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Portrait Restaurant & Bar

National Portrait Gallery, St Martins Place, London WC2H 0HE, England
+44 (0)20 7312 2490
As featured in 3 days in London
Ranked #514 of 9,840 restaurants in London
4.0 of 5 stars 96 Reviews
Price range: 34 AUD - 43 AUD
Cuisines: English, European, Oyster Bar
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Business, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations
Neighbourhood: Mayfair / St James's / Piccadilly / Green Park 
Description: At the top of the National Portrait Gallery, The Portrait Restaurant and Bar is renowned as one of London's most desirable dining venues. With sweeping panoramic views across Trafalgar Square and irresistible British cuisine, The Portrait Restaurant provides an unforgettable and unique dining experience. Set 92 feet above ground level - on the third floor of the Gallery's Ondaatje wing - The Portrait Restaurant and Bar features a sleek and stylish dining area with a contemporary decor and wooden floors. The highlight of the interior design is the striking wall of windows, enticing diners to enjoy stunning views of London's famous landmarks. From here, you can enjoy a fine meal whilst looking out at Whitehall, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and, naturally, Nelson's Column. A work of art in itself, the menu has been carefully crafted by Head Chef Katarina Todosijevic to showcase popular culinary creations. Some of the main courses available include the Lamb Cutlets, Organic Salmon, Baked Whole Plaice, and Courgette, Leek and Lemon Risotto. A delectable afternoon tea is also served daily, whilst the bar offers a choice of snacks with an exciting cocktail list and wine menu.
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96 reviews from our community

83% Recommend
    32
    48
    12
    2
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
york, england
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012

We didn't book so had to eat at the bar - which was ok but not what we would have chosen. The food was excellent with a good choice of wine by the glass. Reasonable value considering the location - 2 starter sized ceasar salads [delicious with soft boiled egg and crisp bacon] and 2 glasses of wine for £30.

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See 2 more reviews by talkingpics for London
Houston, Texas
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012 via mobile
1
person found this review helpful

Went to the Portrait Gallery Restaurant and had the pre-show dinner... Dishes were "ok". Prices were reasonable... But the view over London was beautiful. Dinner for two was quite reasonable by London standards. Fish cakes were very salty...but I'd give it another shot, if only for the view.

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See 5 more reviews by johnbhansen for London
London, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Although we didn`t get the table by the window we were nevertheless seated where we had an excellent view, maybe better because we had some distance on the window. The fixed menu is not cheap but the food is good. My salmon with samphire and mussels was a little overcooked but generous in portion (size matters to me) my friend`s... More

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See 2 more reviews by Rowan A for London
London
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We went for Afternoon Tea and it was a mistake. The view was indeed impressive- less impressive was the cafe style decor and rushed atmosphere. Chairs kicked miles away from their tables and uncleared tables left waiting as people were hurried (with a strained smile) to their tables. The staff seemed very friendly but the general rushed atmosphere didn't feel... More

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LONDON
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

I have eaten here many times, on my own when in town. With a friend, with my husband and also with a group of friends and it never ceases to impress me. The view is stunning and the waiters will tell you what buildings can be seen. The food is excellent and I consider the price fair for what you... More

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See 4 more reviews by spud_kerry for London
london
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2012

Worth going to even if you haven't just enjoyed the gallery, but a nice way to end a visit if you have. Food is tasty, staff friendly, and wine good. An overall good experience. Best to book.

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See 17 more reviews by alish for London
London
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Three of us went for afternoon tea to the Portrait yesterderday at 3.30. As ever, the view was great and we had the most charming waitress from the Czech Republic. The three of us opted for the afternoon tea package. There were almost more tea leaves in each of the teapots than hot water, whoever was on tea making duty... More

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North Yorkshire
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2012

On a trip for the day to see the Lucian Freud exhibition we managed to book a table (in advance) for lunch in the restaurant. What a gem. Food excellent, wonderful service, fantastic views over London and not overpriced - perfect! Will certainly visit again. Useful tip - don't just turn up expecting a table to be available - it... More

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Devon
Top Contributor
927 reviews 927 reviews
Reviews in 155 cities Reviews in 155 cities
2,783 helpful votes 2,783 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012

Back after eighteen months and this time for lunch. Menu seems to change monthly. Excellent fixed price three courses for thirty quid. Good complentary wine for about £24. Perfect rooftop view across the Square and down Whitehall. Very efficient staff. I had a near perfect apple Stilton etc salad with ambrosian cranberry dressing, followed by a delightful vegetable curry and... More

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See 50 more reviews by Jannerbloke for London
Leeds UK
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 March 2012

Three of us arrived early for our booked table. Rahter than clutter up the already full bar area we were given a table and ate early. The food was excellent in appearance, in taste and in value. The view alone was worth the visit. Would definitely eat there again.

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