Rivea, London

I'm not someone who would usually hang out at the Bulgari hotel but I love Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and wanted to give this restaurant, with a kitchen headed by Ducasse protege Damien Leroux, a try. I opted for the deal OpenTable was running - four courses for thirty five pounds (inc. a glass of wine, bread, amuse and biscuits). The value on that deal is exceptional and it's worked it's trick. I'll be back here whatever the prices because the food is a delight. Witty (the colour palate of can you guess what this is dips), well presented, sensibly sized (these are small plates but not as cruelly ungenerous as, say, Dabbous) and delicious to the last crumb. The place is pretty too, although some noise spills in from the busy bar above.

I had 'marinated sea bream, citrus', 'sea bass carpaccio and pine nuts' and 'Roast duckling and figs' - all of which I can heartily recommend. I understand that 'Seasonal vegetables cooked in a cocotte', 'Rivea salad wrapped in a socca' and 'Cookpot of seasonal fruits and vegetables' were all good too for my vegetarian sister. 

Deserts consisted of a large tiramisu (hers) and a petit chocolate tart with ice cream (not mentioned on the menu). Plus tiny biscuit 'sandwiches'. And more biscuits, bagged to take home.

We were, frankly, stuffed, which is not what I expect from a place so keen to advertise its tapas/small plate nature. I'm certainly not complaining with cooking this good!

I will definitely be back there soon (despite the inconvenience that, at least for now, it seems to be impossible to book a table for one online, thought the restaurant was far from full on the Thursday night we dined).