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Some restaurants impress you once.
Others become part of your London tradition.
Ekstedt at the Yard belongs firmly in the second category. This was our fifth visit, and it deserves its very own article. Somehow it managed to surprise us all over again. On the tenth visit, my daughter promised she will be inviting me instead…
Located inside Great Scotland Yard Hotel, just moments from Trafalgar Square, Ekstedt at the Yard offers something that is becoming increasingly rare: a dining experience built around patience, craftsmanship and fire. There are no gas burners or electric hobs. Every dish is prepared over birch wood, embers and charcoal, following ancient Scandinavian cooking techniques that celebrate the ingredient rather than disguise it.
Returning this time felt even more special. Not only were we celebrating my daughter’s new job, but we also knew that the chef would soon be leaving. It felt like the perfect moment to return to a restaurant that has become one of our favourite places in London.
If you are planning a trip to London, I can help you personalise your journey to suit your needs and wishes.
Cooking with Fire
Before the first course arrived, we were presented with a beautifully designed booklet explaining the philosophy behind the restaurant.
Fire isn’t simply a cooking method here; it is the soul of the kitchen.
Every ingredient is transformed using techniques that date back centuries. Some are kissed directly by open flames, others slowly cook amongst glowing charcoal, while house pickling and lacto-fermentation add brightness and balance throughout the menu.
One of the most theatrical techniques is the Flambadou, an ancient Basque method where a heavy iron cone is heated until glowing red before beef fat is poured through it over the ingredients. The result is an extraordinary combination of caramelisation, richness and smoky flavour that immediately announces that this is unlike any other tasting menu in London.
Understanding these techniques before the meal made us appreciate every course even more.
This remains one of the most unusual ways I’ve ever eaten an oyster, and I’ve included it in my collection of memorable oyster experiences around the world.
An Immersive Journey to Scandinavia
The tasting menu is called Immersive Journey to Scandinavia, and every dish reflects the landscapes of forests, coastlines and meadows through the language of fire.
Our evening began with ‘snacks from the fire’ then the spectacular Flambadou Oyster. Butter sauce, Swedish vinegar, spinach oil and molten beef fat combined to create a dish that was rich yet surprisingly delicate. You are invited to join Chef Luca Mastrantoni to watch the Flambadou technique performed in the kitchen which made the first course unforgettable.
The Birch Fired Trout followed, accompanied by grilled vegetable foam, preserved pear, dill and silky slices of mangalitza lardo. The sweetness of the pear balanced the gentle smokiness of the trout beautifully, creating one of the most elegant dishes of the evening.
The Hot-Smoked Cornish Fish perfectly captured Ekstedt’s philosophy. Served with peas, seasonal mushrooms and pine, it tasted as though it had come directly from the forest itself. The fish remained wonderfully moist while carrying just enough smokiness to enhance rather than dominate.
The Juniper Smoked Lamb demonstrated just how refined open-fire cooking can be. Served with black garlic (I just love black garlic), wood oven braised shallot and parsley, it was deeply flavoured yet incredibly delicate and elegant.
Dessert challenged every expectation. The Wood Oven-Baked Cep Mushroom Soufflé, accompanied by woodruff ice cream and wild blueberries, combined earthy, herbal and sweet flavours into one of the most original desserts we’ve ever tasted.
The experience ended with playful Swedish Candy, bringing a relaxed and joyful finish to an evening that constantly balanced refinement with warmth.
Hospitality That Keeps Us Returning
As remarkable as the food is, it is the people who make us return time after time.
From the moment we arrived, the team recognised us once again and welcomed us back with genuine warmth. We were greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne before the kitchen surprised us with extra oysters and an additional dish from the chef as a thank you for our loyalty over the years.
Those small gestures never feel rehearsed or expected. They simply reflect a team that truly cares about creating memorable experiences.
Knowing that this would be one of the chef’s final services made those moments even more meaningful, and we left feeling incredibly grateful for such generous hospitality.
More Than a Restaurant
Ekstedt at the Yard isn’t somewhere you visit simply because you’re hungry.
It’s a restaurant for travellers who enjoy slowing down, discovering the story behind every ingredient and experiencing cooking as both craftsmanship and theatre.
After five visits, each meal has been different, yet every one has left exactly the same impression: exceptional food, thoughtful service and an atmosphere that quietly reminds you why restaurants like this deserve to be celebrated.
If you’re planning a special meal in London, whether for a celebration or simply because you love discovering extraordinary food, Ekstedt at the Yard remains one of the easiest recommendations I’ll ever make.
Some restaurants are worth visiting once.
Ekstedt at the Yard is worth returning to.
I also have curated for you a list Best Restaurants in London (2026) – From Indian to Classic British Cuisine
Why I Recommend It
As a travel planner, I’m always looking for places I’d confidently recommend to my clients. Ekstedt at the Yard is one of those rare restaurants that consistently exceeds expectations. After five visits, it remains my favourite dining experience in London, not only for the food but for the warmth and care shown by the team every single time.
Make it a memorable London
If you’re dining at Ekstedt at the Yard, why not turn it into a full experience?
- 🎭 Catch a West End show before or after dinner.
- 🏨 Stay overnight in one of my favourite London hotels.
- ☕ The next morning, enjoy brunch or coffee nearby before exploring the city.
