don't get too hung up on the stars, it just seems to push the price up.
Bit of a hijack but if you go to rhr what are the chances of having Mr ramsey actually cook for you? I have been to a few of ramseys places and always been happy, haven't been to rhr as wouldn't like to spend the money of Gordon wasn't the chef, so as before is he always there, often there, or hardly ever there. Also would you know if he is the chef or not ie do they tell you?
Even if he is in the kitchen (which I understand is reasonably regular at RHR) he won't be doing much actual cooking.
That said, Sat Bains (saw him and visted the Kitchen) is always at his place, Heston (didn't see him but was told)was at the FD the night we went, Angela Hartnett (saw her) was at Murano, Michel Roux (saw him and chatted in the Restaurant) was at the Waterside and Richard Corrigan was at Lindsay House (signed our menu) and I've met Tom Kerridge in the kitchen at the Hand and Flowers.
Jesus, I'm a Chef groupie!
That said, Sat Bains (saw him and visted the Kitchen) is always at his place, Heston (didn't see him but was told)was at the FD the night we went, Angela Hartnett (saw her) was at Murano, Michel Roux (saw him and chatted in the Restaurant) was at the Waterside and Richard Corrigan was at Lindsay House (signed our menu) and I've met Tom Kerridge in the kitchen at the Hand and Flowers.
Jesus, I'm a Chef groupie!
Patrico said:
i've been fortunate to have eaten at both several times and for me Gavroche just comes out on top.
ditto - I love both (the cheese soufflé at Gavroche is to die for isn't it?) - but whilst I love Gavroche for it's classic cuisine and consistency - it can be a bit , well, staid? RHR is a bit more progressive and on a good day it is very much worth it's three star rating - it's also just a tiny bit more "special" .......so for me, if I had to choose, it would be RHR - (in fact i did - we are off there in two weeks time!) but either way you will have a memorable meal! Gassing Station | Food, Drink & Restaurants | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff