Harden's survey result
Summary
Despite a fine NYC pedigree; a selection of top-quality imported USDA steaks; and a ‘prestige’ location, at the foot of the Adelphi (just off the Strand), this US steakhouse has never made waves in the capital. When it does, it’s often for the wrong reasons, with too many complaints either that it’s “overpriced” or “very disappointing”.
Summary
Fans proclaim “excellent steaks” (including imported prime, dry-aged USDA fillets) and “not a fault to find” at this plush steakhouse off the Strand: the first international branch of the famous NYC chain. Its pricing, though, has often struck Londoners as “totally out of order”, leading to poor ratings across the board.
Summary
The first international branch of a famous New York steakhouse brand (there’s now also a second, in Taipei), this grandiose dining room off The Strand is notably “pricey” and some reporters “have never quite gotten over the expense of the trip”. Fans of its USDA dry-aged steaks and high-end cuts from the British Isles say it’s “worth every penny” – they insist “the hanging tomahawk steak (to share for two people) is unbelievable”. But there are also significant gripes, which do not relate to cost. “Grotesque US-style portions” is one (although, admittedly, some might see that as praise). Others are that the food – other than steak – is just “standard fayre and nothing special” and that “NY is much better”.
Summary
NYC’s famous, steakhouse chain opened this über-swanky offshoot three years ago at the foot of the Adelphi Building, just off The Strand, but it’s never made waves this side of ‘The Pond’, written off from day one by the cognoscenti due to its “outrageous prices”: a complaint that persists in a significant number of reports to this day. But its “amazing steaks” – the best USDA dry-aged cuts, and prime meat from the British Isles too – also help win it good-to-outstanding ratings in practically all feedback; and, especially if you have company plastic to burn, it can cater well for a business occasion in particular.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Smith & Wollensky?
The Adelphi Building, 1-11 John Adam St, London, WC2N 6HT
Restaurant details
Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Must be my 4th visit. Although have never paid full price, always vouchers, I do rate the steaks. The rest is all good. Would come back again 5th time."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £42.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.80 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
The Adelphi Building, 1-11 John Adam St, London, WC2N 6HT
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
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