I do not usually go out of my way to find restaurants in London’s Lancaster Gate; nevertheless, the award winning 2AA Rosette Island Grill in Lancaster Gate appeared to be making the headlines lately so Executive Traveller welcomed the idea of a review.
With its own street entrance a few steps away from Lancaster Gate Tube Station, the very modern Island Grill can stand on its own feet without leaning on its parent Lancaster Hotel. The restaurant’s street entrance has prestigious neighbours in the likes of Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park Gardens and several other embassies. Location: Check. Well situated and easily accessible by public transport.
On entering the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well-lit the place was with tall clear windows. Staff greets you at the door as you enter the split level restaurant. The ambiance is pleasant with a Bar and open kitchen at the upper level all so brilliantly well-lit.
The menu is simple offering an option of the Chef’s catch of the day or an “a la carte” selection. On this occasion, the Chef’s catch was sea bream but I chose to treat myself to Pan-fried Scallops for starters and this was beautifully served with carrot puree, courgettes, carrot crisp, pickled radish and parsley oil. That was delicious. With my new found confidence in the chef, I boldly ordered the Gressingham Duck which comes in the form of a roast breast of duck from Suffolk, red Russian kale, salsify puree, carrots, baby courgettes and blackberry jus…and oh I ordered a glass of full bodied red wine in the name of Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany my meal. No complaints here either with presentation, service, taste and choice of wine.
I wondered how to round it all off beautifully. I looked around and found all the other diners who appeared to be regular visitors to the restaurant, enjoying their choices and almost every plate was emptied. With that pleasant thought in mind, I knew that dessert was going to meet my expectation.
I had been informed that their cheese board was exquisite so I decided to go bread pudding and a scoop of ice cream as a challenge and that ticked the box as well.
Island Grill is located at Lancaster Terrace
London W2 2TY
Open Monday to Sunday 8am to 11am for breakfast
12pm to 4pm for lunch and 4pm to 10:30pm for dinner
