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.