My favourite restaurants: Emily Roux

The Roux family hardly needs an introduction. For decades, Albert and Michel Roux - and later Michel Roux Jr - shaped British dining through Le Gavroche, the restaurant that defined classical French cooking in London. Through their food, and their presence on television, they shifted British food culture, changing the way we think about everyday eating.

Now, the next chapter of that dynasty belongs to Emily Roux. The daughter of Michel Roux Jr, she grew up with the clatter of pans and the perfume of sauces as a backdrop to her childhood. One of her earliest memories is of sitting in a corner of Le Gavroche’s kitchen as a teenager, peeling potatoes and stealing glances at her father orchestrating service. That early exposure didn’t just normalise restaurant life - it made her hungry for it.

After finishing her studies and a placement in Paris, Emily jumped straight into the deep end at Alain Ducasse’s three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV in Monaco. It was there, amid the pressure of one of the world’s most exacting kitchens, that she met Diego Ferrari - the Italian chef who would become her husband, collaborator, and business partner. Together, they returned to London and in 2018, opened Caractère in Notting Hill, a restaurant that reflects both their heritages: French elegance and Italian warmth.

The Roux name is both a gift and a burden. When Michel Roux Jr announced the closure of Le Gavroche in 2024, after nearly 60 years, many assumed Emily would inherit the mantle. But she was never interested in stepping into someone else’s shoes, determining that she wanted to succeed by her own merits. In 2025, that resolve paid off: Emily and Diego earned their first Michelin star at Caractère, not by trading on legacy but by carving out something entirely their own.

Want to know where Emily likes to eat when she's in London? We grabbed a few minutes with her to ask her just that. 

Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington

Emily says: 'Diego and I both love dim sum. Min Jiang not only has amazing views of Hyde Park (the scenery is always different depending on the weather or the season), but also has a fabulous dim sum lunch menu. It’s fairly close to our restaurant too, so we often grab a bite before picking up our boys from school. Turnip cake is a must!'
Where: Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
Book now: Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel

C&R Cafe, Soho

Emily says: 'Easy going, fast paced, inexpensive and yummy Malaysian food. My parents used to take me here over 20 years ago. I always go for beef ho fun or nasi lemak with a sweet soy bean drink. Now I take my son, so three generations of our family have been going here!'
Where: 4-5 Rupert Court, W1D 6DY
Book now: C&R Cafe

HIDE, Mayfair

Emily says: 'HIDE is my favourite breakfast spot for a special occasion. Birthday celebrations or big achievements with bubbles. The pastries are absolutely amazing!'
Where: 85 Piccadilly, W1J 7NB
Book now: HIDE

Tappo Enoteca, Notting Hill

Emily says: 'Technically a wine bar, but the small plates are delicious! The pinsa romana with fennel salami and truffle pecorino definitely hits the spot with a beautiful bottle of red wine. We celebrated our first Michelin star with the whole team at Tappo, so it holds a special place in our hearts.'
Where: 299 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA
Book now: Tappo Enoteca

Josephine, Chelsea

Emily says: 'A classic French bistrot that’s fairly local to us and brings back so many fond memories of living in Lyon. I spent two years in Lyon whilst at catering college, and I have the fondest memories of saucisson brioche, salad Lyonnaise, tripes, and offal in general!'
Where: 315 Fulham Road, SW10 9QH
Book now: Josephine Chelsea

Want to read more about the best female chefs in the UK? Browse interviews with the likes of Helene Darroze, Abby Lee and Ruth Hansom.