Food blogger Gary Hanna, known online as Gary Eats, recently visited Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, London, and was left utterly astonished by the final bill. The three-Michelin-starred establishment, which first earned its prestigious rating in 2001, continues to uphold its reputation for elegance and culinary excellence.
A Luxurious Dining Experience
Upon arrival, Gary immediately noted the meticulous attention to detail, describing the exterior flower arrangements as "absolutely gorgeous" and "stunning." Inside, he found the ambiance to be "elegant yet relaxed," with music at a "perfect level" and an interior that felt "more like your dining room." He opted for the fixed three-course menu, priced at £180 per person, acknowledging upfront that this visit "wasn't going to be cheap."
Course by Course Delight
Gary began his meal with mozzarella bites, which he praised as "incredibly light" and "really cheesy," noting how they melted in his mouth with a touch of black truffle. His next dish, beef tartare, featured "super high-end quality beef" that was "very light," accompanied by a carrot element and a beef consommé he called "absolutely incredible." He also enjoyed warm brioche with salted Oxfordshire butter, remarking on its "incredibly picturesque" presentation.
For the main course, Gary chose Herdwick lamb with carrot puree, which he felt "complimented the lamb brilliantly." However, he admitted the lamb was "lacking a little bit in flavour," though there was "nothing wrong" with the dish overall. He had hoped to be "blown away" but found it slightly underwhelming.
Dessert and Final Impressions
The dessert course featured a soufflé that Gary described as "one of the nicest I've had in my life," highlighting its super-light texture and biscuit base. He ranked it among his top three desserts ever. The meal concluded with tiramisu tarts, adding to the indulgent experience.
The Staggering Bill
Despite the culinary highs, Gary was gobsmacked when the bill arrived. The total came to £441.60 for two people, including a £16 sparkling tea and an optional 15% service charge. He emphasized that this cost is "beyond for a special occasion," suitable only for milestones like a 50th wedding anniversary or a significant birthday. Gary noted that the meal "goes on and on," leaving him "full up" and "desserted up forever."
Overall Rating and Comparison
Gary awarded Restaurant Gordon Ramsay a 9/10 rating, praising its overall quality and presentation. However, he confessed a preference for Gordon Ramsay's Petrus restaurant, also located in London, suggesting that while this experience was exceptional, it may not be his top choice in the chef's portfolio.
In summary, Gary Hanna's review highlights the exquisite yet costly nature of dining at a three-Michelin-starred venue, blending admiration for the food with shock at the price tag.
