Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park this hip restaurant is still the place to go and continually receives good independent restaurant reviews.

There is a large open kitchen with bar seats right in front and different seating areas around the restaurant as well as a private dining area at the back adding to its individuality. Some may call it minimalist, but I personally like the feel and love the wine stories/pictures dotted around the walls of the restaurant. Wine is an integral part of the place and as you’d expect, the wine list is excellent from their extensive cellar. They offer a good range by the glass with around 13 whites and 12 reds to choose from plus 8 draught beers from around the world.

You can of course simply drop by for a drink at the fabulous cork fronted zinc bar.

They offer a Dégustation De Charcuterie to share in two sizes: small and large.  They also have a Fruits De Mer Shellfish Plateau as well as Oysters which you can even add some caviar to!

The à la carte menu has plenty to choose from with two types of soup and entrées including Crab Salad and Escargot. If you are a sausage lover, there are 6 to choose from or perhaps go for a tasting plate of three to share. The fish and meat choice is good as well and New York Burgers are their speciality, beautifully presented (see photo below of Yankee Burger). You won’t be disappointed in the desserts either. I had the warm caramelised apple crumble which was delicious but there were 6 others to choose from as well as a selection of European cheeses and Sorbets.

They also have a very reasonably priced Prix Fixe menu available from Monday to Sunday between 12pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm.

You most certainly need to make a reservation, but they do have a “communal table” in the middle which is fun to sit at as it is slightly higher and you get great views of everyone else!

Bar Boulud is open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.