Sitting in the pitch black, surrounded by strangers with the hope that what is in front of me is in fact edible. 

This is not what comes to mind when you think of London fine dining. 

And yet… 

It was the most interesting culinary experience I’ve had. 

What is Dans Le Noir?

Dans Le Noir is a dining experience unlike any other, the concept is simple, a meal “Dans Le Noir” or translated “In the Dark”.  I first heard of this peculiar restaurant in the film ‘About Time’ and was immediately hooked by its concept.

How do you find your table?

Once inside we were greeted and sat by the bar to await our waiter, or should I say table tour guide. We were guided by a charming man called Michael, who eased us into the complete darkness with a calming air of confidence. The waiters at Dans Le Noir are all blind and have memorised the layout of the room perfectly to navigate the unknown and stop guests from bulldozing the tables down. Michael and the rest of the front-of-house team, are a wonderful example of how so-called disabled employees can ‘defy the dis and apply the ability’. It’s ironic that such a shining example of inclusivity comes from such a dark restaurant.

With our hand on Michael’s shoulder he paves the way into the unknown location of our seats. Once sat down (easier said than done) your eyes strain to make out the slightest shape or movement, but after 5 minutes or so you accept the darkness and embrace the mystery of your surroundings.

Does the dark affect your senses?

What I was truly blindsided by was the sensory overload that takes over in the absence of your sight. Your ears became far more sensitive, and I noticed that guests took two approaches to table chit-chat; a hushed whisper of caution as if the room was full of eavesdroppers or a projected voice in the hope their voice will travel the unknown distance to their mates’ ears. 

But the real sensory experience begins when the food arrives, as soon as it is in front of you your sniffer is working overtime to figure out the delicious aroma that surrounds you. 

After you give in the smelling guessing game it’s time for a stab in the dark, quite literally. My technique was an aggressive hit and hope style of jab matched with a quick finger prod for added plate orientation. Once your fork sticks it’s finally time to eat.

The Secret Menu

Don’t worry this isn’t a spoiler! The menu changes seasonally, this menu was there meat option back in winter,  so for your visit expect the unexpected!

To start I had chicken ballotine served with a mixed salad, carrot tartare, and boiled new potatoes, the simplicity of this dish was a nice intro to awaken the taste buds. I particularly loved the flavour bomb of candied lemon which cut through the familiar flavours.

Next, I had a roasted beef fillet with carrot puree, mash, and seasonal veg. I am ashamed to admit I was somehow adamant the beef was lamb. I was also shocked to enjoy fennel a vegetable my eyes usually tell my brain I hate.

To finish we had Mixed Berries Millefeuille, the freshness of the fruit and berries was like nothing I have ever tasted, still to this day I am left wondering whether it was due to some truly special produce or my senses adapting to the darkness. I suspect a bit of both

So, is Dans Le Noir worth it?

Yes, it’s a must-visit.

This sensory experience brings adventure into the culinary world like never before!  

If you are brave enough stab in the dark and trust your taste buds, book a table at Dans Le Noir