Hélène Darroze at The Connaught in City of London, Westminster

One of the best 3 star Michelin starred restaurants I have been to. The service and the ambiance was excellent and the food was absolutely delicious. Overall great experience, will definitely return.

Michelin three stars. Love it! Perfect restaurant! The butter that goes with the bread tastes very delicious with a little chili pepper, and the fruit and vegetable juices that go with the meal are all delicious! The main dish of mutton is the most delicious Western food I have ever eaten! The palatability is very good, not difficult to chew, not fishy and very tender. The beef is Wagyu. I don’t think it tastes as good as mutton. Although it is also very tender, it is a bit oily. Classic dessert with rum I still love my chocolate! The afternoon tea is also delicious They were simply fed until they died.

Took the 7 course menu with cheese as an optional 8th course. Food was frankly a little disappointing, no course really stood out as particularly special. The scallop seemed somewhat rubbery. Seating is casual and our table was a little bit small although others were much bigger so I suppose that was luck of the draw. .... Great response from the restaurant, it's remarkable why they have any stars

Sadly, past its expiry date. Flavors were off on several dishes. Service was mediocre - letting a tissue sit on the table for close to 10 min. This would have been acceptable at a one-star price point, but there are wiser choices in this price category.

Fantastic experience. This was our first time at an establishment of this quality and it did not disappoint. The food was fantastic and worth the price, however the real star of the show was the hospitality. The staff did an amazing job of making us feel welcomed and comfortable. They were attentive, considerate and fun to interact with. This was a fantastic experience for my wife and I and I could not recommend it enough.

Flavour profile was a bit flat. Not bad but not exceptional either

This is a late review from months ago earlier in the year but I feel I have to tell this story. I was coming back from Singapore where I treated myself to 2, 3-star restaurants (Odette and Les Amis). Unbeknown to me, it was truffle season and almost every dish was flooded, drowning in truffle shavings. After Singapore, on my way back to the States, I stopped over in London for a night. I figure oh what the hell, why not try to squeeze in a 3rd 3-star and since I was staying at the Connaught, I asked if a hotel guest can secure a table - yes they got me a table. So here I was all jet lagged sitting at this amazing restaurant and suddenly a truffle-laden dish arrives. Forgetting all my manners, when the waiter came to ask how was it, I told him about my truffle overload in Singapore, and how I was just there for a night's layover. He must have interpreted that as meaning I didn't like the truffle dish so the next thing I knew, he came back and said he was sorry I didn't like truffle and that to show their appreciation for stopping by just for them on my way home, he brought out A WHOLE ADDITIONAL DISH of duck and foi gras, COMPLIMENTS OF THE CHEF!!! I was so embarrassed at my poor manners at having complained about the truffles and yet also floored by this level of attention to service. So yeah, in addition to phenomenal food, you're going to get the most amazing service ever on this planet.

we were really looking forward to this one but unfortunately it missed the mark for us. The food itself was good but not at the 3* level that we were expecting. The main issue we had was with the service. We did have a late 9pm sitting but I would have expected the service would always be top notch. From when we were seated we waiting a long time for anyone to come over with a menu or ask us for drinks. Once the service started after each course we did wait a long time after finishing for them to clear, this got worse as the evening went on and at one point there was almost no staff in the dinning room. We also ordered wine and a bottle of water. When we finished our glass we had to wait a very long time for someone to come fill it up and with the water we had the same thing but luckily i saw where they kept our water so I would just get it and serve ourselves. Its not a huge deal but I had higher expectations of a 3*. When the staff were around they were very friendly and helpful. Best dish was the lobster for me.

Great dining experience for 6 friends for a birthday. All the dishes are executed with mastery and the recipes are very tasty (the Ttoro juice can still be divisive). On the other hand, the sommelier's insistence on selling us his food and wine pairing was borderline painful and inappropriate.

Average food ..... nothing special. The dated dining room is in severe need of refreshing....for example the red paint on the horrible looking table leg covers is chipped and scratched and there are lots of stains on the seating fabric. Not sure how they have 3 Michelin Stars !!!!!!

Average food ..... nothing special. The dated dining room is in severe need of refreshing....for example the red paint on the horrible looking table leg covers is chipped and scratched and there are lots of stains on the seating fabric. Not sure how they have 3 Michelin Stars !!!!!!

Hélène Darroze’s restaurant is nothing short of mind-blowing. I was expecting a lot from the chef, and I wasn’t disappointed! The food was an absolute masterpiece—every dish was a perfect balance of flavors, presented beautifully and prepared with great care. The service was impeccable, making the entire dining experience feel special and seamless. From start to finish, everything was flawless. Truly an unforgettable culinary journey!

Good service, nice food, relaxing environment

One of the most relaxed atmosphere 3-Michelin star restaurant. The food was excellent, well combination of some asian ingredient and dedicated french technique. The pigeon dish was to die for, it was cooked to perfection.

If you have time for just one Michelin star meal in London, go for Helene Darroze. It’s my favourite restaurant in London because the food is absolutely delicious and creative, the service impeccable and the ambience (think French songs, comfy lounge sofas and beautiful cutlery) so elegant and relaxing. Even though I was a solo diner, I felt very at home and welcome (unlike places like Core which don’t even bother to reply to your email). Dined here twice and left the restaurant feeling much happier and inspired than before I entered. Kudos to Assistant Manager Giuseppe Molinaro and the very attentive and charming staff from Apulia (forgot to get his name) for providing amazing service. Best dishes: pigeon, ox tongue (surprise dish), yellowfin tuna, tomato and apricot dessert.

Everything was perfect, from the incredible food to the amazing staff!

