SO|LA

The story

SO|LA London: Michelin-Starred Californian Dining in Soho | Wattafork

Creative Californian Cooking in Soho

At SO|LA on Dean Street, chef Victor Garvey brings the flavours of America’s Pacific West Coast to the heart of London. The restaurant’s elegant, intimate dining room is filled with abundant plants and sculptural lighting, evoking the lush greenery and sunshine of California. The menu focuses on modern cuisine that celebrates the freshness and diversity of the Golden State, with a style of service that embraces a splash of theatre.

Garvey’s own path is as international as his cooking. Born in New York to an American father and French-Spanish mother, he moved to Barcelona at six and started working in restaurant kitchens as a teenager. Stints in notable Spanish restaurants were followed by time in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Copenhagen and Marbella, before he arrived in London to open SO|LA in 2019.

A Michelin-Starred Achievement

The restaurant’s commitment to quality was recognised in 2021 when it was awarded a Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes. It is currently rated 40th in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards. The Michelin star underscores the precision and creativity of Garvey’s Californian cooking, where seasonal ingredients are treated with respect and technical skill. The Financial Times has praised his “brilliant cooking,” calling him “a total enthusiast.”

The Dining Experience

SO|LA does not offer an à la carte menu. Instead, guests choose from a tasting menu, with a lunch and pre-theatre option also available. The menus are sample menus and subject to change, and the kitchen can adjust for some dietary requirements with 72 hours’ notice.

The wine list is a particular point of pride, focusing on the United States with a strong emphasis on California. Pairings are available for both the lunch and tasting menus, with a premium option for those seeking something special. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine for any service except Friday and Saturday dinner.

Private Hire and Atmosphere

The restaurant offers private hire for events, with the main dining room accommodating up to 32 guests and a private dining room seating up to 16. The space is designed to feel both luxurious and welcoming, a setting that complements the refined yet relaxed nature of the cooking.