For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience in London, River Restaurant Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy offers the perfect blend of luxury, tradition and modern flair. Situated in the one of the city’s most iconic hotels, the restaurant delivers not only on its stunning riverside views but also on its impeccable food and service. It’s a place where culinary craftmanship meets opulence and class, creating a memorable experience for those lucky enough to secure a table.
The Ambience:
Upon entering River Restaurant, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication. The sleek, contemporary design of the restaurant, with large windows that look out onto the Thames, provides a beautiful backdrop for an elegant dining experience. The service is flawless—discreet, attentive, and knowledgeable. From the moment we were seated, the entire team made us feel like the evening was entirely about us, without ever being overbearing.
The Menu:
The menu at River Restaurant is a celebration of modern British cuisine with a Gordon Ramsay twist. Each dish is executed with precision and flair, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to using the finest seasonal ingredients.
Our meal began with Half a Dozen Oysters, the epitome of refined dining, These were Spéciales de Claire, some of the finest oysters you can find in France, served freshly shucked and dressed in a classic shallot mignonette. The oysters themselves were pristine—plump, briny, and with a delicate sweetness that was perfectly balanced by the tangy shallot dressing. Each oyster was an elegant mouthful, light yet full of flavour, setting the tone for the rest of the meal.
Main Courses:
As tempting as the other starters were, the main event for us was the Gordon’s Fish & Chips and the Beef Wellington – two quintessentially British dishes reimagined with the Gordon Ramsay touch.
I went for the Gordon’s Fish & Chips, which was quite frankly a revelation. A perfectly filleted, sustainably caught piece of cod was encased in the most delicate, golden batter—crisp and airy, yet substantial enough to hold its shape without being greasy. The fish inside was tender and flaky, with a sweetness that was only enhanced by the accompanying tartar sauce, which had the perfect balance of creaminess and tang. A side of hand-cut fries provided the perfect crunch, and the mushy peas, rich and creamy, were the ideal complement to the dish. The addition of a lemon wedge for a touch of acidity was just the finishing touch on an impeccably executed dish. This was a fish and chips dish that celebrated the simplicity of British comfort food, yet felt entirely refined.
My partner went for Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish – a classic Beef Wellington – a true staple of traditional English cuisine. Gordon Ramsay once admitted it would be his final meal and I now know why. This elite dish was nothing short of spectacular. A true showstopper, the Wellington was presented beautifully, with the golden puff pastry encasing a perfectly cooked fillet of beef. The meat was tender and rich, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, with a subtle layer of pâté and duxelles adding depth and complexity. The pastry was crisp and flaky, providing the perfect contrast to the tender beef. The confit shallots, sweet and caramelized, added another layer of richness, while the red wine jus was velvety and full of flavour, bringing all the components together in perfect harmony. True indulgence in every bite.
Dessert:
Though we were comfortably full, we couldn’t resist the allure of dessert. The Sticky Toffee Pudding was an absolute delight—rich, moist, and packed with deep toffee flavour. Paired with a scoop of Fior Di Latte Ice Cream, which was creamy and subtly sweet. We also tried the Whipped Lemon Fool with Ginger Cake and Blackberry Sorbet, a dish that beautifully balanced tangy and sweet. The lemon fool was light and airy, with just the right amount of citrus zing, while the rich, spiced ginger cake added depth and warmth. The Blackberry Sorbet was a refreshing contrast, its tartness cutting through the richness of the other components. The ideal way to end on a sweet note.
