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Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Within The Connaught's oak-paneled embrace, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught London elevates French haute cuisine to three-Michelin-starred perfection, where seasonal British ingredients meet the refined artistry of southwest France's most celebrated chef-patron.
Hélène Darroze's culinary journey began in the Landes region, training under Alain Ducasse at Louis XV before establishing her London flagship in 2008. Her ascent from one Michelin star in 2009 to the coveted third star in 2021 reflects an unwavering commitment to seasonal excellence and French technique. The 2019 transformation by Parisian designer Pierre Yovanovitch introduced rose-hued plaster walls and custom ceramics, creating an intimate sanctuary that balances formality with warmth. This evolution marked not just aesthetic renewal but culinary refinement, cementing Darroze's position among London's finest dining destinations.
The cuisine celebrates Darroze's Landes heritage through meticulously crafted tasting menus that showcase Britain's finest seasonal produce. Signature dishes like Cornwall lobster with tandoori spices and beurre noisette demonstrate her masterful fusion of French technique with global influences. Scottish scallops arrive with sea purslane and lime, while guinea fowl from near Bordeaux features coffee and sancho pepper jus. Each dish tells a story, from the nostalgic "Le Retour de Hanoi" shrimp consommé inspired by her travels to the theatrical baba dessert paired with Armagnacs from her family estate. The seasonal tasting menu structure allows the kitchen to present a perfectly balanced progression, with dietary accommodations available through advance notice.
The dining experience unfolds across an intimate 50-seat space where curved banquettes in soothing pinks and greens create privacy without isolation. The exclusive Chef's Table, featuring a boomerang-shaped pink marble top, offers ten guests front-row access to kitchen artistry beneath Rochegaussen's ceiling fresco. Service embodies French hospitality at its finest, with personalized touches like the signature knife trolley selection. The wine program showcases over 3,000 selections, while Darroze's unique Armagnac collection—featuring 250 varieties from her family estate—provides an unparalleled digestif experience unavailable elsewhere in London's fine dining landscape.
Reservations at this Michelin three-star destination require advance planning, with the Chef's Table and sommelier's cellar table offering the most exclusive experiences. Whether for the seasonal lunch menu or the full tasting journey, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught represents the pinnacle of French culinary artistry in London's luxury dining scene.
CHEF
Hélène Darroze
ACCOLADES

(2024) Michelin 3 Stars

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Classical in Europe Ranked #69

(2025) La Liste Top Restaurants: 94.5pts

(2025) Michelin 3 Stars

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Classical in Europe Ranked #62

(2025) The Best Chef Three Knives

(2026) La Liste Top Restaurants: 95pts

