London’s Hardest-to-Book Core, Home to the Best Potato Dish Ever 🥔✨

In May, I managed to snag a lunch reservation for both the Core Classics and Seasons tasting menus—a feat requiring three months of advance planning! 🗓️⏳ Core, a Michelin three-star restaurant, delivers impeccable service and consistently outstanding dishes. Chef Clare Smyth, who trained under Gordon Ramsay for 13 years, holds the distinction of being the first and only British female chef to earn three Michelin stars. Her culinary brilliance shines through every course. 👩‍🍳🌟 🍽️ Core Classics £255 Isle of Harris Scallop Tartare 🐚🌊 A classic scallop tartare served in its own shell, adorned with nasturtium oil, micro herbs, oyster leaf, and mustard flowers. The delicate sweetness of the scallops pairs perfectly with the seaweed-infused broth, adding a briny depth. The herbal oil brings a peppery freshness that elevates the dish. Potato and Roe 🥔🔥 (The star of the show!) This sausage-shaped potato dish is the highlight of the menu. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s paired with trout and herring roe, draped in a seaweed cream sauce, and finished with crispy vinegar-dusted potato chips and fresh herbs. The combination of savory roe, rich sauce, and buttery potato is absolute genius—proof that simple ingredients can be transcendent. Roasted Cod 🐟🧈 Perfectly flaky cod, accompanied by Morecambe Bay shrimp for a burst of umami, brown butter for nutty richness, and Swiss chard for texture. A masterclass in balance. Norfolk Purple-Top Turnip 🥬🌸 Thinly sliced turnips arranged like a flower, resting on brassica leaves with a hint of nutmeg. Elegant yet earthy. Herdwick Lamb 🐑🌿 A classic pairing of lamb with minted peas—well-executed but not groundbreaking. Core Apple 🍎🍮 A signature dessert featuring a jelly layer, apple mousse, and a hidden core of fruit compote. Refreshing and nostalgic. Wild Strawberry 🍓🍋 A whimsical pinecone-shaped creation of wild strawberries, meringue shards, and lemon verbena custard. The bright acidity of the berries cuts through the cream beautifully. Why Core is Worth the Wait ⏳💎 Michelin-starred precision meets British ingredients. Chef Clare Smyth’s visionary approach to elevating humble produce (like that potato dish!). Impeccable service in an elegant, relaxed setting. If you can secure a reservation, this is a must-visit for any serious food lover. 🍽️💖 #LondonFineDining #MichelinLondon #Michelin3Star #MichelinRestaurant #UKFineDining #LondonFoodie #LondonDateSpot #FoodieHeaven #LondonEats #GourmetExperience