When a new Tonkotsu opens it usually creates a buzz, but now the people behind it, Emma Reynolds and Kensuke Yamada, are coming up with something completely different. Anzu in the new St James’s development opened on the 3rd November and is described as a Japanese brasserie: “good food and amazing service in fine but relaxed surroundings”.
The main event is the daily Teishoku set lunch – steamed rice, pickles and miso soup with a choice of a few main courses including miso cured salmon, wagyu, katsu or tempura. Emma Reynolds explains that, “Teishoku is massive in Japan”. In addition, Anzu also offers and a la carte menu, including:
- King Crab gyoza
- Black cod teriyaki
- Wagyu fillet steak with butter sauce
- Double stock tsukemen ramen
- Takitomi rice
The restaurant’s interior design has been designed by Blenheim design. Authentic Japanese stone and natural stone which takes its inspiration from contemporary Tokyo interior design. Thomas Blythe, formerly from St John, is the experienced maitre’d, heading things up front of house. To accompany the menu, Anzu stocks a range of fine wines and cocktails, along with imported Japanese beers and whiskies.
Michelin starred restaurants in London announced for 2017
The Five Fields, 8-9 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea SW3
Located in a quiet Chelsea street is a fine dining restaurant run by a team with an impeccable pedigree, which bucks the trend in London for casual dining. The head chef, Marguerite Keogh is from Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, the pastry chef and sommelier were both at Tom Aikens and the chef patron/owner, Taylor Bonnyman was at NYC’s two Michelin starred Corton. When you dine here you will enjoy modern seasonal cooking, that focuses in particular on “Britain’s finest artisanal produce”.
How much is dinner? £60 for three courses
Celeste at the Lanesborough, Hyde Park
Celeste is situated close to Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. The restaurant serves creative, modern food beautifully presented and exquisitely flavoured. Conceptualised by Chef Eric Frechon with his protégé from Epicure in Paris, Executive Chef Florian Favario, these extraordinary chefs hold five Michelin Stars between them.
Celeste has a magnificent setting with a lavishly decorated dining room, illuminated during day by a domed glass roof and lit softly by chandeliers in the evening. The room changes throughout the day and so do the guests from breakfast time to lunch to afternoon tea and dinner, it’s a wonderful atmosphere and setting.
Launched under the radar in mid-2015, until now Celeste has largely escaped the critics’ gaze, but it was never going to be long before the inspectors had it on their radar.
How much is dinner? £85 for five courses
The Ritz, Piccadilly
One of the things that MANY have said about the Ritz in recent years is “WHY does this place not have a star”? Head chef, John Williams has been working wonders in the celebrated dining room in recent years and this recognition is long overdue.
How much is dinner? Main dishes are around £40
Veeraswamy, Mayfair
Overlooking Regent Street in prime central London, Veeraswamy has been in residence since 1926. The restaurant has been serving up Indian cuisine to great aplomb and established itself as something of London institution. This accolade on their 90th anniversary is a special present for the team here. The food is classical Indian cuisine with a fine dining edge.
How much is dinner? There’s an evening set menu option at £36