London restaurant to impress my parents

[PrinceRupert]

My parents are visiting in October and as a joint birthday present, I want to take them out for a very nice meal. They are not folks that do upmarket dining; although I wouldn't say they're fussy, not sure my mum would enjoy anything too adventurous in terms of cuisine - so needs to have something on the menu that is not too experimental. Therefore, was thinking a la carte rather than tasting menu, and probably British/French cuisine but nothing too 'creative'. I think they'd enjoy something that felt upmarket - make it feel like a special occasion - but wouldn't necessarily want somewhere that is much too stuffy and formal. Something with a Michelin star would be a bonus, as that's not something they have done before; or a celebrity chef they have heard of. In terms of budget etc., I'm probably looking to keep under 150 a head with wine (which will be from the cheaper end of the wine list!).

I was thinking perhaps The Dining Room at the Goring - though perhaps a bit on the formal side, it would certainly give the impression of luxury - but would it be too sterile? I've never been. Alternatively, Dinner by Heston - I've been before, the food was excellent, but thought the atmosphere was not that special - and it's expensive.

Open to other suggestions - thanks!

[bompey]

Michelin star for under £150 all in may be difficult in London. If they’re not adventurous eaters what about a Hawksmoor restaurant?

[PrinceRupert]

bompey said:

Michelin star for under £150 all in may be difficult in London. If they’re not adventurous eaters what about a Hawksmoor restaurant?

Nah there are plenty of 1 Michelin star restaurants where that budget will work (provided we stay away from caviar, lobster and cocktails) - e.g., the Goring - £25-30 starter, £45-50 main, £8 side and £15 dessert comes to about £90-105, add a couple of bottles of cheaper red at £35 a bottle and you're up to less than £500 for 4. Even Heston's Dinner - 2 Michelin starred - would be sub £150 from the a la carte (£25-30 starter, £50-65 main, £8 side, £20-25 dessert). I could sneak above that, but what I meant was more I don't want a £265 a head 9 course tasting menu with £145 a head matched wines

I'm hoping to go somewhere a bit more special than a Hawksmoor.

[Cotty]

Chop House by Tower Bridge is nice without being too stuffy
https://www.chophouse-restaurant.co.uk/menus/resta...

Edited by Cotty on Wednesday 16th August 12:59

[TIGA84]

Lunch or Dinner?

[PrinceRupert]

TIGA84 said:

Lunch or Dinner?

Dinner, though if there was a great lunch suggestion might do that instead.

[WhiskyDisco]

I used to like going to this inexpensive steak restaurant in the City (now open in Marylebone)
https://relaisdevenise.com/

Lunchtime recommendation.

Speaking of Marylebone - what about one of the many places there?

[rallye101]

Rules ticks those boxes, nice traditional old school place...been there for 200+ years

[PrinceRupert]

rallye101 said:

Rules ticks those boxes, nice traditional old school place...been there for 200+ years

Thanks this looks like the sort of place that could fit the bill, and save me a few quid!

[ettore]

Scotts may well be the answer and can be managed (with care) within budget. Would help if they like fish but they do other straightforward things for those that don't.

Jazzy and upscale with excellent service and atmosphere without being stuffy and a London classic that remains great. If they like people watching there'll likely be someone they recognise.

[TIGA84]

PrinceRupert said:

TIGA84 said:

Lunch or Dinner?

Dinner, though if there was a great lunch suggestion might do that instead.

Bibendum is an option, going to be at the top of the £ but certainly ticks all the boxes in terms of Michelin/Chef/Setting.

Others randomly in my head:

Chez Bruce
The Ninth
Noble Rot (if they like Wine as well)
Medlar
La Trompette
Pied a Terre

All pretty reliable, not too experimental etc, most with stars.

[TIGA84]

PrinceRupert said:

rallye101 said:

Rules ticks those boxes, nice traditional old school place...been there for 200+ years

Thanks this looks like the sort of place that could fit the bill, and save me a few quid!

Forgot about Rules - and spot on for the game season that started 4 days ago, they have their own shooting estate so if they like that sort of thing, its a no brainer although I'm not a fan of the dining room, its almost too traditional for my tastes - its like eating in a room at Hever Castle.

[Mobile Chicane]

Definitely Rules.

Yes, it's very old-fashioned, but that's part of the charm.

[BobToc]

I really like Pollen Street Social.

[vixen1700]

Read the OP and likewise thought of Rules.

[essayer]

+1 for Bibendum

[greygoose]

I took my dad to the Goring a few years ago for lunch and it wasn’t overly stuffy or formal, the food was very good.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Why don't you take them both up the Oxo Tower?

[PrinceRupert]

essayer said:

+1 for Bibendum

Looks very nice, but too expensive - the three course a la carte dinner menu is 165pp + wine, and is not available on a Saturday evening.

[Panamax]

IMO people are suggesting some absurdly expensive restaurants here. Bibendum, Chez Bruce and Oxo Tower to name but three.