I remember Alex Webb. No, we’ve never met, but I distinctly recall him gracing my TV screen back in 2020 on MasterChef: The Professionals, going all the way to the final and winning the season. Perhaps I remember it so vividly because it was lockdown, and my days were bookended with Alex’s scallop ceviche and other dishes beloved by the judges.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Essex-born chef has opened his own restaurant in Wimbledon. Orion by Alex Webb champions fresh British produce (he sources his seafood from Cornwall and Devon - notably Brixham, which we later agreed is a great spot for crabbing), and uses classical French technique to deliver fresh, creative and playful plates. The name references the Orion constellation; it symbolises his late father and two grandfathers - the three men who inspired his love of cooking.
The private dining room (pictured left) offers a space of tranquillity, echoed throughout the rest of the restaurant.
DesignMyNight's Review Of Orion By Alex Webb In Wimbledon
Need To Know:
- Address: 75-77 Ridgway, London, SW19 4ST
- Area: Wimbledon Village
- Cuisine: British seafood with classic French techniques and international flourishes
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: from the moment I walked in, I was met with the subtle coastal aroma of fresh fish from the seafood counter, though this quickly subsided. Surrounding me were pendant lights strung with rope and woven around tree bark installations hanging from the walls, plus an abundance of cookbooks from inspiring chefs such as Tom Aikens and Rick Stein, to name a few. There was a calming look to the restaurant, and such effervescent energy radiating from the kitchen that I could have been in South West England rather than South West London
- Perfect for: seafood lovers, naturally, and a lovely family meal or dinner date
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £224 for two, excluding service charge
Alex's signature lobster and prawn toast (pictured left), and the tuna tartare (right).
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Tuna tartare, prawn cracker, lime and coriander (£14) - to begin, this opener was stunning. Glossy chunks of tuna were generously dressed in a refreshing citrusy dressing, and the prawn cracker tied everything together beautifully.
- Alex’s signature lobster and prawn toast (£18) - two whole slices of bread sandwiched the seafood mixture together, cut diagonally to create a sizeable portion. It was sweet and creamy, and took on a whole new life when paired with a dollop of lime, chilli and carrot purée - an element I wish there had been more of. The decision to use only black sesame seeds made the dish visually striking while adding an unexpected but welcome nuttiness.
- Black cod fillet (£35) - served with burnt onion purée, pickled shallots, roasted butter chicken jus, seaweed powder and crispy potatoes. The jus completely transformed the cod; the fish itself was beautifully cooked - tender and delicate - while the sauce was rich, salty and glossy, pairing wonderfully with the treacly purée.
- Sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel sauce (£11) - this is what I imagine pudding heaven looks like. The sheen and depth of the sauce were marvellous, with a salty edge that elevated the sweetness. The sponge was moist and generously lathered; I felt as though I should have been eating it beside a crackling fire.
The sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel sauce (pictured left) and the brown butter espresso martini (right).
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Brown butter espresso martini - the kitchen adopts a low-waste approach, repurposing browned butter at the bar to create a sweet, caramelised alternative to syrup in this cocktail, adding serious body and depth. It was incredibly strong, almost pudding-like in consistency, and undoubtedly one for true coffee lovers
Our Overall Experience At Orion By Alex Webb
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I left Orion by Alex Webb at the same time as an older couple who were beaming from ear to ear after their meal, remarking, “Well, that was quite nice, wasn’t it?” - which perfectly summed up my experience. I had been beautifully fed and transported to a corner of Britain that made me nostalgic for slippery harbour walks, trundling behind my parents on holiday, hunting for battered delights.
My partner and I were incredibly well looked after by the staff - our waiter clearly adored the food he was serving, which is always a reassuring sign. I’m very curious to see how Alex’s restaurant evolves in its first year, and I’d return in a heartbeat.
