special offers
Lunch Offer: 2 courses £18.50
...from a set menu (three courses £23.50) Includes Vat, excludes service. From 15th February. Click for more details
Early bird dinner: 2 courses £18.50
...from a set menu (3 courses £23.50). Includes Vat, excludes service. From 15th February. Click for more details
3 courses £30
...from the full a la carte menu. Includes Vat, excludes service. Click for more details
Sunday Lunch: 2 courses £23.50
...from a set menu (3 courses £26.50). Includes Vat, excludes service. Click for more details
our review
Standing on the rain-soaked steps leading up to Centrepoint, we buzzed frantically to be let in. 'I thought a members' club would be more glamorous,' grumbled my colleague, sheltering under a soggy Evening Standard. Inside is much better, with a suitably glossy blonde to guide you to the lift and a dapper gent to meet you on the 32nd floor. The restaurant is open to the public now, which is why we're here, but the bar remains off limits to non-members unless you're booked in for dinner. Cocktails are good but pricey at around 11-13 quid each.
The decor - courtesy of Tom Dixon - does a good job of being invisible. There are dark wood tables and flattering lighting but at this altitude you should be looking out, not in. London's skyline isn't the prettiest but on a clear day Bloomsbury and beyond looks charming. If you're clever or hoping to impress, go early or aim for sunset. (After dark, you risk looking at a reflection of yourself). 'I've never had good food and a good view in the same place,' said my friend, remembering mediocre meals at similar view-led venues. At Paramount, however, we're in safe hands with head chef Colin Layfield (ex-L'Odeon) and a refreshingly simple menu.
We got off to a good start with some good (warm) bread and an impressive twice-baked Roquefort souffle, perched on fine slivers of pear and endive. While the beetroot cubes didn't bring much to the party, the souffle itself was a triumph - crisp on top, light and not overly cheesy within. Across the table, my companion had negotiated one of the mains as her starter - a vibrant green pea and truffle risotto. This was a stunner; the sweet peas and earthy truffles proved perfect partners and the rice was creamy but still retained some bite. If it weren't for the intensity of truffle, this was a dish you could easily eat too much of.
Skipping over meatier options like the fillet of beef and pork three ways, we both chose fish. The sea bass was perfectly cooked, crisp skin giving way to flaky white flesh, but the frothy caviar cream was a little insipid. Throwing a luxury ingredient at a dish might work to justify the price, but if it doesn't add flavour it's best left in the kitchen. The accompanying samphire, gnocchi and a side of Chantenay carrots were tasty and well-seasoned.
My monkfish, three meaty chunks rolled in five spice, was served on another excellent risotto, this time flavoured with saffron, with three crab spring rolls standing guard nearby. This would have been an excellent dish, if it hadn't been doused in what tasted like sweet chilli sauce, better suited to a Thai takeaway. This wasn't listed on the menu and for good reason - it had no place on the plate, the sticky sweetness fighting the savoury spiced fish and delicately flavoured risotto. Gutted.
Things picked up again with dessert, thanks to a flawless creme brulee and a chocolate tasting plate that a fellow foodie had recommended as a must-try. This stylish celebration of Valhrona chocolate included a rich dark chocolate tart, similar to the Louis XV at Gauthier Soho; a crisp chocolate samosa on an intense berry puree; a white chocolate and pistachio mousse triangle; and a tiny chocolate fondant, perfectly molten in the middle. The same attention to detail shone through in the service, from the smartly suited manager to the waiter who recommended a rather good Viognier and maintained a discreet distance throughout, giving us time to chat and enjoy the view.
All things considered, we enjoyed Paramount. The slick service and highlights like the risotto and the desserts made it easy to overlook the occasional misses. As you'd expect at this altitude, it's not cheap but it's far from outrageous - perfect for entertaining clients or impressing a date before the theatre. Go for the view, take charming company and let the food be a pleasant surprise.
KP - June 2010
what the critics say
Marina O'Loughlin - 3/5
David Sexton
your comments review this restaurant and win a bottle of champagne
I took my boyfriend to Paramount for his 30th not really knowing what to expect after reading the reviews. My boyfriend had no idea where i was taking him so just imagine his face when we got out of the lift on the 32nd Floor on a crisp, clear Autumn evening!
We started the evening by giving in our coats to a very polite hostess and then we went up to the viewing gallery on the 33rd floor and had some very expensive wine - although when i tasted it it was worth it! After half an hour of looking over London and taking in all the views a hostess came and took us to our table back in the restaurant.
I was delighted that they managed to get us a window seat although this did make for dinner conversation pauses as we gazed out of the window admiring the views.
After a considerable amount of time the waiter came along and took our orders. I ordered the Homemade Gnocchi after umming and ahhing over the steak and my boyfriend had the duck. Now the wait between here and dinner was significant but luckily we weren't in a rush. I imagine for some people who wouldn't have been as happy to just enjoy each others company and the view this would have been frustrating.
When the food came my god it was good! The home made gnocchi (which was served with rocket and roast butternut squash) was absolutely ridiculously delicious! Would have enjoyed a larger portion size but probably best for the waist not to have any more. I did not try the duck but there were very good reviews form my boyfriend too. I felt like we chowed down on our small portion sizes far too quickly when you consider the wait to get them but that made dessert come quicker!
For dessert i had the chocolate puddings which was a bite size sample of 6 chocolate puddings which was interesting. My partner had the Creme Brûlée which was slightly burnt but still delicious.
I was pleasantly surprised when i got the bill and it was just under £90 with service charge included. I expected much higher prices but i feel like the £90 (for 2 courses and wine) was about right.