I wish I could give 0 stars for customer service. I booked this restaurant months in advance to share a special dinner with my mother on our last night in London - my mother fell ill with food poisoning the night before and we simply could not make it to dinner. I called to cancel and explain the circumstances, and was coldly informed that I would still be responsible for the 210.00 fee per person because of the short notice - I was amazed by the insensitivity of the manager on the phone, who’s only flexibility was to offer to have the reservation moved or give me the credit for a future visit. I don’t come to London often, and we were leaving the next morning, so neither option worked for us. After a long hold, I was told that they could cancel my reservation and waive the fee, however any future reservation I would make would require full prepayment. I’m still shocked at how callously I was treated and I can assure you I will not be reserving here any time in the future. I work in the industry myself, and was expecting a far better customer service experience for a 3 star Michelin restaurant.

The pinnacle of fine dining. Food is prepared with perfection with the best ingredients. The service team is world-class. Had the pleasure to eat in many 3 star michelin restaurants and can say that this experience is on the top of my list. Thank you!

A high-level gastronomic journey. Products sublimated with art. Taste of taste of taste. A high quality service. A professional team. Thank you for this very appreciated taste parenthesis for my birthday

Booked a lunch as a treat on the way back to LHR. Genuinely exceeded expectations. We generally find London to have a level of complacency at even the finest establishment. But the team here really hit the mark. From the moment we arrived everything was on point. The front of house team were excellent. The sommelier did a really good job of gauging the price range we were happy with. (Love good wine but not fans of overpaying). We’ve been to other similarly rated restaurants in London where the sommelier thinks it’s fine to suggest an alternative with an addition zero on the end! We use this as a measure of the service standard. We were offered the choice of all menus. Went for the lunch menu as a couple of dishes on the seven course tasting (particularly dessert - chocolate) didn’t appeal and dishes we wanted were not on the 5 course. Plus we checked and the tasting menus would have cut it close to the time we needed to leave for the airport! Really appreciate the honesty from the team. The 3 course lunch was still outstanding. Tuna starter was enlightened, both main courses we flawless and the apricot dessert perfect. On the list for a return visit. Timing was perfect.

We decided to pamper ourselves and booked lunch at Helene Darroze to celebrate my son's birthday. Every course was a delight and we loved the food presentation as well. In between course, there is lots of surprises here and there. The staff are all beyond exceptional and we can't wait to come back again.

What a wonderful experience! Every dish was prepared exquisitely and while they were all fantastic, I have to admit I was stunned by the Wagyu- which is crazy considering how many times I’ve had it. Wine pairings have always been my favorite past time and they did not disappoint here. Just a fantastic selection along the journey and best of all was the sommelier spent a seemingly unlimited amount of time with us talking through each wine, the history and more. She’s just a walking encyclopedia of wine that bests nearly every other sommelier I’ve ever met. For those who don’t partake in alcohol they had a very fun- and a first I’ve ever seen in our travels- non-alcoholic pairing for all the courses. Very awesome! So overall just an amazing experience and worthy of their 3 stars. I hope to return. Finally, come hungry- we were stuffed at the end and I barely touched my deserts.

Nach 2017 waren wir jetzt erneut bei Helene Darroze und wie beim ersten Mal waren wir auch jetzt wieder begeistert Der Service ist genau so, wie man es in einem Restaurant dieser Klasse erwartet: höflich, überaus sachkundig, sehr aufmerksam, und die Prise britischen Humors kommt auch noch dazu. Der Gast steht im Mittelpunkt, ohne Frage. Aber das Ganze wirkt nicht aufgesetzt, sondern ganz natürlich, so dass man sich sehr wohl fühlt. Die Speisen sind exquisit, wundervoll zubereitet, geschmacklich hervorragend aufeinander abgestimmt. Die Weinbegleitung mit europäischen Weinen war sehr gut ausgewählt und passte wunderbar zu den Gängen. Ob dies alles nun zwei oder drei Sterne wert ist, können wir nicht beurteilen. Wir haben uns auf jeden Fall sehr wohl gefühlt.

So I went here on the 1st August 2024 at 7pm for the taste of summer menu for my wife's birthday. However, after having this menu I got food related illness from the restaurant and ended up needing an ambulance to go to hospital. I then spoke to the restaurant and they did an investigation with a company. All that was involved in the investigation was asking staff if they got unwell and asking customers if they go unwell. It took 1 week. After this the restaurant did not offer a refund but they did offer 1 glass of champagne (i dont drink alcohol) and then on the phone they said that their restaurant was not for my pallet (their restaurantand myself have different taste). For this standard of hotel and restaurant I expected I better customer friendly response. So I highly recommend going somewhere else.

Excellent food and service but... The " Champagne cart" is brought to the table immediately on arrival - and very appealing it is too. It comes, though, before the wine list - and thus prices - is seen, and first time diners (we are not) may therefore not realise they might be selecting a drink which, with service, could be over £100 for each 125 ml glass. I ordered a half bottle of Bollinger instead - better value at £70 on the on-line list (albeit it was charged at £75 on my bill). The menus were brought. We were just offered the Taste of Summer menu for £225; I had to ask specially for the Weekday lunch menu at £125 to be brought. (I also noted that it was not offered as a choice to the couple at an adjacent table.) We were offered still or sparkling water, without the option of tap water. I asked for tap, and it was indeed provided willingly, promptly and in a beautiful jug. The additional cheese course is a fairly striking £34 (ie £38.25 with service) and was a choice from a pretty unremarkable board of just 8 or 9 cheeses - and served in very small portions indeed. In summary: excellent food, attentively served by highly professional and courteous staff. But .... not everybody who would like to eat there has an unlimited budget. Maybe that's why on the day we visited there were for the first hour just us and two other couples; joined just before 2 pm by three more people to make 9 covers in total. .

I took my girlfriend here for our 3 year anniversary as we always wanted to try fine dining. They surprised us with the chefs table, which put us right beside the pass so we could see all the food being plated in our own private dining room. It was amazing, all of the staff where unbelievably accommodating and freindly and the food was on another level. The yellowfin tuna was my favourite dish, probably that I’ve ever had. I’m so happy we decided to celebrate there, they really went above and beyond to make it a night to remember.

