From budget-friendly Szechuanese to sumptuous banquet dining and lesser-known-regional cuisines, check out our round-up of some of London’s best Chinese restaurants
Looking for a Chinese restaurant in London? Read on for our guide to some of the capital’s best spots, then check out our Chinese New Year guide and the 10 things we love about Hong Kong-style cuisine. Check out the best places to eat and drink in Chinatown London here (including Chinese dumplings, Szechuan food and up-market Chinese) Best Chinese restaurants in London Fiery Flavours, Surrey Quays My first experience of eating spicy Chinese food was Sichuanese cuisine with its distinctive use of generous amounts of dried chillies and numbing, tongue-tingling sichuan peppercorns. Hunan is a province in south-central China and, like Sichuan, delivers similarly full-throttle levels of spice, but Hunanese cuisine is distinguished by its bold use of fresh chillies as well as sour and smoky elements in dishes. While London now has plenty of Sichuan restaurants to choose from, there are far less Hunanese eateries to visit – which is why Fiery Flavours is such a welcome addition to the capital. Located a few minutes from Surrey Quays overground, with a bright red frontage and neon-lined, bold and lively interiors, it’s owned by Winston Xu, former manager of Bar Shu, and gives diners a thorough introduction to the punchy flavours of this regional cuisine. We start with dry pot velvet mushrooms – a stir-fry of meaty mushrooms that delivers sly, aromatic heat that quietly builds in intensity. Next up, a tray of unctuous, fall-apart braised pork belly: we stuff these into plump steamed gua bao buns. Stir-fried sun-dried radish with cured pork adds more tingling heat along with savoury umami flavour. We finish by slurping up slippery, satisfyingly chewy handmade noodles tossed with fresh spring onion, greens and chunks of chilli oil-drenched beef. fieryflavors.co.uk Poons, Somerset House You should approach the Poon’s menu with a game plan in hand – pick wontons or claypot or chicken, or, if you are lunching, the daily congee or noodles and go all in, the rest of the menu can wait for another day. If you have a choice of seating then the bar will give you plenty to observe – but wherever you end up this is a cosseting, pretty, elegant space that manages not to be slightest bit stuffy. Amy Poon started her business with an online dumpling dispatch business she called a ‘wontoneria’ and the same silky wontons are available at Poon’s: order the whole menu of pork, prawn, chicken and veg all slicked with chilli oil and a side of crunchy house pickles, and you’ll die happy. For the next visit choose white-cut poussin with spring onion ginger and chilli oil, or the wind-dried meat claypot rice alongside boiled peanuts (yes, delicious) and silken tofu with avocado and diced century eggs, and you’ll have had a completely different style of meal. Drink delightful small-batch teas from China and Taiwan (worth it for the tabletop tea dispenser alone) and a truly lovely selection of wines both chosen by Amy’s husband Michael Mackenzie. poonslondon.com Dim Sum Library, Covent Garden Dim Sum Library brings a particular kind of Hong Kong polish to Covent Garden – somewhere you can drop in for lunch, stretch things into afternoon tea or head pre-theatre for tea-themed cocktails. We went in dim sum first. The signature wagyu beef puff is the dish to swoon over: crisp, flaky pastry with a rich black pepper filling that’s light yet indulgent. Dan dan xiao long bao comes with a little jeopardy – delicate dumpling skins hold a spicy broth that requires care with the chopsticks. Black truffle har gau are plump with prawn sweetness, while the black truffle crispy skin chicken has skin so thin it cracks like glass. If you love heat, order dai-ching Sichuan chicken, mouth-tingling with chilli intensity. Then cool a little with slippery, aromatic cheung fun filled with roasted pork, spring onion and coriander. Beyond the baskets, there are larger Cantonese classics – black cod, sweet and sour pork – but dim sum is the main focus, skilfully showcased by deft chefs in the open-plan kitchen that runs the length of the vast, buzzy room. Dessert is worth saving room for. The classic egg tart has impossibly short, buttery pastry, while the oolong crème brûlée is soft, creamy and gently perfumed. dimsumlibrary.co.uk Tao Tao Ju, Chinatown Tao Tao Ju has been a Chinatown stalwart since 2011 and, in a neighbourhood brimming with restaurants where it is very easy to get overwhelmed by choice, it remains a reassuringly dependable option, with a well-executed roster of classic Chinese dishes, acres of seating and speedy, efficient service. It’s also reasonably priced, which means it’s all too easy to enthusiastically over-order and end up with a table stacked high with towers of bamboo baskets (no bad thing, in our opinion). Tao Tao Ju specialises in dim sum, handmade daily on site (vegetarians and vegans take note, they also have a separate meat-free menu). Siu mai pork and prawn dumplings are juicily plump while pork xiao long bao delivers brothy flavour. Squid cakes are pleasingly bouncy and roast pork char siu buns are pillowy and enveloping. Other Chinese classics we tried also hit the spot – deep-fried soft shell crab is salty and savoury, while the prawn toast is a nicely chunky affair, full of succulent prawn and coated in sesame seeds for crispy texture. taotaoju.co.uk Master Wei, Hammersmith Dating back over 2,000 years, Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cuisines, renowned for its punchy flavours and hand-pulled noodles. At Master Wei in Hammersmith, owner Wei Guirong – a Xi’an noodle specialist – has brought this historic food to a modern space tucked beneath an office block. The menu showcases the complexity and depth of Xi’an cooking. This is a place to shed any pre-conceptions you may have about Chinese food and expand your repertoire. Start with tender pig’s ear salad, a perfect balance of crunch and heat; light and crisp skewered Xi’an beancurd skin; fresh and fiery smacked cucumber, coated in garlic, sesame paste sauce and chilli oil; or the staff favourite, salt and pepper deep-fried crispy pork, as light as a cheese puff. A must-try is the traditional Xi’an pulled pork ‘burger’ – a crispy flatbread stuffed with rich, slow-cooked pork. But the star of the show is the hand-pulled biang biang noodles, thick, slippery and as comforting as a hug, served with either tender chunks of beef or veg, dressed in a fragrant chilli sauce. Wei, whose first restaurant, Xi’an Impression, opened in 2015, says: “I roll a piece of dough into a long oval, press down in the middle and pull it, and then use all my strength slap it hard twice on my worktop – the name of the noodle biang biang comes from the sound that it makes on the worktop.” master-wei.com Barshu, Soho Barshu has set the standard for Sichuanese food in London since it first opened on Soho’s Frith Street in 2006, when it was one of the first Chinese restaurants in the city to showcase the fiery cuisine of Sichuan in a high-end setting. The quality remains undimmed 15 years later. Sichuanese food is known for its liberal use of chilli and numbing Sichuan peppercorns – the latter balancing the fire of the former – and there’s plenty of this at Barshu. Crispy, golden chunks of fried chicken come lavishly blanketed in drifts of scarlet dried chillies and peppercorns, while showstopping whole roast sea bass comes similarly garlanded alongside chunks of cauliflower and lotus root. Everything is a masterclass in balance, with lively, flavour-boosting heat that never overwhelms. Barshu also showcases the less chilli-tastic elements of Sichuanese cooking such as smashed cucumbers dressed in a deliciously savoury, garlicky dressing; stir-fried yard long beans tossed with crispy, umami minced pork; and meltingly tender aubergines, bathed in the classic ‘fish-fragrant’ mix of pickled chillies, garlic, spring onion and ginger. Quench it all with copious amounts of jasmine tea, or a floral chamomile negroni. barshurestaurant.co.uk Three Uncles, Camden The original Three Uncles – opened by friends and chefs Cheong Yew (Uncle Lim), Pui Sing Tsang (Uncle Sidney) and Mo Kwok (Uncle Mo) – was inspired by the trio’s daily visits to siu mei spots while growing up in Hong Kong in the 1970s. In this outpost, as well as their core offering of Cantonese roast meats they’ve added two classic Hong Kong dishes to the menu. These are char siu sou – plump pastries filled with char siu pork – and bouncy, tender fish balls served with curry sauce. On the main menu, choose from roast duck, crispy pork belly, char siu BBQ pork and Hainan chicken (you can also pick a mix of two or three). Meat, bronzed and tender, arrives heaped on mounds of snowy steamed jasmine rice and pak choi, with an array of sauces, from plum to chilli vinegar. They also offer lo mein, egg noodles topped with your choice of roast meats – we picked fall-apart beef brisket served with mooli. Wash it all down with a Tsingtao or two. threeuncles.co.uk Noodle Nova, The Strand Noodle Nova, tucked in a 400-year-old building on the Strand, is that latest kid on the hand-pulled noodle block. The restaurant is an homage to Lanzhou, a city in north-west China famous for its hand-pulled beef noodles. Noodles come in all forms: choose between signature toppings (think yuxiang shredded beef and mapo tofu) and thickness, which come in eight varieties. Though noodles are sure to be the main draw, the stir-fries are where we feel the kitchen shines. The aubergine, green peppers and tomatoes dish is tangy and well balanced, while the shredded beef with Chinese cabbage and glass noodles delivers satisfying heat. Our unassuming star of the show is the san pao tai, a traditional north-western Chinese herbal tea served in a large gaiwan (covered bowl). Brewed with tea leaves, dried fruits and fragrant herbs, this warming drink is a symbol of hospitality in Chinese culture and only grows sweeter with every sip. noodlenova.co.uk Chilli Cool, Bloomsbury WC1 This wallet-friendly Szechuanese restaurant, near King’s Cross, is noisy and crowded, the service brisk and the décor decidedly no-frills – but then what you’re really here for is the punchy, vibrant food. A warning for the chilli averse: most dishes arrived blanketed in drifts of the stuff – dried and fresh – or draped in spicy oil. Some of the hits from the dauntingly lengthy menu include cold smashed cucumbers swimming in a salty-sweet, chilli-spiked dressing; blistered and charred fried green beans tossed with crispy minced pork; super-hot Chengdu-style dan dan noodles, juicy pork dumplings swimming in chilli oil and soft, wobbling cubes of tofu drizzled with more spicy piggy mince (are you detecting a theme here?). It sounds intense, but everything is in proportion. Chilli heat is balanced by the numbing qualities of Szechuanese peppercorns, and bowls of cooling steamed rice tone down fiery excess. And there’s always chilled bottles of Tsingtao beer to wash everything down. Click here for more Szechuanese recipes. chillicool.co.uk YiQi, Chinatown YiQi, which translates to ‘together’ in Mandarin, is the latest addition to an ever-evolving London Chinatown with a focus on dishes hand-picked from across Southeast Asia. At the helm is executive chef Stanley Lum Wah Cheok, who was formerly chef de cuisine at Hakkasan Group, the first Chinese restaurant to be given a Michelin star. Set over two floors with sleek, contemporary décor – including a wall made entirely of abacuses – the 80-cover restaurant adds a modern spark to an area that is famed for upholding traditions and, in the process, might create new ones of its own. yiqipanasia.co.uk Pearl Liang, Paddington Business hub Sheldon Square may seem like an unlikely place for one of London’s best Chinese restaurants, but Pearl Liang is constantly brimming with large groups feasting around banqueting tables, businessmen doing deals over dim sum, and couples getting to know each other between water fountains and Chinese blossom wall murals. The extensive menu can be quite overwhelming, with page after page of starters, meats, dim sum and noodles, ranging from Cantonese specialities to regional Southeast Asian dishes. We recommend starting with a selection of dim sum (dumplings filled with gigantic prawns, crunchy prawn rolls wrapped in shredded taro, and juicy pork shu mai), followed by a few starters. Vietnamese spring rolls were deep-fried and crisp, filled with freshly shredded vegetables, and pan-fried chicken wings came in an incredibly moreish caramelised teriyaki glaze. For the main course, there is everything from indulgent spicy crispy chilli beef to lighter fish dishes. We loved whole steamed sea bass with fragrant ginger and spring onion. If you’re gathering a crowd, Pearl Liang’s sophisticated interiors and sharing ethos (there are five set menus to choose from) make for the perfect feast. pearlliang.co.uk Click here for more great places to eat in Paddington... Murger Han Han, Mayfair W1 Noodle fiends should make a beeline for this specialist in the food of Shaanxi province and its capital, Xi’an. At the smart Mayfair branch (there’s also one in Euston) it specialises in two types of noodles, which cooks expertly hand-pull in front of diners. Bouncy, super-long belts of biang biang noodles (made in epic 12-foot batches) have just the right amount of bite and are made for slurping up with gloriously messy gusto. More unusually they also offer another regional noodle, la tiao zi (akin to a thickened udon), which is similarly elastic and satisfying to eat. You can choose from different toppings but the best is the spicy braised pork – served in enormous bowls filled with rich, umami broth, noodles, tender morsels of spicy meat, crunchy pak choi, chilli oil and softly cooked tomato and scrambled egg (another classic Chinese combination). murgerhan.com Imperial Treasure, St James’s With various (Michelin-starred) outposts across Asia, luxe restaurant group Imperial Treasure’s first UK site enjoys a grand setting in a former bank in St James’s. Inside, discover a sleek, muted décor, high ceilings and screens that divide the imposing space into more intimate sections Expect classic, mostly Cantonese dishes – from dim sum to roasted meats and braised fish and seafood. Star of the show is the signature peking duck – hand-carved at the table into butter-soft morsels with lusciously bronzed, impeccably crispy skin, served with handmade