If you don’t mind hearing the clang of pots and calls of ‘yes, chef’, the capital’s growing roster of chef’s tables are for you. Offering a front-row seat to all the kitchen action, this unique experience doesn’t only enable diners to enjoy a glimpse of the inner workings of some of London’s most celebrated restaurants, but also showcases how dishes are formed and the talent and meticulous technique it takes to bring menus together. Ready to take your seat? Step right this way. 

Petrus, Belgravia

Helmed by acclaimed French chef Orson Vergnaud, Petrus is Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred restaurant, located just a stone’s throw from Belgrave Square. Guests are usually seated in the Russell Sage Studio-designed upstairs dining room, which features a 1,200-strong glass wine cave, but for those who would like to be in on the action, book the chef’s table downstairs which quite literally fringes the stainless steel counters of the bustling kitchen. Accommodating up to eight guests, this exclusive setting offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness expert chefs in action, while dining on a bespoke seven-course menu paired with a sommelier’s selection of wines. Chin chin. 

Visit gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Kioko by Endo at The OWO, Whitehall

Showcasing kitchen action and personalised service, the chef’s table at Kioku by Endo is nestled in the heart of the rooftop Japanese restaurant. Overlooking the kitchen and boasting views across the adjacent rooftops and chimneys towards the Houses of Parliament, this unique table for up to eight people offers an intimate glimpse into the culinary artistry of Endo Kazutoshi and his team. The sliding doors can be drawn for a private dining experience, while guests are offered an 11-dish tasting menu featuring turbot with smoked sabayon and sancho pepper, wagyu with aubergine and black garlic, and shiso with cucumber and Amarena sorbet. 

Visit kiokubyendo.com

Abc Kitchens at The Emory, Knightsbridge

Abc Kitchens at The Emory – from three-Michelin star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten – blends all three of his New York outlets under one roof, serving Latin-American, vegan and European-inspired menus. For intimate celebrations, book the Market Table which seats up to 10 guests and is nestled next to the kitchen with a view of the pass and dining room. Designed by the renowned Rémi Tessier, leather curtains can be closed to offer privacy throughout the duration of your meal, as you dine on the signature pea guacamole, crab toast dressed with green chilli, and crispy fish tacos served with cabbage-apple slaw. 

Visit the-emory.co.uk

The Dorchester, Mayfair

Not everyone can get a glimpse of the inner workings of The Dorchester – but those who book the chef’s table certainly can. Reached beyond the restaurant’s doors and down an escalator, the exclusive table is housed behind a sound-proof glass wall that can be left transparent for a behind-the-scenes view into the kitchen, or made opaque for dining in complete privacy. Choose from a menu of culinary director Martyn Nail’s British-inspired dishes, ranging from ham hock sausage roll and beef tartare, to beef Wellington and stuffed globe artichoke. 

Visit dorchestercollection.co.uk

Benares, Mayfair

Famed for its modern, Michelin-starred Indian cuisine, Benares’ chef’s table is where the magic really happens. Boasting a large glass window that overlooks the main kitchen, diners can watch the team at work and meet the chefs, including executive chef Sameer Taneja, behind the award-winning menus. The intimate private room hosts up to eight guests, and menus feature malabar scallops, samosa tartlet, and konkan prawn curry. 

Visit benaresrestaurant.co.uk

Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair

If you’re lucky enough to bag a booking at Sushi Kanesaka, you’ll be welcomed into an intimate and traditional 13-seat omakase restaurant that is a chef’s table in its own right. With handmade sushi and fresh, raw fish cut before your eyes, the restaurant – which was awarded its first Michelin star just seven months after opening – is housed behind a discreet doorway and offers an immersive omakase experience delivered by top Japanese chefs. Expect plates of steamed abalone with wasabi, Cornish crab with beluga caviar and handrolled unagi. 

Visit dorchestercollection.com

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