74 Duke opens as new luxury restaurant in London

A review of 74 Duke highlights its lavish setting but lack of true French flair.

74 Duke restaurant offers glamour without authenticity

74 Duke, a new brasserie in London, presents itself as an upscale, mock-Parisian dining experience. Located near Oxford Street, the restaurant aims to attract wealthy tourists with its elegant decor and French-inspired menu, featuring dishes like filet de bœuf and tarte au citron. Despite the charming atmosphere of honey-colored leather and ivory paint, the food is described as overpriced and lacking authentic French taste, appealing more to superficial luxury than culinary innovation. The restaurant's limited menu offers a few standard appetizers and mains, which reviewers found satisfactory but not memorable. Ultimately, 74 Duke seems more concerned with appearances than genuine gastronomy.

The review of 74 Duke reveals a broader trend in London's restaurant scene where style often prevails over substance. As restaurateurs focus increasingly on creating visually appealing spaces and curated experiences, the essence of authentic cuisine tends to suffer. This shift raises questions about what diners truly seek. Are they more interested in indulgence and aesthetics than in actual culinary delight? As seen with 74 Duke, there is a fine line between a charming dining experience and one that feels sterile and inauthentic. The patronage of affluent diners also underscores the class dynamics at play in the London dining landscape.

Highlights

74 Duke may attract patrons with its opulent façade, but it lacks the genuine warmth of true French cuisine.