Ormer Mayfair, nestled within the Flemings Mayfair Hotel on Half Moon Street, has firmly established itself as a premier dining destination in London. Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Sofian Msetfi, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2024, a testament to its commitment to excellence.
Ambiance and Setting
The restaurant's interior exudes 1930s glamour, featuring leather banquette seating, dark oak wall paneling, and handcrafted chevron glass screens. This art deco-inspired design creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance, providing a sophisticated backdrop for the dining experience.
Culinary Experience
Ormer Mayfair offers meticulously crafted tasting menus, including pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan options, showcasing the finest seasonal produce. Chef Msetfi's background, with tenures at renowned establishments like The Hand and Flowers and Midsummer House, is evident in his innovative approach to Modern British cuisine. Dishes such as cured Cornish mackerel with sesame, kombu, and spiced nage highlight his skill in blending local ingredients with global flavors.
A standout offering is the warm Iberico ham jelly, complemented by parmesan and pickled Bramley apple, demonstrating culinary creativity and depth of flavor. The restaurant's dedication to sourcing is further exemplified by its two-acre eco-friendly kitchen garden in Essex, supplying fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and its beekeeping initiative producing fresh honey for its dishes.
Wine Pairings
The wine program at Ormer Mayfair is exceptional, with pairings curated to enhance each course. Selections like the Sclumbeger Pinot Gris from Alsace and the Japanese Koshu "Yamanashi" are chosen to complement specific dishes, elevating the overall dining experience.
Service and Atmosphere
The restaurant maintains an intimate setting with limited covers per night, ensuring attentive and personalized service. The staff's knowledge and enthusiasm contribute significantly to the dining experience, with sommeliers providing insightful explanations of wine pairings. The adjoining Manetta’s Bar offers a stylish venue for pre-dinner cocktails, enhancing the overall experience.
Accolades and Recognition
Beyond its Michelin star, Ormer Mayfair has received four AA Rosettes and has been voted one of the top five restaurants in London by the Harden's Restaurant Guide. It consistently ranks among the top ten fine dining establishments in London on TripAdvisor, reflecting its esteemed reputation among both critics and patrons.
Conclusion
Ormer Mayfair offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends culinary artistry with elegant ambiance. Chef Sofian Msetfi's innovative menus, combined with exceptional service and a commitment to sustainability, make it a standout destination for those seeking a refined and memorable meal in the...
Read moreNot the best nor the worst experience, but expectations were not met. Had booked a brunch for 2 last Saturday. Staff was so busy on arrival that I stood at the entrance for a good 5 minutes, then was seated so swiftly I had to (call a few times) wait for a waiter to arrive and inform them I had a booking thus wasn't a hotel guest, upon which the waiter showed me to the table where my friend had been seating for the past 10 minutes waiting for me. Off to a great start, and it only got worse. We had to ask for a copy of the menu after being sat a good 15 min or so, our drinks order was not taken correctly so my friend had to wait an extra 10 minutes on top of the half hour it took to bring out a hot chocolate and a latte (which for some reason, first came out as mint tea). My small cup of hot chocolate could have been more aptly renamed as 'lukewarm' chocolate - it was just shy of plain cold. However, it seems that my friend's latte was not much hotter/warmer so I do wonder how they prepare their "hot" drinks. Now onto the plat de resistance, the egg benedict for my friend and smoked salmon for me. One sad slice of white bread, which tried to pass off as sourdough, nice scrambled eggs and a fair amount of smoked salmon. It was okay, not sensational, not even the best traditional breakfast/scrambled eggs I ever had. For the price and place, an utter disappointment. Service was painfully slow and the waiter couldn't wait to get away from our table (great vibe!), food was average, nothing outstanding to speak of and atmosphere was okay. I wouldn't go back nor...
Read moreSorry to say, our experience was very disappointing. Like many reviewers, we booked on the strength of Shaun Rankin's appearance on Masterchef. The restaurant is stunning. Unfortunately, the food and service did not match. The little things first. Empty cocktail glasses left on the table and water glasses not topped up. The big unforgivable issue was my wife's main fish course arriving cold. Not tepid but cold. My venison shared the plate with what could have doubled as a chocolate desert. I understand that two flavours work in harmony but, short of serving a bar of Cadburys Dairy Milk, it couldn't have contained more coco based items. The dessert was probably the outstanding dish. The staff whilst pleasant and professional were not engaging.
To add insult to injury, I wrote to Ormer's to express my concern. The response was almost laughable. Below is the response.
I am sorry to hear that your evening was spoilt and I did investigated with my colleagues and our Head chef, I believe that your wife ordered the dover sole that, being a very delicate fish, we cook warm and not piping hot as this may alter the quality. My colleague should have informed you about the cooking of the dover sole but as you confirmed, both main courses were replaced and a gesture of apology was made in the form of a “ pre desserts”.
"Cook warm"?!!!! What does that mean? Absolute rubbish. I believe Mr Rankin is no longer on the board of Ormer in Jersey as of last week. Maybe its time to focus on his UK...
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