London’s Best-Value Course Dinner? A Taste Review of Brasserie Zédel – Great Food, Classic Atmosphere, and Unbeatable Prices

London is undoubtedly one of the world’s most expensive cities. When looking to enjoy a high-quality course dinner at a reasonable price, finding the right restaurant can be challenging. In this context, “Brasserie Zedel,” which I recently visited, was truly a hidden gem. Established in 1927, this historic French restaurant has contributed to London’s culinary culture for decades. The restaurant, steeped in rich tradition, offers not only excellent food but also an exquisite atmosphere – a space where you can truly lose track of time and enjoy yourself.

Today, I’d like to share my experience at Brasserie Zedel as a food report.

A Historic Restaurant Near Piccadilly Circus Station

“Brasserie Zedel” is located in the heart of London, just a few minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Circus station. This convenient location makes it perfect for a casual visit during your sightseeing or shopping. Stepping into the spacious underground restaurant, which is much larger than you might imagine from the exterior, feels like time-traveling to 1920s Paris. The luxurious interior and classic atmosphere filled with history captivate everyone who visits.

By the way, Brasserie Zedel also includes a bar and theater, making it quite a large commercial establishment overall. Even without dining, just dropping by might create a unique memory.

Highly Satisfying Dinner at a Reasonable Price

Despite its luxurious atmosphere, “Brasserie Zedel” offers course dinners at surprisingly reasonable prices. Particularly in expensive London, enjoying a French course dinner of this quality at an affordable price is nothing short of miraculous. I chose the “3 course meal,” which includes an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. The price is just around £20, allowing you to enjoy high-quality French cuisine. However, be careful – if you keep ordering wine, the bill can quickly add up.

For the appetizer, I ordered spinach soup. It was rich yet had a refreshingly clean aftertaste, with a notably pleasant texture. For the main course, I chose “Steak Haché,” which was recommended by the staff.

Encountering Steak Haché and an Amusing Episode

When ordering the main dish, the waiter asked me, “Good choice! Do you know what steak haché is?” as if about to introduce me to some exotic dish. When I honestly replied, “No, I’m ordering it for the first time,” he grinned slightly and explained, “Steak haché is a traditional French dish, essentially like a hamburger with the bun removed.”

I thought, “A hamburger without the bun? Isn’t that just…” but I waited with anticipation to see what would be served. What came was indeed a hamburger steak! It turns out that in the UK, there isn’t really a concept of a hamburger steak as a separate dish, so they introduce it as “a hamburger without the bun” (in fact, steak haché is known as the French culinary root of the hamburger). I couldn’t help but laugh, but the taste was absolutely exquisite! It was juicy, packed with the umami of the meat, and so delicious that it made me smile with each bite.

Enjoying Luxury Time with Live Band Performance

During dinner, you can enjoy live retro New Orleans jazz performances in the restaurant. This music creates an even more special atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience. The combination of the space that evokes the good old days of Paris and the music is a luxury that can only be experienced here.

Traditional French cuisine enjoyed in a dynamic, theater-like space while listening to retro music. The vibrant atmosphere of the early 20th century that could only exist in the center of England, which once held global hegemony, is preserved like a time capsule in this space, allowing you to enjoy a moment of immersion as if you’ve traveled back in time.

A Must-Visit Location for Movie Fans

Furthermore, “Brasserie Zedel” is also a must-see spot for movie fans. The important scene in “Fantastic Beasts,” a sequel to the “Harry Potter” series, where young Dumbledore and Grindelwald have tea together, was filmed in this restaurant. With Mads Mikkelsen playing the role of Grindelwald, there’s a constant stream of his fans visiting the restaurant.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to enjoy a luxurious course dinner at an affordable price in central London, “Brasserie Zedel” is an essential choice. A meal at this restaurant, which offers excellent taste, atmosphere, and price, will surely satisfy you. And unique London experiences, like learning about steak haché, await you. When visiting London next time, be sure to add “Brasserie Zedel” to your list.