If decor could ever compete with food, Studio Frantzén is the exceptional new London restaurant where you will find it. Studio Frantzén is the latest restaurant to open in Harrods. They talk of it being an immersive experience and it truly is. There is good reason why I’ve picked Studio Frantzén as my ‘Top London Restaurant for 2023’.
Studio Frantzén is under the helm of Swedish chef Bjorn Frantzén. Known for his Nordic food with an Asian influence, its testament that it works – he holds 3 Michelin stars in two of his restaurants.
To be honest, I’d never heard of Björn Frantzén before he arrived in London. Reading the early reviews and hearing from friends who had visited, I was chomping at the bit to immerse myself in the Studio Frantzén experience.
Design and decor at Studio Frantzén
This space is extraordinary. It is as warm and inviting by day, as it is by night. Designed by Joyn Studio in collaboration with the Frantzén group. As you walk in, you come straight into a very dark cool bar area. Yet it is the surprise you get as you turn the corner. It gives way to the main dining area and its high ceilings, with these gorgeous lights as the ceiling feature.
There is an open kitchen. Yay.. I’m all for an open kitchen, you can sit at the bar to eat and experience a very different dynamic. Perfect if you are alone. Personally, I loved the little alcoves facing out into the restaurant.
On the far side and past a screen, the ceiling drops and you find yourself in a more moody area. Defined by dark red geometric woodwork, creating a sexy vibe in the evening.
The advantage of being located on the 5th floor at Harrods means a view of London’s incredible skyline facing east towards the London Eye. The added bonus is the huge outdoor terrace with a retractable roof. Totally ready for those long summer days we dream about, when it reopens in March.
How to order at this top London restaurant
On both occasions, we went with the recommendations by our waiters. They were both extremely knowledgeable. Giving us excellent guidance to help choose from a menu that you won’t see elsewhere.
Eating at Studio Frantzén
We began with a tartare of tuna and red deer. Seemingly a bizarre combination. Yet the different textures of the protein with the sauce worked a dream.
We shared a sake-cured mackerel à la ceviche. Served with the most insane sauce that left my taste buds tingling.
On the side, we had warm laminated milk bread à la croissant. Mr B loved it, I wasn’t so sure. Perhaps a tad too buttery and sweet for me… Maybe I applied too much blond miso butter and borage honey!
We followed with a steamed turbot and a side of charred broccolini. Full of unusual flavours that play games with your palette and leave you wanting more. A cold glass of Etna Bianco from Sicily was a perfect match.
For pudding, we had an exceptional yuzu sorbet and a very exotic looking waffle that came with a lingonberry marshmallow sorbet. The sticky toffee pudding was equally memorable, maybe too memorable for all the right reasons!
New Year’s Eve at Studio Frantzén
All dressed up and excited to see in 2023, what a way to see in the new year. The DJ set the mood for the night with a great playlist. She was an excellent saxophonist and cruised around the restaurant as she played. Nothing kicks off an evening like good music, and a spicy margaritas to add to the sexy night time vibe.
A la carte
With such an interesting menu, we wanted to try new dishes. Again, we deferred to our waiter, as they have tasted everything and had it all explained to them. I went for the Orkney scallops with scrambled duck egg and black winter truffle and a beurre noisette. Each mouthful sent me to heaven.
Mr B went for the cold poached Cornish lobster which he described as delicate, subtle and very clever. He loved it. Accompanied by an excellent glass of Cote de Beaune, it was the perfect start to our NYE feast.
Mr B’s main dish came from the fireplace menu. Sweden vs Japan, braised beef brisket and grilled Japanese Wagyu, lemongrass jus and a Japanese mustard. A very clever combination of textures and flavours which was delicious.
I ordered veal minute ‘ma-la’ with fermented-Kampot-pepper jus and crispy shiso salad. I still dream about it.
Every dish on this menu is an adventure. I haven’t seen anything like them in London. The tastes and textures are exquisite. You feel like you are going through a really foodie experience as the very different flavours evolve with every bite.
Seeing in 2023 at my ‘Top London Restaurant
As midnight approached, we headed upstairs. With a glass of champagne we saw out 2022 as we watched the London fireworks bring in 2023. The perfect end to our fabulous evening.
Studio Frantzén is my top London restaurant for 2023. It delivers on ambience, food, service, aesthetic and shakes up a delicious spicy margarita. Book it next time you have a special occasion to celebrate and you too can enjoy this immersive experience.
If you are looking for other ideas for eating out in London you can read my Best London Meals of 2022 to start with.
Booking details
Studio Frantzén at Harrods
5th Floor (Door 9 opposite Harry’s)
Hans Crescent, SW1.
Tel : 0207 225 6800
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