pancakes (probably the best ones we’ve ever tried). The duck is then served in a second course with either ginger and spring onion, black bean sauce or salt and pepper. The restaurant is also known for its wine, and offers luxurious signature set menus (veggie options are available) with wine pairings curated by head sommelier Victor Almeida and wine writer Ch’ng Poh Tiong – matching dishes such as crispy lobster roll with golden okra and foie gras, claypot corn-fed chicken with Szechuan pepper and braised noodles with mushrooms and truffle oil with the likes of English sparkling wine, French riesling and Austrian gruner veltliner. Prices are steep (the peking duck alone is £100) which makes this a special occasion restaurant, although Imperial Treasure has now launched more affordable set lunch menus (£38 pp) and a business set menu (£43 pp) where you can share a duck between four. imperialtreasure.com China Tang, Mayfair W1 Walk through The Dorchester's long, gilded lobby to reach this sumptuous restaurant, where the setting is as much a draw as the food. The mostly Cantonese menu holds few surprises, instead focussing on familiar yet impeccably executed classics made with premium ingredients, from expertly bronzed Peking duck deftly hand-carved tableside, to silky dumplings. Start by delving through the dim sum menu, from finely made xiao long bao – Shanghainese soup dumplings filled with ground pork and a savoury broth – to sweet and tender scallop-filled creations. On to mains, pork belly, braised to melting, tender unctuousness in a clay pot, bathes in a jammy, sticky sauce, with preserved vegetables for balance. Prawns, proudly plump, come coated in a delicate, batter-like coating of salted egg yolk – the end result richly umami. The luxe and maximalist art deco-style interiors, designed to the last detail by late founder David Tang, are lavishly opulent – think 1930s Shanghai – with mirrored pillars, ornate dark woodwork, plush, intricately patterned carpets and delicate Chinese art on the walls. Combine this with smooth, attentive white-jacketed waiters gliding up and down the restaurant, a buzzy, surprisingly casual atmosphere and the possibility of spotting an A-lister or two (it’s long been a celebrity haunt) and it makes a luxurious choice for a special occasion meal. chinatanglondon.co.uk Xi’an Impression, Arsenal N7 For many years, visiting a Chinese restaurant in the UK almost always meant Cantonese food, but one of the more interesting restaurant trends of late has been the emergence of places specialising in different regional cuisines – from fiery Hunanese and Szechuan cooking to subtle, savoury Shandong dishes. One such example is Xi’an Impression, a tiny, canteen-like outfit just minutes from the Emirates Stadium. From the team behind Sichuan Folk, it specialises in the street-food dishes of Xi’an (of Terracotta Army fame) in the northern province of Shan Xi. There's two elements on the menu you should pay attention to. The first are what the menu calls 'burgers' but which bear more similarity to pulled beef or pork: slow-cooked to melting tenderness, and redolent with meaty juices and fragrant aromatics, all sandwiched between a toasted, flatbread-like bun (and a token lettuce leaf). They taste far more sumptuous than their price tag would suggest. The other main attraction is the hand-pulled noodles. We try wide, ribbon-like ones – with just the right amount of elasticity and bite – slippery with copious amounts of chilli sauce, topped with tender chunks of beef and whole pak choi. It's a dish that demands to be slurped with gusto. xianimpression.co.uk Hutong, London Bridge SE1 Hutongs are narrow, alley-like streets that – though fast disappearing now – once criss-crossed northern Chinese cities such as Beijing. Hutong the restaurant, located on level 33 of The Shard, is a decidedly glossier affair, plushly minimalist and dimly lit – aside from the scarlet flash of red lanterns – and all the better to highlight the crowning feature of the restaurant: the glorious panoramic views of London's skyline, a sight that's particularly impressive at night, when the lights of the surrounding city contrast against the inky surfaces of the restaurant. Given such a setting it would be easy for Hutong to rest on its laurels when it comes to the food, but it doesn't. The (pricy) menu draws mostly from subtle and savoury Shandong cuisine, but it’s the fiery Szechuanese-accented dishes – especially the seafood ones – that really impress. Chilled, milky cubes of tofu come topped with sweet shreds of white king crab meat, in a pool of darkly umami, garlicky sauce that offers a fiery foil for its delicate partners. Crispy fried ma la eel, coated in the lightest of batters and tossed with liberal amounts of chopped dried chillies and cumin, is superb, the luscious buttery flesh of the eel the perfect match for the well-balanced, smoky heat of the chillies, their heat tempered by numbing peppercorns. A side of aubergine tempura, crispy on the outside but creamily collapsing inside, comes draped in an almost jammy, spicy sauce – it’s worth ordering all on its own. hutong.co.uk Silk Road, Camberwell SE5 One way to appreciate the sheer size of China is the diversity of its food – from Cantonese roasted meats to the fiery, chilli-laced hot pots of Szechuan and hearty dumplings of the northern provinces. Xinjiang, the vast, remote region in the country's north-west corner, is an especially interesting example, a distinctive cuisine that, with its grilled, cumin-spiked lamb skewers, flatbreads and pilaf-like rice dishes, shares more in common with Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. Xinjiang restaurants can be found across China but are less common outside it – that is unless you pay a visit to Silk Road in Camberwell, a cheerfully unpretentious restaurant – with no-nonsense long communal tables and minimal décor – that's become a favourite among in-the-know London foodies. Do order liberally from the shish section of the menu. The lamb – grilled over charcoal and dowsed in cumin, salt and chilli powder – is superb, salty and umami, all tender meat and a joyous amount of crispy fat. A surprise hit, for an oft-maligned piece of offal, is the ox tripe, which is crispily flavoursome. Another must order is the da pan ji (big plate of chicken). An earthy, hearty stew of tender chunks of bone-in chicken, potatoes and sliced fresh green chillies swimming in a gentle chilli broth. Save some of the latter, as once you've eaten the vegetables and meat your waiter will add in a pile of fresh, handmade noodles to mop up the rest of the sauce. silkroadlondon.has.restaurant Etles, Walthamstow For authentic Uyghur cuisine (created by Turkic Muslims in the Xinjiang region), head to family-run Etles in Walthamstow for fiery sauces heavy with szechuan pepper and silky hand-pulled noodles. Da pan ji (big plate of chicken) is tingly with szechuan pepper and masses of black pepper, garlic, ginger and soy, with potatoes and chicken and bones that have been hacked into tender chunks. Unapologetically shouty in flavour, it comes with homemade flat noodles (lagman). Other highlights of the menu include ququre – silky wontons in a bouillon-like soup – and punchy beef and vegetable stir fries with more impeccably made noodles. Dishes are very wallet friendly and the restaurant is BYOB – what more could you ask for? etleswalthamstow.com A Wong, Victoria Andrew Wong’s Michelin-starred restaurant in London Victoria is a dramatic modernisation of his late father’s restaurant, Kym’s. The fresh space has a bright dining room with a view over the big open kitchen, and a more atmospheric area just to the left. It brings together cuisine from all over China, and the menu is divided into snacks, dim sum (only available at lunch), wok, dishes (only available at dinner) and dessert. Expect everything from 63-degree tea eggs and slow-braised Iberico pork belly to steamed custard buns. The menu is best enjoyed as a selection of sharing plates, with small plates and bar snacks, and larger dishes. Check out its ‘Taste of China’ tasting menu, which showcases multiple dishes all from different regions in China. awong.co.uk Written by Hannah Guinness, Laura Rowe and Alex Crossley Photograph credits: Paul Winch-Furness
Best new restaurants in London to visit in 2026
The best new restaurant openings in London, expertly reviewed by the olive team. Keep up to date with the hottest new openings and find out which are not to be missed, plus which dishes to order in each restaurant
Looking for new restaurants in London? We've visited the hot new openings in the capital to experience the restaurant for ourselves to bring you our regularly updated best London restaurants list. Read on for all the best new openings (including some from the end of last year) and we'll be continually adding new restaurant openings for 2026 as they launch, after we've expertly reviewed each one. For more restaurant guides check out our best restaurants in Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch and the best restaurants with rooms in the UK. If you want to pull out all the stops, find out the UK's best showstopping restaurants to impress or try the best chef's table experiences in the UK. Best new London restaurant openings 2026 Cometa, Fitzrovia For bold Mexican seafood made for sharing Cometa, the latest from the Carousel collective, brings contemporary Mexican seafood to Charlotte Street with confident ease. It sits comfortably in the old bones of the building yet feels fresh, as though it has already found its rhythm. Terrazzo floors and warm details give the room an inviting glow. Banquettes suit groups, window tables are perfect for two. Come ready to share and order widely. The menu runs from crudos to larger plates, with seafood at its heart. I began with the house margarita and, usually wary of mezcal, was won over. Bright and citrus-led, with a touch of tamarind sweetness and a faint sherbet lift, it was dangerously easy to drink. Prawn ceviche was delicate and sweet, its smoky heat softened by lemon cream and crisp tostadas that appeared generously. Crab chilpachole rice with eel cream was deeply savoury, smoke and warmth in every spoonful. Fried chicken was the standout: shatteringly crisp, juicy within, lifted by agave and fresh mint. There are only 15 portions a day. Ex-dairy sirloin followed, boldly charred and topped with bone marrow fried tortilla and chilli. A caesar salad brought anchovy and parmesan comfort. Dulce de leche crème caramel closed the evening, silky and gently bitter. Technically assured yet relaxed, Cometa pairs flair with generosity. carousel-london.com Lydia Anderson Cooper's Cut at Four Seasons Hotel Tower Bridge Set inside the grand former Port of London Authority building – now the Four Seasons at Tower Bridge – Cooper’s Cut takes its name from Sir Edwin Cooper, the British architect who designed the building in 1922. His work combined scale with detail and the restaurant follows his inspiration: grand surroundings and cooking that is impressively precise. The centrepiece, and the reason to come, is Australian executive chef Luke Armstrong’s pride and joy: Japanese hokkaido A4 wagyu fillet. The steak arrives with a golden crust and a deeply succulent interior that all but dissolves as you eat. A quenelle of Kristal caviar and a silky Pomerol sauce push the classic surf and turf idea somewhere more refined. The wagyu is the star of a concise, elegant lunch that works as a guided tour of what the restaurant does best. We began with an amuse-bouche of Belted Galloway beef tartare and smoked scallop, followed by heritage beetroot with dijon mustard, crème fraîche and merlot vinegar: a simple, bright plate that set the tone. Next came chargrilled Scottish langoustines with saffron and citrus beurre blanc, sweet and lightly smoky from the grill. Dessert was a neat finish: granny smith apple tarte tatin with crème fraîche ice cream. There are plenty of other steaks on the main menu – Angus côte de boeuf and blue grey chateaubriand from the Lake District among them – but the wagyu is the dish that made our eyelashes flutter. cooperscutlondon.com instagram.com/cooperscut Keith Kendrick Bambi 2.0, London Fields James Dye first opened his music-led bar and restaurant in 2023 and has recently refurbed to double its capacity. Playful vibes remain, with contemporary art, a cosy mezzanine space and a large vinyl library at the back, from which DJs spin the decks every evening (plus, on weekends tables are cleared after dinner for dancing). Get up close and personal at the stainless steel counter while you work your way through the menu. Head chef Jamie Thorneycroft takes inspiration from around the world, most notably in the butterflied bream, dressed half and half in parsley and adobo sauce – a firm nod to his visit to Contramar in Mexico City (having tried both myself, this version certainly does the original justice). Kick off as we did with sourdough from neighbouring E5 Bakehouse to scoop up whipped ricotta drizzled in hot honey. Next comes miso trout atop mini blue corn tostadas, crunchy buttermilk fried chicken pieces with Szechuan gremolata and plump Atlantic prawns, still in their charcoaled armour, slathered in peri-peri sauce alongside sweet black garlic aïoli. Our sommelier Francesco recommended a Czech skin contact to complement the latter, my first time trying a wine from the region. The low-intervention wine list includes chilled reds and skin contact aplenty, all served in jazzy bespoke glasses. For dessert on our visit a choice of blood orange sorbet or basque cheesecake catered to post-lunch indulgence as well as a lighter option, to ensure nothing’s holding you back from that martini-fuelled dancefloor come 11pm. bambi-bar.com Alex Crossley Noodle Nova, The Strand Londoners are no strangers to hand-pulled Chinese noodles. Noodle Nova, tucked in a 400-year-old building on the Strand, is that latest kid on the block. Opened by Linhui Hu and Ziqi Wang out of nostalgia for the cooking of their hometown, the restaurant is an homage to Lanzhou, a city in north-west China famous for its hand-pulled beef noodles. Noodles come in all forms at Noodle Nova: you can choose not only between signature toppings (including yuxiang shredded beef and mapo tofu) but also thickness, which come in eight varieties. Though noodles are sure to be the main draw, the stir-fries are where we feel the kitchen shines. The aubergine, green peppers and tomatoes dish is tangy and well