Cuisine: Modern French
Price: £££
Overall: 4/5

With a second lockdown imminent, I decided to treat myself to lunch at Plateau in Canary Wharf.

Based on the 4th floor of Canada Place in London’s Canary Wharf, Plateau provides an alternative view to many others in the city. The glass-fronted outlook over Canary Wharf is akin to the city vistas of New York and Tokyo.

Plateau mainly attracts the business crowd of the Wharf during the day. Beautifully lit at night, as well as a restaurant, it’s a decent cocktail spot attracting both residents and visitors from further afield.

Décor/atmosphere

Décor is mid-century Manhattan with modern furniture and lighting and Saarinen tables. Dominated by striking floor-to-ceiling windows, the dining area is engulfed with natural light. The kitchen is semi-open, displaying the artistic chefs at work.

Plateau has a main restaurant and a laidback Bar & Grill. There are also two private dining rooms and outdoor terraces (heated and covered for the winter months).

The food

Food-wise, the restaurant serves elegant, contemporary French bistro dishes using seasonal ingredients. The Bar & Grill offers a more informal selection in a relaxed setting.

I dined in the restaurant from the set menu, opting for three courses and a Bellini for £30. I consider this exceptional value for money, bearing in mind that the average price of a cocktail alone is £10 in London. 

The set menu offered four options in each course. I started with the Kale & quinoa salad with avocado, pomegranate and almonds. Though simple, this was very tasty – offering the perfect combination of flavours and textures. And, although a vegan dish, I would recommend it even to meat-eaters.

My main course was the fillet of sea bream with crushed pink fir potato, sea vegetables, with crab sauce.

A great dish with many elements – the fish was cooked perfectly, with crisp golden skin. The crab meat on top was flavoursome but not overpowering and coupled with seaweed. The potatoes were fluffy with parsley adding extra flavour. The sauce was a little too rich for me, but nice all the same.

After a brief respite, I was ready for dessert and went for the crème  brûlée. This is one of my favourite desserts, and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect smooth, creamy texture with that important  caramelized crunch on top.

All portions were generous.

Ingredients and wine

All the products appeared fresh and dishes made with care and well presented.

The restaurant also caters for all tastes by providing a large selection of wines, cocktails and spirits starting at reasonable prices. Plateau provide a variety of champagnes with some by the glass as well as by the bottle.

Service

This restaurant has previously been criticised, in reviews, for their poor service, so this was something I was very mindful of.

I don’t know if they have upped their game or I just lucked out, but I thought the service was good, and all staff were very helpful and accommodating.

Price

If dining from the à la carte menu, starters at Plateau range between £8 – 15, mains £18 – £34 and desserts £7.

Plateau offer three set menus:

2 courses for £20;

3 courses for £25; and

3 courses & Peach Bellini for £30. 

They also offer weekend specials, where you can add £20 for free-flowing bubbles or wine for an hour and a half.

My meal for three courses and a cocktail amounted to £33.75, including service. An absolute bargain considering the standard of the food, ambience and service – bear in mind, we are in London’s exclusive Canary Wharf. It was far from the mass-produced low-quality set menus we often see and an absolute steal.

Overall

It was my first time dining at Plateau, and it won’t be my last. They offered good options for a set menu, which can often be uninspiring. Providing a unique experience, with alternative views, it feels like an oasis in a concrete jungle. Specifically, lunch at Plateau in Canary Wharf is a steal and the classy, relaxed atmosphere makes this versatile venue ideal for drinks, a casual lunch, and a romantic dinner too.

Tip: Request a table on the outer edge of the restaurant or terrace for best views.

Book your table at Plateau 
Address: 4th Floor, Canada Place, London E14 5ER
Station: Canary Wharf