To the stars

Pied à Terre
Rating: Five stars

Nestled among Charlotte Street's bustling eateries, the seemingly discreet Pied à Terre is home to some of the Capital's most spectacular cuisine.

In March, to celebrate my birthday, my boyfriend took me on a surprise visit to the two Michelin star restaurant. And we weren't disappointed.

From the haughtily proud host and waiting staff to the enthusiastic assistance of the talented sommelier, Pied à Terre smacks of a restaurant that exceeds the norm. The impecable service was also extended to our taste buds, as Aussie chef Shane Osborn proceeded to wow them with every mouthful.

After sipping delicious champagne cocktails and enjoying intricately designed canapes that made us drool on their arrival, we then tucked into our starters. At £60 a head for a starter and a main, Pied à Terre isn't cheap, but the quality of food ensures it's still good value.

My starter of poached skate with a truffle and parmesan crust, suckling pig belly, braised leek, creamed chanterelles, cider and shallot jus proved that simple isn't always best. My boyfriend's starter of roasted quail breasts and confit leg with a salad of beetroot, cornichons, lancashire bomb cheese and pinenuts also exceeded expectations.

We put our trust in the sommelier's expertise and for each course asked him to provide the perfect wine. A decision we didn't regret. As we smoothly transgressed between New World and Old World wines, each glass had one thing in common; they perfectly complemented our choice of dishes.

For our main dish I ordered roasted breast of black leg chicken, creamed shiitake mushrooms, butternut squash, ventreche and black truffle, while my boyfriend opted for poached monkfish with salt baked Jerusalem artichokes, trompette de la mort, sea purslane, truffle and lemongrass jus gras. The quality of food, both in terms of taste and presentation (all of our dishes looked like pieces of art) continued to impress and remained faultless.

We finished our dinner with coffee, which comes with a tower of petits four - each one a beautiful crafted, sugary mouthful.

A top night, with top food and drink - I seriously recommend a visit to this gem of a restaurant. Enjoy!