balanced, while the shredded beef with Chinese cabbage and glass noodles delivers a satisfyingly spicy kick. Our unassuming star of the show is the san pao tai, a traditional north-western Chinese herbal tea served in a large gaiwan (covered bowl). Brewed with tea leaves, dried fruits and fragrant herbs, this warming drink is a symbol of hospitality in Chinese culture and only grows sweeter with every sip. noodlenova.co.uk Ao Lan Guo Hoppers, Shoreditch For Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes Ten years after the Soho original, Hoppers has its fourth London site at the Tea Building in Shoreditch — and this one acts as a bridge between Sri Lanka and South India, bringing Bangalore, Madurai and Kochi into the mix alongside Colombo and Jaffna. The menu moves between regions. Prawn paniyaram – crisp, golden balls filled with masala prawns – come with a Chettinad rasa for dipping, hot and peppery. Kochi chilli chicken chop arrives in a curry leaf crumb, fried until shattering. Then there’s the crab kari omelette, inspired by Madurai: fluffy, spice-laced egg wrapped around crab, served with flaky thread parotta, podi-coated soft shell crab and a glossy crab gravy for mopping up. It’s the dish that will have you reaching for your phone camera. From Bangalore comes lamb benne dosa – buttery and pliable, wrapped around pulled lamb shoulder masala with sharp pickled onions. The Kerala sizzling fish kari lands theatrically, salmon cooked in banana leaf, aromatic and gently spiced. Alongside it, Lanka chicken kari delivers that familiar red warmth of pandan and lemongrass. The Shoreditch space, designed by Atelier Wren, channels South Indian palaces and Chettiar homes through Hoppers’ tropical-modern lens. It’s louder, more social and encourages ordering across the menu rather than sticking to one region. To drink, we balanced the spice with Hoppers’ signature Toddy Ale and an Arrack Attack highball, bringing Sri Lanka back into focus. olive tip: order across both regions – dosa next to kari, paniyaram next to omelette – to taste how closely Sri Lanka and South India intertwine. hopperslondon.com Keith Kendrick Best new London restaurant openings 2025 Acre, Notting Hill For simple food using quality, in-season ingredients Acre is the little sister to Thomas Straker’s flagship restaurant just a few doors away on the lively Golborne Road in west London. It’s an inviting, corner spot – arriving on a wet winter evening we emerged through heavy velvet curtains into a cosy, warmly lit room that felt a little bit like a snug Paris bistro. You may know Straker from his Insta fame and some of the dishes are already viral hits (like the chilli cheese smashburger, which is on and off the menu). Aside from that, the rest of the concise menu is a beautiful balance of top-notch ingredients and spot-on cooking. Deep-fried crunchy bites of pork belly came with a punchy herb and za’atar sauce for dipping. From the starters we loved the burrata with a salad of thinly shaved fennel and blood orange – creamy, sweet and sharp with little nuggets of caramelised walnuts. A main of pearly, fall-apart cod cooked with white beans and winter tomatoes was comfort heaven. The agnolotti stuffed with ricotta and rainbow chard was a pillowy and light, with a creamy parmesan sauce. We had food envy seeing our neighbours’ mussels with 'nduja (which we’d been recommended but decided against) but there’s always next time. The drinks are also on point – try the sweet/sour yuzu drop cocktail or a glass of complex, savoury nebbiolo by the glass. A nostalgic pudding of vanilla-spiked, creamy custard topped with perfectly poached pink rhubarb was a deliciously simple end to the meal. acre-london.com Janine Ratcliffe Maset, Marylebone For French and Mediterranean sharing dishes Located on Chiltern Street in Marylebone, Maset offers something relaxed and grounded in a polished postcode. It has the feel of a French neighbourhood bistro but the cooking tilts lighter, with Mediterranean touches running through a menu built around small plates and dishes made for sharing. Start with bowls piled high with clams, white wine and parsley, and the silkiest spinach and basil linguine. Then move on to generous plates of iberico pork chop with cannellini beans, winter tomatoes and salsa verde, or the freshest dover sole served with hazelnuts and verbena. The dessert menu is simple but stunning: beautifully dark chocolate mousse with refreshing blood orange, or the perfect citrussy lemon tart with crème fraîche. For a boozy finish, opt for an after-dinner cocktail: the saffron margarita and preserved lemon martini carry the perfect kick. Service here is sleek and warm without being over-attentive – it’s very easy to settle in for the night. maset.london Lily Barclay Gilroy's Loft, Covent Garden For Guinness and seafood Gilroy’s Loft is the cherry on the top of the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery recently opened in the Neal Street area of Covent Garden. Walk in from the outdoor courtyard (where you can grab a casual pint and a pie from pastry legend Calum Franklin) through The Porter’s Table grill and a dedicated lift whizzes you up to a top-floor, light-filled dining room. The atmosphere on a late Friday afternoon is fun and buzzy – the terrace wasn’t open when we visited but will be a draw once the summer months arrive. There’s a large horseshoe bar in the middle of the room which can accommodate walk-ins for those who just fancy a snack and a pint. Exec-chef Pip Lacey (ex Murano and Hicce) has leaned into the classic Guinness and seafood pairing – there are oyster platters and fruits de mer platters of increasing sizes. We decide to start with a selection of three types of oysters (two Irish, one from Guernsey) which came with classic shallot vinegar. It’s almost compulsory to try the Guinness here but if cocktails are more your thing try the Espresso Stoutini, the Guinness reduction giving surprising malty, caramel notes to the drink. There’s more Guinness in the rarebit from the starters, a thick slice of toasted bread piled with an umami, melty cheese topping with lovely crisp edges, served with a pickled carrot and chicory salad and walnut ketchup. Mains carry on the seafood theme. Lobster comes grilled in the half shell with a deeply savoury brown and pine nut butter, and a dish of perfectly flaking tender hake has a seasonal side of chargrilled sprouts with silky velouté. Crunchy golden fries with seaweed mayo were a great side. For dessert a must try is the blood orange mousse with Guinness ice cream: malty, sweet and savoury – a real revelation. opengatelondon.guinness.com Janine Ratcliffe Barang, Borough Market For big Cambodian flavours Tom Geoffrey’s smoky, herb-heavy Khmer-inspired menu is a symphony of a sharing experience, drawing on the chef’s years visiting Cambodia, delivered with the panache he honed at Kiln. Every flavour is amplified, working in harmony with myriad textures. Sharp is the way to start: a Kampot gin martini alongside a Carlingford oyster dressed with Koh Kong mignonette. The oyster, clean and saline, the mignonette bringing a hit of acidity, brought our tastebuds to attention for the sharing plates to come. From there a diver scallop, wallowing in melted tamarind brown butter, was sweet, sour and crunchy, topped with shards of pig’s ear crackling. Laab of venison – savoury, aromatic minced meat salad, enriched with pork fat and Khmer spices – is scoop-ably loose, perfect for piling into fresh lime leaves. Its richness is offset by stir-fried winter greens with pork jowl, served alongside bright citrus fruit with pear, bitter leaves and shrimp floss. From the grill comes the drama. Fragrant whole red mullet, cooked in banana leaf, torn apart and dipped into Kep sauce with fistfuls of herbs. Then the hero of the experience: bone-in sirloin – thick, juicy, charred, served with bone marrow and prahok dripping, plus a sharp chilli relish to keep it balanced. Dessert finishes the meal with freshness – pineapple and galangal sorbet topped with candied nuts and lime leaf meringue: fragrant and refreshing. olive tip: book early to bag a table with a view of the pass, then grab a beer from the downstairs bar at The Globe Tavern and enjoy the theatre. baranglondon.com Keith Kendrick Huǒ, Belisize Village For an extensive pan-Asian menu Bright, airy and fun, Huǒ is a venue to come to with friends and family. There’s an extensive pan-Asian menu of good-sized servings, so sharing is the way to go – the more of you there, the more you can try. The range of choice means that there will be something for everyone, no matter their chilli rating preference, and several dishes can be had with tofu rather than meat. Start with classics like siu mai, lettuce wraps and daikon cakes, and then move on to pad thai (excellent), steamed seabass with ginger and garlic, and crispy shredded chilli beef or a massaman curry. Cocktails range from classic to those with an Asian flavour twist (alcoholic or not) and there’s a lovely bar so you could pop in for a drink and some noodles for a more low-key night out. There’s also private dining space if you’ve got a special meal to host. This is the second Huǒ to open: if you are nearer Chelsea then there's one your end of town too. nw3.huo.london Lulu Grimes Brasserie Constance, Fulham For faultless classics with a modern British edge, served with Thames views Set on the first floor of Fulham Pier (next to Fulham football club), Brasserie Constance has the polish of a grand hotel dining room but with an easy-going brasserie hum. Floor-to-ceiling river views (and a terrace in warmer weather) set the scene for confidently updated classics, beautifully made pastry and comforting mains. The name nods to Constance Spry, and ‘coronation’ notes pop up across the menu in clever, not too literal ways. We began with snacks of anchovy ‘fingers’ in crisp, immaculate pastry, then lamb and mint skewers that somehow tasted like a whole roast dinner in miniature. Smoked haddock croquettes arrived hot and rich, more luxe fishcake than bar snack. Coronation flavours made a cameo in a chicken pâté en croûte (a real flex of the kitchen’s pastry skill), followed by a light, flaky crab vol-au-vent slicked with a vibrant coronation remoulade. Mains were generous: skate came dressed in brown butter spiked with lime, lovage and capers, while a perfectly cooked pork chop was carved from the bone and brightened with blood orange and bitter leaves. From the sides we ordered fries which were everything they should be, and broccoli with hazelnuts and anchovy. Desserts kept the classical theme going, a light rhubarb savarin and a molten chocolate ale cake with malt ice cream. We went in the evening but if you go for lunch ask for a table by the windows for peak river views, and there’s also a great value set lunch Tuesdays to Fridays. brasserieconstance.com Barney Desmazery Belly Bistro, Kentish Town For modern Filipino fare Bistro vibes meet Filipino flavours in this charming neighbourhood spot. The room is cosy and warm with white tablecloths, soft lighting and gentle acoustics – remarkably for somewhere so compact, you won’t be listening in on your neighbours’ conversation. We started with a round of cocktails from the short, fun menu: a classic negroni softened with vanilla notes from pandan and a sweet, sour and fruity pineapple and tamarind margarita. Our server happily talked us through the menu, explaining the more unfamiliar dishes and recommending some of the big hitters. Scallops were prettily presented in half-shell bowls – thin slices, cured and bathed in a light creamy coconut sauce with tiny flavour pops of basil oil and fiery chilli. Our early table meant we could try the famous tempura cod pandesal (which regularly sells out). A chunky tranche of cod in a crisp, light batter served in a bun with American cheese and salmon roe tartar, it was a textural delight, like a posh Filet-O-Fish. There’s a selection of wagyu steaks (priced by weight and cut) – we chose the rib eye and it came medium-rare, perfectly seared but buttery soft in a deep, savoury soy and citrus sauce (and do get the crunchy beef fat fries to mop up the sauce). Wine is from mostly small low-intervention vineyards with plenty by the glass: we tried a delicious crisp German riesling and a juicy chilled red from Lebanon. If you can fit it in don’t miss the frozen custard profiterole with patis (Filipino fish sauce) caramel – we were a bit dubious about the combination but the balance of sweet and salty was perfect, and we kept going back until there was nothing left. A fitting, fun and surprising end to the dinner. Neighbourhood gem is often overused as a description but Belly Bistro really ticks all of the boxes. bellylondon.com Janine Ratcliffe Labombe, Mayfair For Michelin-starred à la carte dining that feels genuinely relaxed (but still seriously polished) Labombe sits in the corner of the COMO Metropolitan London with its own street entrance, so it feels like a standalone Mayfair wine bar rather than a hotel restaurant. The room is pared-back but plush – warm woods, soft lighting and an open kitchen that keeps the atmosphere lively – and the cooking is modern European with the occasional wink to nose-to-tail. It’s just earned a Michelin star. The menu is à la carte and built for grazing, snacks, starters, grills and a few generous mains. We started with the popular hot tongue bun – thinly sliced tongue stacked in toasted brioche with sharp pickles – essentially a very posh hot dog. Duck heart and cherry skewers were the bolder follow-up, the hearts wrapped in melting lardo and lifted by lightly pickled fruit. Hand-rolled pici pasta came glossed in a rich madeira and mushroom sauce, while seabass crudo was brightened with orange ponzu and a pleasing, fermented anchovy funk. Mains were more comforting, a plate-sized veal schnitzel and meaty chunks of monkfish with coco beans in glossy chicken sauce. We were too full for pudding but our neighbouring table’s rhubarb frangipane tart had us plotting a return. labombe.co.uk Barney Desmazery Poons, Somerset House For home-cooked Chinese food You should approach the Poon’s menu with a game plan in hand, it’s easy to get distracted unless you’ve done your homework, especially if dining as a twosome. Pick wontons or claypot or chicken, or, if you are lunching, the daily congee or noodles and go all in, the rest of the menu can wait for another day. If you have a choice of seating then the bar will give you plenty to observe – but