La Balcon

Location: Sofitel, St James’s Park
Cuisine: French
Average price: £50
Website: www.thebalconlondon.com
Booking recommended

Situated in a beautiful part of London, La Balcon is a stunning restaurant. From the moment you arrive, the service is impeccable. The maître’de kindly escorts you to your table, the waiter politely introduces him or herself, you toast your glasses and drink in anticipation to what’s to come. Sadly, your fine dining experience ends here, the food arrives and you find yourself disappointed with you mis-interpretation of the menu. This roast duck resembles  carpaccio and why is my spinach with garlic and butter actually garlic with more garlic?? Given the price, you begin to find it incredibly difficult to look past the disappointment.

La Balcon certainly lives up to its French ideals; the food is mostly well presented and the flavours are intense and rich. However, you will find yourself, reaching for your glass of water and craving something bland to dilute the intensity. Granted, everyone has a slightly different taste. La Balcon, is particularly unsuitable for those with a more discerning pallet.

If you are to visit the restaurant, i recommend playing it safe and ordering the burger.