Quintessential West London Restaurants

[jhalforuk]

I have lived in London for several years and I am now hosting a family holiday this year in London. My mother and a few aunts and uncles are travelling from the States to celebrate the holidays with me and I need suggestions for nice London restaurants for dinner. I want them to experience some good food and great atmosphere.

I have already planned to go to a Gastropub, but any other suggestions would be helpful.
Just looking for something that is a good London eating experience. I am looking to spend approximately £60/person.

[Withnail42]

Recently had a very good meal at The Enterprise 35 Walton St. Chelsea, SW3. Should come in under budget. But that might be a little too much like a gstro pub but still worth a visit sometime.

Have to also add a vote for Rules as well.

But for a real London dinning experience you might have to go for a curry.

[chelsea_bridge]

Here's a few places that are very good:
Boisdale, 15 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9LX (traditional scottish)
The River Cafe Rainville Road, London, W6 9HA
Zafferano, 15 Lowndes Street, London, SW1X 9EY (italian)
Julie's, 6 Clarendon Cross London, W11 4AP
Blue Elephant, 3 Fulham Broadway, SW6 1AA (Thai)
Pasha, 1-3 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PP (middle eastern)

I would also agree with Launceston Place and RSJ, they are both excellent.

[jhalforuk]

Thanks for all the suggestions...I am leaning towards Great Queen Street or Launceston Place...however, my girlfriend suggested a few other options, does anyone have a view on Rules, Hix or L'Anima for a holiday meal?

[greedygirl]

Rules is very old school British - specialises in game and has a great cocktail bar upstairs. Never eaten there but the food is supposed to be good and might be a winner if you want to do the trad Brit thing Hix is very new, getting great reviews so might be difficult to secure a table.

[Harters]

As I've indicated on other posts, I'm a big fan of Rules. It's a great showcase for many of our traditional style dishes and methods of cooking. And, of course, it's London's oldest surviving restaurant.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/567156

[CTownFeedR]

Rules will please the Americans with its over the top Christmas decorations and traditional food. That would get my vote.

[kristainlondon]

Churchill Arms in South Ken is fun. Great decor. Very good Thai food. VERY popular, so definitely make a booking.

[pj26]

Launceston Place, Le Cafe Anglais in Bayswater, Wild Honey in Mayfair - all good options and would tick the good food and great atmosphere boxes.

[zuriga1]

I would suggest Maze which always seems to wow my American friends and family, but I doubt you'll get a reservation at this late date. It's worth a try. There is something about the food and presentation that is unlike what we usually get to eat 'over there.' I'm not sure if you are specifically focusing on West London or would travel anywhere.

[jhalforuk]

Maze is great, but not really what I had in mind...willing to travel most parts of the city if the restaurant is a real winner.

[zuriga1]

Bentley's, Great Queen St., RSJ?

I'm in the same boat all of a sudden. A nephew and his girlfriend are staying with us in January but meeting us for dinner late this month. I have to start thinking, too!

[Theresa]

And it's not clear what you're after - £60 is a decent budget, but quintessentially what? - West London...? London? British? European?

[jhalforuk]

British/European...almost anywhere in Zone 1/2...really looking for the holiday experience and good meal to wow the family!

[howler]

west london is pretty big mate. care to be a bit more specific?

[jhalforuk]

Sorry- what I was trying to get at is a typical British/European eating experience. Something with a nice holiday feel would be good- something like Le Boudin Blanc or L'Osteria Basilico...if there is something in Mayfair, Marylebone, Notting Hill, Chelsea, South Ken...or even closer to the city if the restaurant is a real winner that would be the best. I have been to Maze and its not the warm feel I was after...

[PhilD]

I was going to say a "Quintessential West London Restaurant" would be a curry house in Southall, but then I don't really think west London starts until Kensington.