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La Fête du ChampagneCode: PEARL
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Permanently Closed
CuisineModern British

Michelin Plate

Our verdict

Perched on the first floor, Fontana marries contemporary culinary finesse with an open-armed warmth that feels delightfully personal. The open kitchen sets a sociable tone as chefs greet guests, while a suite of menus—prix fixe, à la carte, daily specials, and a refined Sunday roast—caters to every appetite without compromising on elegance. Expect crisp, modern cooking with confident flavors, from the day’s impeccably fresh fish accented by a punchy romesco to a dessert list designed to seduce. Smartly dressed interiors and curated contemporary art frame the experience, creating a polished yet relaxed setting where every course feels like an occasion.

Fontana restaurant in Holywood, United Kingdom
About

Rising above street level, Fontana introduces itself with a rare blend of sophistication and conviviality. The first-floor setting is airy and smartly dressed, its clean lines softened by the warmth of contemporary art and the spark of an open kitchen. Guests arrive to a cheery greeting from the brigade, an immediate promise that this is dining shaped by both precision and personality.

The culinary approach is crisp, modern, and quietly confident. A broad suite of menus—prix fixe for ease, à la carte for indulgence, daily specials for spontaneity, and a Sunday roast for ritual—allows diners to tailor the experience without ever diluting its refinement. Each dish reflects a judicious hand and clear intent: pure flavors, immaculate textures, and an artful balance that lets quality ingredients speak eloquently.

Consider the fish of the day, its pearlescent flakes enlivened by a punchy romesco whose roasted peppers and almonds deliver warmth, depth, and a subtle, luxurious heat. Service matches the kitchen’s poise with a studied ease—attentive yet unintrusive, guiding diners through the menu’s seasonal cadence and the cellar’s thoughtful selections. The room’s contemporary elegance underscores the sense of occasion; there is an intimacy here that feels cultivated rather than contrived, making Fontana as suitable for a celebratory lunch as for a quietly decadent evening.

Desserts carry the through-line of generosity and restraint. Whether you lean toward something bright and fruit-forward or plush and chocolate-led, the finale is always crafted for satisfaction without heaviness—an elegant close to a meal that progresses with natural rhythm. At Fontana, modern cooking doesn’t shout; it converses—confidently, beautifully, and with the kind of understated luxury that leaves a lasting impression.

In Context

Comparable venues nearby, for context on price, style, and recognition.

The record

Recognition history

Dated appearances from independent guides and award organizations, with the underlying list record or original source where available.

  1. Michelin Plate

    Michelin

Full recognition history (2 entries)
  1. Michelin Plate

    Michelin

Fontana

The wine

Selections
870
Bottles in cellar
21,500
List strengths
Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, France
Wine director
Just Wong

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