How does the London location compare to Dubai's show-stopping flagship?
CÉ LA VI London has made its long-awaited European debut at Paddington Square, taking over the top two floors of the Renzo Piano-designed landmark. With cinematic views across the capital from Battersea Power Station to Canary Wharf, The London Eye and Wembley Stadium, the restaurant is officially the city's highest rooftop dining destination.
A hostess in vermilion couture ushers us into a dining room pitched between intimacy and spectacle. Circular pendants pool light across charcoal tones, while deep, couch-style banquettes soften the room's edges, but it's the views of the capital that have us enraptured. We immediately make a mental note to return for sundowners, as the vantage point high above Paddington Station is exceptional.
Whether visiting for drinks or dinner, it's essential to make a reservation. Lunchtime on a weekday finds the place already in full stride, with celeb diners such as Spice Girl Emma Bunton. It would seem that CÉ LA VI London is currently one of the hottest spots in town.
The main dining is anchored by an open central bar that serves cocktails with an Asian twist, including reimagined classics infused with regional botanicals such as a cherry-infused Negroni and a zero-proof Paloma. Upstairs, a more intimate setting is introduced, featuring a private dining room for up to 14 guests with panoramic views over Paddington Basin, as well as a Lounge Bar offering DJ sets and late-night performances.
No matter where you choose to sit, the views are evident, and we find immediate comfort in not only the plush couch-style seating but also in the front-of-house team, who emanate warmth, friendliness, and genuine interest in guests.
The menu borrows heavily from the Dubai branch and excites with its playful interpretation of contemporary Asian cuisine. Divided into sections that include 'caviar, 'raw, ' and 'market,' each dish has been designed to balance Asian cues and European indulgence.
Sliced to show a ruby centre, the Wagyu Beef Tataki (£28) is all silk and umami. Truffle-laced ponzu adds perfume and snap, while shavings of fresh truffle fold in a final hit of luxury without overwhelming the balance. The Wagyu Beef Gyoza (£17) presents paper-thin dumpling skins generously stuffed with wagyu, accompanied by a bright lick of sesame-soy to complement the richness. Elsewhere, the Korean Fried Chicken (£17) arrives lacquered in a sweet-heat glaze and encased in a brittle shell that crackles at the first bite. It's comfort food, sharpened by technique.
For more adventurous diners, the signature Black Truffle "Sushi Rice" Risotto (£23) offers a playful riff that swaps arborio for sushi rice, yielding a creamier, almost custard-like texture. Roasted butternut squash brings a gentle sweetness, while a light Parmesan mousse adds airy umami instead of weight. Fresh truffle shavings finish the FACT-favourite bowl with woodland aroma and a touch of luxe.
The Lobster Pasta (£35) is a study in restraint and intensity, where sweet blue lobster, poached in butter, is tossed through al dente pasta ribbons that are glossed with a concentrated shellfish reduction, keeping the dish bright, coastal, and elegant.
The Miso Chilean Sea Bass (£40) is an elevated interpretation of a dish commonly found at numerous restaurants throughout the city. The luscious fish is served with Szechuan green chilli sauce, offering a unique CÉ LA VI twist that transforms the delicate sea bass into something memorable. Similarly, the Wagyu Tenderlion (£80) is a generous portion of quality meat, served perfectly pink and sensationally seasoned, with little need for sauces or embellishment.
CÉ LA VI is a multiple FACT Dining Award winner in Dubai for good reason: it's a sky-high crowd-pleaser where the party and the plate arrive together. London is the dining-led sibling. The mood is sharper and the beverage programme is better integrated with the food. Both share precision and premium produce, and both deliver "oh-so-memorable" views.
CÉ LA VI London is a confident debut that earns its altitude. Come for the blockbuster views and return for the disciplined cooking. In a city already spoilt for rooftops, CÉ LA VI London distinguishes itself where it matters—on the plate.
GO: Visit https://ldn.celavi.com for more information.