I am accustomed to very expensive dinners for two -- more than $500 or even $800 per couple. At that level you can expect and must receive a memorable experience. This was exactly the opposite. The ambiance and decor is bland, spartan and boring. At this price level there should be a crisp tablecloth on a nice sized table. Nope. No tablecloth on a very tiny table. At first I thought we were taken to a bar area to await our table. But sadly we were stuck in this very sad place. While Helene Darroze claims to have a dress code don't believe it. And while dining at this level would suggest refined people having hushed conversations that was not the case here. It was closer to a truck stop diner. A table of what looked like two burly lorrie drivers clad in cheap t-shirts and shorts together with their lady friend for the night was irritatingly loud and obnoxious, screaming at each other at a decibel level that would drown the noise of a 747 at takeoff speed. Loud cackling laughter surpassed that noise at times. I asked the staff if something could be said to them politely so the other diners in the room could enjoy their food and they said no. They offered to move us to another table -- but the room is so small we could barely get another meter or two away. It was of no help. The screaming and cackling continued on and on and on. The food? We had the very expensive tasting menu as I wanted to sample the chef's reported talents. I don't recall much. It was overcome by the horrible atmosphere that the staff was impotent to remedy. I think there was a lamb something that was decent but overall I've had far better food for much less at other restaurants in London, Paris, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Rome, Barcelona and, well, from a food truck in several places. The management and staff could learn much from the High Tea at The Landmark Hotel or brunch at The Goring. (both highly recommended). Those surpassed expectations and were superlative in every way. In retrospect we should have departed immediately after the staff refused to restore the dining room to a proper, upscale atmosphere. The final insult came with the tab: $900 US dollars. Needless to say we will never visit a Helene Darroze restaurant ever again. There are so many far better restaurants.

We purposely chose Hélène Darroze to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday last Thursday. Our entire dining experience at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught could not have been any more memorable if it was not for Celia and the executive chef Mr Marco Zampese’s teams’ extremely professional efforts, especially every single thoughtfully planned detail that demonstrated the teams’ pursuits of excellent service, outstanding creativity in crafting every dish that’s stunningly presented to us, and their utter fine dining commitment to customers! From the moment we were guided to our semi-private room to offer significant attention to our celebration to the wonderful initiative of a kitchen tour and to the moment we were gifted a bespoke menu with a Happy Birthday line in an iconic The Connaught hotel envelope, including our photo in it. Surprise, surprise, surprise! Action speaks louder when the teams genuinely proved to us that every customer is not only very well looked after, but also guaranteed a 5-star service from the beginning to the end of the experience! We were left with so many unforgettable memories that will last forever! Every dish was beyond high standard and a statement celebration of the creation! We were particularly indulged in the exquisite combination of caviar paired with chicken skin, triggering a unique and unexpected burst of flavors that tantalize your palate, as the savory chicken taste and the salty caviar create a delightful harmony. How creative is that!!! (Photos are without filter or PS)

Unfortunately me and my family never got too go, we made a reservation a month in advance and thought we were all set. When we arrived at our hotel we checked on our reservation and it said that it was declined. Turns out, depending on availability they can just turn down your reservation if they so please.

I have been to many 3 Michelin starred restaurants and this is the only one where I really enjoyed every single dish on the menu. At other restaurants, there would be something that I found just ok. This place also serves the best rum baba that I have ever had, it's really the best! I had the 7 course Taste of Summer menu, with caviar and wagyu. Will definitely be back.

We had high expectations for this 3 Michelin star restaurant, but unfortunately, our experience fell short. Starting from the interior that was lacking sophistication, and food been served directly on the wooden table without white cloth didn’t felt clean and elegant. The presentation of the dishes was ok but nowhere near 3*. The highest disappointment came from the food itself that didn't live up to the hype. Langoustine had strong garlic aftertaste, pea were tasting undercooked not in a tasty way, lobster was just a regular lobster without any distinct flavour, ox tongue was too fatty, cod literally has 0 taste, lamb was chewy etc. All the dishes were lacking balance and harmony in flavours. We went to many Michelin Star restaurants and this was not just a bad Michelin Star but generally bad food for a regular restaurant. I’m giving 2 stars just for the food presentation that is ok, but again not impressive to have 3*. Service was also a bit strange, waiters would gather for a mini meeting next to the table discussing notes from the tray, then 2 of them would serve it at the same time and 1 would pour the sauce to me and then go around the table to do it for my husband; while doing this they would be quite which made always awkward silence and then they would explain the dish. For the price and reputation, I expected more in terms of taste and atmosphere. Sadly, it was a disappointment. We are still wondering how this place has 3*, and wondering what is going on in a Michelin Stars world to have them keep these stars.

I'm a little conflicted. Please understand that this is a three Michelin star restaurant, so my expectations were very high - this review is to be read from that perspective. First, the food was lovely. It was not the best I've had but definitely deserving a star or two. Maybe not quite three stars, but delicious nonetheless. The wine pairings on the other hand were out of this world. They really elevated each dish to a new level. The sommelier is an absolute genius and I bow to their expertise! And the service. This was absolutely remarkable, the best I've ever seen and with quite a margin. Everyone there was absolutely wonderful. Relaxed yet super attentive, I loved every second of it. But. And here comes the reason I cannot possibly give the place 5 stars. Once we got the bill, they had added a discretionary service charge without asking a thing. And the sum was very high. Even worse, nowhere on the bill did it say this wasn't something you actually had to pay. I found this very tacky, after all, we are in Europe where the American tipping culture is not (and hopefully never will be) a thing. I would actually have been happy to leave a tip, but not this way. This was unfortunately a very unhappy ending to an otherwise magical evening. I sincerely hope they reconsider this system in the future.

We are big fans of Hélène Darroze, we’ve been coming for more than 10 years. Unfortunately our last meal and the matching wines were breathtakingly bad. While the staff are lovely, at the beginning of service they were harried and perfunctory. It is quite an investment to come and we have such fond memories of past meals - it was to say the least, beyond disappointing.

