The fabled Café Lapérouse has journeyed overseas from the City of Lights, bringing its Parisian charm to the heart of the OWO building. It sits neatly within the newly opened Raffles Hotel and stands out amongst the numerous dining options, sprawling out onto the illuminated courtyard.
Having been the first restaurant in Paris to earn three Michelin stars, back in 1933, it began as a small wine shop before converting into a dazzling restaurant and taking the city by storm. Of late, Café Lapérouse has been reborn and now graces London’s vibrant food scene as a distinguished player.
To Eat
The menu remains traditional (having once pioneered French haute-gastronomy), with classic dishes enhanced for the modern palate.
Croque Monsieur Royal is elevated by truffle and paired with a side of mesclun salad. Meanwhile, the Le Boeuf Wellington acts as a bridge between the two colonies and remains untouched, just as the Brits intended. Pink centre, a pâté coating, and a crispy glazed crust, all drenched in a rich jus de Porto et Madère. Accompany this dish with a side of silky purée de pommes de terre and seasonal vegetables for an exceptional meal.
Amongst the other options are Filet Château, sauce au poivre (beef fillet with peppercorn sauce), and Goujonnettes fish and chips style with tartare sauce—the latter, a nod to their new British home.
Dessert is when the decision-making gets tough. You could play it safe and choose a selection of French cheeses, which, don’t get me wrong, is always a brilliant choice. However, why not sit and ponder over the endless list of sweet delicacies? Savour a Royal Rum Baba or indulge in an Angel’s Profiterole. Opt for a Classic Religieuse or tackle the towering slice of Gateau Meringué Vanille. There’s also a creamy Crème Brulée to be had… and the list goes on. Clearly, the wisest decision here would be to sample multiple plates for the ultimate Lapérouse experience.
To Drink
We can’t all be wine connoisseurs, but that’s not a problem. Sommeliers are always here to save the day, and Café Lapérouse may just have the best ones on board. Presented with two house-label wines, my personalised matches were among the most accurate that I have ever experienced. The Chablis, Domaine de l’Enclos, was pale in colour and crisp with citrus and sweet fruits. While the Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Domaine René Bouvier, was dark in colour yet as delicate as ever, it had a subtle sweet hint and a smooth, pleasant taste. Hand-picked for my palate while simultaneously complementing the respective dishes, the pairings were just phenomenal.
But if wine isn’t your thing, then perhaps their collection of stunning cocktails, mixed and crafted with precision, will take your fancy.
To See
Café Lapérouse
Café Lapérouse’s infamous private salons did not make their way over, but the main room brilliantly encapsulates their essence. Evoking the charm of candle-lit dining and distinct opulence, diners are transported to the nostalgic ambience of old Paris as the live pianist renders “joie de vivre.”
Ruched curtains, silk walls, glistening chandeliers, and intricate tapestries fill the carpeted main room. With influences from the 18th century woven into the dark, wine-coloured fabrics, history is frozen in time and laced together with accents of gold.
Pavillon Café Lapérouse
Inversely, the Pavillon Café Lapérouse is reminiscent of modern-day Paris. While still very much elegant, with intricate details, the space is much more refined and chic. Brightly lit, with an Art Deco vibe and nautical theme — pale blue tones, scallop shell seating and brushed columns are seen in the glass shell Pavillion. All of which is inspired by the voyages of explorer and French naval officer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, from whom the restaurant bears its name.
Nostalgic yet refreshingly new—the ambience, the history, and the culinary excellence all come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Café Lapérouse is perfect for romantic date nights or glamorous breakfast meets.
Courtyard, The Old War Office – OWO, 7 Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2EX
