The story
At just 34 seats, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal offers an exclusively intimate dining experience in the heart of London. Overlooking the curve of Regent Street, this self-titled restaurant is chef Alex Dilling’s first, and it makes a powerful statement. The cooking is a modern take on traditional French gastronomic cuisine, described by the restaurant as “an exceptional exercise in sheer pleasure.” Booking is essential.
The menu is built on quiet precision and deliberate composition. A first course is described as “a study in restraint — subtle, elegant, and intentionally composed,” where texture and temperature shift to build anticipation without overwhelming. As the meal progresses, dishes reveal “depth in every detail,” with bold, structured flavors that unfold in sequence. It is not a single story, but a crafted moment designed to be experienced slowly and fully. This is cooking that rewards attention.
This approach has earned Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal two Michelin Stars, a recognition of the excellent cooking and the clarity of the chef’s vision. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, a fitting setting for a cuisine that balances complexity with sheer pleasure. For those seeking modern French cuisine in London, this is a destination that delivers on every level.
Recognition
Ambience
Location