If I had to choose my favourite London hotel restaurant Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane would be a very strong contender. Located in the heart of London’s Mayfair Theo’s restaurant consistently serves wonderful Italian cuisine, food that made me a fan from the first time I visited.
I’ve been eating regularly at Theo Randall’s restaurant since he took up residence at Mayfair’s InterContinental nearly a decade ago. I still remember my first visit, excited at the prospect but slightly nervous about entrusting my evenings dining to a new chief. I remember leaving the restaurant that evening thinking I’d eaten the best fried squid I’d ever tasted and that I needed far more of Mr. Randall’s lemon tart in my life. Many years have since gone by and slices of lemon tart passed my lips, the excitement of a visit to Theo’s remains but any sense of apprehension has long since disappeared.
The restaurant has its staple dishes: starters with delicious pasta and fresh seafood, and main courses with seasonal cuts and accompaniments. Theo’s fish and game main courses are amongst my favorites, as soon as I see pigeon on the menu I have eyes for little else. The seafood taglierini with its rich tomato sauce is another stand-out dish for me, I’ve traveled far and haven’t tasted many finer seafood pasta delights. The pan-fried squid with fresh cannellini beans is always fabulous, and worth a trip to the restaurant on its own. I remember first seeing it on the menu, squid, and beans – two of my least favorite foods – were not for me. My husband ordered the dish and convinced me to try a little, needless to say, I was instantly hooked, I remember convincing him to swap starters.
The restaurant itself is an enjoyable place to eat, contemporary in design with views of the kitchen through a large window. I always enjoy getting a table just behind the bar so I can see the chefs go about their work. A special mention has to go to the staff who despite all the awards and accolades the restaurant has attained over the years still maintain a friendly informal atmosphere. There’s little pomp at Theo Randall at the InterContinental, just damn fine Italian food.
The InterContinental is like a second home to my family and me. We check-in, get a drink in the club lounge and head down to Theo’s for seafood Taglierini and lemon tart, it all makes for a relaxed evening in the center of the madness that is London. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
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