I feel bad giving l’atelier 3 stars because I really thought this would be a no-brainer 5 stars! All the other Qypers tend to agree, even Michelin agrees… But it didn’t quite work for us and the experience was overall disappointing because we had such great expectations. On the plus sides the service, very pro and friendly, mainly French but not only, not too formal, and also the design of the place which has its own strong style, kind of “modern opulent classic” style, quite busy but with strong personnality (very red and Asian downstairs, more black and white kitchen upstairs). Th equality of the design is excellent so the setting is not to be blamed. But unfortunately the food was not so great considering that you have to expect to pay around £100 per head for dinner (assuming you keep the wine under control). First of all the menu is quite short with maybe eight starters and eight main courses. The starters were the worst part with fried frog legs which were tasting like fish fingers (so fried that it could have been anything really) and a crab with avocado where the crab didnt taste anything special so it could have read “Guacamole with crab” really. The main courses were good but the portions very small. We passed on the cheese but maybe we should have gone for it as I would have left more “full”. So the London edition of l’Atelier didnt quite work but if we can we will try the Paris one as it might have been a low energy day for the chef. Maybe also this is because we were upstairs rather than downstairs where the format is more like sitting at the bar rather than at a table (even if we had booked at 9pm we were told that they would be late and that we would have to wait at the bar at least 30mn or go upstairs so we did).

Hmmmm. For mere mortals, you can't look at l'Atelier Joel Robuchon in a purely comestible-based light. Wonderful though much of the food is, when you come to settle up at the end of the evening... well... can you feel that hollow sensation around your upper torso? That's where all your money used to be, as you just shelled out over £200 on dinner for two. And I didn't even have a digestif.

It's a sort of Japanese-styled succession of very, very tiny French tasting dishes. Sorry, I should explain: not Japanese food, but served in a restaurant that's as close to being a bento box interior as I've ever seen. Now I know how salmon teriyaki feels.

You're brought these tiny, delicate little courses, and you have this sort of explosion of taste, then it goes away, and you have some more wine, and wait for the next one. We ordered 2 mini-things and one more substantial course each and I have to say that we left feeling sated, if not (whisper it) full. Maybe it was just the sensory overload. Don't worry... neither felt the urge to scoff a pizza on the way home.

It was a real experience, and one I'll think back to fondly on more than one occasion. If you're being taken, go easy on the paying partner though. You don't HAVE to order the lobster.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is a fantastic restaurant - it fully deserves five Qype stars plus the Michelin star it has been awarded. The decor is sexy and exciting - lots of red leather and dark woods, with an Asian-influenced feel. It's dark, atmospheric space and there's quiet, unobtrusive music playing. The service (I disagree with the previous reviewer) was excellent - they staff were attentive, polite and helpful. We sat at the bar on the ground floor and enjoyed the delicious pre-theatre menu (we had 3 wonderful courses in about an hour). The set price (chose between 2 or 3 courses) includes a half bottle of mineral water and your choice of tea or coffee: this was a nice touch. With a glass of fine wine each we paid a shade over 50 pounds each. The seats at the bar let you enjoy the 'pre-theatre' of watching the mise en place of the various dishes currently under preparation. Waiters were unobtrusive but happy to explain what was going on and describe whatever we could see being cooked. We are certainly going to return for the seven course tastings menu.

The food, even for the pre-theatre menu, was exquisite and innovative. The portions small but not mean. Try it - you wont be disappointed.

Right around the corner from the Ivy, this place is something special. The food is spectacular, and the dining areas are sumptuous. The greenery and the colours on the ground floor will make you feel extra special. The service is typically French (a bit blase and well not quite up to the American service standard, but still better than most London restaurants).

The bar upstairs is also very special. Very expensive, but well worth it. The lamb is spectacular, and the mash that comes with is buttery and delicious. Don;t miss the foie gras burger...mouthwatering.

After Petrus, this is my favourite fine dining restaurant in London.