150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Dinner at The Ritz London has been on my wish list for years. After experiencing their iconic Afternoon Tea back in 2022, returning for dinner felt like the perfect next step — especially as a birthday celebration.
To mark the occasion, Hazel and I booked Festive Live at The Ritz, an immersive dining experience combining fine dining, live music, and professional dance performances in one of London’s most prestigious settings.
First Impressions: Christmas at The Ritz
From the moment you step inside The Ritz London, you’re instantly swept into festive grandeur. The foyer is dominated by a towering Christmas tree dressed in rich red and gold decorations, setting the tone for an elegant and celebratory evening.
The staff were warm, attentive, and welcoming, guiding us to the cloakroom before escorting us through to the dining room. En route, we passed the Afternoon Tea area — undeniably beautiful — though I personally preferred the previous Afternoon Tea room downstairs, which felt more intimate due to its separate, enclosed setting rather than an open adjoining space.
The Dining Room & Atmosphere
The décor at The Ritz was utterly captivating — opulent yet timeless. Think soaring ceilings, gilded details, plush carpets, and soft lighting that creates an atmosphere of pure sophistication. It’s the kind of room that makes you sit up straighter and savour every moment.
Once seated, we were offered water and presented with menu options: a five-course, seven-course, or à la carte menu. We opted for the à la carte, as not all the dishes on the tasting menus suited our preferences.
Starters
To begin, I chose the Dorset Crab with Crème Fraîche and Imperial Caviar (£50) — delicate, fresh, and beautifully balanced. The crab was sweet and light, elevated by the richness of the caviar.
Hazel opted for the Roast Quail with Hazelnut and Verjus (£45), which was flavourful and perfectly cooked, with a lovely nutty depth.
Main Courses
For mains, I selected the Suffolk Lamb with Black Garlic and Mint (£65). The lamb was tender, flavour-packed, and cooked beautifully — despite appearing quite pink, it was delicious. My only wish? Three lamb chops instead of two, because they were that good.
Desserts
To finish, we chose two desserts:
• The Ritz Signature Chocolate with Hazelnut and Fudge (£27)
• Ritz Chocolate Soufflé with Vanilla Chantilly (£27)
The presentation was elegant and refined. While I’m more of a cake person and wished I’d chosen something else, both desserts were enjoyable. The soufflé was rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying, pairing beautifully with the light vanilla Chantilly cream.
Live Entertainment
Throughout the evening, a live singer and band performed popular songs, creating a vibrant yet refined atmosphere. Guests were invited onto the dance floor, and professional dancers appeared intermittently to perform stunning routines. These performances were a lovely touch and broke up the evening beautifully, adding energy and movement without overpowering the dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Festive Live at The Ritz delivered a truly memorable evening — exceptional ambience, elegant entertainment, delicious food, and attentive service. If you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant in London, whether for a birthday, celebration, or indulgent night out, The Ritz is absolutely worth booking.
Until next time, Petrina x
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