Tom Aikens

This eponymous, much-heralded Chelsea temple to the serious foodie - surprisingly tucked away in a quiet residential street - just gets better, and has deservedly put Tom Aikens up there among the pinnacle of top London kitchens. It's an understated, discreet setting for a premier leaguer, a one-time pub transformed by Anouska Hempel's design into a dining room dedicated to the theatre of fine dining. Dark wooden floors and window shutters, black leather chairs and white walls dotted with modern artwork set the interior's minimalist, self-confident lines. Bamboo screens, table lamps set high into window frames and sumptuous flower displays further distinguish the room, alongside the crockery, cutlery and slate serving plates and well-directed, professional and knowledgeable service. The presentation of Aikens' fixed-priced menu repertoire (lunch, dinner and tasting option) follows the theme of the clean-lined surroundings, with dishes eye-catchingly laid out under their main ingredient; take 'Oyster', which translates as poached oysters with lemongrass, avocado purée and Gewürztraminer jelly. But it's the successful marriage of classical roots, modern interpretation, first-class ingredients and flamboyant presentation that makes Aikens' food sexy and stand out from the crowd. Attention to detail dominates every aspect with its sheer quality, with ancillaries like breads, amuse-bouche, pre-dessert and breathtaking petits fours (of afternoon-tea proportions) hitting top form. Technical skill and intricate design and presentation pepper inventive, generous-portioned, vibrant dishes, their innovative combinations showering the senses with visual and flavour sensations. Expect roasted fillet of sea bass with brioche crumb, celeriac snail ravioli and parsley gnocchi, or perhaps steamed pigeon teamed with chestnut cannelloni, turnip fondant and chestnut sauce to wow the taste buds, while a suitably extensive, French-themed wine list befits the cuisine. This is zenith-class cooking from one of the country's greatest culinary talents - so do make this Chelsea pilgrimage.

Off Fulham Rd (Brompton Rd end)
Nearest station: South Kensington

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