Foodtober might officially be over, but I couldn’t resist adding one more delicious entry to keep the spirit alive for the last time in Foodtober 2025.
A good friend recently invited me to Portland Restaurant London, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Fitzrovia serving modern British cuisine. It had been a while since I had enjoyed a proper dinner in the city, so I was excited to discover whether Portland lived up to its Michelin reputation.
The evening felt informal, relaxed and quietly special, with a lovely Friday-night energy. In this honest Portland Restaurant London review, I’m sharing what we ate, what the atmosphere was like, what stood out and whether I think it is worth visiting.
Is Portland Restaurant London Worth It?
Yes, I think Portland is worth considering if you want Michelin-starred food in London without an overly formal atmosphere.
The service felt friendly and attentive, the setting was intimate, and several parts of the meal, especially the pork cheek starter and the restaurant’s sourdough bread, were memorable.
My duck main course was not quite as juicy as I had hoped, so the meal was not perfect. However, the overall experience still felt special and well suited to a date night, celebration or relaxed fine-dining evening in Fitzrovia.
Why Visit Portland Restaurant London?
Tucked away in Fitzrovia, a short walk from Oxford Circus, Regent’s Park and Great Portland Street, Portland Restaurant offers modern British fine dining in a welcoming, understated setting.
Portland first opened in 2015 and gained a Michelin star later that year. The restaurant has retained its star since then, but it does not feel stiff or overly formal. For me, that approachable atmosphere is one of its strengths.
Portland currently offers a two-course lunch for £49, a three-course lunch for £59 and a three-course dinner for £95. The tasting menu is £110 per person. There is also an early-evening four-course menu for £55, available for dinner bookings made between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Menus and prices can change, so check Portland’s current menus before booking.
What We Ate at Portland Restaurant
For starters, my friend chose the crab cavatelli with chorizo, winter tomato and sea herbs—a beautiful, delicate dish with a lovely balance of flavours.
I went for the braised pork cheek with vanilla mashed potato and pickled cranberry, and honestly, it was the highlight of the evening.
The pork cheek was meltingly soft, the vanilla mash silky smooth, and the tangy cranberries added the perfect contrast. Every bite was pure comfort.
For my main course, I had the Devonshire duck breast with confit leg, Jerusalem artichokes and cavolo nero. It was good, although not quite as juicy as I had hoped after such a stunning starter.
Luckily, our Hasselback potato side with black truffle made up for it. It was perfectly crisp and rich, with that unmistakable truffle aroma.
To finish, I chose the warm chocolate mousse with chestnut, meringue and vanilla. I’m not usually a fan of meringue, but the thin, crunchy pieces worked beautifully here. It was indulgent and elegant and ended the meal on a high note.
We paired everything with a lovely Greek red wine, Markovitis “Xinomavro” Naoussa, which complemented the rich flavours perfectly.
I also have to mention the rye sourdough bread served at the start. It was soft, slightly nutty and divine with the butter. Do not overlook the bread!
Atmosphere and Service
The setting at Portland Restaurant London is intimate and understated, modern, minimal and cosy.
The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive, and the pace of the meal felt just right for a Friday night out.
It is the kind of restaurant where you can have a proper conversation over beautifully crafted dishes without the stiffness that can sometimes come with fine dining.
Portland Restaurant Practical Information
- Address: 113 Great Portland Street, London W1W 6QQ
- Nearest Tube stations: Great Portland Street and Oxford Circus
- Cuisine: Modern British fine dining
- Opening days: Tuesday to Saturday
- Lunch: 12 pm–2:15 pm
- Dinner: 5:30 pm–9:30 pm, based on the restaurant’s listed last booking times
- Lunch price: £49 for two courses or £59 for three courses
- Dinner price: £95 for three courses
- Tasting menu: £110 per person
- Early-evening menu: £55 for four courses
- Best for: Date nights, celebrations, special dinners and first-time Michelin dining
Opening times, menus and prices may change. Always check the official Portland Restaurant website when planning your visit.
Book a Table at Portland Restaurant
Portland is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Dietary requirements should be mentioned when making your reservation.
This is Portland Restaurant’s official booking link. It is not an affiliate link.
Make a London Day of It
Portland’s Fitzrovia location makes it easy to combine dinner with another London experience.
If you are planning a cultural day, read my British Museum 90-minute guided tour review for an honest look at the museum’s official highlights tour.
For another London restaurant idea, especially before a West End show, explore my Sticks’n’Sushi Covent Garden review.
You can also browse more of my personal London restaurant experiences in the MissWidjaja Food Corner.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a London food trip or simply want to experience modern British cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting, Portland Restaurant London is one to consider.
Its Michelin star speaks for the quality, but what makes this Fitzrovia restaurant stand out is how approachable it feels. You can enjoy beautifully prepared seasonal dishes without the formality often associated with Michelin-starred dining.
The duck was not quite as juicy as I had hoped, but the beautifully prepared pork cheek, truffle Hasselback potatoes, warm chocolate mousse and unforgettable sourdough bread made the evening feel special.
Whether you are visiting from abroad or exploring your own city, Portland offers a refined yet relaxed taste of London’s dining scene, a little slice of Foodtober magic worth revisiting at any time of year.
