Lovely London restaurant for a 21st?

[Mydogsnotfat]

Hello all,

I'm trying to find a swanky restaurant to book for a family meal. A delayed 21st on her 22nd and a 17th. Looking for somewhere with a great atmosphere but with food that's not too out there as the dd in question isn't the most adventurous eater. My current choice is The Ivy but I'm hoping you all may have better suggestions.

we went to the Delaunay with my unadventurous younger DC, and it was lovely. owned by the people who had The Ivy before it became a chain. It says "all day cafe" but in the evenings it's very much a smart restaurant vibe.

I took my kids to Sketch in London and they loved it! The toilets are really cool too!

I like Hawksmoor on Air Street for steak and a nice vibe. Or Roka for sushi and other delicious Japanese food.

Circolo Popolare

Bob Bob Ricard

I was going to say Sketch- quite fun and very Instagrammable. Or Ivy Asia in St Paul’s or Kings Rd.

Sophie's in Soho

Great food and atmosphere (firepit grilled meat and fish, steaks, interesting sides but also things like v good chips) and wonderful cocktails!

Ivy is massively overpriced, not to mention racist, so I would definitely avoid.

Another vote for the Delauney

I second Hawksmoor Air St. Great food and fab setting without being pretentious or stuffy. The staff were really knowledgeable and fun too.

Darwin brasserie in the walkie talkie, good unfussy food and killer views to boot

Clos Maggiore or Petersham nurseries. I do like a flowery place me.

Madison St Paul's is nice. Great views too.

If Chinese is not ‘too far out there’ then one of the DJ nights at Hakkasan might be perfect for 21st? I avoid them like the plague as it’s noisy for my ears but they’re full of mostly younger crowd and multi generational groups ?
Or maybe Margot v smart Italian great queen street ?

The Chinese restaurant up the Shard. I'm hoping to take Ds and a couple of friends there for his 18th.

Thanks everyone, some of those look really good. @crumblebug can I ask why The Ivy is overpriced and racist as there prices are in line with all the other suggestions

Definitely not The Ivy. Standards have gone so downhill in recent years, it’s become too much of a chain imo. Also Google their advert for the Ivy Asia for the racism reference.

Maybe one of the D&D restaurants like 100 Wardour Street or Quaglinos if you like live music. Or Cirque is also very good for entertainment while you eat.

The Shard. Just so out of this world and will be remember everytime she goes to London

I too think The Ivy is overpriced and there’s not a good table in the restaurant. Too close together, too close to the bar, the station for cutlery etc. I would suggest The Wolesley or Brinkleys or Hakasan. Love all of them for different reasons.

Not The Ivy. Is now a chain and very boring.

Delauney is nice and feels glamourous.

Manteca

The Bluebird in Chelsea for people watching!

We love The Ivy and took my son for his 21st birthday. He really loved it and we have gone 4 times since when we go to London. It’s very relaxed and we’ve always had great service.

La Gavaroche..no words needed it is sublime

Original ivy is nice. I find it pretty fail safe for special events and the service is always flawless. I cannot say the same of the chain - we had some shockers so gave up on them pre covid.

I personally think Clos Maggiore is a couples / romance restaurant.

Sketch could be a really nice option but I do think the shard makes for a memorable experience and evening.