I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smith & Wollensky in London, and let me tell you, this place is absolutely stunning! Located in the elegant Adelphi Building near Covent Garden, it's hands down one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve visited.
Ambiance From the moment I walked in, I was wowed by the gorgeous, classic décor. Think dark wood, leather booths, and beautiful art deco details that give the place an old-school charm. It’s spacious yet intimate, perfect for a date night or special occasion. I went in the evening, and the soft, ambient lighting made it feel extra cozy and inviting—like you’re stepping into a luxury dining experience without it being overly formal.
Service The service was impeccable from start to finish. The staff were friendly, professional, and knew the menu inside and out. I never had to wait too long for anything, and they made me feel really welcome without being overbearing. A special shout-out to the sommelier who helped me choose a fantastic glass of red wine to go with my meal.
The Food I went for the Smith & Wollensky burger, and it did not disappoint! Juicy, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. The brioche bun was soft yet sturdy enough to hold everything together (a crucial point for any burger lover!), and the toppings were spot on—simple but done right. If you’re in the mood for something a little less formal than their famous steaks, I highly recommend giving their burger a try.
As for dessert, I couldn’t leave without trying the New York-style cheesecake—and wow, it was heavenly! Creamy, rich, and the perfect balance of sweetness. I’m usually a bit picky when it comes to cheesecake, but this one hit all the right notes. It was the ideal way to round off a fantastic meal.
Drinks Their drinks menu is equally impressive. I paired my burger with a bold glass of red wine (the sommelier’s recommendation), and it complemented the flavors perfectly. They’ve got an extensive wine list, but if you’re more into cocktails, they’ve got that covered too.
Final Thoughts Sure, Smith & Wollensky is on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in a beautiful setting, it’s well worth it. The food, service, and ambiance are all top-notch, and I’ll definitely be back—next time, I might have to try one of their famous steaks!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend, whether you’re after a fantastic burger or just want to treat yourself to an unforgettable meal in one of London’s most stunning...
Read moreJust a short walk from Embankment or Charing Cross stations, Smith & Wollensky is housed in the striking art deco Adelphi Building.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a handsome interior: classic art deco design, a central bar, crisp white tablecloths, and elegant mosaic flooring.its such a shame that tables were so close to each other in the dining section opposite the bar area whilst luxurious spaces in the other two areas.
We visited on a Travelzoo offer, which included a 250g sirloin steak with unlimited fries or a Caesar salad, and a peach cocktail.
Service was prompt and highly efficient, though it felt a little too mechanical — at times rushed and slightly pushy, which took away from what should have been a relaxed dining experience.
The peach cocktail was a pleasant surprise — far better than a previous visit, where it had been barely drinkable.
The bread and butter starter was decent, with the butter having a slight caramelised note that added a nice touch.
The sirloin steak, cooked medium-rare, was fine but not particularly memorable. It had a slightly livery taste and could have benefitted from a longer rest after cooking. Some fat was present, as expected, but the overall flavour was average.
The Caesar salad was underwhelming — awkwardly large croutons and uneven dressing made it feel hastily assembled. The slivers of pickled anchovy added little to the dish and lacked flavour.
Smith & Wollensky is worth considering for a set lunch or promotional menu, especially given the grandeur of the setting. With a few tweaks — particularly a more relaxed, attentive service style — it could easily become a go-to spot for a dependable mid-range steakhouse experience in...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining with my family at this delightful steakhouse located in the heart of London, offering an exceptional brasserie-style experience. From the moment we walked in, the welcoming ambiance and attentive service set the tone for an unforgettable meal.
The menu is a testament to culinary excellence, offering a diverse selection of starters, mains, and sides that cater to all tastes. For starters, we indulged in the fresh and flavorful burrata with heirloom tomatoes and a delicate balsamic reduction. Another standout was the classic onion rings, rich and comforting.
The main courses are the true stars of the show. I opted for the signature ribeye steak, cooked to perfection with a beautiful char and tender, juicy center. My dining companion chose the fillet mignon, which was equally impressive, boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture and exquisite flavor. The accompanying béarnaise and mushroom sauces elevated the steaks to another level of deliciousness.
The sides are just as impressive as the mains. We couldn't resist the yummy baked potatoes, the sautéed spinach with garlic and chili offered a light and flavorful contrast, while the hand-cut fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Overall, this steakhouse delivers on every front, from the warm and sophisticated brasserie atmosphere to the impeccable service and outstanding food. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch dining...
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