The Water House Project in Tower Hamlets

We have been coming to the Water House Project for fairly much each passing season for a while now and it never fails to excite. It is one of those places that highly prizes creativity and effort but would never sacrifice the comforting and tasty side of their dishes. The wine flight always offers some interesting, less travelled find but it’s the non-alcoholic pairing where their creativity and hospitality finds another great outlet. A lot of other even fairly high end places just put variations of Elderflower something on their menu, which couldn’t be further from the experience at the WHP. Try it.

We have visited the Waterhouse Project several times now and it simply gets better and better. This is not just a meal, but an evening experience of witnessing superb food, wine and service all presented with professional skill and personal commitment by Gabriel and his team. We lost count of the number of times that we smiled in appreciation as the team prepped and served in the open kitchen with focus and efficiency. We lost count of the number of times we fell silent as one of the tasting menu dishes delivered a different set of tastes with each mouthful. I realise as I write this that my review sounds like a total exaggeration. But trust me. If what you're looking for is a heaped plate, a noisy bustling atmosphere and an evening of instantly forgettable dining, don't bother. But if you appreciate excellence, care and an experience that leaves you sighing with satisfaction, come to the Waterhouse Project.

Absolutely stunning meal. Each dish is based on a core flavour with just a few additional elements to lift. For me a lot of their dishes come across as hearty and wholesome yet are equally stunning. Lots of reductions, intense herb oils and rich bases with a rather generous serving of whichever root, meat or fish is the focus. The wine pairing is biodynamic, not my usual cup of tea but so very well paired. The non alcoholic pairing which is all made in house completely blew me away, truly above and beyond. Third time we’ve visited. Third time it’s hit the spot perfectly. Highly recommended.

My recent interaction with The Water House Project has left me deeply frustrated and compelled to share my experience. Initially, upon testing positive for COVID-19, I contacted the restaurant to discuss their cancellation policy, never explicitly cancelling my reservation. I provided over 36 hours' notice, expecting some degree of understanding or flexibility given the public health context. To my dismay, the response was a rigid enforcement of a £100 per person cancellation fee, despite the extenuating circumstances. What’s more, after a series of exchanges where I expressed my discontent and the potential public health risk of attending, the chef responded by waiving the fee, but only alongside a message that was dismissive and accusatory in tone. This was quickly followed by a complete U-turn, where the restaurant proceeded to charge me £200, despite their earlier assurance. This entire episode highlights not just an inflexible and, in my view, unethical cancellation policy, but also a significant lack of customer empathy and service. The way this situation was handled is not only disappointing but also alarming, particularly in contrast to the standards of customer care I have experienced at other establishments. I am left with no choice but to advise others to be wary of The Water House Project’s policies and their approach to customer relations. A truly regrettable experience that underscores the importance of ethical practices in hospitality.

Yes it’s been done before but I’m surprised it’s not done more often. Tasting menu with everyone arriving at the same time and courses introduced and served together. Sociable evening, even if you can now book individual tables rather than communal dining. Food was impeccable. Mushroom and lemongrass ‘broth’ to open with and stayed consistently superb. Summer menu (each one runs for three months) was big on seafood and light on red meat which was fine with us. If you’re a red meat fan, wait for autumn. Featured razor clams, smoked eel, pollack, lobster custard (me neither) and a superb chicken with morels. No wastage; an advantage of a set menu with much coming from Broadway market round the corner. Accompanying wine flight was good, although the details tended to be a bit recited by the staff rather than fully sommelier’d. Decor was lovely if you like industrial Bethnal Green ceiling but huge windows and beautiful floral displays. The team are on top of their game here.

One of my best restaurant experience. Everything was right, from the venue, to the service, to all the plates we could get, and food pairing. It's absolutely worthing the price in the crowded landscape of trendy East london restaurants. Save 2 average dinners and go there ! Fabulous experience.

This restaurant left us astonished - we honestly consider some of their dishes on par with many of the two and even three star experiences we’ve had over the years. Obviously the M guide is not the sole or best arbiter of quality and we can see ourselves returning whether they win any more accolades or not. So, yes it’s a tasting menu restaurant. Yes, you’ll spend many hours here per sitting. But I’d be surprised if you didn’t think “it’s over already?” once they roll out the digestifs.

