There’s something magical about eating at fine dining restaurants. As well as serving unique and beautifully presented dishes made from the very best ingredients, high-end restaurants also create a relaxed ambience within a picturesque setting. Dining out somewhere special is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, engagement or family day out. But how can you make the most of your fine dining experience? Here’s a handy guide.
If your wallet doesn’t quite stretch to a full blown fine dining experience which can soar above £500 per person, Studio Five comes a very close second. The restaurant in Wembley is much lighter on the pocket, but still offers a special experience with impeccable service and food in modern, secluded and upmarket surroundings
Not to mention its VIP history, as the venue was once home to Europe’s largest TV studio with legends such as Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Nina Simone, Paul McCartney and many more performed where customers now dine.
Dress to Impress
While being suited and booted isn’t necessary in many venues – especially if the restaurant attracts tourists within a bustly urban area – it might be important to you to look and feel smart. Dressing up a little is all part of the fun and will help you to feel confident, comfortable and in the mood for a special dining experience. If you’ve googled ‘fine dining restaurants near me’ and are unsure what to wear, play it safe with smart casual or smart elegant. Depending on whether it’s a lunch or evening affair, think along the lines of a blazer, shirt and nice jeans with polished shoes for men or a dress or tailored trousers and a jacket for women.
Take Note of the Specials
You’ll be given a menu, of course. But there’s also likely to be a ‘specials’ board featuring creative and mouth-watering seasonal dishes. This is your chance to try something a bit different. So why not ask the waiting staff what they’d recommend and be a little adventurous? After all, it’s not every day you get to enjoy a spot of fine dining. If there’s something on the menu that you don’t understand or you have questions about spice levels, ingredients or allergies, always ask. The waiting staff will be happy to help.
Pair Your Food and Drink
One of the best ways to get the most from fine dining is to pair your food and drink. Some combinations work better than others and will really bring out the flavours. If you’ve opted for sea bass, for instance, a fresh Pinot Grigio wine is the perfect complement, whereas a deep red wine goes better with a beef dish or steak. Dessert wines pair well with both hard and soft cheese, cured meats and sweets. If you don’t know any food pairing combinations, be sure to ask your waiter for advice.
Stay Within Budget
When looking for the ‘best fine dining restaurants near me’ you might be worried about cost. The smart thing to do is to set a budget before you leave the house – recognising that fine dining food might be slightly pricier – and stick to it when you’re out. This will put your mind at rest and allow you to relax into the experience without fretting about overspending. You could even browse the menu before the event and decide what you’re going to choose. You’ll then have a good idea of what the bill will be but can still enjoy spectacular food.
