The Reluctant Anglophile: A Review of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill

Editor’s Note: This is the first post in an ongoing column by my wife, Jackie, called The Reluctant Anglophile. I thought it would be a way to get her more involved with the site and create a unique voice in our little community. Welcome Jackie!

There are few things in life that are as enjoyable as a good meal. I love dining out. The past few times that Jonathan and I have traveled to England we have had to do so on a very tight budget. On this trip Jonathan wanted to treat me to an evening of fine dining in London. We decided to go to Gordon Ramsey’s Maze Grill.

The restaurant served American themed fare rather than British. I think this may be in part to the Grill’s location, in Grosvenor Square, where the American Embassy is currently located (but not for much longer). We made our reservation about a week prior and were glad that we could still get in.

Gordon Ramsay is very well known here in the United States. I personally love his direct attitude. I also believe that he makes swearing an art form. I was not quite sure what to expect when going to the restaurant, but let me say, the man runs a restaurant as well as he swears. The staff ran the Grill efficiently, I could tell that everyone knew what they are supposed to be doing.

The décor is simple but very elegant. Jonathan and I ate in the Grill which is separate from the restaurant, and is also a bit more affordable. We showed up to the restaurant and were greeted by a doorman and a coat check counter. The staff was very welcoming. The table that we had reserved was half-circle shaped banquet, which I loved.

Jonathan and I both decided to have the fillet steak. We both choose the Casterbridge grass fed beef after all the meats were explained to us by one of the waiters. Here in the U.S. beef is corn fed, so we wanted to taste the difference. I ordered mine medium rare and Jonathan’s was well done. I can honestly say that my steak was the BEST steak I have ever had.

Our steak dinners were brought to us on cutting boards and were accompanied with a head of roasted garlic and fresh herbs. I had mashed potatoes with my steak and they were heavenly. As an American I remarked to Jonathan that Mr. Ramsey makes better mashed potatoes than I do! As a matter of fact, the matre’d took my potatoes away before I had finished with them, he must have thought I had finished and I was honestly sad.

We did not stay for dessert. Even if we had, we were so full on the most perfectly cooked steaks that there would have not been any room for more food. Our meal ended up being the most expensive meal that either of us had ever had, but I can honestly say it was well worth it. My hat’s off to Mr. Ramsay, thank you for the excellent meal.

Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill in Located in Grosvenor Square – check out their website for details and to make a reservation.