Dining out with the upper crust

Elegant and tasteful, a trip to Wiltons is well worth it, writes Tatiana von Saxe

A TRUE English institution, Wiltons is traditional, very elegant and with excellent service. With wonderfully fresh and simple food, this place is the one of the best restaurants I have dined in.
It is also situated in one of the cosiest streets in London and convenient for shopping and a just short walk from Theatreland.
The bar area is sumptuous with large silver champagne and wine coolers. This is in contrast to the actual dining areas with elegant booths that give privacy and intimacy without the feeling of being isolated.
I always sit at a corner table in the bar area – where you can watch the beautiful people arrive – it’s like reading a page from Debrett’s – being greeted, seated and never disturbed. The bar area also is where Patrick reigns and as a result you will be superbly looked after. He remembers what you drink and what you like. Do I have to say more? But everybody is very professional and attentive and the service impeccable.
Many regulars like to come for a quick lunch and sit at the bar.
On my latest visit I dined with my lovely stepdaughter Sara.
Wiltons’ food is always tasty, fresh and beautifully presented. You go there with the knowledge that whatever you order is going to be good.
When in season, their langoustine and crab are simply exquisite and oysters are their speciality served with chopped marinated red onions.
We started with Potted Shrimps (£11), and Fresh Asparagus (£12) with home made Hollandaise sauce. Then Sara had the Smoked Salmon (£19) beautifully presented covering the whole plate with thin brown bread and butter or choice of various breads.
I had the Dover Sole Meunieure (£31) and Fresh spinach (£4) and proudly ordered it ‘off the bone’.
To me it tastes so much better that way and I feel I am earning the right to eat it.
We shared a delicious bread and butter pudding (£7.50) and a bottle of House wine – the Sauvignon Blanc, having had two glasses before dinner. The bill without service came to £120.50 which was well worth it.
Depending on your credit card balance, you may wish to put Wiltons in your list where you would rather be a guest than a host. But a visit is a must. Savour the time you are there including a visit to their elegant rest rooms.
The feeling is more like dining at home with a maid and butler looking after you and attending to your every need.
Simply wonderful!

Wiltons

55 Jermyn Street, London SW1
Call 020 7629 9955
www.wiltons.co.uk
Open Mondays to Fridays
Lunch noon – 2.30pm
Dinner 6pm – 10.30pm.