L'Etranger

We popped in to L'etranger prior to a concert at the RAH, it was on an earlybird 3 course special with a glass of champagne.
The service and food were great as was the decor of the restaurant although I think it could get pretty cosy on a busy night.
I personally thought a couple of simple things let the place down, the first being the outside appearance of the entrance and signage for the restaurant looked a bit grubby and didn't fit in with what was a nice interior. The other thing was the gents toilet which came with nice soap and hand towels but no bin to place your used hand towel which is a bit poor really.
I would go back again and would have no problem in recommending this place to other people, it certainly represents good value if your want a nice meal prior to a concert, or you can push the boat out if you really want to, given the quality of the food we had I would assume the rest of menu would be just as appetising.

Last time I visited L'Etranger was years ago and I now I can't understand why. I went back and have to admit that the food is outstanding. I had forgotten how deliciously fusion the not-so-french menu was. Unlike so many other London restaurants that try the fusion-thing half heartedly, here you can tell that combination of unlikely flavours is well thought through. We had the menu degustation which included delicious tuna tartare (well seasoned), a tender and succulent Black Cod, Wagyu Beef and an aromatic yuzu (a tangy japanese citrus fruit) ice cream – which was a touch too sweet and creamy for me.
For next time my eye is on the following which I spotted at the next table: crispy Squid and scallops with shiso (that green spikey leaf you find under your sashimi) and shitake mushrooms. Not french at all – I like it a lot.

It's been a long time between my visits to L'Etranger and after today's trip out I'm definitely going to go back a lot sooner. The design of the restaurant is smart and quite chic without having to try too hard – spoiled for choice with tables by the window for bright and airy or a little more secluded and darker towards the back. The menus seem to be hugely expansive and cover a large selection of dishes and styles. Being a creature of habit I chose the Tuna tartar for starters – very tasty and readied my taste buds for one of my favourite dishes and the speciality of the house – the Black Cod. Portions were huge – I've seen similar size portions being offered as a sharing plate for 2 at twice the price at other venues in town. Having tried it I can see why it is the house specialty and would advise you to try if dining here. Sadly the main had filled me up so again I had to skip dessert. The wine list is also a major attraction with an amazing selection suited to all wallets – and in some cases bank loans. I'm planning on returning to try the 5 course champagne tasting menu – it's not cheap but given the food and the selection of champagnes including Cristal & Krug it could well be a perfect Christmas treat.