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Nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia, Oscar Bar & Restaurant at Charlotte Street Hotel is a chic destination where modern European cuisine meets contemporary artistry. The hotel’s distinctive mint-green façade draws you in, leading to a vibrant space filled with bold design and a warm, welcoming ambience. The restaurant strikes a confident balance between refinement and ease, making it a favourite among both Londoners and those visiting the area.
Inside, the lively energy of the space is paired with a menu shaped by seasonal ingredients and thoughtful execution. Whether you are settling in for a leisurely lunch, an indulgent dinner, afternoon tea, or a cocktail at the bar, Oscar reflects the cosmopolitan rhythm of Fitzrovia, where style and substance sit comfortably together.
A Room Composed with Character
The interiors at Oscar Bar & Restaurant are a visual statement, with rich colour, layered textures, and striking contemporary artwork setting the tone. A standout feature is the large-scale mural by artist Alexander Hollweg, which anchors the room and adds a distinctive character to the space. Whether you are marking a special occasion or enjoying a relaxed brunch, the setting carries a sense of polished ease that enhances the experience.
From the moment you arrive through the Charlotte Street Hotel entrance, the tone is set by attentive, well-informed staff who guide the experience with confidence and care. Service is precise without feeling overbearing, with thoughtful recommendations and a clear understanding of the menu.
The Menu: A Modern European Perspective
Oscar’s à la carte offering reflects a modern European brasserie approach, grounded in quality produce and a sense of balance. The structure of the menu allows for both light, sociable dining and more considered, multi-course meals, depending on the pace of your visit.
To Begin: Small Plates and Starters
The opening selection leans into both comfort and finesse. The Flourish bakery ancient grain loaf served with Netherend Farm butter sets a simple but confident tone, while crispy artichokes with shallot mayonnaise and fried Cornish brie with hot honey and paprika introduce a more indulgent edge. Rock oysters with mignonette and Tabasco remain a classic option, joined by lighter, more playful choices such as Oscar’s Gilda and chorizo with apple cider vinegar and honey.
Starters continue with a refined mix of seasonal and traditional dishes. Garden pea and mint soup arrives alongside a cheddar scone, while buffalo mozzarella with asparagus and pickled heritage radishes offers a fresh, composed plate. The Atlantic prawn and avocado cocktail and chicken and tarragon terrine nod to brasserie classics, while hand-carved Alfred Enderby smoked salmon brings a sense of quiet luxury.
Mains: Comfort, Precision, and Balance
The main courses move comfortably between indulgence and restraint. Dover sole sits alongside spaghetti alle vongole, offering a seafood-led centre to the menu, while roast salmon with spinach, tomato, and basil beurre blanc provides a lighter, well-balanced option.
More comforting dishes include chicken Kyiv and crispy duck salad, both delivering depth without excess. The slow-cooked Puy lentil cottage pie stands out as a considered vegetarian choice, while Oscar’s smash beef burger with bacon, Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, pickled gherkin, and French fries remains a reliable favourite, executed with care.
A Considered Finish
Desserts follow a similar philosophy, combining familiar flavours with a polished touch. Apple tarte Tatin with calvados ice cream offers warmth and depth, while rhubarb and custard keep things lighter. The Jamaican rum and passion fruit crème brûlée adds richness, and Lincolnshire Poacher served with Eccles cakes provides a savoury alternative. A selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets offers a simple, well-executed close.
Afternoon Tea: A Signature Indulgence
Afternoon tea at Oscar Bar & Restaurant is a refined extension of the Charlotte Street Hotel experience, offering a setting that feels both relaxed and quietly elegant. Served daily, it brings together a carefully composed selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a rotation of delicate pastries.
The offering leans into classic British tradition while maintaining the restaurant’s contemporary sensibility, with presentation and flavour given equal attention. Guests can opt to accompany the experience with a glass of Rathfinny Classic Cuvée, adding a celebratory note without overwhelming the calm, unhurried atmosphere.
It is particularly well suited to mid-afternoon pauses or informal occasions, where the focus is less on ceremony and more on ease, conversation, and considered detail.
Weekend Rhythm: Brunch and Ease
For a more relaxed pace, Oscar’s weekend brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4.45 pm, accompanied by live music that brings a gentle energy to the room.
The menu ranges from Portland crab and native lobster omelette ‘Arnold Bennett’ to The Fermary pink kimchi pancakes with fried hen’s egg and potted shrimp butter. Classics such as Alfred Enderby smoked salmon with tattie scone and poached duck egg sit alongside options like Portobello mushroom benedict and butter beans marinated in yoghurt with soft-boiled hen’s egg and chilli crisp. Sweeter plates include waffles with caramelised apple and buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote and Chantilly cream.
Paired with signature cocktails such as the Breakfast with Oscar or the Mary Fitzrovia, brunch settles into an easy, sociable rhythm that suits the setting.
The Bar: Where Fitzrovia Comes Alive
The energy at Oscar extends naturally into its bar, which opens onto Charlotte Street and carries a relaxed, continental feel reminiscent of a Parisian café. It is well suited to an afternoon drink or an early evening gathering, with the option to linger over cocktails and light plates while the street scene unfolds around you.
Fridays bring a more animated atmosphere, with DJ sets running from early evening into the night. The music adds a lively edge without overwhelming the space, making it a natural choice for those looking to ease into the weekend with a well-crafted drink.
A Refined Fitzrovia Address
Oscar Bar & Restaurant at Charlotte Street Hotel offers more than a straightforward dining experience. It sits at the intersection of design, food, and social energy, bringing together a considered menu, attentive service, and a setting that feels both polished and approachable. From a relaxed brunch with live music to an evening shaped by cocktails and conversation, it remains a compelling address in Fitzrovia for those who value detail, atmosphere, and consistency.
