HIDEaway to Culinary Bliss
If you’re familiar with me, you might be able to pinpoint my star sign and, with a bit of detective work, deduce my birthday. Indeed, I’m a proud Leo! I’d rather not reveal the exact number of candles on my cake, but let’s just say my birthday was last week, and HIDE certainly made it a memorable one.
HIDE has long been on my list of places to experience, particularly given my love for Michelin-starred establishments. I remember first spotting it en route to the Japanese embassy—quite the delightful detour.
Nestled in the elegant heart of Mayfair, HIDE has built quite the reputation for its inventive approach to modern European cuisine. And, I must say, it lived up to every lofty expectation I had for my birthday feast.
Ambience:
The interior design at HIDE is something to behold, particularly the famed staircase designed by Atmos Studio. Frankly, it might just steal the spotlight from the dishes themselves. With its blend of contemporary flair and natural elements, it sets the perfect scene for an exceptional dining experience.
I started my evening in the “Ground” area on the ground floor, conveniently close to the dramatic, smoky windows overlooking Piccadilly Road. Passersby might catch a glimpse of you, but only if they’re really determined to do so. HIDE manages to elevate the dining experience into something rather splendid and stylish.
Service:
One of the highlights of dining at HIDE was undoubtedly the genuine sense of being looked after. The staff really pulled out all the stops to make my birthday memorable—from the thoughtful birthday message with my dessert plate to the impeccable service that made me feel as though I was the only guest in the restaurant.
The team was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that no dish or glass was ever left unattended. And, I must say, they were the cheeriest bunch of British staff I’ve encountered in London—each one with a smile that could brighten even the dreariest of days.
Drink
The selection of fine wines at HIDE pairs beautifully with their nature-themed dishes. If you’re unsure where to start, just ask their sommeliers for a recommendation—they’ve got an impressive knack for matching the perfect wine to your meal.
Price: ££££
The vibe at HIDE isn’t overly posh, and that’s quite refreshing. The restaurant doesn’t rely on flashy decor or blaring party music to impress. Instead, it’s all about straightforward excellence—good food, simple (or actually not)
Diners come here knowing exactly what to expect, and that’s top-notch cuisine. Whether you think it’s worth the price tag is entirely up to you.
What I Ordered:
Freshly baked bread
Each type of bread at HIDE took me on a delightful taste adventure. They served it with whipped salted butter, but honestly, I enjoyed it just as it was—the bread itself was that good. A truly indulgent way to kick off the meal!
My personal favorite was the Artichoke & New Potato Focaccia. The earthy artichokes and creamy, subtly sweet new potatoes created a match made in bread heaven.
Nest egg
This little gem of a dish truly showcased the restaurant’s commitment to creativity and sophistication. Visually stunning and bursting with flavor, it’s a testament to the chef’s skill and innovation.
The balance between the rich yolk and the smoky flavor highlighted the chef’s knack for proving that sometimes, a small portion is all it takes to wow the guests.
*Crab tartlet with avocado & elderflower
True dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and presenting them elegantly and innovatively.
The tart was exquisitely thin, almost melting in the mouth, yet perfect for the delicate flavors it held. The avocado was incredibly smooth, its richness balancing the light, slightly sweet flavor of the crab, complemented beautifully by the fresh grapes.
*Sweetcorn agnolotti, barbecued cordyceps & warm chicken broth
The first taste of the sweetcorn agnolotti delivered a surprising and delightful burst of sweetness. The agnolotti was cooked to perfection—al dente, with tender, thin pasta encasing a creamy, sweetcorn filling.
Rich yet delicate, the broth was infused with the savory essence of slow-cooked chicken, rounding out the dish perfectly.
Herdwick lamb roast on the bone over charcoal; summer vegetables
The presentation was so exquisite, it felt like I was dining on a piece of art. The summer vibes were unmistakable, perfectly captured in the fresh vegetables. Fittingly, it was a quintessential summer evening in London.
The lamb, with its wonderfully smoky and slightly charred exterior, beautifully enhanced its natural sweetness. Thogh I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the crisp snap of the green beans, which added a refreshing counterpoint to the rich lamb.
The interplay of these flavors created a harmonious and well-rounded dish. It wasn’t just the main meat that shone; the sides played a crucial role in making this a complete and thoroughly satisfying dish.
*Roast glazed dry-aged duck; dumpling of the leg, confit plum & cardamon jus
I usually steer clear of ordering duck—let’s be honest, it can look a bit too wild for my tastes—but this dish was an absolute beauty! Elegant and inviting, it practically begged me to savor each component visually before diving in.
The duck, expertly dry-aged, had a rich, concentrated flavor that was wonderfully elevated by a sweet, slightly tangy glaze. The cardamom jus was particularly noteworthy, adding a luxurious, aromatic depth that elevated the entire dish.
The dumpling had an Asian twist, and while I wasn’t entirely sure if it harmonized with the other elements, I certainly wouldn’t complain at this point.
*Cherry, mahleb & cocoa nib ice cream sundae
Perhaps it’s because I have a notorious sweet tooth, but this was my favorite dish of the evening! As my partner astutely pointed out, who would have expected such an inventive use of ingredients and a sophisticated twist on a classic sundae?
The high-quality cherries ensured a bright, authentic taste that pleasantly lingered on the palate. The mahleb, a spice derived from cherry pits, imparted a unique, slightly floral, and almond-like note that beautifully enhanced the creamy ice cream without overwhelming it.
The cocoa nibs added a delightful crunch and a hint of bitterness, providing a pleasant contrast to the creamy ice cream. Their complex flavor profile, with subtle hints of roasted chocolate, enriched the overall taste experience and perfectly complemented the sweet and tangy cherry ice cream.
Too good for a kid, this dream dessert was crafted for the adult palate at HIDE.
Warm acorn cake, smoked caramel & choice of liqueur; Cornish clotted cream
Their presentation was so inviting, I could almost hear it calling my name. The warm cake, though delightfully sweet with a caramel flavor, was a bit much to finish in one go. I think a scoop of ice cream on the side would have been the perfect touch.
The cake’s texture, however, was beautifully moist. The top was baked to a perfect crisp, while the bottom was wonderfully soaked with liqueur, allowing you to savor each layer.
Now that I think about it, did I even get a chance to choose the liqueur? I was so excited that I just told the waiter to bring whatever they thought was good. Honestly, the whole experience was such a dream that I can hardly remember!
Conclusion:
The dishes at HIDE were a testament to the creativity and skill of Chef Ollie Dabbous. Each dish showcased a meticulous balance of flavors and textures, presented with an artistry that made every plate a visual delight. They certainly couldn’t hide their artisan soul from me!
HIDE surely takes you on a culinary journey that delights all the senses. The exceptional food, impeccable service, and elegant yet comfortable ambiance combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. It’s the perfect place to celebrate something special with someone who truly appreciates the finer things in life.
Tips from Hanako
- They also offer a vegetarian menu. You can check it out the menu here.
- HIDE is certainly a well-known, star-deserving restaurant, but there’s no need to feel you have to don your fanciest attire to visit—unless, of course, you have impeccable taste!
- Their breakfast menu is quite famous as well, so it’s worth a try.
- Follow their recommendations on how your protein should be cooked. Don’t be that person who asks for well-done when they suggest medium rare (yes, I was).
