London's Row on 5 | My Best Michelin-Starred Dining Experience
Two years after leaving London, I finally returned and booked dinner here with friends. After the disastrous experience at Alex Dilling, I had rock-bottom expectations—but friends insisted Row on 5 was leagues better. And wow, the lower the expectations, the bigger the surprise—this turned out to be my most memorable Michelin-starred meal in recent years! 🌟 First Impressions: The moment I stepped in, the host took my coat and offered to dry-clean it—a uniquely thoughtful touch. Past the curtains: plush sofas, a fireplace, a spacious meeting room, and marble counter stools where you can enjoy the first three appetizers and desserts. The design? Warm, intimate, like dining at a stylish friend's home—absolutely my aesthetic. 🌟 The Upstairs Dining Room: Bright, airy, with an open kitchen and counter seating—my dream setup. Growing up watching my grandparents cook, I’ve always loved theatre-like kitchens. There’s something magical about watching chefs craft each course while you eat—pure joy! 🌟 The Food: Not a single miss. Every dish impressed, but the honey-glazed bread stole the show—so good I asked for seconds! 😁 Portions were generous too (though service was a tad slow). 🌟 Wine Pairing: Their East-meets-West pairing was brilliant—some whites had luscious buttery notes that elevated the meal. The wine list? A tome-like book with an insane selection, perfect for group tastings. ✨ The Final Touches: After dinner, they returned my freshly dry-cleaned coat and gifted chopsticks engraved with my name and my friend’s—a flawless, personal finish. Some call this "Europe’s priciest 1-star", but every penny felt justified. Four years ago, NYC’s Atera charged similarly yet couldn’t compare. Honestly? Row on 5 nears the level of Chef’s Table (pre-chef change)—worth experiencing at least once. #EatPretty #GlobalFoodies #LondonEats #LondonLife #FineDining #MichelinStar #HiddenGems
