FACT Review: Neo-Nordic nibbles at Studio Frantzén

FACT Review: Neo-Nordic nibbles at Studio Frantzén

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The chef behind two three MICHELIN Starred restaurants has opened a hip spot on the Harrods rooftop.

Luxury department store Harrods is known across the world for its epic food hall and eclectic dining destinations that include Harrods Social by Jason Atherton, Gordon Ramsay Burger, Prada Caffé and The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe. To coincide with the arrival of rooftop season in the UK capital, Harrods has opened Studio Frantzén on the fifth floor, where Nordic-Asian cuisine meets incredible skyline views.

Studio Frantzén is Chef Björn Frantzén's latest culinary venture. The restaurant's luxurious ambience blends Scandinavian design elements with modern sophistication, creating an inviting and stylish dining destination in a location known for serious splurging. 

For those unaware, Björn Frantzén is one of the world's most accomplished chefs, well-known for his global restaurant empire, which includes Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore. Frantzén has three MICHELIN Stars and is ranked at number 30 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, while Zén has three MICHELIN Stars and ranks at number 69 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Studio Frantzén is the Swedish chef's first entry into the UK dining scene.

Studio Frantzén

In one of London's most lavish neighbourhoods, diners can expect an intimate Scandi-chic dining room featuring comfortable booths and kitchen counter seating, in addition to a remarkable rooftop terrace with views that stretch across the city from the BT Tower to the London Eye and The Shard. Studio Frantzén accommodates 150 guests and mirrors the distinctive aesthetic of the flagship Frantzén restaurant in Stockholm, where every element, from the curated music selection to the custom-made tableware, has been crafted to cultivate a captivating interpretation of Scandinavian design.

True to his heritage, Björn Frantzén presents a menu infused with modern flavours, artfully textured yet refined cooking techniques, and a profound appreciation for each ingredient's raw beauty, seasonality and purity. The starters range from Stracciatella Di Bufala (£21) to Tartar of Tuna and Red Deer (£29) composed of Kalix vendace roe, wasabi cream, fermented plum and warm ginger butter. We opt for the robust and meaty Roasted Orkney Scallop (£19) served in its pearly-white shell amidst a carrot 'hot sauce' xo, finger lime and ikura. 

Studio Frantzén

Studio Frantzén's unique combination of neo-Nordic and Asian influences comes to the fore in the Scandinavian Sashimi Salmon (£32), an intricate dish of sliced lobster, hiramasa, and scallop, perfectly plated to resemble a wreath. Served with pea ponzu, trout roe and a fiery horseradish emulsion, it's an Insta-worthy dish that enhances rather than overpowers the delicate seafood. 

Inspired by Frantzén's renowned open-flame kitchen in Stockholm, the main courses at Studio Frantzén celebrate dishes cooked 'from the fireplace.' Tempting options include Baby Monkfish Tail (£40), Cannon of Lamb (£44) with truffle jus, and Veal Minute (£36) with crispy shiso salad. We're immediately enamoured by the whole Lobster (£85) coated in coriander, curry and brown butter hollandaise. 

Studio Frantzén
Sweden Vs Japan

The playfully named Sweden Vs Japan (£70) is a popular choice amidst the yellow FENDI bags that line the tabletops throughout the restaurant. The dish layers grilled Japanese Wagyu atop braised beef brisket before applying a fragrant lemongrass jus and Japanese mustard. It's rich, tasty and (if we weren't in Harrods) plate-licking worthy.

Seven dessert options range from gold-flecked Chilled Charentais Melon (£7) to a beautifully viscous Lime Tart (£12) with umeshu and whipped coconut cream. Strawberry and Waffles (£14) with salted milk ice cream is the only dish that didn't resonate with us across a solid meal. Service is prompt and genial, albeit slow at times.

Studio Frantzén

A buzzing crowd of fashionistas and Middle Eastern travellers sets a tone of sophistication. At Studio Frantzén, Chef Björn successfully draws inspiration from his Nordic roots and his experiences with Asian flavours while curating a menu that harmoniously combines the best of both worlds across dishes and signature cocktails that promote premium Nordic ingredients.

Next up for Björn are two openings inside Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. The dining concepts include the fine dining Nordic restaurant, Frantzén and another outpost of this relaxed Nordic restaurant, Studio Frantzén. 

Expansion awaits.

GO: Visit www.harrods.com for reservations and more information.