L'oscar Restaurant

As soon as we enter the majestic dining room at L’Oscar, it's obvious this is a place synonymous with opulence and luxury. Boasting richly-adorned interiors that follow a purple and gold theme, we gaze in awe at its plush velure seating, plum coloured satin drapes and its signature mirrored ceiling, which only serves to heighten the regal effect of the room.

We find ourselves surrounded by smartly-dressed professionals enjoying what we assume are business dinners, cheers-ing the day’s achievements over a bottle from the extensive wine list. In contrast, there's also the odd solo diner, which makes sense considering L'Oscar is located at the bottom of a hotel.

The menu takes inspiration from an eclectic mix of cuisines, hopping from cheeseburgers to ceviches and everything in between. We kick things off with a simple but well-executed combination of asparagus and a crispy egg, featuring a perfectly runny yolk and a smoky char on the asparagus. Elsewhere, a dish of tuna tartare was a little too heavy on the wasabi for us.

While the main courses offer everything from Mediterranean-style dishes to classic French plates, we continue with the Asian-inspired theme. Soft black cod falls apart at the slightest touch, and balances characteristically sweet and rich notes. It's served alongside bok choi, which is cooked well and seasoned with soy sauce, although the addition of daikon cream felt like an unnecessary addition. For dessert, we opt for a British classic - Eton Mess - served with a refreshing helping of strawberry sorbet - a 'cool' twist.

Be warned: the wine list come with a hefty price tag, but if you’re willing to splash the cash, there are plenty of fine bottles to choose from. Our Sancerre, as recommended by the sommelier, was bursting with citrus notes and acidity, which paired perfectly with our rich main course.

Whether you're staying at the hotel, or simply after a restaurant that offers food with a side of grandeur, L'Oscar is a safe bet with it's globetrotting menu and first class service.

Found on the ground floor of the L’oscar hotel, L’oscar Restaurant is the bustling and vibrant heart of the building. The aesthetics of this restaurant will be the first thing to command your attention with its illuminated onyx bar and dramatic decor that is inspired by the oldest cafe in Venice. The walls and ceiling are lined with gilded panels, mirrors and striking original artwork.

Once you have absorbed the grandeur of L’oscar’s decor it is time to explore the menu. You could start with the Wye Valley asparagus with crispy egg and truffle mayonnaise, or perhaps give the josper grilled chicken caesar salad a try, which comes with baby lettuce, shaved parmesan and crispy flatbread. If crudos is more your thing, the yellowfin tuna ceviche with tiger's milk, with piquillo pepper and watermelon sounds delicious, as does the hand-chopped beef tartare. Main dishes allow for some sophisticated comfort with dry aged steaks teamed with hand-mashed potatoes, monkfish and chips or the L'Oscar cheeseburger. Those looking for something a little lighter might enjoy roasted sea bream with peperonata, basil and courgette sauce, or get stuck into the truffle rigatoni.

To finish, enormous creme caramel or milk chocolate parfait with coffee jelly and Aero chocolate could be a satisfying finale to your experience. To describe the wine list as extensive feels an understatement, you will have a varied choice of wines - many available by the glass. Despite being an extensive list, the carefully curated structure of the wine list allows you to discover exactly what you are looking for.

With the charm and sophistication of a Parisian cafe, this food-lover's lair is an impressive destination for a decadent breakfast, a bistro-style lunch or for intimate evening dining, or perhaps you may even want to head insite for a late night dessert and a glass of something special.