L'Etranger - Removed from website November 2021 (closed) - South Kensington, London

L'Etranger is London's answer for those seeking out indulgence of the highest order; a sybaritic temple to the senses that spares no expense in ensuring that it has the finest ingredients and the dearest, rarest wine, spirits and Champagne in the country. For those that need to impress, this French-Japanese restaurant is an unimpeachable choice. It's won a variety of accolades over the years, including Best Restaurant in London for 2009 and 2010 for the Good Food Guide and Which Magazine; Best Wine List in the UK for 2012 and 2013 from AA Rosette; and Best Champagne List in the UK for 2013 and 2014 by Imbibe Magazine.

Named after Albert Camus's existential novel The Outsider, the design of the room is as pared back and restrained as the writer's prose. Caramel-hued flooring is counterpoised by a lilac and grey colour palette, with sharp black tables situated next to slinky silver curtains that draws in the luminescence of Gloucester Road. The private dining room, nestled in the back quarter of the restaurant, is segregated from the main dining room by sliding frosted glass doors and features a glass display with an exceptional array of the wines that have won L'Etranger so many plaudits. Perhaps one of the most engaging fixtures of the dining room is owner Ibi Issolah, who always ensures that his guests are well looked after with the utmost degree of hospitality.

Executive Head Chef Jerome Tauvron originally hails from France and has worked underneath some of the world's best culinary minds, including Michel Guerard, Pierre Gagnaire, Marco Pierre White and Alain Ducasse. He brings this experience to bear at L'Etranger, where he has created a symphony of dishes that are both classically French, classically Japanese, and occasionally a collision of the two. Those who'd like to experience a taste of the restaurant's signature dishes will be rewarded with the Degustation Menu, which includes a half bottle of bubbles or Pomerol for two to share, however the A La Carte Menu is an interesting adventure to embark on, separated into starters, caviar, maki and sashimi, fish and vegetables, meats and desserts.

We commenced our meal with pan fried foie gras plated with scallops, parmesan puree and truffle foam. It was rich and intensely indulgent. Slow cooked Scottish lobster was complemented with fennel, grapefruit and a tomato gazpacho served in a beaker - resulting in a subtle, refreshing interplay of flavours. For our mains we decided on caramelised Alaskan black cod, which was beautifully presented with miso and sushi rice, and of the same quality that you might find at Nobu or Hakkasan. Smoked duck was equally toothsome, cooked two ways with some more foie, as well as beetroot and cassis. For dessert we opted for an excellent apple tarte tatin, which took an extra fifteen minutes of preparation but was well worth the wait, as well as an Earl Grey and dark chocolate crème brulée with a white chocolate ice cream. It goes without saying that all of the wine pairings were top-notch. For those who have finished diinner and are interested in continuing to indulge, head downstairs to Meursault, the members' club tucked away in the basement. For an evening of high-end gourmandising in West London, L'Etranger is certainly worth its salt.

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