Guide MICHELIN 2020
Portrait Restaurant
National Portrait Gallery St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE British, Afternoon Tea
Top offer
Treat yourself to afternoon tea alongside an unparalleled view including Nelson in Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye
Opening hours
Thursday – Friday: 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00- 18:00.
Restaurant description
Boasting a stunning 92-foot high location at the top of the National Portrait Gallery, the National Portrait Restaurant delivers modern European cuisine. Simple yet elegant presentation mirrors the beauty of the National Portrait Gallery beneath, and the panoramic London vista outside.
Served on level 3 of the National Portrait Gallery, The Portrait Restaurant menu features seasonally evolving dishes using produces from local suppliers. A la carte options feature grilled bream fillet with potted shrimp butter, spelt risotto with lemon mascarpone, and chargrilled Hereford rib eye beef with hand-cut chips, béarnaise and watercress.
Afternoon tea is a colourful menagerie of inventive creations. Pistachio éclair with praline grains and salt beef and sweet mustard sandwiches can be enjoyed with hand-roasted coffee or loose leaf teas. An extensive selection of New World and French wines can be enjoyed whilst taking in the breath-taking London skyline from the Portrait Bar.
With views stretching from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye, The National Portrait Gallery is a 3-minute walk from Leicester Square Station.
97%
of diners recommend this restaurant
Recommended for
- afternoon tea (184)
- al fresco (6)
- breakfast (25)
- business (36)
- child friendly (12)
- dinner (121)
- entertainment (9)
- large parties (11)
- lunch (176)
- luxury (44)
- private dining (24)
- romantic (65)
- trendy (39)
- value (59)
- views (216)
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12 December 2019
A truly dreadful meal. The food was stodgy and vastly overpriced.
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6 December 2019
good, as expected from previous visits
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27 November 2019
We have visited the restaurant many times, as always the food was excellent, and , of course, unbeatable views. My only quibble this time is the length of time we had to wait to be served. We had reserved for 12.00 and by 1.30 still had not had our main courses whilst everyone else - who had all come later - had finished theirs. When I raised this with the ( very charming and attentive) waitress. She apologised and said you have a system! What was wrong with first come first served? Perhaps in future you could advise people on arrival that your system means they will be singled out for bad service. We had gallery tickets for 2.30 and had envisaged a leisurely lunch beforehand, instead we had to bolt down our mains and dessert. Not what I had envisaged. I have frequently posted very positive reviews of the restaurant, and advise visitors from abroad to visit. I am now reluctant to do so again. Dottie Godec
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26 October 2019
Excellent dining experience across the board.
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11 October 2019
Had afternoon tea. It was lovely! Was also able to peruse the gallery which was great.
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2 October 2019
The view from the top of the National Portarit Gallery is lovely - really lifts your heart! The restaurant is not cheap but the food is very good - we shared a wonderful lemon posset and some delicious ice cream for pudding - and the main courses are interesting and carefully thought out. A very good experience...
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2 October 2019
Good service and fantastic ambience as usual. But yesterday disappointed in the food. First course of soft boiled egg and leek, both undercooked with leeks really tough and egg white still runny slightly. Main of cheese soufflé was ok but a bit slushy texture wise overall. Cranachan pud was great. Wine great. But given we chose from the a la carte menu it was definitely not worth it. Shame as I’ve really enjoyed the food before here.
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6 June 2019
Very good food and service - watch out main door shuts at 6 need to go round the back - great location for Covent garden theatres
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1 June 2019
A enjoyable meal at a restaurant with a great view - a excellent dinning space with friendly and professional staff. The evening spring menu was creative and offered a good range of options.
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23 May 2019
Food and Drink were excellent; but (1) the acoustics were made it difficult, and (2) there are few staff
Available offers
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Festive Afternoon Tea with a glass of prosecco
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