Restaurant Review: Gauthier Soho

Stepping into Alexis Gauthier's Soho townhouse for the Grand Dîner is less like entering a restaurant and more like being invited to a secret, sophisticated salon, leaving the Soho bustle instantly behind. Gauthier Soho isn't just a world-class vegan restaurant; it is a masterclass in French gastronomy, proving that refinement, richness, and depth of flavor are achieved through skill, not animal products. The 8-course tasting menu was a seamless procession of artistry. Highlights included the inventive presentation of heritage vegetables, such as a delicate sunflower and tomato raviolini served in a clear, saffron-infused brodo that was both comforting and complex, and a "Barbecued Loin of Kohlrabi" that possessed a delightful char and savory heft. Each dish was a playful and passionate testament to Chef Gauthier's classical training, executed with lightness and dazzling precision.

What truly elevated the experience was the Sommelier Wine Pairing. The selection, managed by David Havlik, is entirely vegan and brilliantly curated to complement the food's progressive and often surprising flavors. Our sommelier was outstanding—knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and wonderfully engaging, describing each pairing with a narrative that connected the wine's terroir to the dish's ingredients. A crisp, mineral-driven Loire Valley white cut through the richness of the creamy truffle risotto, while a unique, softly tannic Jura red paired unexpectedly beautifully with the deep, earthy mushrooms in the main course. The sommelier’s passion transformed the pairing from a mere accompaniment into an integral part of the narrative. It’s a complete dining experience where the food and the wine don’t just coexist—they sing a perfect, high-end, plant-based duet. If you are looking for an unforgettable night out in London, Gauthier Soho is essential.