All in all I would say - as long as you're not in a hurry it's a lovely evening out! Do it in autumn when the air is crisp and you can see for miles around!
Comment on this reader review
Lauren
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Incredibly slow service. Food - below expectations: Expensive and very small portions. Definitely wouldn't recommend.
Comment on this reader review
KB
Overall rating 
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Monday, May 16, 2011
having read so many negative reviews here i went to Paramount not expecting much.
well, i have no idea what you people complain about
the place was great. nice food, good wines, extremely helpful and friendly staff.
and the view is of course amazing
i dont know how picky one needs to be to give this place 1 out of 10!
i had a really good time there.
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Yevgeniy
- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, March 18, 2011
I have eaten at Paramount a couple of times now and both times have been outstanding, the service has been impecable never to intrusive and always willing to help. The food has been full of flavour and beautifully presented, and with a busy bar that you can always get a seat, and the views of london that beat any other
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tbag
- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, February 11, 2011
My boyfriend and I decided to look for a special place to eat during our trip to London to celebrate our aniversary. We booked Paramount having read positive reviews and knew we were seeing a show in that area later on in the night.
When we arrived the coat boy - I shall not give him a grander name as his attitude was as bad as a little boy's, took our coats, but not before peering over our shoulders without so much as a hello to us, to address an elderly woman and her daughter, whom were obviously wealthy regulars, to say he'd be with them as soon as possible, they had just arrived!
I don't know whether it was because we were young, but we have saved alot of money in order to dine here and would expect the best service. Instead we were greeted with rude, abrupt staff who gave no guidance to the menu. We were also sat a row in from the window, whilst a window seat was left empty through the entirety of the night just a little up from us!
The menu was not helpful in explaining what the dishes were, so my boyfriend and I were dismayed and simply could not finish our starters when the Tuna Plate turned out to include tuna tartar and a disgusting jelly like substance.
When ordering our mains - Beouf Bourginion and steak, Charlie was asked how he'd prefer his steak to be cooked, he answered Medium Rare, the waitress looked at him with irritation and stated; "Medium, or rare, which one?" Now I don't know about you but as far as I am concerned medium rare is a pretty understandable and widely used concept concerning cooking a steak! For the prices they charge you do not expect what can be described as nothing more than unacceptable service. The waiting staff spend their time looking down on who THEY are serving!
What'smore the waiting staff were constantly brushing past us all night and chatting no more than a metre away - making us feel so uncomfortable that we couldn't even enjoy a relaxed conversation throughout the evening! On one occassion during the meal I even heard a member of staff slagging off a customer who was at the bar! Not a very good idea, I understand people can be difficult, having worked in customer service myself but talk about pot calling kettle black, to be more of a pain than him would be a real push!
The food was average, and didn't come close to the quality that is served up at Jamie's Itallian let alone any other fine dining restaurant! We were hating it so much we just couldn't stand to pay these people any more money and so didn't have dessert, something the waiter seemed taken aback at, commenting; "No dessert, really?" No, no dessert, and it's not for you to comment on.
Having paid an extortionate amount for what was inexcusably little in return, we left the place with a sign of relief, not wanting to complain right then and there because to be honest, we didn't want it ruining our special night any further.
My advice, if you want a good view, go on the London eye; the ticket guy will probably be a lot more polite and the burger van will serve up just as decent grub.
View/Add comments (3)
Kate Lewis and Charlie Skillen
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Thursday, February 03, 2011
...another room with a view...BUT the view from the 32nd floor is wonderful! We booked for a meal...had drinks with a friend on the viewing gallery...almost tripped down the dark steps...even before having a drink...
...the meal was very good...most enjoyable....enjoyed the scallops, loved the venison...the maple pecan dessert was OK.
I wouldn't rush back as the place is very loud...but the food was excellent and that view is worth one visit at least.
Comment on this reader review
- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating 
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Had a great meal and evening on a Jan Saturday night. There was faultless great food (monkfish, steak), amazing window seat views, good friendly staff, all wonderful. We had 2 courses & a bottle of champers for under £170. for me it was my partners birthday so we had a special evening and eveything was good, no complaints. It is a unique location and I loved it. Busy when we left and bar on upper floor packed and cold so not great but food/restaurant were.
Comment on this reader review
Sal
- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Very disappointing. A poorly improvised 'cloakroom' at the entrance, disfunctioning heating in the restaurant and bar, steamy windows blocking the views and chairs that seat you way too low under the dinner tables were an indication that many things are still to be improved in this potentially great place. But on top of that the food was really poor or - at best - of mediocre quality. Half cooked patatoes, brrr. And if you do go over there, please avoid the scallops with chorizo, it was practically tasteless which is impressive given the chorizo.
Comment on this reader review
Xavier
Overall rating 
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Thursday, December 23, 2010
i wanted to suprise my partner with an amazing dinner. after reading the reviews i was a bit worried but thought the view looked gorgeous so i booked.
this was a truly magical night, the food was perfect, my partner said it was one of those meals that you dont need to do anything to!
the view was so beautiful. it made us feel so special and the staff were amazing.
if you want to spoil yourself this is definitely the place to do it. Magical!
Comment on this reader review
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, November 08, 2010
I always take a look at the reviews other people give a place to try and get an insight before I go there. In this case they were mixed. I've now been to Paramount for myself and I have to say that as with everything in life you never really know until you go there for yourself to find out. Stunning views, amazing service, great food. All genuinely top notch. But like I said - it's always best to find out for yourself.
Comment on this reader review
Timothy Henry
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, October 18, 2010
Coming Soon: Vivek Singh's Third Restaurant, Cinnamon Soho - 
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