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The Grace

restaurants•
London
London

The Grace

64 St John's Wood High St, London NW8 7SH, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on St John's Wood High Street, The Grace has quietly established itself as the neighbourhood's go-to spot for everything from leisurely garden brunches to intimate fireplace dinners. This modern European restaurant with Australian influences manages the tricky balance of being both a family-friendly local and a celebration-worthy destination.

The Grace: St John's Wood's Australian-European Fusion Haven

Where Sunday roasts meet sophisticated garden dining

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The Grace operates like a venue with multiple personalities, and somehow pulls it off brilliantly. The space transitions seamlessly from casual daytime vibes to sophisticated evening ambiance, anchored by a cozy fireplace that sets the tone for intimate dining. The real star, however, is the large garden oasis – a genuine rarity in London that transforms the entire experience. The Australian-inspired decor brings a relaxed sophistication that feels both polished and welcoming. With an energy level that hits 6.5 out of 10 and sophistication scoring 7.5, it strikes that sweet spot between refined and relaxed. The venue accommodates various group sizes comfortably, scoring 7.0 for social gatherings, while maintaining an impressively conversation-friendly environment at 8.0. It's the kind of place that works equally well for a quiet date by the fireplace or a boisterous family Sunday lunch in the garden.

Food & Drink

The menu showcases seasonal European ingredients infused with Australian flavors, creating what the AI insights correctly identify as 'legendary' Sunday roasts. Standout dishes include lemon-poached salmon and chicken parmesan, with pavlova desserts providing the quintessential Australian sweet finish. The breakfast classics and creative brunch favorites demonstrate the kitchen's versatility across different meal periods. The Australian-European fusion approach isn't just a gimmick – it genuinely works, bringing fresh perspectives to familiar European techniques. Craft beers, curated wines, and signature cocktails complement the food menu, alongside exceptional coffee and cakes. The seasonal ingredient focus means the menu evolves, keeping regular visitors engaged. However, the AI insights do note that portions can run small, which at these price points might leave some diners wanting more substance alongside the sophistication.

Service & Experience

The Grace maintains a reputation for friendly service that contributes significantly to its 4.4 out of 5 star rating. The staff navigate the venue's dual personality well, adapting their approach from casual daytime service to more attentive evening care. The family-friendly atmosphere is supported by staff who clearly understand how to manage different customer needs throughout the day. Given the venue's popularity for celebrations and private dining experiences, the team demonstrates competence in handling special occasions. The pet-friendly policy is well-executed, suggesting staff are comfortable accommodating four-legged guests in the garden area.

Value for Money

This is where The Grace becomes more complex. With pricing hitting £26-£40 per person for dinner and set menus at £26-£32, it sits firmly in premium territory for St John's Wood. The AI insights confirm this concern, noting that dinner can reach £40 per person with small portions. However, the set menu options provide better value, and the sheer versatility of the space – garden dining, private room, multiple meal periods – does justify some of the premium. For Sunday roast or special occasions, many locals seem willing to accept the higher prices for the complete experience. The challenge is whether casual visits offer sufficient value, particularly given the portion sizes mentioned in the feedback.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Sunday at 12pm sharp for the legendary roast – booking ahead is essential. The garden truly shines during weekend brunch hours, while evening dining by the fireplace works best during cooler months. Avoid peak dinner times if you're price-sensitive, as the premium pricing is most evident then.

What to Focus On

The Sunday roast is non-negotiable – it's described as 'the final boss of brunch.' For dinner, the lemon-poached salmon stands out, and you'd be mad to skip the pavlova for dessert. The breakfast classics and creative brunch options are worth exploring for daytime visits.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The garden fills up fast on weekends – book early or arrive right at opening. The venue hosts regular pub quizzes, which completely changes the evening dynamic. The private dining room offers better value for group celebrations than individual ordering in the main restaurant.

The Final Verdict

The Grace succeeds because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone, despite offering something for most occasions. The Australian-European fusion feels authentic rather than forced, the garden genuinely transforms the London dining experience, and the Sunday roasts live up to their legendary status. Yes, the pricing puts it in premium territory, and portion sizes may disappoint some, but the complete package – from the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere to the venue's adaptability – justifies its position as a St John's Wood favorite. Just be strategic about when and how you visit to maximize value.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Sunday roast enthusiasts seeking the complete experienceGarden dining lovers who appreciate pet-friendly policiesSpecial occasion diners wanting sophisticated but not stuffy atmosphere

Quick Details

1

The Grace

🌺 Garden oasis
⭐️ Australian fusion
🐕 Dog friendly
⭐️ St johns wood gem

This sophisticated neighborhood gem on St John's Wood High Street offers a complete dining journey with Australian-European fusion that sets it apart from typical London gastropubs. The large garden oasis provides the perfect setting for dog-friendly brunch dates, while the seasonal menu showcases creative dishes like lemon-poached salmon and pavlova desserts. The venue transitions seamlessly from casual daytime vibes with exceptional coffee to sophisticated evening dining around a cozy fireplace. Their Sunday roasts draw crowds from across North London, and the intimate private dining room makes it perfect for celebrations. The chic Australian-inspired decor and warm, welcoming atmosphere have made it a beloved local favorite despite premium St John's Wood pricing.

What's Great

✓ Large garden perfect for dog-friendly dining

✓ Legendary Sunday roasts with European-Australian fusion

Keep in Mind

× Premium St John's Wood pricing hits £40 per person for dinner with small portions

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Load into the garden at 12pm sharp for Sunday roast - it's like the final boss of brunch, no cap!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Mon-Thu: 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-12am, Sun: 12pm-10:30pm"
📍64 St John's Wood High St, London NW8 7SH, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 7722 0005
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

The Grace has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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