VIBE

This airy restaurant sits across from its famed counterpart, Maze, in the London Hotel. Here the main attractions are “tapas” (really just small plates) and steak (over 14 cuts are available). If steak’s not your game, though, go for one of the fish or other meat entrees; they’re equally mouthwatering. (We went for lunch and had a delightful meal with several starters while seated at the bar.)

CROWD

Business people during lunch and a mix of elegant sophisticates throughout the day.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s smart casual. During lunch, the crowd skews toward business lunch and ladies-who-lunch types, so you’ll want to dress accordingly. Evenings seem to bring in an equally well-heeled crowd (less business-y though). No shorts or track suits are allowed, although you’ll be fine in jeans.

GO HERE WITH

A date; a group; girlfriends; colleagues or clients; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

The service is fantastic, and the food, especially the starters, is quite innovative.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Reservations for dinner can be difficult.

GOOD TO KNOW

Even though Mr. Ramsay describes the restaurant as serving tapas, it’s really yummy small plates with a weirdly disjointed spotlight on steak. Despite the incongruity, the small plates are delicious and the steaks look quite impressive. The Butcher’s Block is available for up to 12 people who want to watch Jason Atherton, the Michelin-starred chef, at work.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Maze (also at the same location). There are 11 other Gordon Ramsay eateries in the UK, and many more worldwide.  See website for full listing.

CLOSEST COMPS

Maze (London); Locanda Locatelli (London); St. John Bar and Restaurant (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to London