Pied à Terre vs. The Ritz: An Insider’s Take

David Moore
Aug 28
3 min read

Why The Ritz Is My Favourite London Restaurant (After Pied à Terre!)

I’m often asked what my favourite London restaurant is – apart from Pied à Terre, of course. For the past few years, considering all London fine dining options, my answer has been The Ritz Restaurant – now crowned the UK’s number one and proud holder of a second Michelin star. Seems I might know a thing or two!

So, I thought it might be interesting to compare and contrast the two from an insider’s perspective. This is an honest homage to the brilliance of John Williams, The Ritz’s Head Chef, and a restaurant that has played a special role in my family’s celebrations over the years.

London Fine Dining Icons: The Ritz and Pied à Terre

Both The Ritz and Pied à Terre Fitzrovia are landmarks of Michelin star dining in London, but they offer distinct experiences that suit different diners.

The Ritz London: Tradition, Luxury, and Michelin-Starred Elegance

The Ritz is the epitome of classical luxury: a majestic dining room, ornate décor, tailed and white gloved service, and a menu rooted in refined, haute cuisine traditions.

The experience is formal – gentlemen: no trainers, t-shirts, or polo shirts; jacket and tie are compulsory (and discreetly provided if you forget). It’s theatre: old-world elegance,

ceremonial pacing, and service that feels like a masterclass in protocol.

For anyone seeking an opulent, celebratory evening that transports you into a golden age of hospitality, The Ritz delivers in spades.

Pied à Terre Fitzrovia: Modern Michelin Star Dining in London

Pied à Terre, by contrast, is all about contemporary refinement (if I don’t mind saying so myself). Tucked away on Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, just north of Soho, it presents a more intimate, culinary-forward journey.

Our Michelin star menus blend modern French and British influences – inventive, seasonal omnivore and plant-based dishes focused on flavour and balance rather than formality for its own sake.

Where The Ritz leans on legacy and ritual, at Pied à Terre we lean into creativity and experimentation, with curated tasting menus and wine experiences that encourage diners to explore a story told through each course. It’s less about ceremony and more about the food itself.

Dress Codes in London Fine Dining: Ritz Formality vs. Pied à Terre's Smart Casual

The dress code is another difference: The Ritz’s rules can feel daunting for some, while at Pied a Terre we simply ask for smart casual.

Hospitality That Defines Michelin-Starred Restaurants in London

What unites us, though, is a shared belief in genuine hospitality. In both restaurants you will be surprised by the level of friendliness from front of house, as both teams take great pleasure in old fashioned hospitality – that is, taking care of their customers.

What The Ritz Lacks (That Pied à Terre Offers in Fitzrovia)

What does The Ritz lack? Nothing.. well, if you push me on this I’d say it doesn’t have me link. But in the immortal words of Mandy Rice-Davies -“/ would say that, wouldn’t I?”

Still, I do believe that having an owner present on the floor 95% of the time makes a difference. At Pied à Terre, I pride myself on being present and connected with our diners.

The Owner's Touch: Why Personal Service Matters in Fine Dining

And then, of course, there’s my collection of shirts – now something of a talking point.

Every so often, a regular guest will even gift me one that was “too much” for them, but just right for a restaurateur.

From Shirts to Stories: The Personality Behind Pied à Terre

That personal connection, those conversations, and even the shirts – they’re part of what makes dining at Pied à Terre different from anywhere else in London.