REVIEW: One-O-One Restaurant, The Park Tower, Knightsbridge

Seafood has rarely featured high on my ‘what to eat’ list. Whenever eating out I often go straight to the red meat dishes (steak), but thanks to One-O-One I’ll no longer be so quick to choose ever again. One-O-One may not be the most lavish looking of restaurants from the outside, but step into the dining room and that all changes, located in the sumptuous Park Tower London Hotel. A glass of chilled Champagne is a must and the freshly baked bread is stunning, along with an unforgettable seaweed butter which I remember so well from back at Seagrill in Brussels, a restaurant in which Pascal trained I believe.

To start our culinary experience we decided to try the Norwegian red king crab legs, served warm with sweet chilli, ginger and spring onions. These deliciously meaty, juicy and sweet tasting crab legs were a true taste sensation. It’s my understanding that Pascal (Head Chef) was the first to introduce these into the London dining scene, over 20 years ago, and I’m very pleased he did.

Next was a dish of yellowfin tuna tartar, tempura soft shell crab, sushi rice, tobiko and wasabi sorbet. A beautifully presented dish, with individual flavours and textures, balancing well with one another to awaken the palate. A little heat came off the wasabi and the crab was incredibly juicy making for one stunning plate of food.

Following on from our starters was the cassoulet of cod, Sicilian red prawns, paimpol coco beans, truffle, bisque and parsley. A very fragrant dish, bursting with fresh, earthy and ocean flavours. The prawns were juicy and meaty and the cod cooked to utter perfection. If Poseidon ever did dinner parties, this would be his signature dish. This was quite honestly the best thing I have eaten in years. I was blown away. The side of creamy mash in lobster oil was also legendary.

A habit is often hard to break, but to be fair; it was the best of the land and sea in one dish – surf and turf lobster, king crab, beef fillet, carrot, asparagus, bisque and pinot noir jus. A visually filling dish, with bold and rich flavours. The beef delivered a depth of flavour, with a tenderness that paired perfectly with the meaty lobster and sweet crab. So many different flavours and textures on the plate which worked together in perfect harmony.

Finally – 55% Manjari chocolate pave and pistachio ice cream. A rich and indulgent chocolate fix. Cleverly balancing bitter and sweet flavours made this a really satisfying taste experience.  Nothing more I say could do it justice apart from – when you visit order this dessert. Pineapple, rum baba, coconut Chantilly, star anise and pina colada sorbet. The description on its own should be enough, but it had to be tasted to be fully appreciated. Each flavour, texture and temperature married flawlessly, leaving you salivating with every bite. I like rum baba but I loved Pascal’s version even more.

From the moment you enter, to leaving and putting on your coat, the whole experience here at One-O-One is one of the finest available and not just in London, but anywhere in the UK. One-O-One has been delivering culinary excellence to Londoners for over 20 years and was recently rated #3 Best Restaurant in London by The Sunday Times. In my option it’s the #1 for Seafood of anywhere I’ve eaten and expect to dine in anytime soon. Pascal – you are a legend and one which the London culinary dining scene could not have become what it is today without you, backed by some remarkable kitchen talent. I can’t wait to come back.

9/10