Le Gavroche Restaurant

It's all very discreet from the street, blending in with its Mayfair neighbours. Brothers Michel and Albert Roux first opened Le Gavroche in 1967 and it was a hit with celebrities and politicians from the off; indeed Charlie Chaplin and Robert Redford attended the opening party at the original site in Lower Sloane Street. The ambition to serve authentic classical French dishes has stood the test of time, and indeed proved a major influence on the UK's dining scene. Today, the small street level bar decorated in rich reds and burgundies is a sumptuous choice for a pre-prandial drink before descending the staircase to the grandiose basement dining room. Deep reds and greens are the backdrop to spectacular table settings with superb quality linen, cutlery with Le Gavroche's little boy shaped handles and silver artefacts. There's always quite a buzz in the dining room, generated by regulars happy to be home and newcomers dining out on a special occasion. When Albert's son Michel Roux Jnr took over the kitchen in 1991 he kept much of the well-loved classical French style but brought a lighter touch to bear - a quiet revolution, if you like. So to begin you can choose between the legendary soufflé Suissesse or octopus and scallops (and what superb seafood it is) with a tomato and basque chilli dressing. Flavours are beautifully balanced and ingredients are spectacularly good. Next up, biodynamic lamb turns up in a pie with parsley sauce, a picture on the plate, or there might be roasted lobster with garlic butter, béarnaise sauce, thick-cut chips cooked in goose fat and spinach. Don't miss the signature omelette Rothschild - an apricot and Cointreau soufflé to finish. An extensive wine list features some fabulous vintages priced accordingly. The set lunch, however, including half a bottle of wine per person is a recession busting steal. Service is, as viewers of Michel Roux's recent television series will be unsurprised to hear, flawless.