Melissa Golding went along to CÉ LA VI in Paddington, London to check out the food and the view.
I’ll be honest, it takes quite a lot to impress me. But I’m starting this review with IMPRESSED! This is my second visit to CÉ LA VI, the rooftop bar and restaurant in the heart of Paddington! There’s an escalator from within the station that takes you directly to the lifts. It really is the restaurant and bar with the best view in London.
The restaurant sits on the 17th floor, and the doors open onto a public viewing area that spans the perimeter, so you can take in the impressive views of all London without even setting foot inside! However, that would be a huge mistake, because the food, service and ambience are first class.
I visited with a friend for lunch. She’d come into Paddington on a train and we wanted to find a nice bar and restaurant nearby to make the most of our time together. After having a drink at the bar, we knew this place was a hidden gem and we were staying put! Even though the weather was having an off day, we ate on the glass-enclosed balcony, taking in the impressive views of the city, the West End, the City and even London’s own “Eiffel Tower” (aka the Crystal Palace transmitting tower!). We ate from the pre-set weekday “business lunch” menu, two courses for £29/three for £36, wagyu beef gyozas, avocado maki, teriyaki salmon, black truffle “sushi rice.” We obviously did sharesies. We needed to try it all!
But it’s not just about the food or the views. This restaurant feels high class. The cutlery, glassware and linen are all top notch. The decor is exceptionally tasteful, with a mix of low tables, high bar tables and a central, well-stocked bar. It’s not surprising to learn they have restaurants in Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Dubai. Nothing is too much trouble, and the staff are genuinely friendly. We even chatted with our Italian barman about the World Cup (feeling slightly guilty once I realised, because they never qualified!).
Okay, let’s get to the toilet talk, because us girls know how important this is! They have some of the best restaurant loos I’ve ever been to, spacious, bright and beautifully scented. Spotless, with central basins, lovely soap and quality paper towels. I even popped back in to freshen up and pop my Invisalign back in!
Today is Father’s Day and I’ve just taken my husband there with my adult son. They absolutely loved it, and we went for different dishes this time, crab maki, squid, tempura prawns, fillet steak and kimchi rice. Every dish is cooked to perfection and the flavours are incredible. We had caipirinhas, notoriously hard to make well, and even that was first class.
Like I said, I’m hard to please, but I honestly cannot fault this restaurant. The prices are steep but not ridiculous, and my test for any restaurant is always “could I make this better myself?” Absolutely not! You’re paying a premium, but you’re getting premium food with an unbeatable skyline to match making it the bar with the best view in London.
My second visit, but definitely not my last. This is my new favourite London haunt. I’ve just found out there’s a sky-high free-flowing Saturday brunch with live DJs and an immersive experience, er, “what are you doing next Saturday?” CÉ LA VI is in Paddington in London.
Article by Melissa Golding – Images supplied.
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