London's Underrated Swedish Charcoal Restaurant 🍖 Ekstedt

This restaurant is the first venture outside Stockholm by the Michelin-starred Swedish chef Ekstedt. Surprisingly, it hasn't gained much attention in London, but I think it deserves at least a Michelin recommendation. 🌟 The concept is fantastic. Inviting guests into the kitchen to taste the oysters is a unique experience. The oysters are grilled over an open flame and then drizzled with hot fat from aged beef, adding a rich, meaty aroma. It was my first time experiencing Scandinavian cooking techniques in London, using charcoal and open flames to create smoked or grilled flavors. They even start slow-roasting beef on the top of the stove at 4 PM. The steak preparation involves starting with a low flame, then medium, and finally high heat—it's very meticulous. They also use Scottish grass for grilling to add extra flavor. 🌿 The setting is in the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, with exquisite details throughout. The tasting menu for dinner is around £120 per person, and overall, it was quite good. Many dishes have a smoked flavor, like the first appetizer, a Swedish mini-bun, and the smoked butter for the bread. The highlight of the menu is the veal sweetbread, which is incredibly aromatic and, in my opinion, could be the best in London. The main course steak is also excellent, served with a smoked sauce. The desserts were a bit underwhelming but still good. 🍰 Overall, it was a delightful surprise. There's also a hidden bar next to the restaurant, which is perfect for a post-dinner drink. 🍸 Average cost: £150 #London