The C&TH Guide to London Restaurant Festival 2019

There’s no denying that the London restaurant scene is popping, and what better way to celebrate than with an annual London Restaurant Festival? Taking over the entire month of October and spanning over 60 events and 250 first-rate restaurants across the capital, this year’s stomach-pleasing spectacular is set to be more indulgent than ever. Read on for our guide to the best restaurants, events and festival menus to delight in this month…

The C&TH Guide to London Restaurant Festival 2019

Gourmet Odyssey

Branded by the festival-makers as ‘London’s most original gastronomic journey’, the London Restaurant Festival’s Gourmet Odyssey experience enables diners the opportunity to delight in three delicious courses (starter, main and dessert) across three of the city’s leading restaurants. This year’s impressive array of iconic locations includes Battersea Power Station and The Shard, and comprises a champagne reception and wine to compliment each course. Highlights include dessert at The Cinnamon Kitchen hosted by illustrious Indian Chef Vivek Singh and a sky-high starter experience at Oblix, 32 floors up at the Shard. Visit the website to book.

The Cinnamon Club, Westminster

Enter into a world of Indian fine dining at The Cinnamon Club, one of London’s most sophisticated Indian restaurants, located within the magnificent Grade II listed stately setting of the former Westminster Library. In celebration of London Restaurant Festival, the renowned restaurant is hosting a four-course contemporary dining experience featuring exquisite dishes such as carpaccio of home cured Shetland salmon with caramel jhal muri, tandoori long legged partridge breast and char-grilled monkfish with Kerala curry sauce. Be sure to save room for the delightful lemon and ginger brulle embellished with pink peppercorn crisps. £65 per person. Book via OpenTable.

Gaucho, Picaddilly

If there’s one thing that Gaucho does right, it is Argentinian steaks. The trendy Piccadilly restaurant is bringing a taste of its speciality to the festival with an offer of a three course feast accompanied by a glass of Domaine Chandon Brut or non-alcoholic Kolibiri. £28 per person. Book via OpenTable. 

Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, Marylebone

Marylebone’s luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency London is hosting a delicious series of Restaurant Festival-inspired events throughout the month. Offering avid foodies the opportunity to indulge in a gastronomic getaway (19 – 20 October), guests will be spoiled with a food-filled weekend of chef-hosted meals, a spectacular river cruise journeying to dine with a trio of famous chefs, and a stay in The Churchill’s guest rooms. What’s more, the hotel’s resident Chartwell gardens-inspired restaurant, The Montagu Kitchen will be serving up a bespoke festival tasting menu throughout the month, featuring the likes of Kent honey glazed pork belly lollipop, Scottish salmon, and a mouth-watering baked chocolate cheesecake with cherries and chocolate shard.

Heritage, Soho

This swanky Swiss restaurant nestled within Soho is dishing up a special three-course menu in honour of the festival, comprising of – but not limited to – melted raclette with charcuterie, potatoes and pickles, crispy rosti with maple glazed Swaledale pork belly and a sweet pièce de résistance, Alpine cheese honeycomb, truffle, figs and nuts. Fill your boots with a glass of prosecco for £29. Book via OpenTable.

Oxo Tower, Waterloo

The iconic OXO Tower is no exception to the celebrations. Taking part in full festival spirit, the landmark brasserie overlooking St Paul’s is offering a delightful three-course menu with a glass of bubbles as part of the London Restaurant Festival’s ‘London with a View’ festival menus. £39 per person. Book via OpenTable.

Bocconcino, Mayfair

For those who love indulging in Italian cuisine, Berkeley Square’s Bocconcino offers deliciously hearty dishes inspired by the foodie haven, such as prawn and seabass ravioli with black truffle and authentic wood-fire pizzas. For the festival, the eatery is providing guests with a dedicated menu including sea bream fillet with samphire and salmoriglio, spaghetti arabbiata and classic Italian tiramisu. Mama mia! Delight in two courses for £29, or three courses for £35. Book via OpenTable.

Le Garrick, Covent Garden

Having been serving up exquisite dishes to the capital for an impressive 33 years, Le Garrick has earned its rightful place within the London Restaurant Festival’s ‘London Legends’ category. The beloved French restaurant is providing a three-course menu, including the likes of escargots de Bourgogne, ‘poisson du jour’ (fish of the day) and a selection of ‘les fromages’ for afters. Enjoy with a Le Garrick cocktail and a basket of French bread. £55 per person. Book via OpenTable.

Top 10 Cuisines

The highly anticipated LRF event series exclusive to American Express Cardmembers (the festival’s official partners),’Top Ten Cuisines’ acknowledges and celebrates the fantastic diversity of London’s restaurant and food culture. From Nordic and Indian, to Thai, Italian and French, there’s a feast-filled event to mark some of the capitals most beloved cuisines. Indulge in a spectacular five-course Galician tasting menu alongside Michelin-starred chef Nieves Barragan (and a plethora of Estrella Galicia beers), or escape to Jerusalem with renowned Israeli Chef Moshiko Gamlieli for a Jerusalem-inspired feast at Mortimer House. Visit the website to book.

Indian Accent, Mayfair

Enjoy a spectacular Eastern feast at Mayfair’s illustrious Indian Accent, with a special three or four-course meal complimented by a lovely glass of bubbles. Award-winning chef Manish Mehrotra has curated a magnificent menu filled with innovative and colourful dishes such as sweet pickle pork ribs, baked sea bass with amritsari masala butter, and delicious doda barfi treacle tart with vanilla bean ice cream. £55 per person or £65 for four courses. Book via OpenTable.

Roganic, Marylebone

Part of the festival’s ‘London Legends’ category, this dynamic and forage-inspired Marylebone restaurant, headed up by acclaimed British chef Simon Rogan, is serving up a spectacular and innovative tasting menu featuring sweetcorn tart, Cornish cod, seaweed custard and truffle pudding. Enjoy with a glass of sparkling wine for £85 per person. Book via OpenTable. 

The London Restaurant Festival takes place from the 1st to the 31st October. Visit the website for more information.

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