Onin.London Visits Bagatelle London.
Having written for Onin.London since 2015, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best dining experiences in London… Bagatelle London blew them all out of the water! The restaurant brings classic French-Mediterranean dining to the heart of Mayfair and hand on heart… it’s been one of the best meals I’ve had all year.
Bagatelle is famed worldwide for its ‘joie de vivre’ and panache inspired by the South of France. Walking into the restaurant, we were in awe of not only the opulence but innate warmness that was present.
Which goes with Sam Baron, Head Of Design and Creative Direction’s plan to make sure the restaurant showcases ‘intimate comfort, both chic and cosy with a stylish aesthetic and an inviting feel, creating the perfect urban destination where guests can sit back and relax’.
The cocktail menu is central to the experience and inspired by the South of France. To start our signature menu, my guest and I both indulged in the the La Mediteranee with Grey Goose, house-made dragonfruit and lemon verbena cordial and Supasawa, a velvety fruity cocktail, mimicking a Cosmopolitan with a twist. It was fantastic, I could have drank these all night.
Before starting dinner we were given a palate cleanser of a vodka lemon shot and it was amazing how it paired well with the entire menu.
Bagatelle’s menu has been overseen and designed by Global Corporate Chef, Rocco Seminara and newly appointed London Executive Chef, Giuseppe Strippoli. He previously worked in Michelin star restaurant Aquavit as Sous Chef, followed by The Lanesborough and later on Clos Maggiore.
Both chefs wanted their menu to be a sumptuous love letter to the French Riviera and remind guests of being on holiday in the sun. The menu is designed for the epicurean bon vivant and world traveller who enjoys dipping their toes into the cuisine of the French Riviera from afar, in London’s Mayfair, with dishes taking inspiration from the Mediterranean, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, created to be enjoyed and shared at the table with friends, in true Southern European family style.
Our signature meal consisted of three courses of either three or four dishes per course. Service is a massive part of the experience and your hosts serve you your meal throughout. This was a new experience for us, but one that Bagatelle staff pride themselves on!
We were treated to the Signature Meal on the evening and the menu is a true culinary masterpiece, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that showcase the chef’s skill and creativity.
For starters, The Bagatelle tuna tartare is fresh and vibrant, perfectly complemented by the subtle heat of the Espelette vinaigrette. The seabream ceviche was a refreshing dish, with the mandarin marinade adding a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the delicate fish, while the tagete limoni adds an intriguing floral note. It was probably the standout for us.
The Riviera salad was also great, combining the wholesome flavors of small spelt, sweet figs, and tart goji berries, all harmonized by fine herbs—an ideal palate cleanser.
For mains, The tiny ravioli del Plin is a luxurious treat, with the rich Castelmagno cheese and earthy autumn truffle creating a decadent, yet well-balanced, dish. Truffles are a weakness of mine, so to have freshly sliced truffles throughout the dish, was an absolute delight.
Though it was the grilled duck breast is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, with the stewed carrots and rich Madeira sauce providing a comforting and flavorful accompaniment. As someone who can’t eat lamb, we were very grateful for the chef for allowing my dietary requirements to be catered for and allow us to change the menu.
The steamed sea bass is a delicate and light option, beautifully paired with caramelized fennel and a fragrant shellfish marinièr. Such a stunning dish!
The mezzi rigatoni with veal confit is a hearty, yet refined dish, where the marjoram and Parmigiano Reggiano elevate the rich, slow-cooked veal to a new level of comfort and satisfaction. My guest throughly enjoyed this dish and I wish I’d been able to try it but I was desperate to enjoy the desserts.
For dessert, the brioche cake filled with Madagascar vanilla cream is delightfully airy and creamy, offering a perfect balance of sweetness.
The golden milk chocolate bar with Rooibos tea ganache is a sophisticated and indulgent choice, combining deep chocolate notes with a subtle tea-infused aftertaste.
The matcha soufflé with chocolate sorbet provides a stunning end to the meal, with its light, fluffy texture and the bitter-sweet contrast of the sorbet. It was my favourite dessert out of the three provided and one not to miss!
Our sommelier paired our meal perfectly with a bottle of red that could have been the nectar of the Gods. Make sure you listen to their advice as they won’t steer you wrong!
Overall, this menu offers a journey of flavours, from refreshing starters to indulgent mains and exquisite desserts, leaving a lasting impression with its balance of creativity and refined taste. You will be already planning your next visit before the meal is even over.
Bagatelle London offers the promise of unforgettable moments in a relaxed yet refined setting and it did not disappoint.
So if you’re looking to experience the finest of dining, look no further than Bagatelle. You won’t be disappointed.
@bagetellelondon https://bagatelle.com/venues/london
Open from Wednesday to Saturday Wednesday to Saturday: 6pm -1am dinner Saturday: 12.30 – 5pm (brunch only)
Bagatelle London 34 Dover St London W1S 4NG United Kingdom