wherever you end up this is a cosseting, pretty, elegant space that manages not to be slightest bit stuffy. Amy Poon started her business with an online dumpling dispatch business she called a ‘wontoneria’ and the same silky wontons are available at Poon’s: order the whole menu of pork, prawn, chicken and veg all slicked with chilli oil and a side of crunchy house pickles, and you’ll die happy. For the next visit choose white-cut poussin with spring onion ginger and chilli oil, or the wind-dried meat claypot rice alongside boiled peanuts (yes, delicious) and silken tofu with avocado and diced century eggs, and you’ll have had a completely different style of meal. Drink delightful small-batch teas from China and Taiwan (worth it for the tabletop tea dispenser alone) and a truly lovely selection of wines both chosen by Amy’s husband Michael Mackenzie. poonslondon.com Lulu Grimes Dim Sum Library, Covent Garden For innovative dim sum London isn’t short of fantastic places to eat dim sum but Dim Sum Library brings a particular kind of Hong Kong polish to Long Acre. Aqua Restaurant Group’s new international outpost has settled neatly into Covent Garden’s all-day rhythm – somewhere you can drop in for lunch, stretch things into afternoon tea or head pre-theatre for tea-themed cocktails. We went in dim sum first. The signature wagyu beef puff is the dish to swoon over: crisp, flaky pastry with a rich black pepper filling that’s light yet indulgent. Dan dan xiao long bao comes with a little jeopardy – delicate dumpling skins hold a spicy broth that requires care with the chopsticks. Black truffle har gau are plump with prawn sweetness, while the black truffle crispy skin chicken has skin so thin it cracks like glass. If you love heat, order dai-ching Sichuan chicken, mouth-tingling with chilli intensity. Then cool a little with slippery, aromatic cheung fun filled with roasted pork, spring onion and coriander. Beyond the baskets, there are larger Cantonese classics – black cod, sweet and sour pork – but dim sum is the main focus, skilfully showcased by deft chefs in the open-plan kitchen that runs the length of the vast, buzzy room. Dessert is worth saving room for. The classic egg tart has impossibly short, buttery pastry, while the oolong crème brûlée is soft, creamy and gently perfumed. dimsumlibrary.co.uk Keith Kendrick Cafe Kowloon, London Fields For contemporary Cantonese dining Hot on the toes of its noodle bar opening, Wonton Charlie's, the team behind Mr Bao has launched a contemporary Cantonese evening spot through the back, inspired by the fast-paced buzz of Hong Kong (from where co-owner Frank Yeung's dad hails). We sat at the glossy tiled counter so we could watch the chefs work the charcoal grill, while the adjacent dining room has a real vibe with a neon-lit bar and swishy curved booths, larger tables complete with lazy susans for sharing-style dishes. Kick off with on-trend sipping cocktails, a lime leaf delicately perched on the white lady offering a fragrant hit. Snacks include fish ball skewers in a light, fragrant curry sauce, tinned dace and black beans whipped into a cream cheese dip, and beef tendons two ways: puffed up like crackers and soy-marinated for deep umami results. On to the sharing highlights – lo bak go (turnip cake) garnished with crispy Chinese-style sausage and prawn toast, its bread base custom designed by E5 Bakehouse, topped with a thick layer of prawn and sesame seeds, deep-fried and sliced into soldiers alongside crispy prawn heads to dip into spring onion chill oil. There are two larger sharers: whole steamed sea bass looked fabulous but we were tempted by the Cantonese-style chickens twirling on the spit. Half a chicken, foot and all, comes doused in ginger sauce, Szechuan salt on the side, best paired with sesame-sautéed cabbage. The Hong Kong french toast is another winner (spot a theme?) – two thick slices of bread filled with a silky peanut crème patissière then deep-fried to ensure a crisp yet surprisingly light finish. cafekowloon.co.uk Alex Crossley Daka Daka, Mayfair For modern Georgian and natural wine Georgia is the world’s oldest wine-producing country, with 8,000 years of viticulture woven into its culture – and DakaDaka on Heddon Street puts that heritage front and centre. This modern Georgian restaurant and natural wine bar comes from Giorgi Mindiashvili and chef-patron Mitz Vora, with a list of more than 100 bottles curated by Honey Spencer, one of the UK’s most influential sommeliers and a leading voice in natural wine. We started, naturally, with an amber wine fermented on skins in the Georgian tradition: textured, savoury and a perfect match for the food. The kitchen, led by head chef Adrian Hernandez Farina, cooks over charcoal and a wood-fired hearth, and the menu leans into Georgia’s most defining dishes. We began with lobio – a kidney bean hummus slicked with ajika chilli crisp – earthy and smoky, made for scooping. Then came the khinkali, hand-folded soup dumplings served steaming hot. The iberico pork pluma and aged beef versions arrived with cracked black pepper and a burst of slurpable broth inside, the kind of dish that makes you slow down. From the grill, kababi skewers brought smoke and spice, while penovani (flaky, cheese-filled pastry) was rich and moreish. We moved on to shkmeruli, roast chicken in a confit garlic sauce, glossy and deeply savoury. Dessert kept things Georgian too. Napoleon, the regional mille-feuille, came layered with dulce de leche cream and caramel – delicately crisp and not overly sweet. Olive tip: ask the knowledgeable team to guide you through the amber wines by the glass alongside the khinkali: it’s the quickest way to understand what DakaDaka is really all about. instagram.com/dakadaka.london Keith Kendrick Plaza Khao Gaeng, Borough Yards For fiery southern Thai cooking Set under the railway arches that flank Borough Market, this fun spot brings the energy of a raan khao gaeng – the informal canteens that pop up on street corners and markets across Thailand. The high-ceilinged room is breezy and buzzy with a quirky, eclectic style: stainless steel tables, zingy pops of colour, retro Thai movie posters and restaurant signs all add to the atmosphere. Pre-visit we’d read a lot about the heat level of some of the southern Thai dishes and our server was keen to make sure we didn’t go in blind. She helpfully marked up our menu with dots (one for a mild dish, three for fiery), recommended a couple of must-order dishes and we chose accordingly. A Paricha margarita eased us into the heat zone – mango infused tequila and kumquat liquor with a kick of fresh Thai chilli served alongside an appetiser plate of miang pla: betel leaves to be wrapped around spicy sausage, dried fish and crunchy galangal floss to make a herbal, tangy mouthful. The yam strawberry salad was a refreshing sweet/salty surprise – strawberries in a punchy dressing, topped with a sprinkling of the tiniest translucent fish and coconut. From the curries, the gaeng massaman neua was deeply comforting – big chunks of beef, slow cooked in a rich spiced coconut sauce with hunks of potato to soak up all of that fragrant curry. Gung pad prik gaeng sator (tiger prawns stir-fried in red curry paste) brought some of that notorious heat but balanced it well with coconut cream. We kept the heat at bay with a icy glass of Singha beer, served in a chunky frozen glass tankard. Or if you’re in a crowd there’s the option to order a three-litre beer tower with your own tap – a fun playful touch for a very fun spot. plazakhaogaeng.com Janine Ratcliffe Sartoria Launcestone Place, South Kensington For a date night deserving of a white tablecloth Set between the bustle of Kensington High Street and the quieter elegance of Gloucester Road sits Sartoria Launceston Place. It’s a restaurant negotiating several identities at once: Regency stucco houses on one side, galleries and traffic on the other. Inside, though, it’s clear about what it wants to be. This is Milanese cooking, done with confidence and restraint. Sartoria Launceston Place is the younger sister to the original Sartoria on Savile Row and it carries that same sense of polish and tradition, just loosened slightly for this corner of west London. The room is all softness and polish. Banquette seating, white tablecloths and plenty of tucked away corners give it an easy sense of comfort, while still feeling smart. It’s an obvious choice for a date, though there are larger tables too, should the evening stretch into something more sociable. Being part of the Terence Conran family shows, not loudly, but in the calm assurance of the space. The menu follows the familiar Italian rhythm: snacks and breads, antipasti, primi, secondi and sides. I drank a peach bellini, sweet and balanced, with a gentle floral lift. Calamari arrived shatteringly crisp, paired with a chilli jam carrying just enough heat. Tuna tartare and beef carpaccio made a pleasing contrast: the tuna soft and buttery, glossed with vivid basil oil; the carpaccio deeply beefy, brightened by the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. For my primi, I chose the calamarata: generous and seafood-rich, mussels scattered through the pasta, red prawns offering small bursts of sweetness. Fillet steak followed, perfectly rare and lounging in a pool of creamy peppercorn sauce, so good we wished the plate had lingered a moment longer. We kept sides simple with sautéed spinach, its slight bite cutting cleanly through the richness. Tiramisu finished things, served from a large bowl at the table. It was exactly what you hope for: soft, balanced and quietly indulgent. Sometimes that’s more than enough. Service is warm and attentive, perhaps a little formal for some, but in keeping with the room and the setting. sartoria-launcestonplace.co.uk Lydia Anderson Motorino, Fitzrovia For modern London-Italian fare Modern and open, Stevie Parle’ and Luke Ahearne’s Italian-inspired bar-restaurant is a space for all occasions – quick lunches, group meals or cosy dinners. Booths line the walls, while bigger tables keep sight of the buzzy open kitchen. It’s a place you can talk without being overheard, or laugh without annoying your neighbours. We started with Moto Classic martinis, then tore into springy rosemary-scented focaccia, complemented by crisp, acidic pickles. From the starters, delica pumpkin with stracciatella, candied hazelnuts and radicchio moved comfortably between sweet, creamy and bitter. But the dish that defined the meal was the agnolotti carbonara. Each small pinched pasta pocket was filled with a classic pecorino and yolk-rich carbonara, and topped with salty bites of guanciale. The fun comes from eating it whole, as it bursts between your teeth. Clever and deeply satisfying. We’d heard about chef-owner Stevie’s Wildfarmed steaks from his own herd but, as tempted as we were, went another way. An old spot chop, sliced into slabs, was juicy and beautifully cooked, where the pink becomes blush, the rich meat cut through by mustard fruits and apple. Cornish blonde ray followed, robust and flake-apart, with a shellfish sauce that added depth without dulling the fish. Add a couple of glasses of the light Burgundy pinot noir and you have a perfectly balanced lunch. motorino.london Keith Kendrick Island, Kings Cross For elevated surf and turf Island takes the concept of surf and turf, and adds two cult chefs - Tom Brown (on surf) and Brad Carter (on turf) – to create a unique and playful menu. Although they aren’t cooking here day to day there’s some serious skill behind the open grill that lends a beautifully smoky edge to dishes. The dining room occupies the top floor of buzzy Mare St Market – it’s a big space but the cosy velvet-lined booths, banquette seating and chandelier-covered ceiling manage to make it warm and welcoming. We kicked off with a lamb and clam skewer – chunks of lamb belly, the fat rendered crispy and smoky, topped with tiny salty clams. Not listed on the menu but recommended by our server were seaweed flatbreads, puffed and golden with the edges almost like fried bread. We shared a whole grilled john dory which came doused in caper-spiked café de paris butter, the sweet flesh falling of the bone. An aged dairy ribeye was served with a deep umami version of peppercorn sauce and in place of chips little crunchy ‘turf’ roasties dusted with bone marrow powder (we also got the surf version dusted with mussel powder). A Bogtrotter-style layered chocolate cake to share finished us off – rich and dark with a shiny chocolate glaze, it was a perfect end to the meal. island-restaurants.com Janine Ratcliffe 74 Charlotte St by Ben Murphy, Fitzrovia For modern European 74 Charlotte Street by Ben Murphy sees the chef (who ran the kitchen at Launceston Place to great acclaim) in his first solo spot. The room is calm and elegant: coming in from a rainy winter evening the golden light and a warm atmosphere was immediately welcoming, as was the beautiful crescent-shaped cocktail bar where we kicked off with an icy, citrussy yuzu gimlet and a French 75. Such is the commitment to a perfect cocktail that my drink was decanted into a fresh frosty glass halfway through to keep it chilled. Don’t skip the bread – a pillowy loaf of tear-apart milk bread served with a cube of beurre noisette and a dish of hummus with vivid green pumpkin seed oil was just gorgeous. We loved the tender butter poached lobster tail with a tartlet topped with tiny discs of pumpkin to look like fish scales, and the iberica presa pork served perfectly pink with tiny grilled baby gem, carrot purée and a savoury jus – each dish looking like a little work of art. The wine list has some interesting by the glass options, with a Turkish sauvignon blanc being a particular surprise. Desserts are fun – there’s a retro mint green ice cream trolley with a seasonal flavour (mince pie on our visit) and a lovely chocolate tart, dense and rich with crisp chocolate pastry and hazelnut praline. 74charlottestreet.com Janine Ratcliffe Ria's, Soho For deep-dish Detroit pizza Ria’s is a cosy, laid-back spot selling fluffy Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It's perfect for intimate dates and candle-lit catch-ups, full of charm and character. The latest Soho site is snug yet elegantly furnished, building on everything that made the Notting Hill original a hit, with exciting new slices and a sultry wine cave. Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. Our favourite flavours were the House Pie and the Soho Chilli Crisp. The first had a red sauce base and a lip-smacking combination of ricotta, basil and lemon drizzle. The latter was laden with ’nduja, Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli oil, pickled shallots, spring onions and aged parmesan – tongue-tingling and tangy. There is a great range of natural wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria's: we enjoyed a glass of Orange de Rias for its tropical brightness, and a glass of Herrigoia – a crunchy, easy-going red with tart cherry notes. There's also a small but sharp cocktail list, bottled beer and a good range of soft drinks. If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat. rias.world/soho Helen Salter 2210 by NattyCanCook, Herne Hill For reimagined Caribbean food As a Brixton resident I was extra excited about this opening. The Clink project at HMP Brixton inspired Nathaniel Mortley to turn his life around, launching a social media channel which led to residencies and now his permanent home in Herne Hill. Though born and raised in Peckham, Natty’s heritage is Bajan, Jamaican and Guyanese, thus he spotlights flavours and ingredients from the region in his elevated dishes. We kicked off by dunking grilled roti triangles into whipped scotch bonnet butter. Next came crispy spring rolls stuffed with ackee and saltfish, and pork belly with crackling trim, spiced jus and puddles of scotch bonnet mayo. I recommend sharing the hearty mains, all served with a choice of aromatic jollof rice or spiced rice and peas. There’s a sophisticated take on jerk chicken with mango and pineapple salsa, a much talked-about lamb rump with tamarind jus, and pan-seared spiced duck breast served with a show-stealing confit leg croquette. My highlight was whole brill lifted with a lightly spiced plantain velouté, pickled plantain cubes and vibrant coriander pesto. Don’t miss deep-fried apple crumble for dessert, presented in croquette form encasing spiced, pickled apple, with coffee chantilly cream and basil oil crème anglaise to lift. Cocktails pack a punch – signature rum punch is a popular choice, while margaritas are laced with scotch bonnet, and negronis infused with tangy sorrel. It’s a family affair – Natty's delightful godmother Cecilia was our server, his mum is his accountant and an old school friend helps out front of house. This, paired with the throwback soundtrack causing us to wiggle along in our plush grey chairs, ensures that good vibes prevail. I’m already planning a trip back for the Sunday roast, with the promise of scotch chimichurri roasties, followed by a brisk walk in neighbouring Brockwell Park. 2210bynattycancook.com Alex Crossley ALTA, Soho For sophisticated northern Spanish cuisine There’s a focus on northern Spanish cuisine at this large, sophisticated addition to Soho’s Kingly Court. The two-floor space combines industrial warehouse features (large windows, exposed ceilings) with earthy touches – rough stone walls, textured wood and soft lighting. At the helm is Rob Roy Cameron, a chef well versed in the region thanks to years as Albert Adria’s right-hand man. We were advised to order four to five snacks and starters to share between two. The highlight was a set of five rich, smoked Txistorra pork sausages charred on the grill and doused in aged PX vinegar, closely followed by a striking sardine and wine-soaked raisin empanada neatly encased in a puff pastry blanket, the fish head and tail peeking out for show. Sharing mains are cooked on the wood-fired open grill, providing a theatrical focal point on the restaurant’s ground floor. Think 35-day aged sirloin and ribeye, pork chops and Basque classic turbot. Must-order salt-baked Charlotte potatoes are finished in the pan, topped with a disc of mojo verde butter that slowly melts into the hot, crispy flesh. Desserts are by no means an afterthought – finish with dark chocolate ganache lifted with olive oil and salt, topped with sourdough ice cream and charred Italian meringue. The drinks menu is strong – Basque 75 is a pétillant combination of txakoli, oak-aged vodka, verjus, orange blossom and oloroso sherry, while a considerable selection of vermouths and sherry are a welcome feature alongside natural wines. alta-restaurant.com som saa, Shoreditch For Thai food After a fire devastated its kitchen early in 2025, som saa has reopened with its same regional Thai authenticity and buzzy vibes, but with a few new angles and a bit more bar-snack energy – recalibrations the team introduced after months to reflect and refresh. We started where the menu now gently nudges you to start: the nibbly bits. Tua phrik krob — deep-fried cashews with makrut lime leaf and dried chilli — are toasty, fragrant and entice you to keep reaching back into the bowl. Nang gai thort, crisp chicken skin with sriracha, makes you yearn to recreate it at home from the family roast. From there, the table builds itself. Gai yaang (BBQ chicken) comes off the grill juicy and lightly charred, with a tamarind jaew dip that keeps the sweet-sour heat tidy. Yum sanat, a warm northern salad of grilled pork, aubergine and herbs, has that lovely Thai balancing act: smoky meat, soft veg, bright herbs, a little roasted rice nuttiness. Dtom juet — clear soup of shiitake, samphire, kajon flowers and tofu skin — is the reset button in the middle of all that spice. Curries and braises keep the meal anchored. Mu parlow (five-spice soy-braised pork with fermented chilli sauce and a soy-cured egg) is glossy, savoury comfort, while gaeng gari yort mapraow orn — tofu with heart of coconut palm — brings an aromatic, gently sweet warmth. A side of sticky rice feels less like an option and more like the point. Olive tip: Start with four or five small dishes, then add a curry and rice. If the daily som dtam is on, order it — it sharpens everything around it. somsaa.com Keith Kendrick Cô Thành, Covent Garden For Vietnamese noodles On visiting Ho Chi Minh in 2013, Hong Kong based Brian Woo was transfixed by local Nguyễn Thị Thanh's street stand, returning daily for her rotating noodle soups. He befriended the ‘Lunch Lady’, training with her for three years before opening a restaurant in her name in Hong Kong. Now Cô Thành comes to Covent Garden, taking the elegant former Frenchie site and adding a vibrant Vietnamese canteen sheen – mirrored tabletops, signage popping from exposed brick walls and colourful plastic stools outside. Sharing starters include minced beef wrapped in betel leaf, sausage skewers glistening in tamarind glaze and beer battered chicken wings with sweet, spicy fish sauce. Next comes an extensive list of noodle soups, my highlight being fragrant bún bò huế, the broth sweetened with pineapple that tenderises the rare beef and beef shank slices along with springy meatballs, fresh herbs and shredded morning glory. Seafood-packed bún Thái has a tom yum edge thanks to tamarind, galangal and ginger, while bún mám packs a fermented umami punch, and bún riêu’s crab base is ideal for thinner vermicelli noodles. We were recommended to drop a couple of unique yellow chillies into our broth, allow them to infuse their floral fragrant spicy kick and then remove. Dinky desserts punch above their weight, from kem chuối inspired coconut and banana ice cream lifted with lime zest, to tiramisu laced with rum and dark roast coffee that caramelises into the mascarpone. Dipping deep-fried sponge fritters into Vietnamese drip cà phê took me right back to Hanoi’s quirky coffee shops. Next time I’ll be trying the clarified bloody mary style cocktail, Vietnamese Maria, for a savoury pick-me-up. cothanhrestaurant.com/london Alex Crossley The Salusbury, Queens Park For modern European cooking in a neighbourhood restaurant setting Half pub, half dining room, The Salusbury brings a confident new energy to leafy north-west London. We visited on a busy Friday night, the bar buzzing with chatter and that end-of-week cheer. Step through to the dining room, though, and the volume drops – it feels like a little pocket of calm tucked just off the action. Modern European cooking leads the charge and the kitchen delivers. We kicked off with the du jour snack, parmesan churros, and these were easily the best version we’ve tried: crisp, savoury and impossible not to leave even a crumb behind. A silky Dorset crab linguine with a peppery cacio e pepe kick had us chasing every last strand, helped along by warm rosemary focaccia that’s clearly made with care. Generous portions continue into the mains. Roast cod came piled high with mussels and sweet leeks in a bowl-sipping cider broth, while Somerset chicken arrived succulent and bronzed with golden gnocchi, sweetcorn and girolles. Desserts hold their own too – the salted caramel tart has just the right wobble and a perfectly judged sweetness. A polished, promising new neighbourhood staple. thesalusbury.co.uk Barney Desmazery Khao-Sō-i, Soho For fiery Northern Thai cuisine London doesn’t lack for Thai restaurants but at Khao-Sō-i – named after the curry noodle dish of Chiang Mai – chef Win Srinavakool has created a menu shaped by the flavours of northern Thailand, with smoke from a wood-fired grill and bold (okay, hot) spice. We began with moo ping: wafer-thin Norfolk pork belly skewers grilled over wood with a sticky, caramelised edge and a deep, savoury warmth. Tum khanun – young jackfruit salad tossed with northern herbs – whacks your tastebuds with refreshing and tingling heat and zest. It’s a perfect spot for an after-work or after-shopping catch-up, buzzing with chatter, the throb of music and the theatre of the open grill. The main event is the namesake khao soi. We tried it two ways: gai (chicken) and bai pye (torched beef chuck eye). The pleasure is in shaping it. Each bowl arrives with coconut cream, chilli flakes, herbs and crisp noodles on the side, so you build your own version: richer, hotter, crunchier, or all of the above, before you pull the noodles from the creamy spiced broth and slurp like no one’s watching. There’s an extensive drinks list but ice-cold Neckstamper pale ale is the way to go to douse the fire and cleanse your palate before diving in to luxurious cha thai cheesecake or bai toey ice cream with cloud-like cubes of brioche. Olive tip: If you go as a two-some order separate dishes and share. You’ll want to experience as much of the menu as possible. khaosoilondon.com Keith Kendrick Il Bambini Club, Hoxton For Italian food in beautiful surroundings Walk into the main entrance of The Hoxton hotel and you are immediately swept into the chic world of Il Bambini Club. The room is warmly lit and beautifully furnished – think curved banquette seating, colourful stripes and florals, and giant fringed lampshades. A big open kitchen runs along one side, which adds to the appealing buzz. We tucked ourselves into one of the comfy booths and kicked things off with pair of cocktails – a rosso spritz with Martini Riserva, cherry and sparkling red, and a punchy vesper martini. The concise menu is trattoria-style. Antipasti of zingy yellowfin tuna tartare came heaped on a pile of crushed avocado, and a whole burrata was served with a juicy panzanella salad (for smaller appetites these would make a perfect lunch or light dinner). After consulting our waiter went for piatti (mains) of meatballs cloaked in a rich tomato sauce with dollops of whipped ricotta and a roasted sea bass – the sweet flesh cut with bitter escarole and capers. From a mostly Italian wine list the chilled Nero d’Avola is great value at £9 a glass – a lovely partner to the food or light enough to drink as an aperitivo. For dessert we shared the very generous tiramisu – creamy and light with a decent kick of espresso and booze. It gave us an excuse to linger, have one more drink and enjoy the cosy vibes of the beautiful room. bambini-restaurant.com Janine Ratcliffe The Elizabeth, Belgravia For cosy bistro vibes This exciting opening sees legendary chef Anthony Demetre, who pioneered modern British cooking at restaurants like Arbutus and Wild Honey, overseeing the new menu. Stepping into the intimate dining room, all leather banquettes and dark wood panelling, felt like entering a Parisian-style bistro. We loved the cosy feel, especially as we were able to get a sneak peek at our neighbour’s dishes to help ordering. The concise menu follows a three-course style which felt refreshing in this age of sharing plates. From starters we chose a Demetre classic, pâté en croûte. Layers of guinea fowl, pork and duck in a crisp pastry shell which came in a generous slab with a dollop of pickled walnut ketchup. After consulting our server we went for mains with an autumnal feel – a steamed Cornish sea bream with a piquant diced piperade and a rich bouillabaisse sauce poured tableside for drama, and a meltingly tender duck confit with comforting stew of chickpeas, spinach and oregano. There’s a pleasingly retro cocktail list – I tried the zingy Lemondrop and my non-drinking guest was given a Juke of Westminster – a non alcoholic wine shrub posing as a glass of red. There’s also a great selection of wines by the glass starting at £7.50. We did end up sharing a dessert of perfectly executed crème brûlée with a rich vanilla spiked custard and shatteringly crisp crust which was a lovely light way to end dinner. olive tip: There’s an amazing value set menu at lunch and early dinner (two courses for £25 or three for £29.50) – on our visit it included Cumbrian beef tartare with ’nduja mayo and beef dripping toast; chicken with pearl barley, morteau and duxelles; and a pear tart with clotted cream. theelizabethsw1.co.uk Janine Ratcliffe Platapian, Soho Of the many surprising dishes at Platapian, the Soho Thai restaurant from the people behind Patara, one especially stood out: cabbage roasted until soft yet still with bite, the wedges dressed with fish sauce and whole chillies to deliver a sweet-salty heat that works beautifully with the vegetable’s faint sourness. But it’s by no means the only eyebrow-raiser in this stylish, sleek space on one of London’s busiest streets. We started with crispy chicken skin with a squeeze of lime – think gourmet pork scratchings. Stuffed snub nose chilli stuffed with minced chicken and prawn is big enough to share, plump and aromatic, and, despite its name, only mildly hot. Then a pandan-leaf wrapped parcel of miang kham scallop, beautifully silky and smoky. Mains kept the balance between comfort and freshness. Short rib beef in five-spice ‘paloh’ with grated salted egg yolk is the stand-out. Flake-apart meat in a rich gravy was positively swoon-worthy. While southern-style