Criterion Restaurant  

 

 

ADDRESS

224 Piccadilly, Soho, London W1J 9HS

 

 

TELEPHONE

020 7930 0488 

 

OPENING TIMES

Lunch Mon to Sat 12noon-2.30pm, Sun 12noon-3.30pm, Dinner Mon to Sat 5.30pm-11pm, Sun 5pm-10.30pm | Afternoon Tea Thu to Sat 2.30pm-5.30pm

 

PRICES

Main Courses £16-£34 | Afternoon Tea from £29 per person

 

Nearby

Hotels, Events, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Education, Leisure, Pubs, Nightlife, Venue hire  

 

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What makes the Criterion special is its truly spectacular neo-Byzantine interior which has been wowing diners ever since its doors swung open in 1873. Positioned in the heart of the Piccadilly Circus, this well known establishment occupies a significant spot and makes no apology for its showy gilt ceilings, enormous mirrors, opulent rugs and intricate mosaics. The decor of is unapologetically rooted in a bygone era - Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and HG Wells are just some of the well known visitors who've dined here. Replacing former owner Marco Pierre White's French menu with a Modern European one, Georgian property developer Vasily Sopromadze and his 21 year old son Irakli reopened the Criterion in the summer of 2009. There's a particular emphasis on sourcing fresh ingredients including fish from Looe in Cornwall, and lamb and pork sourced and delivered fresh from Cumbria. Signature dishes including pork (Gloucester Old Spot) cooked three ways - cured loin, slow-roasted belly, and panfried black pudding. To enjoy a dining room like this - surely one of London's most magnificent - the old fashioned way opt for an afternoon tea of smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, scones and clotted cream. Alternatively, head to the Long Bar and follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes. Elementary, my dear.

Criterion Restaurant