Hélène Darroze at the Connaught in Mayfair and Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill have both achieved the prestigious 3-Michelin star status, cementing London’s reputation as a global gastronomic capital.
Chef Hélène Darroze, who also oversees acclaimed restaurants in Paris and Moscow, began her illustrious journey in 1990 under the mentorship of culinary icon Alain Ducasse. Her formative years at the renowned Louis XV at Hôtel de Paris in Monaco laid the foundation for her signature style, blending French tradition with contemporary flair.
One of Darroze’s standout creations is her famed "Tandoori Scallops," where hand-dived scallops are delicately spiced and served with silky carrot purée and kumquat confit, offering a refined balance of sweetness and heat on the palate.
Clare Smyth, originally from Northern Ireland, honed her craft with legends such as Alain Ducasse and Gordon Ramsay before opening Core in 2017. In a remarkably short period, Core has risen to international acclaim and is now hailed as one of the world’s top fine dining destinations.
Smyth’s celebrated "Potato & Roe" is a masterclass in elevating humble ingredients. A Charlotte potato is slow-cooked in seaweed butter, then marinated for 24 hours, and presented with Scottish herring and trout roe, finished with crisp salt & vinegar shards—an homage to British produce with a modern twist.
With these new additions, London now boasts five restaurants with the illustrious 3-Michelin star distinction. The city’s elite culinary lineup also includes Sketch’s Lecture Room & Library (Chef Pierre Gagnaire), Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (Chefs Gordon Ramsay and Matt Abé), and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester (Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet).
