Winning two Michelin stars within just six months of opening is a remarkable feat. That being said, we can’t say that we were all that surprised. From the minute it swung open its doors in September 2022, it was clear - Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal was set to be an instant classic. Still going strong years later, Alex's French cooking is more confident and precise than ever. So strong in fact, that it’s featured multiple times in the upper rungs of our Top 100 Restaurants in London awards.
With Helene Darroze and Alain Ducasse as two of his most influential mentors, Dilling’s luxurious cooking is firmly rooted in the traditions of southwest France. After training at Westminster College, Dilling settled in the US, where he spent the formative years of his career under Ducasse at the now-closed Ardour in New York. During his tenure, the restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars. He then went on to Caviar Russe as chef de cuisine, earning the restaurant a Michelin star in the process. Here, Dilling developed a profound appreciation for caviar - an ingredient often celebrated on his menus.
Headhunted for a role as executive corporate chef at Helene Darroze at The Connaught, he returned to the UK working closely alongside Darroze both in Paris and London. Taking up the reins at The Greenhouse, under his leadership the restaurant received a second Michelin star before ultimately falling victim to the pandemic. Two years later and Dilling’s modern French menus rule the roost under his own name at Hotel Cafe Royal.
Who better to ask for restaurant recommendations than a man who seems to attract accolades at every turn? But while some of Alex Dilling’s favourite restaurants possess Michelin stars, don’t be fooled. Whether it’s iconic luxury restaurants or relaxed dining in Bermondsey, talent instantly recognises genius.
Akoko, Fitzrovia
![Terracotta tones dining room with bowl of caviar]()
Alex says: ‘I usually opt for casual over fine dining on my days off; however, it was a special moment when I had the opportunity to dine at my friend Ayo's restaurant. The meal felt even more special, knowing the dedication and hard work that went into it. The decor of Akoko is warm, with rusty, desert-like hues that perfectly complement Ayo's story. One of my favourite dishes was Tatale, a Ghanaian spiced plantain pancake with goat cashew cream and caviar. Caviar is not typically associated with West African cuisine, but I loved how Ayo incorporated a familiar fine dining ingredient to introduce me to African flavours.’
Where: 21 Berners Street, W1T 3LP
Book now: Akoko
Andrew Edmunds, Soho
![hand holding pan with pie and plate with scallops]()
Alex says: ‘Andrew Edmunds in Soho is a hidden gem. There’s no sign for the restaurant, so you need to be in the know to find it, which I love. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax, with an ever-changing daily menu. They have an exceptional wine selection, where you can find some real treasures. It’s a perfect spot for lunch with friends or alone. The charm and consistently delicious food make it a regular haunt for me when I want something casual yet memorable.’
Where: 46 Lexington Street, W1F 0LP
Book now: Andrew Edmunds
Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Chelsea
![stained glass window with image of michelin man]()
Alex says: ‘Claude Bosi at Bibendum is my top choice for fine dining in London. Every visit here is an adventure because they constantly push the boundaries and take risks with their menu. You’re always guaranteed to encounter something new and exciting. The elegant setting inside the iconic Michelin House adds to the allure. I’m a regular at their Sunday lunches, which are exceptional. Claude’s approach and the restaurant’s commitment to excellence make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fine dining experience.’
Where: Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD
Book now: Claude Bosi at Bibendum
Casse-Croûte, Bermondsey
![eclectic french dining room and plate with chicken]()
Alex says: ‘Casse-Croûte transports me straight to France with its authentic bistro food and charming atmosphere. This little spot is a slice of Paris right in London. The dishes are classic French. You’ll find me sitting at the bar enjoying charcuterie and a beer along with the classics. Every meal here is a nostalgic trip to the French countryside, a favourite of mine whenever I crave a taste of France.’
Where: 109 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XB
Book now: Casse-Croûte
AGORA, London Bridge
![table laid with dips, skewers and greek flatbreads]()
Alex says: ‘AGORA in Borough Market is a new discovery that I stumbled upon in May. The food is simply outstanding, and it’s hands down the best Greek cuisine I’ve had outside of Greece. The menu is surprisingly affordable, meaning you get to try as many dishes as possible. My favourites include the skewers and hummus with flatbreads and broken crisps; the salads were also great. A must-visit spot in Borough Market, I’ll be returning time and time again.’
Where: 3 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL
Book now: AGORA
Looking for more restaurant recs from chefs who are in the know? We’ve mined our connections for the most reliable, top-grade restaurant suggestions from chefs like Tom Cenci, Nuno Mendes, and Mike Davies.