I would say this restaurant hits the Michelin qualifier for 3 stars with the one word to describe it - consistent. The food was great, the service impeccable. The only thing missing was the wow factor that one has come to expect after dining in 3 star Michelin restaurants in Asia. But overall a great dining experience.

First time experience at a 3 Michelin star restaurant and was very excited for the visit. Really wish I could give a 4.5 review rather than just a 4 but I feel given the reputation I couldn't quite give full marks. The value was seemingly pretty good in my opinion as I've been to non starred or 1 and 2 star restaurants that have charged just as much and this was a good experience. I also really enjoyed the visit to the kitchen to personalize the experience. I wasn't disappointed in any course and everything was good but I just wasn't wowed by anything. At a place like this I feel at least one course should wow me. The pea was the closest I got, glad I went and would tell others to go also but would definitely relay my thoughts.

What a great dining room and atmosphere! The seating is superb, the relaxed nature of the room great.....and the service is probably the best that I've ever had! The restaurant was unbelievable at accommodating a food allergy and altered dishes brilliantly. Standout dish for me being the lobster - a genuine wow and worth returning for on its own. 2nd was the artichokes (love it how they elevated a humble ingredient to 3* level - amazing!) Langostine were also great and loved the Asian light flavours. Desserts were good, but for me, not as good as the savoury (but that could be my issue as I prefer more solid/texture/crunch rather than smooth). The flavours were still amazing! 100% recommended and will return. For me, a step up from Bibendum and definitely 3 stars.

After a team building exercise, our group indulged in an extraordinary dining experience at this establishment. The 12-course tasting menu, complemented by a shared platter of steak and mash, was a culinary journey that justified its £195 per person price tag. The chef's innovative creations introduced me to new flavors I never knew I'd enjoy, inspiring me to try replicating some dishes at home. A standout was the inventive salted egg yolk preparation. To beat the heatwave, the refreshing chinotto cocktail was a perfect accompaniment. Overall, this gastronomic adventure expanded my palate and left me thoroughly satisfied.

Lunch for two people early May and had the three course lunch and no wine. We thought the food was great. It looked great and tasted great and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The butter in particular looked fantastic! The service was very attentive and all were nice people. The decor and atmosphere wasn't to our taste. It was a bit formal amd stuffy. We felt the decor of the room was bland. We felt sympathy for the staff and their uniforms, particularly the ladies whose dresses reminded me of Walt Disneys 1937 version of Snow White. Total was AUD$654 for 3 courses each, two bottles of water, two hot drinks and the service charge. Value was OK. Unfortunately, not the sort of venue that would attract us back.

Great experience! The dessert was excellent!Expected to have more surprise for other dishes as 3-star restaurant but overall was satisfying:)

First time at a 3 star michellin, only 1 star before this. The food and service were amazing, the balance between the different flavours in each plate were on point. We ended up extremely full and satisfied, which we weren’t expecting. The service was also very nice and friendly, nothing to be desired. The only constructive criticism is that I would’ve like for they to be more explicit about what was included in the menu and what was not (like coffee and cheese plate), maybe this comes from my own inexperience in high end dining, but it would’ve been nice. Anyway, we loved it, and will try to repeat whenever we can. Keep up the amazing work. (Btw, thanks to Eduardo for such nice attention and kindness)

My first experience with a 3 Star restaurant left nothing to be desired.

Tout est dit dans le titre. Personnel d’une gentilles incroyable sans chichi ! Ce qui participe à créer un souvenir inoubliable ! Merci Plats délicieux , des saveurs mémorables même si nous avons préféré le restaurant parisien (Marsan) c’est de la haute gastronomie. Très joli cadre.

3 MICHELLIN STAR 🌟 🌟 🌟 AMAZING EXPERIENCE 👏 🤩

We enjoyed our time last Friday at HD: exceptional foods, friendly staff and top-notch services. What makes the experience even better is that we got invited to see all those arts creations in action and even met with the chef! We felt so special and honored. What a memorable experience. The only suggestion I have is to consider providing a warm towel for the guests to wipe their hands before they start experiencing the meal.

This experience truly blew me away. First: The hotel itself is stunning and the staff is lovely, so I would recommend to have a few drinks at one of the bars before heading to the restaurant. I loved that the restaurant was so intimate and quiet. All of the staff were amazing. We felt that they were truly happy about having us there. We had the five course menu and got a few surprise dishes on top of that. The food was 20 out of 10, so perfection! And don’t worry about small portion, that won’t be a problem at all. This was perfection and I would love to come back.

Service was over the top (if you like that kind of thing). Food... nailed it. Additional desserts almost killed us. Chef's table was a nice bonus.

Helene Darroze was one of the restaurants I really wanted to try because I have been watching top chef for years and really wanted to try it out as the chef always points out “du goût, du goût et du goût” which kind of translates taste before everything else! I think I really had high expectations for this michelin restaurant… I thought I would be discovering new tastes and unexpected flavours combinations. Unfortunately, it was all good but nothing new and not punchy enough. It felt a bit too classic french cuisine and no innovations! For the starters, we had: 1. Lobster tandoori spices (paid supplement of £29) It was fresh and nicely cooked (to be expected for a michelin) but no taste of tandoori spices and no surprise here just a basic lobster really. 2. Ricotta Pea Snail were okay but again nothing wow 3. Crab from Cornwall This was really nice and refreshing new favors. (The only highlight of our lunch) Beautifully mastered crab with asparagus, sheep's curb, gyokuro tea & pink grapefruit! Main course: 1. Lamb from Wales It was medium rare with fried artichoke and wasabi! I could not taste much of the wasabi but meat was good with the sauce..I just feel like they should have given more sauce especially for a chef who says she’s generous in terms of taste. 2. Turbot from Cornwall with clams Cooked to perfection and very nicely seasoned Classic but well executed! Desserts were a let down 😫 Finishing the lunch on a bad taste and had to go other patisserie (buns from home) to get a nice dessert. 1. Baba au rhum (Paid a supplement of £22) Omg we could not finish it - it was way too strong with way too much rhum. (You can tell them to out less when you go but we did not know how much normally goes into a baba but now we know) 2. Strawberry and Sesame Not really much to it just some cut strawberries with a sorbet and a kind of sesame paster which does not really bring anything to the dessert. 3. Madagascar chocolate - my mom in law had it and did not enjoy it as was not gourmand enough 😩 too bitter unfortunately! I cannot fault the exceptional service and very well trained waiters and restaurant manager but for the experience to be worth a 3 michelin stars, the food needs to be up to par which it wasn’t and so I am quite disappointed. I have been to other michelin restaurants where tasting menus were much better in terms of discovery of flavours and also better value for money 🤗 I would suggest checking out Core by clare smyth, Galvin la Chapelle, Club Gascon, l’atelier de Joel Robuchon which were really memorable! In each of these restaurants there’s at least one memorable signature dish that I tried and unfortunately I cannot say the same for Helene Darroze!

