Why Should You Visit The Savini at Criterion Restaurant London?

The historic and renowned Criterion, now The Savini at Criterion Restaurant is a long standing and ancient pillar in the London restaurant scene. Having been open for almost a century and a half, you’d have thought they’ve had a lot of time to practice getting it perfect, and as a result they offer one of the best dining experiences to be had in London today. Few other venues can match the grandeur and history of the Criterion, and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Originally opened in 1873, the Criterion is a Grade II listed building, and is in the Top 10 most historic and oldest restaurants in the world. Featuring Neo-Byzantine architectural stylings, an iconic long cocktail bar, and a fantastically rich fictional and non-fictional history, the Criterion is the restaurant you think of when you imagine high-class London fine-dining. Notable patrons include Winston Churchill, and groups of the Suffragette movement. Backroom tea parties held at the Criterion were utilised by the Suffragette movement, with regular meetings held there contributing directly to the cause. The restaurant can also boast some amazing fictional patrons, ranging from playing a key role in the original Sherlock Holmes, with Sherlock meeting another key character at the iconic cocktail bar, and Bruce Wayne, AKA Batman, in the 2008 flick, The Dark Knight.

The menu is populated by innovative takes on classic Modern European cuisine, with a vast range of delicious and varied options available. Modern takes on Italian classics remain their strong suit, with such a strong variety and range, all cooked and conceived absolutely perfectly. As well as this their cocktail bar is rated as being one of the best in the world, and they have a substantial number of wines, cocktails and craft bales on offer for your perusal.

The real luxury here is always going to be eating in one of the most opulent and lavish settings available in the world. From the neo-Byzantine gold tiled ceiling, to the Long Bar, to the gold mosaic, as well as a few modern additions to offset the overall feeling, this is a stunning building, and a real luxury to eat in. Widely regarded as the best surviving work of Thomas Verity, the architecture of the Criterion is as gorgeous, jaw-dropping and luxurious now as it was when it was opened, perhaps more so as true opulence becomes something of a rarity, even in bustling capitals like London. The quality service reflects the surrounding, friendly, formal, competent and attentive, with an attention to detail and quality you have to expect at these prices. It’s definitely worth at least one visit.