Bottarga — Restaurant in London

The food was good and the atmosphere was vibey, but the aggressively corporate, AI-led way this restaurant is run was enough to ruin the experience and put me off of coming back. Given they also own Zephyr and Nina, those are out for me as well. Honestly a shame.

I had booked a table for 4 (for a Monday night, mind you) and needed to increase it to 5 so I did what any normal person would do and called the restaurant, a good week in advance. Instead I was forwarded to the AI phone bot for the Pachamama Group, where I left my request with the AI bot and was told it would be forwarded to the relevant team. It never was. I called again several days later, and asked to speak to a real person. The AI bot asked for my phone number and said someone would get in touch with me. They never did. I added a note to my Opentable booking explaining I was trying to add another person, and nobody got back to me.

Because of this, and the messaging on the phone that 'this is just a request and they may not be able to accommodate' we did not bring the 5th person. In fact, the 4th person also did not join us at dinner to keep the 5th company. Ensue drama. We then arrive at the restaurant and unsurprisingly given it was a Monday night the staff tell us 'oh we can accommodate your 5th person if you like'. Well that might have been nice to know PRIOR to the booking so that those people could have actually come with us.

Once there, we kept being pressured to leave the table 'by X time' 'because there is another booking coming in after you'. They did this twice, changing the time each time. 10pm Monday night. Loads of empty tables. Clearly did not need the table back. Makes you look a bit silly trying to make the restaurant look busy and exclusive when... it's obviously not?

Completely unnecessary and just ruins the experience and leaves a sour taste in your mouth. I will gladly go somewhere less trendy where the staff manage the restaurant instead of an AI system, and you can enjoy your meal with your friends until late.

Keep in mind, this is easily a £100/head restaurant. And given how badly I can imagine they pay their staff, they can afford to have someone answer their phones.

There was also hair in one of our dishes, but these things happen and they fixed it. Just hard to stomach the attitude when there isn't the substance to back it up.

UPDATE: OMG, they clearly use AI to respond to their negative reviews as well - see screenshot of the most ridiculous response...

What an extraordinary find! This restaurant has quickly secured a place among my all-time favourites. From the moment you walk through the door, the space envelops you in warmth and character — an effortlessly stylish setting that strikes a perfect balance between contemporary flair and relaxed comfort. The ambience is vibrant without being chaotic, intimate yet full of life. Every detail, from the thoughtfully designed interior to the gentle lighting, contributes to a truly special atmosphere that makes each visit feel like a well-kept secret you can’t wait to share.

The service is, quite simply, outstanding. Attentive yet never intrusive, the staff create an experience that feels both polished and personal. There’s a wonderful energy among the team — they work with care, precision, and a genuine passion that elevates the whole evening. Every interaction felt sincere and seamless, and it’s clear that attention to detail is a cornerstone of what they do here.

As for the food — each dish is a testament to craftsmanship and creativity. The menu is filled with bold ideas and exciting twists, yet nothing feels overworked or pretentious. Every bite is a harmony of flavours, carefully balanced and deeply satisfying. Portions are generous, and presentation is both elegant and inviting. It’s rare to find a place where each plate feels like a highlight, but here, it’s a consistent theme.

The dessert, in particular, is something of a legend — rich, indulgent, and designed to be shared. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience in itself, and one that invites conversation, laughter, and the kind of joy only truly good food can bring.

Beyond the exceptional food and atmosphere, what sets this place apart is the feeling it leaves you with — a sense of genuine hospitality, thoughtful care, and a desire to return. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply craving a meal that delivers on every level, this is a destination that more than lives up to the hype.

Highly recommended — but fair warning, once you’ve been, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before the night...

After months of patiently waiting to finally dine at Bottarga, we decided to come here to celebrate my birthday — and I can honestly say, it’s easily become one of my favourite dining experiences in London.

From the moment we arrived, the vibe was energetic yet intimate, with a quirky charm that really makes the space feel special. The layout of the small restaurant works beautifully — the open kitchen adds a buzz of excitement, while the candlelit tables create a warm, cosy atmosphere. I also really appreciated that the tables weren’t crammed together like many places in London — there was just the right amount of space to feel comfortable.

Service-wise, I was genuinely impressed. There was a large team working throughout the evening, and every single member of staff we encountered was so lovely, friendly, and personable. A special shoutout to our waiter, Chris, who was just brilliant.

Now the food… absolutely exceptional. Every dish we tried was flawless — beautifully balanced flavours, thoughtful combinations, and generous portions that really made it feel like incredible value for money. It’s rare to find a place where every single plate hits the mark, but Bottarga absolutely delivered.

If I had to pick a standout, the bluefin tuna was next-level. It quite literally melted in my mouth — so delicate, so flavourful, and probably one of the best tuna dishes I’ve ever had.

We ended the night with their signature burnt chocolate Basque cheesecake (which was as indulgent and dreamy as it sounds) — and to top it all off, I was surprised with a birthday candle and the loveliest birthday card from the team, which was such a thoughtful touch.

A huge thank you to everyone at Bottarga — from the chefs to the front-of-house team for making my birthday so memorable. If you’re thinking about dining here, be prepared to wait for a reservation… but trust me, it’s...