SOLA Soho

"For a taste of California in the middle of Soho, head to Sola. That is, assuming everyone in California considers ‘surf and turf’ to be smoked eel and goose liver. The Goop-feeling fine dining restaurant sits firmly in the territory of London’s starriest tasting menus, but lunch (which comes in at under £100) in this pastel space feels much more laid-back." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak

"This Californian-inspired, fine dining restaurant on Dean Street pairs an airy pastel pink room with a series of, at times, sensational bites. And sitting in this Goop-feeling space, while sipping champagne and eating a bite of baby back rib, feels altogether more enjoyable than other London fine dining restaurants. Of the dishes we tried, a savoury-sweet foie gras pavlova and table-side blow-torched langoustine stood out. Sola is classy without being claustrophobic—and you’re just as likely to see a business lunch here, as you are a solo gourmand, or a birthday." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, daisy meager

"The Californian way of life is as much mocked as it is admired on this side of the pond, although Sola Soho makes us think that we’ve got a lesson or two to learn. The Californian-inspired fine dining restaurant on Dean Street pairs an airy pastel pink room with a series of, at times, sensational bites. There are a few menu options and at lunch you can order a la carte, but Sola’s full tasting menu comes in at just over £200. Sitting in this Goop-feeling space, while sipping champagne and eating a bite of baby back rib, feels altogether more enjoyable than plenty of other London fine dining restaurants. As can often be the case in a multi-course affair, things start excellently, dip a little, and then finish on a knockout key lime pie. Of the snacks, that rib and a savoury-sweet foie gras pavlova stand out. The table-side blow-torched langoustine is undoubtedly the pick of the main courses. Unlike lots of tasting menu restaurants, it doesn’t feel like Sola is trying to reinvent the wheel—more so remind everyone that wheels can be fun. So it’s not surprising that you’re just as likely to see a business lunch here, as you are a solo gourmand, or a birthday booking. It’s classy without being claustrophobic and we can’t help but hum ‘California here we come’. photo credit: SOLA photo credit: SOLA photo credit: SOLA" - Jake Missing

"It’s all in the name: this bright, intimate restaurant in the streets of Soho celebrates the cuisine of LA and wider California, with its décor and lush plants evoking The Golden State. First-rate ingredients are used in well-balanced dishes characterised by deep, bold flavours and punchy sauces; eye-catching presentation and some playful touches add an extra element. The wine list is an all-American selection, including some choices that are exclusive to the restaurant." - Michelin Inspector

"Chef Victor Garvey’s Californian tasting menu restaurant has one star." - Eater Staff