Heston Blumenthal's London restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge reimagines historical British recipes with modern culinary techniques. The Meat Fruit (mandarin spherification containing chicken liver parfait) is one of London's most iconic dishes. Each dish comes with historical references from medieval manuscripts.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal occupies a prime position in the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. The concept, developed by Heston Blumenthal and chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, reimagines dishes drawn from historical British cookery manuscripts dating back to the fourteenth century using contemporary culinary technique. The Meat Fruit — a mandarin-shaped sphere of chicken liver parfait glazed with mandarin gel — has become one of London's most recognised restaurant dishes. The Tipsy Cake with spit-roasted pineapple is cooked and presented tableside over a replica Tudor spit. Other dishes draw from Georgian, Elizabethan, and Victorian-era records, each annotated on the menu with its historical source and date. The dining room is impressive: large windows frame the park, the decor is warm and contemporary, and a glass-walled kitchen allows diners to observe the brigade at work. Two Michelin stars. The à la carte format — rare for this calibre of restaurant — means diners can construct a meal of two or three courses rather than committing to a full tasting menu, making it somewhat more accessible than comparable fine dining destinations. Bookings should be made six to eight weeks ahead, with window tables requested specifically.
Location
51.5026, -0.1611 View on map
Highlights
- Two Michelin stars in the Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge with Hyde Park views
- Meat Fruit — chicken liver parfait in a mandarin sphere — is one of London's defining dishes
- Tipsy Cake spit-roasted tableside over a replica Tudor spit
- À la carte format allows two- or three-course flexibility rather than a fixed tasting menu
- Each dish sourced from historical British manuscripts, dated and annotated on the menu
Tips for visiting
- Request a window table overlooking Hyde Park when booking — these are the most sought-after seats.
- The à la carte format means a lighter two-course lunch is practical and considerably less expensive than dinner.
- The Meat Fruit and Tipsy Cake are near-universal orders — starting with both is sensible.
- Pre-dinner drinks in the Mandarin Oriental bar are excellent and allow a longer settle-in before the meal.
- Book six to eight weeks ahead; Saturday evening is the most difficult sitting to secure.
Accessibility
The Mandarin Oriental is fully accessible, with lift access to all floors and step-free entry from the Knightsbridge street entrance. The Dinner dining room is on the ground floor and accommodates wheelchair users. The hotel's concierge can advise on specific requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dinner by Heston Blumenthal à la carte or tasting menu only?
Dinner operates as an à la carte restaurant, which is unusual for a two-Michelin-star establishment. Diners can choose two or three courses without committing to a full tasting menu, making it more flexible than many of its peers.
What is the concept behind the dishes at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal?
Each dish on the menu is inspired by a recipe from British culinary history, sourced from manuscripts and cookbooks dating from the 1300s onward. The date and historical source of each dish is printed on the menu alongside the contemporary version.
How much does dinner cost at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal?
Main courses are typically priced between £38 and £58. A full meal for two with wine will generally fall in the range of £200 to £300. The lunch service is somewhat more accessible in price.