Gauthier Soho, London

I love French fine dining. So I thought I would treat Mr T something special for his birthday. It was hard to choose, even after some intensive research I still couldn't choose. Gauthier Soho has always been on my list of to go restaurants and it is undeniably one of the more affordable Michelin dining experience restaurant.

Hidden in a Victorian town house in Soho, Gauthier Soho is a former one Michelin star restuarant. We rang the doorbell and a oh so chic waitress greeted us and led us upstairs to our seats. We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairing but the a la carte menu offers good value too. Originally I wanted it with the tea pairing which I thought it was something different, Mr T insisted it having with wine pairing so to save the argument I went with his choice.

Amuse-bouches: crispy cheese thins, chips and avocado on toast

Wholemeal Focaccia

Onion Bread (can't remember the exact name)

Duck Foie Gras, White & Green Asparagus, English Peas and Light Broth Chicken

Scottish Scallop, Lime & Celery and Brown Butter Coral Jus

Black Spring Truffle, Acquarelllo Riso and Aged Parmesan

Halibut, Artichoke, Fondant Fennel, Herb Marinated Tomato and Basil

Venison Fillet, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Rosemary, Beetroot, Bone Marrow and Pomme Fondate

Two Regional Cheeses, Alsace - Carré Kanzel and Savoie - Tomme au Marc de Raisin

Guariguette Strawberries, Light Mousse, Cruchy Balsmaic Tuile, Fraise des Bois and Lemon Sorbet

Dark Chocolate, Golden Louis XV, Dark Chocolate & Praline

Petit Fours (only remembered the left one being a chocolate truffle)

First Flush Sencha, Okumidori Kyoto (from Lalani & Co)

A signed copy of "Vegetronic" from Alexis Gauthier, chef

The highlight of the meal was the Truffle Risotto which I loved it. It would have added a more of a theatrical show if the truffle were shaved at the table. Nevertheless, it delivered on taste and texture. Risotto was rich and creamy and worked fantastically well with the earthy taste of the truffle. Bread was offered many times in between each courses, eventually we turned it down. I absolutely adored the onion bread (or whatever it was called). Any bread with onion or spring onion, I can consume it for the whole meal. The main course of venison was cooked perfectly. The only fault I had was the halibut, slightly overcooked and starting to go firm.

The infamous Louis XV is a like huge bar of chocolate but tasted better than the everyday brand of chocolate. It was voted by a panel of critics as the "Worlds best dessert", a signature dish of Alain Ducasse's restuarant. If you didn't know, Alexis Gauthier was trained under Alain Ducasse for many years. The base layer consisted of a "hazelnut dacquois feuilletine mixed with praline". The body of cake is a chocolate mousse and finally finished with a dark chocolate glaze. The dessert hit the note for me, it was brilliant and it wasn't overly too sweet. Unexpected, Mr T was surprised it came with a candle and a birthday message. Also a signed cookbook from the chef. It's not hard to go an extra mile for someone special.

On the finishing note, it lacked the "wow factor" for me. Maybe I was expecting too much. Food was great, using fresh seasonal ingredients cooked to its simplicity and accuracy. Service was smart with a touch of humour, with all details explained thoroughly. I think Gauthier can do better and with years to come I will return to see its improvement.

Score Rating: 4/5

Price: Tasting menu £70 without wine and £130 with wine excluding service