Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal soars to two Michelin stars in record time

Just six months after opening its doors, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal has already become one of London’s most sought-after culinary destinations, securing not one but two Michelin stars in the 2023 guide. The eponymous fine-dining restaurant, nestled in The Set Collection’s luxurious Hotel Café Royal, is the first standalone venture for acclaimed chef patron Dilling.

With a 34-seat capacity, this exclusive dining space offers an intimate experience that matches the elegant curve of Regent Street below. The dining room, adorned with silk panels and revamped for the opening, invites patrons to relish  in the chef’s masterful contemporary French cuisine through an eight-course tasting menu or a weekday set lunch.

Dilling, who has already garnered accolades for his culinary prowess at two-Michelin-star establishments like The Greenhouse and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught (now a three-star), is thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition under his own name. He attributes the restaurant’s meteoric rise to the passion and dedication of his young, talented team, including head chef Pierre Minotti, general manager Benoit Massonneau and owner Victoria Sheppard.

“We are beyond proud of this very special two-star honour from Michelin. To achieve one, let alone two stars so early in our restaurant journey is testament to our team’s dedication and hard work,” Dilling explains.

Diners can expect a tantalising combination of the classic and the innovative, as Dilling’s signature dishes such as Clam Chowder and Hunter Chicken share the spotlight with future staples like Wild Brill, Cuttlefish, and Smoked Eel Emulsion. The ever-evolving menu reflects Dilling and his team’s commitment to seasonal ingredients and constant inspiration.

Starting at £65, the three-course lunch includes canapés and petit fours, while the seven-course tasting menu, available for both lunch and dinner, is priced at £175 and likewise accompanied by canapés and petit fours.

Alex Dilling’s dream of establishing “one of the most ambitious restaurants in the country” is well on its way to becoming a reality, as his restaurant’s rapid ascent to Michelin stardom speaks volumes about the exceptional dining experience it offers. With its remarkable blend of traditional and modern fine dining, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal is poised to become a lasting fixture in London’s highe-end culinary scene.

The Food Desk
Photo: Filippo L’Astorina (Michelin ceremony)

To book a table at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street London W1B 4DY, call 020 7459 4022 or visit their website here.