We firmly believe that any delicious meal is best complemented with wine. Below, we honour the restaurants we love in the UK and US that have not only stellar cuisine, but also impressive wine lists, programs and sommeliers that serve to ensure we get the absolute most from any meal with the most perfect pairing.
Frog by Adam Handling, London
The categories on this celebrated wine list are quite unique, including sections such as Procurable, Esoteric and Mavericks. Selections from each complement the three tasting menu options (Classic, Vegetarian and Vegan), and there is an incredible range of options for less than £100.
HIDE, London
Having partnered with award-winning Hedonism Wines, it’s no surprise that the wine list at HIDE is magnificent. Updated digitally everyday and accessible via iPad, it includes every bottle from Hedonism — each of which will arrive at your table within 15 minutes. Should you wish to take the guesswork out of it, pre-order a bottle with the assistance of the sommelier team before your booking.
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London
This two Michelin-starred restaurant has recently reopened with a contemporary new look. The wine list is over 100 pages long with many Old and New World wines, and features several rare and coveted options, such as a 1982 Pétrus and a selection of Château d’Yquem Sauternes dating as far back as 1937.
Holland & Holland, Northwood
Located just outside London, The Bordeaux Wine Room at Holland & Holland’s shooting range is a destination in and of itself. Featuring 1,200 wines from the region that are available to enjoy onsite or take home, one of their in-house sommeliers can walk you through the elaborate, exhaustive list.
Ruffian, NYC
A favourite of critics since opening in 2016, Ruffian is both a wine bar and a wine shop. The curated list features unique selections from around the world, including unexpected regions like Slovakia and Hungary alongside the major hitters. Take a bottle to go with their revolving $20 Bottles To-Go list.
Carbone, NYC
The wine list at Italian-American Village go-to Carbone is both extensive and varied. Italian-focussed but with considerable options from both the US and France, it also includes many large format bottles. Seek advice from the sommelier, who is knowledgeable and incredibly thoughtful when recommending pairings.
République, LA
Thoughtful and innovative, the wine list at République has many unique and responsibly-produced bottles. Rather than a traditional pairing with a tasting menu, the sommelier will create a bespoke pairing with whatever you choose to order, featuring some unexpected options. There is also a special section highlighting lesser-known winemakers they love, enabling discoveries.
Wally’s, LA
Beverly Hills’ Wally’s is a wine shop, cheese shop and restaurant in one. Winner of the Wine Spectator Grand Award for several years running, they are known for their vast number of wines available by the glass. The incredibly lengthy list has detailed explanations about the different varietals; ask one of the sommeliers for unexpected pairings with their caviar selection.
Saison and Angler, San Francisco
Three Michelin-starred Saison and its more casual sister restaurant, Angler, are both renowned for their wine lists. Focussing on Burgundy as well as Napa and Sonoma, the wine list at each is well over 100 pages long. With cuisine that spotlights seasonality, the opportunities for pairings are unique and fulfilling.
The Surf Club Restaurant, Miami
Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club Restaurant features a wine list by Head Sommelier’s from Per Se, Michel Couvreux and Zachariah Gossard. Featuring bottles primarily from the US and France, there are several large-format bottles and notably, an extensive list of champagnes and other sparkling wines — the ideal place for a celebration.
For further info on the above restaurants or sommeliers, or to make a booking, please contact your lifestyle manager.
