As DesignMyNight HQ’s resident rooftop fanatic, CÉ LA VI has been on my radar for some time. Catapulted to worldwide fame when the Singapore outpost was featured on hit movie Crazy Rich Asians, and having previously launched sites in Dubai, Tokyo and Taipei (Miami’s happening soon), the announcement of West London’s newest, highest rooftop restaurant caused such a stir, we just had to write a dedicated update on the news.
Fast forward to September last year, CÉ LA VI officially opened, taking over the top two floors of Paddington Square’s 'glass cube'. It even has its own ‘scenic lift’ just for guests, that’s how fancy things are around there. But did this pan-Asian hotspot hit the mark when I dropped by for a visit?
DesignMyNight’s Review Of CÉ LA VI London
CÉ LA VI London's glossy crimson-coloured surrounds were a vision, especially with the skyline in the distance.
Need To Know:
- Address: 17th & 18th Floor, 1 Paddington Square, W2 1DL
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Area: Paddington
- Cuisine: modern Asian
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: once you glide inside CÉ LA VI, you’re first greeted by the slinky, boujee bar space. Flaunting ruby-toned lighting, Chinese-inspired prints, cosy velvet seats and giant bamboo columns flanked by towering lush plants, plus one hell of a glistening, geometric glass centerpiece, CÉ LA VI sure knows how to make a first impression. But let’s talk about the outside rooftop balcony, which in my opinion could have London’s best view – as all the sights were visible in one sweep. To the left, I could see twinkling lights of The Shard and Sky Garden, while the panorama veers around clockwise to take in Battersea Power Station and Hyde Park right through to Wembley Stadium’s arches. It was quite magnificent (especially around the pink-hued sunset) and our fellow diners clearly thought the same as a marriage proposal took place while we were there.
- Perfect for: sophisticated dates, especially with the live jazz band on Wednesday nights.
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £278 plus service charge
CÉ LA VI Paddington promised innovative
cocktails and stunning fare in high-end
surrounds.
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shrimp tempura (£16) – a generously portioned plate (especially for a starter) that showcased a divine mango mayo, batter that didn’t go soggy, spring onion for freshness and red chilli that actually resembled jewels. A 10/10.
- Vegetable crystal dumpling (£17) – these perfectly preened parcels were stuffed with sweetcorn, mushroom and carrot, boasting a lovely wobbly, chewy skin that the dish is known for. I particularly enjoyed the black vinegar dipping sauce too.
- Black truffle risotto (£28) – swapping the classic arborio with sushi rice, giving it an Asian-inspired twist, I absolutely adored this meal, from the indulgent, velvety butternut squash sauce to the slightly salty parmesan mousse. The truffle shavings on top not only made this dish more VIP, but they also provided earthiness.
- Wagyu beef fillet (£80) - as if our evening could get any more lavish? Enter this juicy, moreish slab of meat, benefitting from melting kombu butter on top. Served medium rare (it was gorgeously pink in the middle) my date’s main genuinely melted in the mouth. You could taste luxury with every bite.
- Hispi cabbage (£12) – CÉ LA VI managed to seriously elevate the humble veggie with a delightful, sweet miso seasoning on top, while the ponzu provided added zesty flavours. It was the perfect accompaniment to my risotto main, cutting through the richness.
- Vanilla and bay leaf panna cotta (£15) – this dreamy dessert ticked all the boxes. Admittedly, I was a mix of fearful and excited about the curry crumble, but honestly, it was delicious and balanced well, plus the bay leaf stopped this dish from being overly sweet. My pud was presented wonderfully too, including purple flowers, pineapple jelly cubes and pineapple sorbet.
Just look at those intricate starters; a match made in heaven alongside the glittering London lights.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Bear With Me (£17) – a charming nod to the legendary Paddington, and personally recommended by our attentive host Devina, this dainty, refreshing tipple blended gin, yuzu, rhubarb and, naturally, orange marmalade.
- The Ritual (£11) – this booze-free number brought together aromatic Seedlip Garden 108, elderflower, cucumber and bubbly soda. Got to say I was apprehensive about the addition of cider vinegar, but it actually gave this tangy drink a nice sharpness.
- Easy Paloma (£11) – expect tart raspberry, herby Thai basil and lime with a big glug of grapefruit soda, plus a non-alcoholic tequila (what a revelation).
- Blooming Blossom (£18) – picked from the seasonal specials, I enjoyed this fruity little number that was perfect for spring. Think Suntory Roku Sakura Bloom Gin, blueberry, citrus bitters, Campari pineapple and a goji berry powder on top.
Our Overall Experience At CÉ LA VI Paddington
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A playful take on the popular French phrase, CÉ LA VI is all about embracing life, promising a premium experience but with a cheeky, rebellious edge, and this is evident in everything from the menu to the live music specials. It arguably could be London’s most panoramic viewpoint, and quite frankly I could have stargazed for much, much longer. The incredible cuisine draws inspiration from the vibrant diversity of South East Asia, with a twist of course, and not a crumb was left behind on our plates. We’ll definitely be returning.
