Billed as the home of sustainable cuisine in the heart of London, Island Grill doesn’t disappoint.

Situated a stones-throw from Lancaster Gate, right in the centre of the hip west of London and overlooking the world famous Hyde Park, the restaurant offers a contemporary split-level dining space.

Bustling with visitors from the adjoining Lancaster London, Island Grill has its own private entrance opposite the park and offers a modern European menu.

Open to guests from the hotel, as well as passing trade, this is the perfect choice for visitors looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal or a drink with friends at the bar.

The menu changes with each season, with head chef Adam Woolven working tirelessly to create an eco-friendly yet luxurious dining experience. 

His passion for the finest ingredients and cosmopolitan dishes is evident from the fantastic fare on offer.

The sleek, modern dining space at Island Grill

Arriving to a packed restaurant on a Friday night, it is obvious his efforts are paying off.

Island Grill’s sleek design was conceived by Stiff + Trevillion, the talent behind Wagamama and Fakhreldine. 

With a white limestone exterior and large glass entrance doors, this creates a striking visual impact. 

Seated near the bar, the service is quick and efficient, with our waiter keen to explain some of the house favourites on offer.

Ordering Calamari, accompanied by a mango and pomegranate salad, rouille, coriander cress, and an Island Salad, completed with purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, roasted red onions, bulgur wheat, and a poppy seed dressing, the starters are suitably intriguing, without slipping over into pretention.

Both arrive promptly and are light, fresh and the perfect preparation for what is to come.

Island Grill prides itself on the freshest produce, using only ingredients that are in season in the local area, meaning the dishes are arguably some of the most inventive on offer anywhere in the city.

For the main course we go for seared tuna steak, accompanied by roasted cherry tomatoes, pickled onion rings, avocado, and a citrus dressing, and a 21 day-dry aged British beef rib-eye steak.

As we wait it is possible to see the chefs at work, with the open-plan kitchen adding another dimension to their gastronomic experience. 

The 90-cover restaurant also has floor-to-ceiling windows running along two outside walls, allowing light to flood into the dining space and offering views over the nearby park.

In the evenings, the back-lit ceiling panels also create a warm ambiance.

On arrival, the rib-eye is sizzling hot and melts on the tongue, just as you would hope, while the line-caught tuna is succulent, robust, and flaky – a great combination.

Island Grill produces its own honey (Image Courtesy: Richard Twilton

But it is the desserts where Island Grill comes into its own.

Both the treacle sponge, made with honey poached pears, lime coulis and lemon sorbet, and the honey panna cotta with fresh berries, edible flowers and a brandy snap are superb.

The latter is made with honey produced on site.

Island grill has thousands of bees living in ten bee hives on the second floor roof.

They work throughout the summer, making honey from the plants and trees in Hyde Park, with the lime trees there giving the honey its unique citrusy taste. 

Their work has certainly paid off.

After dinner the fully stocked bar, run by the friendly and efficient staff, features an impressive list of cocktails and wines from both the old and new world.

A quick, breezy and refreshing experience, Island Grill is well located, ever changing and a great spot to enjoy dinner in west London.

More Information

Island Grill is open daily from 07:00–22:30.

From Noon until 22:00, the restaurant offers a Prix Fixed lunch and early evening menu, priced at £9.50 for two courses and £12.50 for three courses.

Island Grill is situated on Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY.

Free Wi-Fi is available to guests upon request of the access code.

For reservations visit the official website.

Chris O’Toole