Rating: 88.
The first time I read about Scott's of Mayfair was in 2007 in Olive Magazine. The restaurant had just re-opened after an extensive refurbishment. In the 'What the Critics said' item in the March 2007 issue, Fay Maschler (Evening Standard), Marina O'Loughlin (Metro) and Terry Durack (The Independent) were all raving about the place. Later that month I had lunch at Scott's of Mayfair for the first time and I have frequently visited the restaurant since. When I travel to London it is a favourite stop on my way from Heathrow to my hotel.

Scott's of Mayfair, established in 1851, is one of London's most legendary seafood restaurants. The restaurant is owned by Caprice Holdings whose portfolio also includes famous restaurants like The Ivy, Le Caprice and J. Sheekey. Scott's has an always well-heeled and sometimes incredibly high-heeled clientele and is a favourite haunt of many A-list celebrities.

Scott's is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. The a la carte menu obviously focuses on fish and seafood but also offers a nice selection of meat and game dishes and includes a vegetarian dishes. I had lunch at Scott's on Thursday 23 August 2012.

We (hubby and I) started off with some oysters, half a dozen Jersey Rocks and half a dozen of Carlingfords served with the traditional accompaniments. Top-quality freshly shucked oysters, the Carlingfords (bottom in the picture) large, sweet, creamy and juicy and the Jerseys a bit smaller but wonderfully meaty and with a hint of sweetness. 


As a starter I had the Fried squid with chilli relish and lime. Lovely tender squid in a thin, crisp and well-seasoned batter. The chilli relish was nice and sweet and the chilli gave a real kick. A generous portion, simple but well-cooked and delicious.


My main course was Fillet of sea trout with pea and ricotta tortelloni and a light lemon and mint sauce. Delicious perfectly cooked tender and flaky sea trout with a nice crispy skin served with some lovely wilted chard. Well-made tortelloni with a wonderful light pea and ricotta filling. An excellent main course with lovely fresh flavours. With the sea trout I had ordered chargrilled vegetables with greek yoghurt and some chips. The chargrilled vegetables were perfect and are definitely a must-order side dish.


Time for dessert: Berry mess coupe. A simple but wonderful dessert of delicious raspberry ripple ice cream, fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries served with a meringue 'shard' and some meringue sticks at the bottom of the coupe.


When you enter Scott's you know you could only be in London (in case you had forgotten...). A restaurant with a doorman (and not just any other doorman - straw hat in summer) and one that offers top-notch fish and seafood cooked really well. Scott's offers a versatile menu with dishes ranging from traditional to modern British and from classic comfort food to more refined ones. The ambiance is attractive and entertaining (6 inch heels and the women wearing them can be...). Prices are consistent with the quality of the food and the Mayfair location. I have noticed that through the years Londoners seem to have fallen in and out of love with Scott's but I am glad to confirm that I have never wavered in my affection.