We enjoyed a wonderful meal at Hélène Darroze. The attention to detail by the staff was impeccable and both the standard and surprise courses were highly enjoyable. The wagyu beef was a particular standout, but the scallops and the ox tongue were likewise excellent. Would definitely recommend opting for the longer tasting menu. We also quite appreciated being invited on a little adventure to explore the kitchens and meet the chef. Finally, a big thank you to Celia who made our visit extra special!

Flawless, excellent food, excellent service!

Impeccable service and fantastic food. Worthy of the three stars as a restaurant never was. Lunch is 12-14 and dinner from 18. As it takes 4+ hours to finish the full 7 course plus cheeses, I wouldn't recommend coming in any later than 1pm if you're at the lunch seating.

Hélène Darroze offers an incredible dining experience. This was our second time dining here, and the food was outstanding, and the service was top-notch. If you're looking for a memorable meal, Helena Darroze is a fantastic choice.

Simply as superb as you would expect from a 3 Michelin star.

Superb time here, thanks for all🫶🏻 Very much worthy for the Michelin 3-star, everything - dishes, hospitality, decor, vibe etc went just outstanding. Tbh in the menu there are a few ingredients that I didn't like in usual, however, I can’t criticise any taste I got from the meal, as they all blended in so well. The only thing I couldn't quite understand was the Strawberry&Sesame I guess, but it was a mine issue as I’m always not a fan of Sesame. Ngl planning on re-visit here in July alr🩶

Incredible food, even better service. Highly recommend.

There were very good dishes, however, expected much more from a 3 Michelin restaurant. However, the overall experience was absolutely amazing!

Subtle and delicate plate, harmony of flavors and attentive service, a wonderful time in London

Very delicious food, the staff are very kind.

Disappointed, I looked for the 3 stars and only saw one star +. The reception was not very welcoming. Nice place but noisy. The coordinated 3-star service is not available in drafts. The dishes good. I won't go back there.

Not big of a deal. Food was ok and not much of a big thing. Some plates needed more seasoning. The desserts were very regular. Can’t understand the 3 stars: must have some kind of friendship with the Michelin staff. Wouldn’t go back.

The most amazing Michelin star dining experience I have ever had. Quality of the highest order, everything was impeccable and truly divine. An unforgettable experience.

Great food, very attentive service - you’re well taken care of by the team. That being said, this is not the best Michelin starred restaurant I’ve been to because although starters were very fine and innovative and full of flavours, the main course (the duck) did not blow my mind.

One of the most incredible meals we have enjoyed to date. We dined here while on our honeymoon, and it was the perfect place to celebrate. Service was incredible, the staff were personable, the food was refined and elegant, and the atmosphere was upscale yet not stuffy. I would highly recommend this to anyone searching for the pinnacle of fine dining experiences. While it is very expensive, I would definitely say it is worth the money. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

We had a combined Birthday and Anniversary meal at Hélène Darroze, and we couldn’t have asked for better food, service, and ambiance. The food was, of course, delicious - to be expected considering the triple Michelin rating. But what really made the night for us was the exemplary service. From even before the reservation, the general managers were happy to oblige my requests to make the night as special as possible for our celebrations. On the night itself, all staff were knowledgeable and attentive, I could find no fault. We were given a private tour of the kitchens and so can easily say the kitchen staff and front of house staff are be try deserving of all recognition. They made the night as special as they could for us, and I couldn’t have asked for more. I’d highly recommend dining here, especially for a special occasion.

A really unique and precious experience. Fabulous.

Very expensive, but for good reason. The best experience in London.

It's very difficult to fault this restaurant. The food was immaculate and the service was exemplary. With a 3 star Michelin guide distinction, it has achieved a level that's worth visiting. At an average price of around £220 per person, you are getting some of the best cookery and service London has to offer. Take it as a culinary experience rather than a food stop.

No words to explain the quality of cooking craftsmanship, the presentation, the ambiance and service. Ultra pleasant and informal regardless of the three Michelin stars.

The restaurant allowed a large table near us to behave as though a Michelin 3 star place was a rowdy pub. They were loud and rude, and no one curbed them. It ruined our experience. When I indicated I was unhappy with the volume, one of the guests taunted me from across the room. You have a choice: uphold 3 star dining culture or run a bar. I have dined with you many times, starting in 1990, but will not be back for the current version unless you uphold a culture of fine dining. More annoyances that I did not expect from a 3-star experience: on ordering drinks, we were told that our cocktails "would take a long time" because the bar next door, that evidently prepared them, was busy. And they did indeed take a long time. How this is the service standard in a 3 star restaurant is beyond me. Later, we were shown the cheese trolley and asked if we would like to partake. We would, we said. The trolley was then left by our table for 15 minutes while nothing happened. Where was our waiter? When could we taste the tasty cheese waiting beside us? The answer: when the salads were ready. Only once these arrived did the cheese ceremony begin. "Sorry, we were waiting for the salads" commiserated the waitress. Why were we waiting that long for salads with the cheese parked right next to us but inaccessible? I have no idea. This is not hospitality. By far the most unconcerned and disorganized 3 star experience I have had.

