Gordon Ramsay at the London
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 468-8888
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- Directions:
- B, D, E at 7th Ave; N, Q, R, W at 57th St
- Best of Citysearch:
- Gold Digger's Goldmine 2008
- Hours:
- Daily 12pm-2pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Gordon Ramsay at the London – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
"Hell's Kitchen" star Gordon Ramsay may be famous for his explosive personality, but his New York debut in the London Hotel is downright pristine. The windowless dining room feels like a relic of 1950s elegance: Etched glass panels, swiveling club chairs and ultra-precise service invoke austerity, while the chatter of a young executive clientele and an older midtown crowd provides the room's only soundtrack.
The Food
Diners have two options to try Ramsay's modern, French-leaning cuisine: a three-course prix fixe or a seven-course tasting menu. Seafood dishes highlight sensible balance: Lobster ravioli gets mellowed with subtle celery-root cream, while halibut, smoked salmon, artichokes and horseradish all combine without a flavor pile-up. Conversely, the strong flavor of venison gets overwhelmed by beets and pigeon wilts under truffles. Desserts like a chocolate mousse served in a coffee granite are more gorgeous than gorge-inducing, but the house-made cotton candy from the dessert cart nearly makes up for it.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoDon't suffer sticker shock: Dinner is $90 for three courses and $110 for the tasting menu. The more casual Maze, which doubles as the restaurant's waiting area, serves a less-expensive small-plates menu and stays open until 1am every night.
What to DrinkThe French- and Italian-heavy wine list is pricey, but there are a few bottles under $50. A nice compromise is the 2004 Nicolas Potel, Volnay Vieilles Vignes ($65), which pairs well with some of the menu's more gamey dishes.
LunchThe lunch menu offers three courses for $35.
Fun FactThe dining room's wall panels reverse during the day to reveal a wood backside with porthole-shaped mirrors.
User Reviews for Gordon Ramsay at the London
05/04/2008 Posted by nycfoodie24
My boyfriend and I dined at The London last night for his birthday. I had been unable to make a reservation because I only called about a month before the date, but I was actually offered a table the day before off of the wait list. Overall, I found the experience of dining here extremely enjoyable. One of the best parts of the restaurant is that you walk through the rather noisy, family-filled bar and cafe through a large door into what is definitely one of the chic-est and most fancy rooms I have dined in. The tables are intimate, sitting a couple side by side rather than across from one another. The staff was extremely attentive throughout the meal. Actually, it was rather cleverly choreographed, as we were waited by at least 6 different servers throughout the night. My boyfriend and I both chose the 3 course meal for $100. The cocktail selection is mediocre, but the wine selections are endless. The only problem was that it took us almost 30 minutes to decipher the menu, which, even when terms are in English, are difficult to discern. For example, I ordered the Alaskan halibut without having any idea what "hearts of palm bone marrow" were. Although the staff was extremely attentive, our server's English was unclear, so our questions about the menu went unanswered. Also, we had to ask twice for extra bread. My boyfriend was not overly impressed with the rabbit appetizer he ordered, but I thought the tuna appetizer was heavenly. The "hearts of palm" and halibut were very good as well, and the chocolate souffle dessert was outstanding. We spent a leisurely almost 3 hours at the restaurant, and the bill for 2 was, with gratuity, over 300 dollars. While this might not be the best NY restaurant I've dined at, the choreographed service along with the "extras" (like bon bons from a cart at the end of the meal), plus the wonderfully quiet and romantic atmosphere, absolutely make this restaurant a must try. You will feel like a king.
Pros: Excellent service, lots of extras throughout the meal, excellent fish entrees
Cons: The cost - yes, it's very good, but it's very expensive. You might be able to get better value somewhere else.
03/21/2008 Posted by sharontodd
I was there in December for my birthday with 6 of my friends and family and I can find no fault in ANYTHING. The service was first class, the food was perfect and the wine was splendid. When you go there, please ask for a tour of the kitchen...it's quite a treat. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Cons: None
Users Like You Also Viewed
The Waverly Inn and Garden
16 Bank St
New York, NY 10014