yellow curry with crab, mellow and light, saucy with coconut, was a hug in a bowl. Together they showed how Platapian’s menu celebrates the whole of Thai cuisine. From the drinks list, Tom Yum-tini and a whisky sour are smart, punchy and in simpatico with the elegance of the restaurant, while desserts use Thai ingredients to twist familiar Western dishes, such as a smooth pandan crème brûlée. olive tip: When we went on a Thursday night, Platapian was packed, buzzing and loud – so if you want to talk ask for a counter seat near the front. pataralondon.com Keith Kendrick Taco Bros, East Finchley For taco lovers who’ll cross town for them Taco Bros is the sort of neighbourhood place you wander into for something simple and good, then find yourself staying longer than planned, thinking, okay, we’ll order another round. Taco Bros grew from a taco truck and still carries that scrappy charm, though the new bricks and mortar space has its own warmth. Family photos, bright ceiling decorations and the hum of early evening give it the feel of a home kitchen that happens to pour margaritas. I started with the guacamole, which arrived with a heap of crisp tortilla chips and a bowl of green that kept a little of its rustic chunkiness, the sort that feels properly made by hand rather than fussed with. The fish tacos took me straight back to their market days: batter shatter-crisp, slaw bright, tortillas full of flavour. The lamb birria came with a jus that was rich and intensely fatty in the most comforting way, sharpened by white onion and lime. Even the chicken enchiladas felt like a quiet hug, all smoke and gentle heat. The margarita list is long and playful. I went for mango, sweet and sunny, though I found myself wishing it was a touch more sour. There’s a full spread of Mexican soft drink brand Jarritos too, including flavours I’d never seen before. I finished with churros, hot and crisp with enough dulce de leche to make me grateful for the walk home. tacobrosldn.co.uk Legado, Shoreditch For regional Spanish cuisine in a contemporary setting At Nieves Barragán Mohacho (chef-owner of Michelin-starred Sabor)’s regional Spanish restaurant, a bar complete with Estrella Galicia’s signature ceramic taps welcomes guests into the contemporary space. A wine rack spans almost an entire exposed brick wall and prime kitchen pass seats watch over chefs adding finishing touches to no fewer than nine menu sections. We were advised to order three to four dishes each, including two starters, a rice dish and a dessert to share. Things kicked off strong with pan tomate – the olive oil doused tomato toast elevated with dry-cured beef – and tempura-coated piquillo peppers filled with creamy goat’s cheese. Seafood highlights included glistening pan-fried squid stuffed with girolles set on a rich squid ink bisque and tiny fried camarones coated in glossy egg yolk. The ibérico lagarto pork atop rice cooked in earthy mushroom stock is a menu must-order, while sliced tomatoes topped with red mullet bottarga and shaved cured blue fin tuna heart were a surprise highlight. Dessert left us gleeful – saffron honey ice cream quenelle with white chocolate mousse and caramelised pistachios – and we’ll be back to try the Segovian sponge cake. Unique 3-sip amuse-bouche cocktails are served in quirky cups – Spanish bitter aperitif Bonanto is balanced with sharp, sweet rhubarb. To follow, there are multiple sangria options, plenty of Spanish-style gin tonics (re:strong!) and a regional wine and sherry list including my favourite albariño grape from Rías Baixas. olive tip: I would usually order suckling pig if on the menu, and the one at Sabor is epic, but we opted for the more manageable (for two) half pig’s head, deep-fried and sprinkled with jamón powder, which we pulled apart to find juicy treasures. legadorestaurants.com Alex Crossley Canal, Westbourne Park Tucked down a cobbled mews between Notting Hill and Maida Vale, and built into the new Mason & Fifth hotel-apartment complex, Canal is one of London’s most exciting recent openings. Its towpath perch on the Grand Union Canal sets a modern, urban stage for food that’s both precise and packed with flavour. Provenance is proudly front and centre – sourdough comes from Layla, while charcuterie like jamón and Mangalitza sausages arrive from Coombeshead Farm. The menu is cleverly pitched so there’s something for everyone. A fat diner-style cheeseburger bucks the smashburger trend and feels all the better for it, while scallops arrive plump and caramelised, served in their shells with ’nduja butter begging to be mopped up with that sourdough. Crab on toast is so fresh it tastes like it’s just left the boat, and chicken with sweetcorn and girolles might be the most impressive chicken breast you’ll eat this year. Desserts are just as memorable – a tiramisu that’s unapologetically boozy, and a brown butter almond cake with sour cherries that’s indulgent yet balanced. With seasoned owners and staff who know their craft, Canal feels confident from the start – we can’t wait to return. mason-fifth.com Barney Desmazery The Lavery For modern European cooking inside a Grade II-listed townhouse The Lavery is an elegant space in smart South Kensington, where you can expect chic yet understated Georgian interiors: high ceilings, wooden floors, beautiful fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu and service are as chic as the interiors – no surprise given that the kitchen is led by Yohei Furuhashi, former chef at River Café, Petersham Nurseries and Toklas. His menu showcases Mediterranean seasonality while incorporating ingredients from the British Isles. Starters strike a beautiful balance of fresh flavours, from grilled squid with fresh borlotti, rocket and chilli to Honeymoon melon with shaved courgette and almonds. Standout mains include Scottish sea trout baked in fig leaves and sea salt served with pea, fennel and basil aïoli, and linguine with lobster in tomato and vodka sauce. Desserts are worth lingering over, from a feather-light bean chocolate mousse to the perfect almond tart accompanied by strawberries and cream. You’ll be well looked after from the moment you arrive to the last lick of the dessert spoon. For excellent value, visit for the three-course set lunch menu for £38 per person. thelavery.co.uk Lily Barclay Noisy Oyster, Shoreditch For modern bistro dishes Noisy Oyster is a new opening from the team behind Soho’s Firebird – a sleek modern bistro with a focus on sustainable seafood and killer martinis. The room is an airy, industrial space with shiny, steel-topped tables and huge open windows leading onto a large buzzy terrace. Kick things off with one of the cult icy-cold mini martinis – the Oyster, made with Sapling gin, Otto’s vermouth and an oyster leaf garnish is great paired with a smoked tomato water and oyster dressed with crème fraîche. From the playful menu, small plate wins include a raw scallop crudo topped with zingy pickled raspberries and basil oil, and a dish of rich, creamy stracciatella topped with anchovies and almond pesto (don’t forget to order the light, puffy focaccia to spoon this onto). Guinness bread topped with a generous slick of whipped butter and piled with Yarra Valley red caviar is the obvious Instagrammable dish but still delicious. Standout larger plates include a crunchy breaded hake with a seasonal peach panzanella, and monkfish skewers with XO sauce, topped with a melting, paper-thin slice of lardo. We tried a twist on rum baba for dessert soaked in fig leaf bourbon and served with crème anglaise and strawberries but the soft-serve Jersey ice cream topped with caviar is intriguing enough for a repeat visit. noisyoysterlondon.co.uk Janine Ratcliffe Lai Rai, Peckham For modern Vietnamese Meet friends for fuss-free snacks and cold beers at this dinky new-school Vietnamese. With the name Lai Rai meaning ‘little by little’, the space is a homage to Vietnamese canteens, with a buttery colour palette, neon lighting and slick red stools. By day it serves bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee, by evening the menu evolves into playful twists on familiar Vietnamese flavours – you won't find any bowls of pho here. Smaller plates include crunchy prawn lollies on sugarcane stalks and a light, multicoloured papaya jellyfish salad with lumps of pineapple, charred tomatoes, fresh Viet herbs and peanuts, mopped clean with charred bánh mì chunks. Larger dishes feature a twice-cooked chicken leg atop a herby dressing and grilled betel leaf beef, bathed in a smoky pool of house-made coffee barbecue jus. Vietnamese-inspired cocktails include the Xoài Kick, a bracing mix of tequila, mango, red chillies and fruit salt, and a Viet coffee-laced vodka martini. Finish with a scoop of freshly churned ice cream made by small south London manufacturer Clingy Wrap, with unique flavours such as fish sauce vanilla caramel and kumquat cucumber sorbet. If you're looking for something altogether unexpected, you’ll find it here. lairai.london Helen Salter SINO, Notting Hill For Ukrainian fine dining Sino means “hay” in Ukrainian, but the word goes much deeper to encapsulate the country’s agricultural roots. At their contemporary fine-dining restaurant on All Saints Road, Ukrainian duo Polina Sychova and Eugene Korolev weave this concept into everything they do, from the menu to striking ceiling installation and handcrafted crockery. Interiors are soft, natural and warm – brushed clay walls, beige banquettes and linen drapes dressing the windows. Chef Eugene combines his Michelin-starred experience and Ukrainian heritage to revamp traditional dishes – bitesize potato and sorrel waffles stacked with sorrel-flecked soured cream and smoked pike roe; chicken kyiv presented in a bonbon-style sphere bursting with wild garlic butter alongside bison grass mash; and beef cheek dumplings bathing in oxtail broth spiced with star anise, fragrant with lemon verbena and umami-rich thanks to smoked mushroom garum. Don’t miss tartare-style marinated aubergine served with Kyyrma smoked cheese flatbread and spiced adjika dip to start. Elevated desserts include a riff on honey cake; its layers of honey and buckwheat flour crowned with buckwheat chocolate in a moat of whipped walnut sauce. Eastern European wines hail from Kyiv, Georgia’s Kakheti region and the Black Sea, while Ana Reznik’s cocktails play on nostalgic flavours from a childhood in Ukraine. sinorestaurant.co.uk Alex Crossley Tatar Bunar, Shoreditch For Ukrainian cuisine Southern Ukrainian cuisine is in the spotlight at this likeable new restaurant from Ukrainian restaurateurs Alex Cooper and Anna Andriienko. Named after Alex’s hometown of Tatarbunary, the menu is inspired by old family traditions and his grandmother’s recipes, as well as the richness of Bessarabian produce. There’s also a wine list packed with Ukrainian producers. Interiors are a soothing lush blend of creamy neutrals and natural textures with materials sourced from Eastern Europe such as reclaimed Carpathian wood and Bessarabian stone, with ceramics from Kyiv artist Svetlana Sholomitska. We start with forshmak: chunky dollops of finely chopped herring pâté on onion bread, the oily richness balanced by a disc of pink pickled onion and smoked soured cream. Bryndza, a crumbly, tangy, feta-like sheep’s milk cheese is topped with luscious slices of sweet tomato and sprat fillets for a caprese-like dish with an Eastern Europe spin. On the heartier side, banush – cornmeal and cream porridge – is velvety, cheesy and comforting, topped with meaty wild mushrooms. Mains come from the grill: we tried charred, juicy lamb chop served with yogurt, flavoursome pickled tomatoes and a bright and spicy sauce made with red peppers, the latter of which also accompanies tender, delicate grilled rabbit. Desserts are robust and rib-sticking. Crème brûlée comes with a secret surprise inside – a sturdy steamed varenyk dumpling filled with soft cheese – while crêpes come with three individual fillings: poppy seed sauce, blackcurrant jam and cottage cheese, all swimming in creamy custard. Tatar Bunar is generous to a fault – portions are sizeable, the glasses of wine are large and the flavours are bold and unapologetic. A refreshing addition to London's restaurant scene. @tatarbunar.london Hannah Guinness Lupa, Highbury For a neighbourhood Italian This cute neighbourhood corner spot is inspired by the osterias of Rome – where co-owner Ed Templeton lived for a time – with their comforting, simple dishes and casual, friendly atmosphere. The bright, breezy room feels fresh but keeps lots of the original charm intact, including the beautiful, almost floor to ceiling original windows. Chef Naz Hassan's menu is concise and a table of four could happily order most of the menu. Kick off with a punchy martini, heady with Malfy gin and fig leaf liqueur, and a snack of courgette flower stuffed with burrata, deep-fried and served on an umami courgette purée boosted with dashi. There are some pasta greatest hits – try the cacio e pepe with handmade pici in a generous slick of peppery, cheesy sauce. Mains include a thick slice of porchetta stuffed with apricot, gorgeously burnished with deep, crunchy crackling – order the creamy green vignarola veg as a perfect accompaniment. There are only two puddings but the tiramisu delivers – feather light and creamy with a proper kick of booze. Punters may book hoping to see a glimpse of co-owner Theo James (of White Lotus fame) but they’ll come back for the spot-on cooking. lupa.restaurant Janine Ratcliffe Osteria Angelina, Shoreditch For Italian and Japanese fusion Angelina in Dalston offers a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cooking. This new offshoot caters to a more casual set-up, with tasting menus swapped out for a pick-and-mix of Italian-Japanese dishes and an open kitchen and pasta studio to be viewed from marble-topped tables. Small plates are split into pane (hello nori-flecked focaccia), insalate including Usman's magic mirin and star anise tricolore tomato salad, crudos, such as tuna belly with citrussy ponzu and wasabi, and fritti featuring courgette flowers stuffed with creamy miso and caramelised onion ricotta, topped with hazelnut furikake for extra crunch. Pastas are a highlight – the menu advises to order a couple and we agree. Kombu and truffle laced tortellini contrasts slow-cooked duck ragu and crunchy lotus flower pieces on folds of fazzoletti. Larger grill dishes include umami-rich grilled chicken in taro sauce slathered in miso butter, best paired