An excellent birthday. The courses were never ending and delightful!

My favourite French restaurant in London. The food is perfect: flavour, balance, presentation. The staff is very attentive and the ambience is beautiful

We thought we’d make valentines special this year and so booked to stay at The Connaught (not our first time) and dine at Hélène Darroze. We left with a bitter taste in our mouths and that wasn’t the endive. After being seated we were served a complimentary (“included in the price”) glass of champagne and then an earthenwear cup of what I can only describe as mushroom stock which was fine but a slightly bizarre start to the meal. Next came three small amuse-bouche which were ok, nothing outstanding, perhaps just one, the chicken pate, had any standout flavour. Then we were onto the six courses proper: Crab - served in an upturned shell this was perhaps one of the more interesting dishes which delivered exactly what it said, assisted notably by a generous dollop of caviar. 7/10 At this point we were served a large sourdough loaf along with “driftwood knives” for the butter. Lovely. Foie Gras - now I’ll admit to not being the biggest foie gras fan and this dish did nothing to change my mind, there was far too much of it and it was undercooked leaving it mushy which made the dish heavy and unpleasant, there wasn’t enough of the beetroot to cut through it. 2/10 Celeriac - this just bland a tasteless, despite being layered with that Michelin favourite, truffle, again the portion felt too big. 2/10 At this point we also noted that we were being given almost no pause between each course, something we would expect in any sophisticated restaurant. We asked for more time before dishes but were told that could only happen after the next course. Lobster - probably the stand-out dish of the meal but the portion was simply too small, good but not enough to rescue the meal. 7/10 Pigeon Wellington - I wasn’t sure what to expect but this ended up being just too dense and heavy at this point in the meal, and more foie gras?? Again, bland meat and inedible bitter endive which we both left on the plate. 4/10 Meyer Lemon - a sharp lemon desert which was pleasant enough and helped to cut through the fatty taste left from the wellington. 7/10 Chocolate - again standard fair, tasted good but nothing wow. 5/10 I really have no idea how this restaurant deserves three Michelin stars, the food was unexciting and bland, pretty on the plate but lacking flavour and finesse. It sadly followed the “lets put either truffle, foie gras or caviar on a plain dish, that’ll fix it” model. Service was good but the description of each dish when served was rushed and mostly inaudible. Taking into account the meal was £400 per person before drinks I can’t say anything positive about it, my advice would be to look for more upcoming and creative eating options in London and avoid Hélène Darroze.

We thought we’d make valentines special this year and so booked to stay at The Connaught (not our first time) and dine at Hélène Darroze. We left with a bitter taste in our mouths and that wasn’t the endive. After being seated we were served a complimentary (“included in the price”) glass of champagne and then an earthenwear cup of what I can only describe as mushroom stock which was fine but a slightly bizarre start to the meal. Next came three small amuse-bouche which were ok, nothing outstanding, perhaps just one, the chicken pate, had any standout flavour. Then we were onto the six courses proper: Crab - served in an upturned shell this was perhaps one of the more interesting dishes which delivered exactly what it said, assisted notably by a generous dollop of caviar. 7/10 At this point we were served a large sourdough loaf along with “driftwood knives” for the butter. Lovely. Foie Gras - now I’ll admit to not being the biggest foie gras fan and this dish did nothing to change my mind, there was far too much of it and it was undercooked leaving it mushy which made the dish heavy and unpleasant, there wasn’t enough of the beetroot to cut through it. 2/10 Celeriac - this just bland a tasteless, despite being layered with that Michelin favourite, truffle, again the portion felt too big. 2/10 At this point we also noted that we were being given almost no pause between each course, something we would expect in any sophisticated restaurant. We asked for more time before dishes but were told that could only happen after the next course. Lobster - probably the stand-out dish of the meal but the portion was simply too small, good but not enough to rescue the meal. 7/10 Pigeon Wellington - I wasn’t sure what to expect but this ended up being just too dense and heavy at this point in the meal, and more foie gras?? Again, bland meat and inedible bitter endive which we both left on the plate. 4/10 Meyer Lemon - a sharp lemon desert which was pleasant enough and helped to cut through the fatty taste left from the wellington. 7/10 Chocolate - again standard fair, tasted good but nothing wow. 5/10 I really have no idea how this restaurant deserves three Michelin stars, the food was unexciting and bland, pretty on the plate but lacking flavour and finesse. It sadly followed the “lets put either truffle, foie gras or caviar on a plain dish, that’ll fix it” model. Service was good but the description of each dish when served was rushed and mostly inaudible. Taking into account the meal was £400 per person before drinks I can’t say anything positive about it, my advice would be to look for more upcoming and creative eating options in London and avoid Hélène Darroze.

I like to treat myself for my birthday. I wanted to experience Helene Darroze cuisine since a long time so I decided to go on my own and relax before my busy birthday party held at my place later on! I never made a better choice! The place is calm, peaceful, the atmosphere very classy and relaxing, and the service, the service is another level, attentive without being obtrusive, the people looking after you have an elegance and a competence that really make you feel pampered, cuddled and I do not believe that the 5 stars given are enough, as really everybody was incredible. From the way they talk about the dishes served, to the wine, to the interaction with everybody there, you know you are in safe hands. I can genuinely say that the food matches the service and the dishes I had were phenomenal, faultless and perfectly balanced . The ingredients were so carefully selected, from the Gummo wagyu beef to the Cristal caviar to the foie gras to the revisited onion soup everything was beyond memorable. It was unforgettable . I also must add that I am Italian and the waiting staff was almost totally Italian and I feel a lot of pride and joy when I see such an excellent service performed by people that have my same nationality ! Thank you guys you were all fantastic, all of you, even the non Italian ones that were as formidable as everyone else . The visit to the kitchen and the talk with the head chef ( another Italian that has obtained and kept 3 Michelin stars for a long time ) was educational and a nice touch . The whole experience was faultless I can seriously say that it was unforgettable. Detailed pictures of the food and the paired wine are attached !

