The results of Zagat’s 2011 London Restaurants Survey of almost 5,000 diners, found that a third are more attentive to menu prices than before the recession, although 65 per cent reported that finding a good deal had become easier.
Those deals listed as being the most effective at enticing customers, were set-price menus, food discounts, wine discounts and happy hours.
Tim Zagat, chief executive of the Zagat Survey, said it was clear dining habits had changed in the capital.
“Diners have become much more price sensitive since the recession began. However, there obviously are a host of London restaurants that provide such good values that no one need go hungry. There are also a lot of new, exciting, modestly priced restaurants designed to meet Londoners’ taste for good food at low prices.”
Survey winners
The survey, which rated and reviewed over 1,100 restaurants in London, determined Galvin La Chapelle as the Best Newcomer for 2011.
Brett Graham’s two-Michelin starred The Ledbury was named top for food, while Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road was deemed the most popular.
However, when asked to rate the London dining scene as a whole on a 30-point scale, diners gave 25/30 points for diversity, but just 12/30 for hospitality.
The top rated restaurants in the 2011 Zagat Survey, are:
Top Food
1.The Ledbury
2. Royal Hospital Road
3. Murano
4. The Fat Duck
5. Chez Bruce
Top Decor
1. The Ritz
2. Gravetye Manor
3. Galvin La Chapelle
4. Mark’s Club
5. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Top Service
1. Mark’s Club
2. The Fat Duck
3. Royal Hospital Road
4. Waterside Inn
5. Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
Most Popular
1. Royal Hospital Road
2. J. Sheekey
3. Wolseley
4. Wagamama
5. Gordon Ramsay at Claridges
Top Newcomers
1. Galvin La Chapelle
2. Babbo
3. Kitchen W8
4. Hix
5. Lutyens
Best Buys
1. Chilango
2. Franco Manca
3. Benito’s Hat
4. Leon
5. Books for Cooks