Orrery

This D&D London-owned, Conran-era classic has celebrated its 21st birthday with a gentle refurbishment that has effectively kept the grey-toned colour scheme the same as before. It remains one of the most elegant dining rooms in London, especially pretty at lunchtime when light floods through the arched windows overlooking St Marylebone churchyard, and in summer when the rooftop terrace is one of the capital’s best-kept secrets. Chef-patron Igor Tymchyshyn has worked here since 2008 and hasn’t ever deviated from the restaurant’s modern French template. Starters of perky cured mackerel with cucumber and horseradish or a really excellent Dorset crab with mango and wasabi might be followed by a signature tournedos Rossini with almost as much foie gras as steak. A trolley whiffy with 30 well-kept cheeses has always been what the place is most famous for – as too a 22-page wine list with some big names among the two dozen by the glass, with fine wine prices slashed on Mondays. Service is as formal as the business-friendly setting of well-spaced, white-clothed tables demands, without losing sight of friendliness. A set menu (£39) with four choices per course avoids the stiff cost of the à la carte (£59), while the tiny bar is a rare for the area cocktail spot.

Orrery is not just an award-winning French restaurant tucked away in the heart of Marylebone. It is also a luxury grocery, and has a bar and terrace, to offer guests a truly special visit. Huge arched windows bathe the indoor restaurant with light, offering diners a view of the outdoors from the comfort of their table. The terrace is all-season, with an awning and heaters for the winter months, and a panoramic view of the night sky in summer. For those who can't visit, Orrery also offers home kits, so everyone can experience its culinary delights. Head chef Igor Tymchyschyn shows his expertise and Michelin-starred background with every dish, each careful created to celebrate its components, and plated in such a way as to truly show them off.

The evening a la carte menu presents guests with up to date, modern takes on French cuisine, resulting in broader, modern European fare. Traditional French dishes appear in the starters, but with playful additions, such as the confit duck with foie gras ravioli and Madeira consommé. Season, warming dishes populate the mains, with the likes of wild mushroom risotto with autumn truffle, or fillet of turbot with artichoke purée and caramelised endive.

Guests can finish their visit with coconut panna cotta with passion fruit and Champagne jelly, Bakewell tart, Manjari chocolate cremeux or a selection of farmhouse cheese. Sweet wine and port flights are also available. 

The terrace is the perfect place for a cocktail or glass of Champagne with friends or colleagues. The list of classic cocktails is truly extensive, ensuring that all palates are satisfied, while the 23-page wine list offers bottles from almost every country, as well as a perfectly sufficient selection of wine by the glass for those wanting to mix things up. Orrery also boasts a private dining room that seats up to 16.