Making an entry to front door can be a problem with SUV and Limos parked higgledy piggledy. But once inside everything is calm and well ordered. We found the lunch menu and absolute bargain. If I had tried to source all the delights it would have cost me a fortune. The service and food was on song appearing seamlessly when needed. I questioned the portion size of the Deer from Rhug estates,it was enormous and delicious. The wine was Helenes choice delicious and not outrageously priced.

Visited in October 2023 I loved my meal here. The water pitcher was definitely the most interesting and funniest one I've seen. The Negroni was probably the best Negroni I have tasted, which didn't surprise me as the Connaught Bar is known for being one of the best for cocktails in the UK. Many chefs interviewed by Top Jaw will also agree. But I must admit that £32 for a Negroni was very steep in my opinion. The bread was served warm and the butters, especially the spicy one went very well it. I enjoyed the raw tuna dish. Helene Darroze's signature tandoori dish with lobster was nice. The surprise dish of sweetbread was one of my favourites. The Welsh lamb was tender and juicy. I loved the chocolate dessert as it was on the slightly bitter side and prevented the dish from becoming overly sweet.

Visited in October 2023 I loved my meal here. The water pitcher was definitely the most interesting and funniest one I've seen. The Negroni was probably the best Negroni I have tasted, which didn't surprise me as the Connaught Bar is known for being one of the best for cocktails in the UK. Many chefs interviewed by Top Jaw will also agree. But I must admit that £32 for a Negroni was very steep in my opinion. The bread was served warm and the butters, especially the spicy one went very well it. I enjoyed the raw tuna dish. Helene Darroze's signature tandoori dish with lobster was nice. The surprise dish of sweetbread was one of my favourites. The Welsh lamb was tender and juicy. I loved the chocolate dessert as it was on the slightly bitter side and prevented the dish from becoming overly sweet.

Onion dish and lobsters were my favourite from the tasting menu. All around amazing food and the Canelé at end was amazing too. High quality ingredients, knowledgeable staff and was made to feel comfortable and welcome

Great service and amazing food. Got a chance to see the kitchen as well. The restaurant decor is a bit dated in my opinion though.

The best meal. Eaten at a lot of top places, this has memorable dishes for years after

It is relatively easy to book a table for business purpose. Excellent dishes (not unnecessarily complicated) and amazing (expensive, though) wine list. Service is always first class. Overall, one of the best in London, if you want French.

An establishment close to me and my husband’s hearts as we celebrated our first anniversary, major birthday with H.D London. We did the home kit during covid which was great and we physically returned to H.D @ the Connaught in December 2023. The renovation was quite refreshing and the food is still as amazing as we remember it to be. Service is still great and the Connaught as a hotel is really a proud London landmark.

***-Michelin restaurant that is worth the experience

I dined at the Hélène Darroze at The Connaught on 12/25 with the Christmas Day dinner menu. It is mind boggling that this establishment would be considered a Michelin three-star restaurant. For one, the ambiance was not the best, but I don’t realistically expect a life-changing dining experience at a hotel restaurant. Exceptional service, however, is something that I do expect; and yet it is painfully substandard. The staff spent a non-insignificant time talking and joking with each other instead of walking around and servicing guest tables. I was also greeted multiple times by waiters saying “welcome back” even though this was our first time. While I can make an educated guess as to the reasoning behind this act, the bottom line is that sloppy service sticks out like a sore thumb. To top it off, as one of the German waiters came to my table and asked if I was finished, he responded with multiple “good job” remarks as I replied with a “yes”. Clearly, any remarks that may come off as remotely patronizing are vehemently unnecessary. What is most unfortunate, however, is that the lackluster service overshadows the excellent service provided by some members of the staff. Equally unfortunate is that the service I’ve received at lesser restaurants around the world readily blows the doors off the experience I had.

6 years ago my husband and I first visited Helene Darroze at the Connaught together for my birthday celebration. We both recall how we were pleasantly blown away by the quality of seafood (which is extremely hard to find in London) and the exceptional warm service of the Connaught staff. We had booked to return in 2020 but covid happened and we were lucky enough to be able to have Helene at home delivered as restaurants were doing home packages. The scallop at home wasn’t the same but still exceptional even after being heated up in our home oven. 2023, we returned in person to the Connaught for my birthday lunch. There was a major restaurant renovation. The white old school fine dining atmosphere has been replaced with fresh calming pastel neutrals. Contemporary yet warm. The ceiling stucco has been painted a sweet pink and there are lovely ceramic sculpture of vegetables displayed. I presume a homage to the Signature of Helene’s cooking. Nice to see the Damien Hirsts remain and stand proud among the new facelift. Food quality brought us back to our first time all those years ago. Staff, still friendly yet professional. They even gave us a surprise tour of the kitchen. So happy this establishment is in our city and will hopefully remain a favourite for us for the many more years to come!

I got married yesterday and couldn't find a place to dine due to a sudden change of plans. However, we were lucky to grab a table at Helene Darroze at the last minute. Not only were we able to dine in, but they also provided us with a private room to celebrate our wedding dinner. Everyone welcomed us and looked after us with exceptional service and hospitality. They even gave us extra souvenirs and a photo experience to remember. The food was impeccable; both my wife and I were thrilled with the quality, especially the scallops and risotto. I highly recommend trying their signature dessert as well. We had such a wonderful time; this place offers not just food but an unforgettable experience and memories. I truly appreciate the warm hospitality and the celebration from all the staff. I highly recommend this place for any special celebration; it will be everything you want for your special day

