Plateau

The aptly named Plateau sits on the fourth floor of Canada Place, with sensational views of Canary Wharf from its huge glass and metal façade. As you eat you can look out onto the iconic, glittering building the area is so famous for. The view is undeinably magical – especially at night.

Plateau is divided into an informal but smart bar and grill area with long, white benches and an intimate restaurant section, as well as offering two private dining rooms for larger parties and business meetings.

From the moment you step out the lift, service is sophisticated, professional and personable. The front of house team is attentive and friendly, and well-heeled customers looking for an elegant dining experience are given exactly that. Surprisingly romantic given the expected clientele in the financial district, Plateau seems to cater best for special occasions and romantic liaisons – you might even spot a boss or two trying to impress their PA with posh nosh and fine wine.

The interior aims to impress with iconic contemporary furniture – marble-topped white Eero Saarinen Tulip tables and matching chairs, and Arco floor lamps – but the restaurant isn’t just a designer showroom for the moneyed classes; the beautifully presented cuisine is testament to the fact that head chef Allan Pickett takes his job very seriously, producing inspired dishes that pay more than just lip service to the principle of seasonal eating. Pickett took on the role in 2010, seven years after Plateau first opened, and has maintained its high standards from every angle.

Plateau boasts a diverse menu, with everything from rabbit and fowl to beef and lobster. Seasonal dishes change throughout the year, though many of the classics remaining throughout, with seafood dishes a focus for starters and meat for mains.

The ballotine of foie gras, fig chutney and brioche toast (£14) is divine. The foie gras is devilishly rich and buttery, interrupted only by the circle of sweet fig in the centre, complementing it beautifully. Served with thick, toasted brioche to perfectly offset and neutralise the intense flavours, this is one seriously decadent option. The dill and lemon cured Scottish salmon (£10.50) served with marinated cucumber and grain mustard dressing has a clean, fresh flavour that is almost sushi-like. Other options include half a dozen Colchester oysters (£10.50), Cornish crab salad (£9.50) and poached Orkney Isle sea scallops served with courgettes and vermouth cream (£14.50).

Plateau’s current signature dish is the roast fillet of Red Poll beef, with sauté of Scottish girolle mushrooms, confit of garlic and Burgundy wine sauce. Setting you back a casual £31, this is clearly a dish the restaurant is proud of, and for good reason. The fillet is melt in the mouth, and the sauce and vegetable flavours weave a delicious accompaniment. Honey-spiced Goosnargh duck (£23), loin and confit of rabbit with jus gras (£22) and the cep gnocchi with field mushroom puree and summer truffles (£16) look delicious, as does the baked lobster which is served as a half portion (£17) but can be served whole upon request.

The desserts range between £6 and £11.50, with the île flottante, pink praline and crème Anglaise coming highly recommended. Deliciously light and creamy, this is the perfect dessert if you’ve overindulged in the other courses. The hazelnut parfait, lime gel, chocolate and hazelnut crumble also looks tempting, and the coconut crème brûlée, coconut crisps and foam is also a great way to end a three course feed.

The house champagne is deliciously crisp and dry and the wine list is extensive, thorough and globally sourced. For those who are less versed on selecting a drop, the sommelier is happy to talk through the options and help you choose the right notes to complement each dish.

If cocktails are more your thing, the Pear Delight (£14.50) is well worth the price tag, boasting a large measure of pear and cinnamon infused ‘Element Eight’ gold rum, lemon juice, apple juice and cinnamon syrup, served with delicious caramelised golden pear. The Old Fashioned (£11.50) takes a while to prepare (as it should) but is deliciously sweet, served with anticipation and an angostura coated sugar cube which is stirred through the Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey.

For more informal, music-infused dining, head to the adjacent Bar & Grill, though it lacks some of the magic of the main restaurant.

In summary, exquisite service, impressive views and first-class food mean this is one dining experience you won’t forget in a hurry.