We are looking for a special occasion restaurant anywhere in central London. Our friends have recommended a couple obvious ones but we couldn't book a table for our dates (La Gavroche, Ducasse) and Toptable kept sending us hoakey offers for a free meal if we book a table at any other available restaurants in the next 2 days since they couldn't get us a table so far. We don't get to visit London that often so we're clueless about the "must experience" gastronomic restaurants. Toptable seems to be pushing a classic romantic provencal restaurant with very glowing customer reviews but their contradiction is a 10% off promotional offer. Anyone knows how good L'Oranger near Green Park is or can recommend a better french restaurant,? We don't eat much steak so we're a bit intimidated by proper traditional English restaurants but we are open to suggestions.

I just checked the London Eating booking website, they score Les Trois Garcon and Texture very high among all the special occasion restaurants. I've never heard of them, anybody familiar with them?

Try Helene Darroze at The Connaught.

Across from my company's London office is Galvin La Chappelle which I would love to try. The building looks fabulous! Unfortunately I am there on the company dime (really penny) and the manager won't even let me look at the menu for the cafe.

Le Gavoroche is my all time favourite but if that is booked out then check out http://www.bleedingheart.co.uk/

I have eaten there many times for business and pleasure and have always had a great time.

here's the michelin list for top french restaurants in london:

http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Res...ights=&people=

hope that helps,

regards, ann

Thank you all!

Hi
You might also get some good ideas from the Hardens Good Food Guide site. I've given you the link to the Harden's top French restaurants but you can search for other types.
www.hardens.com/restaurants/london/french/
I live in the north of England so can't comment on the London restaurants, but the Hardens Guide is my absolute good food bible and has never let me down.

There's three close together that I like (no idea if they have stars). All are in Soho

Richard Corrigan At Lindsey house (just by the Coach and Horses pub - a local landmark)

Quo Vadis (was run by Marco Pieere White - I don't think it is anymore, but it's good) - Frith St

The Gay Hussar (yes it's really called that) an unlikely choice as it is mainly hungarian food, but they do it briliantly. The only downside is that it's a favourite with our politicians.

Thanks I'll check them all out. Love the Harden website

I've eaten at the Bleeding Heart in Bleeding Heart Yard and I thought it was a completely mediocre dining experience, and was surprised at how much they tried to push expensive wine on us.

I'm not sure what your definition of "special occasion" includes (romantic? expensive? very quiet/private) but one of our favorites in London is Joel Robuchon (food and the experience great) either l'atelier or la cuisine.

but one of our favorites in London is Joel Robuchon (food and the experience great) either l'atelier or la cuisine>>>

We have a winner! This is a brilliant place. You will need to make reservations.

Go with L'atelier - half the price of the flash place, just as good.

I'll just toss in that if I were going to London, I wouldn't pick a French restaurant for my gastronomic experience, even one with Michelin stars. I'd pick an Indian restaurant. The ones with Michelin stars are Amaya, Benares, Quilon, Rasoi Vineet Bhatia, and Tamarind.

A little unclear what you mean by special. Is it the food? The atmosphere? How formal do you like it?

Among my favorites are: Yauatcha, Arbutus (and sister restaurant Wild Honey), Maze, and L'Atelier. But, I wouldn't describe any of those as 'fancy'. They all have great service and great food, but they are not grand in the old-school, white glove way. I haven't eaten there, yet, but Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester would almost certainly fit the bill for over-the-top luxury, if that is the direction you want to go. A good friend (who's taste I trust) did really like Texture, which you mentioned. Might have to go there on my next trip - some nice dabbles into very modern cooking, but without going overboard - and the tasting menu is an absolute steal at GBP 59.

Thanks for all the great recommendations! Can't wait to get there.

May I recommend Fino? This is my favorite in London and I second Alain Ducasse.

Lindsay House has moved from Soho to Upper Grosvenor Street and is now called Corrigan's.

Bibendum in the lovely Michelin building
Aubergine in Park Walk
Roussillon in SW1

Also The Square in Bruton Street W1 but I have not eaten at that one but the reviews are mostly very good.

Had a nice lunch last week at l'Atelier which had very good food but it is not a three star restaurant like Jamin. Pleasant service. You are intimidated by proper English restaurants but want French? Perhaps you can try Helene Darroze or Pied a Terre?