outstanding food , excellent service and attention to detail

Interesting experience- went in with high expectations since it’s a 3 Michelin star restaurant; while the ambiance is top notch, the food fell flat for me. Perhaps it was because the menu had a lot of the flavors I’m not a big fan of, but even my dining partner who liked those flavors shared my opinion. The food was cooked well, but I found the balance of flavors were off on the savory dishes. The desserts were perfect though, with the difference in execution between savory and sweet noticeable. The room is stunning and the “hardware” (cutlery, plates, napkins…) are very luxurious- so the experience is sufficiently fancy and exciting, however at points I felt like the objects outshined the food. Service was a mixed bag- we had a lovely Italian waitress who gave us that personal touch, but then ended the night with a borderline rude attitude from another of the waitresses. My coat had gotten misplaced and after finding it I was asked what my thoughts were- I said it was good, but felt the pacing was too slow for my preference- then got lectured “oh you must have not eaten at a Michelin tasting menu before otherwise you’d know they take a while”…. Firstly if you ask my opinion, don’t act condescending because you don’t like my answer; and secondly, sometimes it’s nice to pay attention to your guests and if their back is sore from sitting in an uncomfortable chair for almost 4 hours waiting almost 45 minutes between courses…. £300+ per head (no wine!) and you’d think they’d run a little tighter ship. Time and money is better spent at La Gravoche, 5 Fields, Lyle’s, or The Frog in my opinion.

Beautiful restaurant.. too expensive considering the a mount compared to other Michelin starred restaurants.. but really tasty food

The food was quite amazing. Well presented, fresh ingredients, interesting and unique combinations. Delicious extras and fresh bread. Nice touch of a small cake to take home. The only thing that let the experience down was the staff, mostly just the male staff the ladies were warm, friendly and genuinely happy to engage. The male waiters on the other hand were a rather hostile bunch with a tinge of arrogance thrown in. The feeling was that they couldn’t get rid of us quick enough especially when we didnt order wine or alcohol and instead we stuck with the overpriced water. Having dined in many similar establishments, the ambience let the experience down in the Connaught. Sketch Library was far superior.

We visited as a couple for my birthday and unfortunately had a very mixed experience. Having been to a few other three Michelin star restaurants in London and Bray, you expect it to be pretty flawless. So for this review I’m comparing stars with stars. Firstly the staff and management were all very professional and clearly passionate. The venue is, nice. Slightly odd colour palette and didn’t really get a theme or style. Our table also had one of us facing a wall, which isn’t great. We went for the full seven course Tastes of Autumn menu with the Classics wine pairing. The dishes were on the whole beautifully constructed and generally all very good. Although for the first time ever in my life, I couldn’t eat the surprise extra course of sweet breads with dried tuna heart shaved on top. Absolutely revolting to me, literally involving a little sinewy brain on the plate. I don’t get why this was even being trialled out? Total repulsion for me and frankly beyond bizarre. However the biggest disappointment was the wine pairing. I am WSET qualified and have career in wine, so I can judge a wine on its merits and how it pairs. A Pouilly Fuisse that was bordering on unbalanced, with a flat, boozy finish. A 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin.. still so tannic and shy. Not anywhere close to being ready to drink. At this point the manager stepped in and was very kind to offer us alternatives which were far better. Our niggle was also when we said we didn’t enjoy the wines, we got a long sales pitch about why the wine is so perfect.. just swap it out. For £195 for 6 x max 100ml glasses of wine, a lot more consideration needs to be paid. The desserts and dessert wines were the only ones on point. As I say, the team were all very professional and adapted very quickly but ultimately it shouldn’t have been necessary. So unfortunately we wont return and would not recommend.

Beautiful room in a classic hotel. Has the kind of service you expect from 3 Michelin stars. We had the shorter version of the Autumn set menu with a couple of the alternatives. Everything was impeccable. Gordon Ramsey and Waterside Inn are the two best meals I've had, but this is on a par with that level of cooking.

It's just amazing. A very big thank you to my darling wife for a fantastic experience.

The place that keeps me coming back to London every year: Indulging in the culinary delights of this Helene Durroze in London was an exquisite experience. Every detail, from the ambiance to the impeccable service, radiated perfection. The pièce de résistance was the white truffle tasting course, a sublime touch that elevated the entire dining journey to unparalleled heights. A gastronomic masterpiece worth savoring.

Best 3-michelin in London in our opinion. Surprised us every time we visited with the team's creativity and hospitality.

Came for my birthday last year with friends and the food was particularly awful. The ambience was nice, overall it was exceptionally expensive and the food was terrible! The only thing I can praise is that the photos are quite exquisite. I'll be honest, London Michelin can't really be compared to Paris.

The food was incredible, loved every mouthful. Staff lovely, especially Alice who waited out table. Thank you Alice for making our afternoon so enjoyable, Hélène is very lucky to have you!

Wonderful food served in luxury and with great attention to detail. This is a very high class restaurant in the Connaught hotel. It has its own kitchens and staff so doesn't feel like it is inside a large hotel. The menu is fixed at 5 or 7 course with extras for certain dishes and changes available to suit allergies or needs. There are plenty of staff, all of whom were efficient and friendly, willing and able to answer any questions about the food or the wine. They were able to give recommendations and explain the various dishes. They were also friendly enough to talk about other things. We had an interesting conversation with one about her home town, Pisa. We were invited to look at the kitchens. Always a treat to see how the staff in a high quality kitchen work. They are always so calm and organised, unlike the TV portrayals. We left feeling very full even though the meal had been spread across three and a half hours. Certainly worth the visit but not something I could do every night.

We had to wait a whole hour before getting the first course ! Completely unacceptable. And the food was not really good except the pear at the end that was oK. Even the chocolate truffle with the coffe was not great. Too much complication of tastes in dishes that make them difficult to appreciate.

Had a great experience celebrating our ninth anniversary. The service is like no other, the food is superb and we got lucky enough to get to see the kitchen in action. Definitely deserving of the 3 stars!

Service was over the top, and the relaxing atmosphere helped to enjoy the experience even more. Tasting menu was amazing, except for the desserts… we tried one each and they were not at the same level as the savourily dishes.