Join the rewards club for food lovers and unlock rewards

Restaurant Story

British, Modern European·
££££
·
Gold Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Restaurant Story

Gold Award

Tom Sellers gained a reputation as something of an enfant terrible when he opened his first solo venture, Restaurant Story, at the age of 26 in 2013; now he’s re-opened it with a refurb after a six-week closure. The whole place feels more grown-up; the stark Scandinavian look of the glass-walled room (Sellers spent a year at Noma in 2011) has been softened with white tablecloths and sculptures, while the rather precious ‘story’ elements, such as guests being asked to bring a book to leave behind, have thankfully been pulped.

There’s no menu as such; guests are asked for any likes or dislikes before a procession of tasting-menu size dishes arrive, although they are likely to include story classics such as ‘Storeos’ – a savoury spin on an Oreo cookie filled with cheese – and Sellers’ signature dish of bread with dripping, in which a beef-fat candle lit at the table melts to become a dipping sauce for sour dough.

But it’s not all about the visual gags. Sublime turbot, Champagne and sea herbs, and chicken with morels and lettuce, bear witness to Sellers’ rock-solid training with some of London’s most famous chefs, while oscietra caviar, veal sweetbread and turnip showcased superb ingredients with every mouthful.

Even diners who have an allergic reaction to tasting menus are likely to be won over by the joy and invention on show here, although what elevated the meal for us from high-end rivals was the relaxed service led by witty and down-to-earth maitr’d Joe Paulinski who, for all his good humour, learnt his trade at the very serious Per Se. It's not cheap (as expected at a two Michelin starred gaffe), but this is a Story that now knows how to put a smile on its customers’ faces, and if you haven’t returned since it first opened, it more than merits a re-visit.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
British, Modern European
Ambience
Fun, Glamorous, Luxury, Unique, Widely spaced tables
Awards
Two Michelin stars
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Originally opened in 2013, Restaurant Story is the brainchild of wunderkind chef Tom Sellers, who took the restaurant world by storm with his innovative, high-concept dishes, bagging a Michelin star just five months after opening its doors.

The concept of Restaurant Story is to offer a fine-dining experience that is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the taste buds, as evidenced by some of Sellers’ previous signature dishes - the beef dripping candle, for example, which is lit at the table and melts to become a dipping sauce for sourdough bread. Despite the initial success of his restaurant, Sellers also developed a reputation for being somewhat difficult - he famously launched an online tirade against former Evening Standard restaurant critic Fay Maschler after she wrote a lukewarm review of his Restaurant Ours concept.

It seems that Sellers has grown up since then though and so has the restaurant that first made his name. In 2018, Restaurant Story underwent an extensive refurbishment, which saw more luxurious tables and seating being added to the dining room, as well as the addition of a feature ceiling showcasing an installation of swallows taking flight. Sellers has also ditched the traditional a la carte format, instead offering guests a blind tasting menu (you will have time to warn your waiter of any dislikes or allergies). Restaurant Story reopened again in January 2024 after another refurbishment. 

Longtime fans of Restaurant Story will be glad to know that several of the signature dishes remain, which are served alongside seasonally inspired plates. It seems all of Sellers’ efforts have paid off, because Restaurant Story was awarded a second Michelin star in 2021. Prices are as high as you would expect in a place like this, but the relaxed, unstuffy service will help to soften the blow of the bill.


FAQs

Does the restaurant have a Michelin star?

The restaurant has two Michelin stars.

Helpful? 0

Is there a vegetarian menu?

Yes, there is a vegetarian tasting menu on offer.

Helpful? 0

Who is the head chef?

Tom Sellers is the chef patron at the restaurant. His experience includes time at Restaurant Tom Aikens, Noma and Per Se. Tom Phillips is the head chef and has worked at The Ritz in London as well as L’Enclume in the Lake District

Helpful? 0
Meet the team
Restaurant Story

Tom Sellers

Chef Patron

Tom Sellers first burst onto the London restaurant scene when he opened Restaurant Story in 2013 at the age of just 26, a game-changing concept which saw him awarded a Michelin star just five months after opening. However, he had been honing his craft long before then, having trained under some of the world’s best chefs, including Tom Aikens in London and at Raffles in Singapore, Thomas Keller at three Michelin-starred Per Se in New York, and René Redzepi at two Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen. In 2021, Restaurant Story was upgraded to a two Michelin star restaurant, cementing Tom Sellers’ place as one of the UK’s most exciting chefs.


Location

199 Tooley Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 2JX

020 7183 2117 020 7183 2117

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu 12:00-13:30
Fri Closed
Sat 12:00-13:30
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:00-20:00
Wed 18:00-20:00
Thu 18:00-20:00
Fri 18:00-20:00
Sat 18:00-20:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

Share your thoughts with other diners

Write a review


18 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

federica I

28 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Inventive and just delicious

Robert F

27 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Rsstaurant Story has continued to innovate whilst not losing touch with its own origins. A stupendous, joyful experience of foodie entertainment at the highest level

Kristina S

29 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

The best Michelin stars (**) restaurant in London! 

Charlotte T

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Wonderful tasting menu, adjusted the food to accomomdate dietary requirements, didnt rush us, lovely intimate setting, relaxed vibe and overall great experience.

Malisa S

06 August 2019  
Food - amazing New decor - relaxing Service - Outstanding Value - True Michelin Experience.

Roisin B

04 April 2019  
Quirky, original, slightly mad, but delicious.

Anonymous

04 April 2019  
Highly innovative food and thoughtful and well informed staff who clearly enjoy working there.

Mary B

27 June 2018  
Superb experience, an adventure in eating!

Alana F

21 March 2018  
Lovely decor, the perfect place for a nice evening dinner or Sunday lunch, service is professional and attentive,great location, fresh fish and seafood.

Sue Y

15 June 2017  
Most recently visited for "Story Behind the Curtain" - fabulous evening. Great service, delightful food - a must return to venue.
Book a table

Find a table

Sorry, you cannot spend SquareMeal vouchers here yet.

Other restaurants we like near Restaurant Story

Poulet
Bermondsey

Poulet

The Garrison
Bermondsey

The Garrison

VU from the Tower
Tower Hill

VU from the Tower

Check availability