We came to The Water House Project to celebrate our daughter’s birthday. We were advised that there was one sitting for dinner which was 7pm and drinks were part of the tasting menu. This all seemed rather odd to me but I was willing to try something new. On arrival we were greeted warmly and this set the tone for the evening. And what an evening it was. Course after course of deliciousness was brought to our table. The waiting staff took time to explain the courses which were all made with seasonal ingredients. I think my favourite was the crab but it’s difficult picking a winner! The meals also had a wine pairing and again the staff explained the provenance for each serving. As I was the designated driver I went for the non-alcoholic pairing and what a revelation that was. I can say it is the first time I have ever been happy to forgo the accompanying wine. The drinks were amazing and the rest of the family queued up to trade a sip of my drink for a sip of their wine. We will definitely be returning for another season so we can sample another amazing menu. 100% recommended.

Let me start by saying WOW! We were lucky enough to attend The Water House Project for a birthday surprise. I can not put into words what an amazing and wonderful experience we had. From the moment you are greeted at the door your experience starts. You are made to feel at home and welcome. The staff/Team are the most politest and friendly people I have ever come across and nothing is too much for them. The food is unbelievable and nothing like I have ever experienced. It is hands down one of the best fine/social dining I have ever had! I would recommend the long menu. I didn't read up to much about The Water house Project before we went and I wish I had as their story behind the restaurant is also very interesting and for us made it all that more special. It is truly something very special and I can't wait to return!

WOW- What a fabulous experience. The food was amazing, the staff outstanding, and the brilliant chef Gabriel and his lovely wife were so gracious. This was a spectacular find and I'm so glad we were able to get in during our time in London. The resturant is an open concept with one dining time. Many courses with wine pairing for each course. There is so much attention to detail on every course that you won't be dissapointed. We were running late and worried they would not take us. Not the case. They welcomed us and quickly got us caught up to the 3rd course. The dinner starts with a choice of two drinks. We selected the vodka martini. It was the best martini I have ever had. I'm not sure what the green floating drops were, but I need that recipe. At the end of the meal, the staff put out a selection of wines and after dinner liquors. We opted to have the martini again! If you are looking for a special place with beautiful food, service and ambiance, then you must get to the Water House Project soon!

We enjoyed the brilliant communal kitchen concept and unique dishes until the middle of the nine-course menu. The last four dishes were becoming a challenge with an overload of fish and meat, missing an offering of a seasonal veggie dish, and equally, deserts failed to impress. It takes nearly four hours to experience this journey so one gentle piece of advice would be to make things more relaxed and less formal. It is about communal eating after all.

We had an amazing meal here. The food was exceptional, as was the wine. The staff were so lovely and attentive throughout, especially with my husband’s gluten intolerance. The venue is beautiful too. Just perfect!

There's a nine course tasting menu (which can be adapted for dietary requiremnets) all of which are finished and plated in the open kitchen/diner. Each dish was exquisite and the wine accompaniment worked well. The ambience is casual chic and service is prompt and courteous. Overall it's top notch cuisine in a relaxed but refined environment. Surprised it hasn't got a michelin star (yet).

Wow!!! Absolutely blown away. The food and experience is so incredibly unique. Every single course blew my mind and the staff are all SO lovely. Honestly the most special dining experience in London. I’ve been twice now and can’t wait to go again. Thank you

Michelin, you need to visit this restaurant and you need to visit it now. We went last night for our first and the opening night, it was incredible. Someone give them their first star already! Masterful dishes but with a homely, authentic feel. Skill without the pomp. Thank you so much guys, keep it up! I only got two pics as I was enjoying the experience so much...

Our first time at the Water House Project. The food was out of this world. Unfortunately I didn’t find the wine pairing that good. The Farone and the Rioja were not up to standard. The port, although good, didn’t pair with the dessert that well. Overall, however, it was just brilliant.

Astonishing flavours, combinations and creativity. Totally impressed. Their new venue is informal and cosy with lovely hospitality. The wine pairing was a treat. Loved the sourdough, the trout & granita, the risotto, the Talisker ice cream, the meringue (OMG!), all of it... but the Stilton with pear sorbet paired with the Gonzalez Byass Sherry was an utter triumph. Well done!

Super impressed with this concept which was executed brilliantly. Gabriel & his team definitely understand good flavours & wine and are excellent at hosting too in a welcoming relaxed manner. 9 tasting courses with paired wines. Each one a little gastronomic adventure. Who would have...

At the end of a greasy lane near the canal in Bethnal Green you step through a small door into a little delight! It’s a tile warehouse during the day but at night this pop-up really makes the most of its surroundings! The welcome (white...

Had a lovely evening at Gabriel’s restaurant last night, unfortunately the portions sizes were so much smaller than when we went in 2016 that we all came home hungry! The lovely bread on the table to help yourself too with a few of the starter...

The food was incredible - one of the best experiences in London. Highly recommend it and can't wait to return.

Great location, fine dining menu tasting, amazing wines, friendly and professional service....at only 75£. Highly recommended, can't wait to be back.