Theo Randall at the Intercontinental

Theo Randall at the Intercontinental is one of my favourite restaurants in London. I have dined there several times and would be happy dining there every week! The food is delicious, and the service is great. I first came across the restaurant when I went to a Taste of London event about six years ago. It was there that I tried the infamous soft chocolate cake, it just melted in my mouth and I had to have another. I felt a little sick after the second, but it was worth it. It is a flourless cake and as a result it is extremely moist. If I go back to a restaurant I like to try something different, however each time I go back to Theo Randall at the Intercontinental I have the same 3 courses. One time I went they had changed the menu and my favourite chocolate cake was not on the menu. In jest I said to the waiter that I had come all the way for the chocolate cake (I meant it really!) He went to the kitchen, and then came back to inform me that the chef would make one for me-now that's what you call service! 

Starter:

Risotto di Mare (Risotto with sea bass, prawns, vongole, monkfish, tomato and parsley.)

I love seafood risotto and this did not disappoint. Sometimes, you have to dig deep to find any fish in a seafood risotto, but this one did have a lot and it was packed with flavour. The sauce was lovely, rich with tomato and parsley. It was certainly a generous portion for a starter.

Main:

Arrosto di Faraona (wood roasted guinea fowl stuffed with prosciutto di Parma, Mascarpone, thyme, roasted on pagnotta bruschetta with Portobello and porcini mushrooms.)

Just writing that description makes me hungry! The guinea fowl was cooked to perfection, juicy inside and crispy on the outside. I felt that the guinea fowl was able to carry the strong flavours of the stuffing and sauce. I like the bread at the bottom and how it soaked up the sauce and the juices from the meat.

Dessert

Soft Chocolate Cake with Crema di Mascarpone

I think I have praised this dessert enough, but it really is the best chocolate cake I have ever eaten, and I have eaten lots! Rich, and moist. The mascarpone helps to cut through the richness of the chocolate. This is perfect with a strong coffee.

I have also tried the dessert platter too, which features along with the chocolate cake, the Amalfi lemon tart, tiramisu and a panacotta.

Sign of a good dessert, gone in a blink of an eye!

Quality & Presentation of  the Food
The quality of the food is excellent. Rich, bold Italian flavours; everything is seasoned beautifully. The portion sizes are very generous, you certainly never go home hungry.

The presentation is fairly rustic, nothing fancy, but that is why I think I like dining there. Theo Randall doesn't compromise on taste for style. The smell of the food as it is laid in front of you is what entices me to eat it, and I feel to an extent that is how it should be.

Service & Ambience

From what I have said earlier about the chocolate cake situation, it's clear that I will say that the service is excellent. It is not overbearing and intrusive, with someone filling your water glass every 2 minutes, or 8 different waiters attending at your every need. The waiters make you feel welcome and are informative regarding the food and wine.

The tables are laid out well; I have never felt too close to others. The restaurant is nice and quiet so you can hear yourself speak. Although, the décor could do with some updating to lift the place to the fine quality of the food.

Value for Money

I usually book a table via Toptable, or as it is now called Open Table. They do a special offer of 2 courses for £27 or 3 for £33 with a glass of prosecco.

*****

This is my favourite Italian restaurant in London and I cannot recommend it enough!


Theo Randall