This post is part of our London March 2014 city-trip
Arbutus restaurant in London's Soho offers the most affordable Michelin starred lunch in the UK (if not Europe) with a Plat Du Jour for £10 including a 125ml glass of red or white wine.
The plat du jour on this Friday was: Lamb shoulder kofte, chickpeas and yoghurt. It was served with a glass of red (the only detail provided is that it was a Grenache), bread (white and brown) and butter.
The portion size was good. Overall, the Middle Eastern spices combined with the yogurt quite well and the greens were perfectly crispy. I enjoyed this dish, although I wish the Kofte were slightly warmer.
I do realize that some may take issue with my description of all this as a lunch. True, it's only a main dish without starters or dessert. What you do get is a good portioned dish, bread, wine and complimentary water. Since one can get more slices of bread, you won't leave the restaurant hungry.
Arbutus is not a fancy Michelin restaurant, for instance there were no tablecloths. In fact they consider themselves to be a "Contemporary bistro". I found the main dining area quite cosy. Given the time (14:30ish) the other diners were having dessert and coffee.
Here's the bill. Even after adding the service charge, this is still the cheapest Michelin lunch in London.
Why not give Arbutus a try for lunch? Given its proximity to Oxford street, it can be a perfect break from shopping.
Arbutus Restaurant
http://www.arbutusrestaurant.co.uk/
