TASTING menus can sometimes feel daunting or underwhelming – a drawn-out affair or a glorified three-course meal dressed up with extra desserts labeled as amuse-bouche. But to no surprise, an evening at Restaurant Story defies these clichés entirely.
A child of Tom Sellers who opened in 2013 at the impressive age of just 26, earning a Michelin star only five months after. Over a decade later, the establishment still makes a big mark on London’s fine dining scene. The experience is rooted not only in the food itself, but also in vibrant storytelling woven into each dish taking the guest on a journey through the menu.
With many nods to Seller’s Northern upbringing, flavours evoke nostalgia and warm, homely feelings – all with flawless presentation and cutting-edge techniques – a combination not many chefs manage to master.
Restaurant Story Interior
Located between The Shard and Tower Bridge, the restaurant is tucked away in an inconspicuous building, originally established in a place of an old Victorian toilet block – a surprising, yet charming detail.
Only a small sign, humbly hanging near the front door, famously confuses guests desperately trying to find the address in order to make their reservation – thankfully, I manage to just in time. From the moment of walking in, I can feel the anticipation of a unique evening, big heavy curtains signalling the entrance into an intimate culinary journey.
Recently renovated, the interiors are stripped back, paying homage to Scandinavian minimalism with wooden furniture, concrete flooring, warm lighting and crisp white table cloths. The space feels intentional, avoiding the excess but with definite character, working as a canvas for the food to become the focal point.
With the recent addition of a first-floor private dining room and terrace, Restaurant Story offers more than just an intimate dining experience – an exceptional venue for hosting unforgettable dinner parties in the heart of London.
Restaurant Story Kitchen
I am welcomed by friendly staff and led to the table tucked away in the corner. We start the five course dinner with a welcome broth and a spread of, humbly called, snacks including a crab tart, rabbit sandwich and hot & cold Carlingford Oyster, which comes as a deep fried, crunchy delight hiding a delicate and soft mousse beneath.
Rabbit Sandwich
Moving on to starters, we are presented with the beautiful raw scallop garnished with thin strips of cucumber, horseradish and translucent tiger’s milk pearls. The delicate flavours are elevated by the third edition of Gin Garden – named to signify Story’s third-edition opening. Made with dill-infused gin, the notes of elderflower and mint add refreshing tones to scallop’s subtle flavour complimenting each other perfectly.
The next course to arrive is the Seller’s staple, everyone is impatiently waiting for – The Candle, inspired by the classic British snack of beef drippings, it is a bucket-list dish for every food enthusiast. The candle melts into an edible pool of fatty deliciousness and comes with with dense brioche bread – thick and crispy outside and soft, doughy inside. As I find out, it is an ideal vessel to spoon the heaps of beef tallow and is particularly delicious when topped with a small amount of pickled celery. So simple, yet unbeatable – it is crystal clear where the dish gained its popularity among diners.
The Candle
The main courses also don’t fail to disappoint. Firstly, it’s the sea bass topped with stuffed mussels, pepper and artichokes melting in my mouth with bold flavour and soft texture, shortly followed by tender fallow deer served with cabbage, cauliflower and rich red wine sauce poured all over – a dish I’ll be dreaming about every autumn, when all you need is a cosy and heartwarming plate, especially paired with a glass of 2017 Bordeaux.
Surprisingly, we still have space for dessert, which comes served as a mixture of rich chocolate and coffee scoops with blackberry confit and brown butter. Indulgent yet remarkably light, the flavours flow beautifully together and leave a space to experiment with my own pairing (chocolate and blackberry becoming an undisputed winner).
First-floor Dining Room
I’m truly in awe of how Restaurant Story masterfully blends comforting flavours with a sensory narrative that lingers long after the meal. Each dish is crafted with care, evoking warmth and nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity.
The staff definitely amplify the experience with their genuine warmth and attentiveness – making each guest feel special and valued. I don’t doubt that the wonderful combination of world-class cuisine and top-tier hospitality will keep me talking about my evening at Restaurant Story for a long time to come.
by Olga Petrusewicz
To book visit here.
199 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2JX