with okonomiyaki-style shoestring fries. Finish with bruléed black sesame cheesecake or cheese panna cotta topped with caviar for a savoury burst. Playful combinations continue on the drinks list – Riso and Rosmarino pairs cynar and rosemary with sake and cucumber, while smoked pineapple and Sicilian smoked cactus distillate create a zippy Shinjuku Albatross. Lesser spotlighted regional Italian wines sit alongside sakes and a selection of digestifs including grappas and Japanese whiskies. angelina.london/osteria Alex Crossley Town, Covent Garden Stevie Parle's latest swishy, provenance-focused restaurant Any restaurant menu that opens with an extensive snack selection is on the money for London 2025: fried sage leaves with heather honey and chilli are a cocktail’s perfect partner. At Town, the new venue from Stevie Parle and Jonathan Downey the vibe is very much a modern take on early James Bond cool and classy. There’s a standalone bar (cocktails by Kevin Armstrong of Satan’s Whiskers fame, 3 choices of martini natch) which draws the eye on one side, while the space age pass to the kitchen is ringed in glowing baize green and every bit of detail from the ceiling to the frosted glasses shouts ‘attention’. The provenance of produce is equally hot. Wildfarmed beef is raised for the restaurant and served wine-cured with crunchy candied walnuts and posh ‘cheese whizz’, as steaks or in fat form as the cooking medium for pink fir potatoes. There are Seasalter clams swimming in sherry or as a main, curried with cod; Isle of Mull scallops with smoked chilli butter and Kentish asparagus swathed in Mangalista lardo. Kasmiri saffron risotto is served with bone marrow to be scooped out and stirred through, mighty rich in flavour and a show-off on the plate. Buttermilk pudding with roasted nespole (loquats) or a scoop of Todoli lemon and Thai basil sorbet make a refreshing end. There is of course an excellent wine list. town.restaurant Lulu Grimes Kerfield Arms, Camberwell Popular NE London pub team heads south of the river The team behind Islington favourite The Baring has kept things stripped back and simple at their new south London pub. The Victorian-era building boasts plenty of space to play with – for now, a bar with independent brews on tap divides a casual area dedicated to drinkers and walk-ins and a dining room for the full shebang, with the promise of outdoor seating and a private dining room next to the first-floor kitchen to come. To kick things off, a silky house martini combines olive oil fat washed Sapling gin and fennel-infused vermouth, while cherry blossom liqueur and sparkling rosé add spring flourish to a French 75. Order a portion of fried pizza dough fingers to scoop up taramasalata while you peruse the menu of seasonal stars. In the inaugural shish kebab, melting squiggles of squid and lardo slivers are barbecued on a skewer and served in spiced pul biber butter along with shaved fennel and whispy monk’s beard. Half a beefy smoked Marmande tomato, topped with cubes of smoked ricotta and pangrattato crumb, is balanced in a moat of zippy tomato consommé. For mains, grilled monkfish comes with tiny waxy Jersey Royals and friarielli greens in a rich shrimp bisque, while four pink, succulent Yorkshire hogget chops are nestled into a plate of violet artichokes, plump broad beans, creamy bagna cauda and rich hogget reduction. The short but strong dessert menu includes strawberry and chamomile custard doughnuts and chocolate olive oil mousse with rustic brownie and crème fraîche. thekerfieldarms.co.uk Alex Crossley Pyro, London Bridge Greek restaurant where smoke and fire do the talking Just a few minutes from Borough Market is Pyro, a light-filled, open-kitchen spot where smoke and fire do the heavy lifting. Headed up by Yiannis Mexis, formerly of Hide, the Greek menu leans into open-flame cooking with balance and control. Potato pita is essential: pillowy, dotted with onion seeds and perfect for scooping up cooling tzatziki or smoky aubergine topped with walnuts and pomegranate. A pork pluma skewer is rich, roasted and herb-packed, expertly balanced with sour apple. Sea bream crudo, by contrast, is light and bright – green olive and caper leaf add savoury lift, while precisely diced chillies lend occasional, welcome heat. The octopus is soft and lightly charred, paired with a spiced red wine sauce and silky yellow split pea. Lamb, cooked over alder wood, is standout – tender, subtly sweet, served with lamb-fat flatbreads and an anchovy-spiked yogurt. Sides more than pull their weight: crisp layered potatoes with garlicky skordalia and a confidently simple lettuce salad. Portokalopita, soaked with citrus syrup and served with a perfumed citrus leaf ice cream, ends things on a bright note. Pyro is a restaurant that lets fire do the talking but knows when to let something stay cool, crisp or raw. It’s considered and deeply satisfying. pyrorestaurant.co.uk Lydia Anderson Stay tuned for more reviews of new restaurants in London Reviews by Janine Ratcliffe, Christine Hayes, Lulu Grimes, Helen Salter, Hannah Guinness, Alex Crossley, Lydia Anderson Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Looking for the best spots to eat pizza in the capital? We've rounded up our top places, whether you’re after a New York-style slice or an artisanal sourdough base
Looking for the best pizza in London? Here's our guide to the best pizza places in London and the best takeaway pizza. Whether you want a sourdough pizza base or a traditional Neapolitan pizza, we’ve found the best pizza restaurants in London. From pizza in Brixton to pizza in North London, check out our favourite pizza places. If you fancy making your own pizza, check out our best ever pizza recipes here, or read the lowdown on pizza styles and where to find them. Check out more of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Kings Cross, best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Brixton and best restaurants in Paddington. Also see our pick of the best Italian restaurants in London for more pizza and other regional dishes. Best for crispy 18-inch pizzas: Spring Street Pizza Tucked beneath the arches off Southwark Bridge Road, Spring Street Pizza is the latest project from Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble. Drawing on over 15 years’ experience at the helm of acclaimed restaurants, Kemble brings a refined yet relaxed approach to this pizzeria, merging the bold character of New York pizza joints with a polished London aesthetic. Which pizza to order at Spring Street Pizza? Impressive 18-inch New York-style pizzas are available whole or as half-and-half, crafted with premium ingredients for maximum flavour. The dough is made in-house and undergoes a 48–72 hour fermentation, resulting in a crust that is light, crisp and perfect for dipping into house sauces such as green goddess and confit garlic aioli. The menu caters for traditionalists with classic marinara and margherita options, while those seeking something more adventurous might opt for the New Yorker, topped with San Marzano tomato, pepperoni from rebel charcuterie, Parmigiano Reggiano, hot honey and basil. What else is there to eat and drink? Try the fried breadcrumb mozzarella sticks finished with 22-month parmesan, or round off your meal with smooth vanilla soft-serve, sour cherry and pistachio. The drinks list is carefully chosen, including cocktails, wines and beers; notable choices are the mezcal margarita with a hint of chilli and a zesty Italian orange wine. Address: Arch 32, Southwark Quarter, Southwark St, London SE1 1TE Nearest tube station: London Bridge Opening times: Tuesday (5pm-10pm); Wednesday-Saturday (12pm-10pm); Sunday (12pm-9pm) Best for NYC-style slices: Vincenzo's Shoreditch Vincenzo's in Shoreditch is the second location from Tom Vincent, who opened his first location in Bushey in 2022 and watched it become a cult favourite. You can now find his signature crispy, thin-crust whole pies and pizza by the slice in the capital, bringing New York’s late-night energy and providing Londoners with a new way to enjoy pizza: fresh, hot, generous slices to grab and go. It's made such a mark that it's already a buzzing London institution. Which pizza to order at Vincenzo's? Order by the slice or indulge in a 16-inch pie if you're hungry. NYC fold is served on grease-stained paper plates, with simple toppings alongside the likes of spicy vodka sauce, plus a fun take on a Greek-inspired spanakopita. NY slices are the emphasis, however our favourite has to be the focaccia, served by the square: it's tangy, chewy and loaded with premium toppings like burrata and pepperoni (drizzled in hot honey, no less). Super heavenly, though be warned: you may never look at pizza the same way again. What else is there to eat and drink? It's primarily a grab and go situation, with just a few stools to perch, so the only thing left to order are the quietly formidable dips: a hot and sweet roquito ranch (our favourite), truffle mayo, garlic and herb, and hot honey. There's also a range of soft drinks. Address: 122 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street Opening times: Wednesday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for contemporary Neapolitan pizza: Renaissance Award-winning pizzaiolo Marco Fuso brings 20 years of expertise to this friendly south London pizzeria. Taking a contemporary Neapolitan approach, the team uses a slow-risen dough and employs a 48-hour fermentation process, alongside a focus on experimental Italian ingredients. Unlike traditional wood-fired ovens, Renaissance uses a high-tech Moretti Forni electric oven – pizza is cooked at around 370 degrees for a few minutes to produce a bite which is soft and light, with a crisp, blistered crust. Which pizza to order at Renaissance? Expect a lot of options with up to 20 pizzas on offer. We were drawn to the unique flavours of the zucca piccante (pumpkin sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, stilton, ‘nduja di Spilinga, parmesan and Italian sausage). Pumpkin and 'nduja made a winning flavour combination, striking a perfect balance of cream and heat. You can also expect classic favourites like salami, featuring rich San Marzano tomatoes and creamy fior di latte mozzarella. What else is there to eat and drink? Marco’s commitment to spotlighting premium produce is demonstrated in the Italian-led drinks menu. We enjoyed a light refreshing Amarcord lager and a herbal Cynar spritz, which acts as the perfect bridge between an Aperol and Campari. For dessert, skip the tiramisu and order the the pasticciotto leccese, a delicacy from Marco's hometown of Lecce: a little shortcrust pie filled with gooey pistachio cream and dusted with icing sugar, it should be a fixture at all pizzerias. Address: 1 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG Nearest train station: Clapham Junction Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday (5pm-11pm); Saturday (12pm-11pm); Sunday (12pm-9:30pm) Best for authentic Neapolitan pizza: Fatto a Mano Fatto a Mano pays homage to the classic Neapolitan pizza, where soft and pillowy is favoured over thin and crispy. Dough is made from scratch every day, proved for a minimum of 24 hours then topped by a pizzaioli who cooks each pizza in a wood-fired oven at 450 degrees for no more than 90 seconds (just as they do in Naples). You can enjoy a slice of Fatto’s wood-fired magic at its newest branch in Soho. Which pizza to order at Fatto a Mano? Pizzas are lightly digestible and beautiful swollen at the cornicione rims, topped with artisanal ingredients such as ventricina (spicy salami), Neal's Yard goat's cheese and friarielli (Neapolitan broccoli). We enjoyed the special, Bella Disgrazia (the beautiful disgrace), a creative spin on the controversial ham and pineapple that combined spicy roast pineapple, spicy salami, black pepper pancetta, mozzarella, parmesan and chives, drizzled in ‘nduja honey. What else is there to eat and drink? Those looking for a full-on feast are in luck with comforting Italian starters and sides in abundance. Highlights include hot, crisp and perfectly plump truffle and gorgonzola arancini, and the spicy beef and pork ragu lasagne fritta, paired with a pot of 'nduja honey. For drinks kickstart the evening with a classic aperitivo such as a negroni, then make your way through the impressive list of Italian wines or Brighton beers. A wedge of gelato cookie sandwich is compulsory to wrap up proceedings, a salty-sweet blend of honeycomb and salted caramel. Address: 95 Dean St, London W1D 3SX Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12-10:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm Best for 'Britalian' pizza: Connie's Find this smart and cosy pizzeria set under the arches of Queen’s Road Peckham, taking over the site formerly occupied by South African restaurant Little Kudu. It is the latest project from Andrea Asciuti, founder of acclaimed Neapolitan hot spot 081 Pizzeria. Named after his wife, the focus is on Britalian style pizzas, injecting London-style pizza (light, crispy, premium toppings) with Italian soul, all while using seasonal, local ingredients. Which pizza to order at Connie's? Andrea leaves his expertise in Neapolitan-style pizza behind for pies which are crisp and airy, with dough fermented for 36-48 hours and baked at 370C using American flour (you won't find floppy slices here). Expect up to eight different pizzas on the menu, from a classic margherita to a double pepperoni with hot honey, as well as 'nduja and British stracciatella. What else is there to eat and drink? There is a quartet of starters to choose from: cheesy dough balls, deep-fried mac ’n’ cheese, mozzarella sticks and meatballs. The mozzarella fingers easily make it into the cheese-pull hall of fame, while the mac 'n' cheese bites make crunchy morsels which taste even better liberally dunked into a pot of tangy blue cheese sauce. There is one dessert, presented in three forms: fiocco di neve mini brioche filled with either pistachio, Nutella or ricotta whipped cream. Address: 133 Queen’s Road, SE15 2ND. Nearest train station: Queen's Road Peckham Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (5-11pm); Thursday-Saturday (12-11pm); Sunday (12-10pm) Best for deep-dish Detroit pizza: Ria's Ria’s is a cosy, laid-back spot selling fantastic deep-dish Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It's perfect for intimate dates and candle-lit catch-ups, full of charm and character. The latest Soho site is snug yet stylishly furnished, building on everything that made the Notting Hill original a hit, with exciting new slices and a low-lit wine cave. Which pizza to order at Ria's? Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. Our favourite flavours were the House Pie and the Soho Chilli Crisp. The first had a red sauce base and a devilishly delicious combination of ricotta, basil and lemon drizzle. The latter was laden with ’nduja, Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli oil, pickled shallots, spring onions and aged parmesan – tongue-tingling and tangy. What else is there to eat and drink? There is a great range of natural wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria’s: we enjoyed a glass of Orange de Rias for its tropical brightness, and a glass of Herrigoia – a crunchy, easy-going red with tart cherry notes. There's also a small but sharp cocktail list, bottled beer and a good range of soft drinks. If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat. Address: 29 Foubert's Place, London W1F 7QF Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for London-style pizza: Dough Hands Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at fun-loving south London pub The Old Nun's Head, as well as Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms. Which pizza to order at Dough Hands? The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas. What else is there to eat and drink? Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar. We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA. Address: The Old Nun's Head, 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ Nearest train station: Nunhead Opening times: Tuesday-Friday (4:30-9:30pm) and Saturday (12-9:30pm) Best for inventive Napoli pizza: Napoli on the Road Hidden in the back streets of Richmond you'll find this little gem of a pizza restaurant. The space is intimate and perfect for a date night or special occasion. Which pizza to order at Napoli on the Road? The pizza here is second to none – no surprise really as chef and owner Michele Pascarella won Global Pizza Maker of the Year in 2023. Famed for his inventive take on pizza, the ever-changing seasonal menu features exciting flavour combinations like roasted pumpkin, rosemary and blue cheese, alongside the classics, like margherita. On visiting, we were blown away by the lighter than air, chewy base and quality toppings, as well as the friendly service which took us outside our pizza comfort zones. What else is there to eat and drink? Highlights include the shaved fennel salad with crumbled ricotta, olives and oregano, and the spicy pepperoni slice – both starters that worked perfectly with a negroni. We ended the night with a vast slice of tiramisu and a cloud of boozy crème diplomate and mille-feuille pastry. Full to the brim and happy, a walk along the river was just the ticket. Address: 12 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9 1RW Nearest train station: Richmond Opening times: Monday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday-Sunday (12pm-10:15pm) Best for simple Neapolitan: Santa Maria Tucked away from the bustle of Paddington Station, Santa Maria brings a slice of Naples to west London with a laid-back, quirky vibe – think colourful wall art, cosy booths and a buzzy, casual energy. A new menu features bold creations alongside the signature Neapolitan pizzas. The menu is all about pizza, done properly – chewy, charred crusts and punchy toppings, with a few exciting twists. Which pizza to order at Santa Maria? The standout? San Ciro – a collaboration with Naples’ Bro Pizzeria and a fiery, rule-breaking combo of smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy pineapple reduction, black lime dust and parmesan crisps. The menu cheekily warns “It’s not a pizza for Neapolitans” – a nod to the rebellious twist on tradition, and it’s absolutely worth trying while it lasts. What else is there to eat and drink? Skip starters and go straight for the pizza but leave room for the Pan di Stelle dessert – a rich mascarpone and Nutella chocolate mousse crowned with Italy’s iconic biscuit. Vegan options are well represented, including a silky vegan salted caramel ice cream that shines in an affogato. Drinks-wise, expect Italian beers and spritzes, and relaxed, no-fuss service. Address: 3 Norfolk Place, Tyburnia, London W2 1QJ Nearest train station: Paddington Opening times: Sunday to Thursday (11:30am-10pm); Friday-Saturday (11:30am-10:30pm) Best for deep pan pizza: Little Earthquakes This original concept from chef Neil Rankin and From the Ashes BBQ has taken up residency in Dalston boozer The Railway Tavern, serving up pies nostalgically inspired by deep pan pizza brand Chicago Town, using Italian and British ingredients supplied by local businesses around Newington Green, with sourdough bases made using Wildfarmed regenerative flour. Which pizza to order at Little Earthquakes? The pizzas may only be six inches in size but they deliver plenty of bang for their buck – decadent deep dish affairs with crunchy caramelised crusts, topped with mozzarella and snowy drifts of pecorino. Fillings are hearty and deliver maximum flavour. We tried the richly meaty and umami salami ragu using fennel salami, and the taleggio and guanciale, inspired by a classic carbonara, is lusciously cheesy and porky, the saltiness balanced by a touch of honey. What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are the main focus you can also order the likes of plant-based meatballs (from Neil’s own Symplicity brand), cheesy focaccia, caponata parmigiana and a wonderfully OTT pizza focaccia sandwich with a hefty wedge of mortadella. Refresh yourself with traditional cask ales and craft beers from the pub bar. Address: The Railway Tavern, 2 St Jude Street, London N16 8JT Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland Opening times: Tuesday to Friday (6-9pm); Saturdays (3-9pm) Best for thin-crust pizza: Alley Cats Pizza Alley Cats pays homage to New York’s iconic pizza scene, with hunger-busting, thin and crispy 14" pizzas. London’s latest pizza outpost off Marylebone High Street is a small yet buzzy space, with gingham tablecloths, dimly lit lamps and a projector playing The Sopranos transporting diners to 90s NYC. Be prepared to queue, as it’s walk-in-only. Which pizza to order at Alley Cats? If you prefer a thin-crust over a sloppy Neapolitan, you’ve come to the right place. The impressive 14" size is achieved through baking the pizzas in the traditional thin and crispy style, which are presented on silver stands by the side of your table. The menu is compact, with seven pizzas on offer. It includes the Smoked Pepperoni (tomato, aged mozzarella, habanero and honey) and our personal favourite, the white-based Wild Mushroom, with three types of wild shrooms and topped with taleggio, aged mozzarella, red onion jam and fried sage. Up the ante by adding dips – we tried a spicy ranch and herb-flecked aïoli. What else is there to eat and drink? Don’t skip the starters for fear of over-ordering: the beefy meatballs are a must-try, slathered in slow-cooked tomato sauce and showered in aged parmesan. Cheesy garlic knots are hot, doughy morsels with a dunkable pot of tomato sauce. The dessert menu is short but complimentary: tiramisu and soft scoop ice-cream. The latter can be customised with your choice of toffee sauce, roasted hazelnuts or peanuts. Address: 22 Paddington St, London W1U 5QY Nearest tube station: Baker Street Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-11pm) Best for crunchy sourdough pizzas: Berberè Pizza Find this Italian pizza empire slinging light and crunchy sourdough pizzas in its newest Tottenham Court Road location, joining Clapham and Kentish Town branches. Originating from Bologna – with locations across Italy – Berberè prepares its sourdough on site every day with organic type one flour, proofed for 24 hours. The result is unique: a subtly sour, nutty taste, with a slightly crunchy exterior and soft, melty interior – no chewy crusts served here! Which pizza to order at Berberè? Expect a menu balancing the classics, including margheritas and marinaras, with trendy toppings and fresh British produce, such as Yorkshire pork sausage. The Instagram-friendly burrata & 'nduja is a picture-perfect blend of vibrant basil, ruby-red dried tomatoes and creamy white mozzarella. Veggies needn’t miss out thanks to the Norma – baked aubergines, basil and walnut pesto, organic tomato, fior di latte mozzarella from Naples and smoked aged ricotta. Definitely one of the best aubergine pizzas on the scene right now. What else is there to eat and drink? You must try Berberè’s signature montanarine: a large, deep-fried dough ball with toppings including ‘nduja, aged smoked ricotta and prosciutto. Crust dippers are crucial – we love the cheeky trio of garlic butter, spicy ‘nduja and honey, and basil and walnut pesto. To drink, you can’t go wrong with a Crodino spritz – a non-alcoholic aperitivo lengthened with orange and soda. Or try a traditional Italian aperitif – negroni sbagliato, anyone? For dessert, tiramisu is made every day in the kitchen or save space for two pieces of Sicilian cannoli: fresh, sweet ricotta in a crispy shell. Address: 2 St Giles Square, London WC2H 8LH Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road Opening times: Sunday-Thursday (11:30am-10pm) Friday-Saturday (11:30am-11pm) Best in Covent Garden: Doughnation Find this lively pizzeria in the heart of Covent Garden, boasting its own summer garden terrace with top-tier views across the piazza. Which pizza to order at Doughnation? Choose from a short menu of artisan-crafted pizzas on hand-stretched dough, where you’ll find well-known toppings as well as fun flavour combinations. A must-order for veggies, the truffled mushroom ragout sees a truffle-base sauce combined with creamy mozzarella, topped with crunchy hazelnuts and mushrooms for extra earthiness. Or try the cosy and comforting potato pizza, layering sliced potatoes with fontina cheese and thyme salt. ‘Nduja sausage will appeal to meat-eaters, featuring pockets of ‘nduja sausage, shaved pecorino romano and rocket. What else is there to eat and drink? Elsewhere on the menu you’ll find dishes which stray from a traditional pizzeria, like the baked sweetcorn ribs with basil pesto, chilli and bocconcini cheese. For dessert, a warm skillet cookie, served with a dollop of chocolate ice cream and a white chocolate sauce, makes for an indulgent finish. Address: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS Nearest tube station: Covent Garden Opening times: Monday-Sunday (8am-11pm) Best in Soho: Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza Rudy’s outpost in Soho (they have pizzerias scattered across the north of England, including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds) makes a worthy addition to the scene. Which pizza to order at Rudy's? Pizza toppings are crowd-pleasing, from parmigiana with roasted aubergine to spicy calabrese with ‘nduja sausage and cinghiale with wild boar salami. Our lavishly topped capricciosa with creamy fior de latte, prosciutto, mushrooms, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts ticked all the boxes, but it was the base that really impressed — well-flavoured and pillowy while still being satisfyingly chewy. All of Rudy’s pizzas — baked daily using 24-hour fermented dough — are made by trained and accredited pizzaiolos. What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari and soda, which arrives premixed in a dinky little bottle alongside a bowl of salted crisps for snacking, before moving onto generous sharing platters loaded with deli treats and house-baked bread. Address: 80 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TF Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus Opening times: Friday-Saturday (12-10:30pm), Sunday-Thursday (12-9:30pm) Best for personalised Neapolitan pizza (plus fans of crusts): Crust Bros If crusts are a big deal to you, it’s worth paying a visit to this Waterloo-based pizzeria. The clue is in the name – crusts are a big deal here, as well as the freedom to customise your pizza however you please (regardless of your eccentric topping combination). Which pizza to order at Crust Bros? Personalise is the name of the game here. Choose from either a Neapolitan or gluten-free base, pick your sauce (red, white, pesto, vegan), protein (‘nduja, anchovies, parma ham etc.), cheese (burrata, gorgonzola, vegan mozzarella etc.) and veg (peppers, onions, aubergines, chilli etc). If this seems complicated, choose from its list of pre-designed pizzas – Straight Outta Hell is a devilish combo of mozzarella, chicken, chillies, pepperoni and ’nduja. You could even add burrata for extra indulgence. What else is there to eat and drink? Double up on carbs with a side of cheesy flatbread topped with caramelised onions. Crust dippers will be more than happy with its offering, and we'd recommend ordering the trio of truffle, garlic and spicy mayos. To drink, Birra Moretti is on draft, while cocktails cover the classics, from Aperol spritz and margarita to espresso martini. Address: 113 Waterloo Road, Lambeth London, SE1 8UL Nearest tube station: Waterloo Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm Best artisanal pizza in Hackney Wick: Unlock Enjoy Neapolitan pizza by the canal at this trendy pizzeria-cum-exhibition space in Hackney Wick. Artist collaborations decorate the walls, while pizzaiolos sling pies from the wood-fired oven in the open kitchen. Which pizza to order at unlock? The menu is split into ‘classic’ and ‘gourmet’, and we encourage diners to opt for the more adventurous options. Toppings feature ingredients which you wouldn’t typically find on pizza, from kiwi purée to panko tempura prawns and sweet and sour pork neck. The base, however, is true to Neapolitan form, with a soft, chewy dough and blistered crust. We tried the prawn and pistachio from the gourmet section, and the nutty pistachio pesto and creamy stracciatella was a strong match for the crispy tempura prawns. What else is there to eat and drink? Starters are sophisticated and honour Italian produce: think smoked straciatella with Vesuvio apple vinegar and quinoa crumbles. To drink, choose from a short list of Italian wine, beer on tap and traditional Italian cocktails. Address: 1 Monkwood Way, London E32EG Nearest tube station: Hackney Wick Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (1pm-10pm), Friday-Sunday (12-11:30pm) Best vegetarian and vegan pizza in London: Flat Earth Pizza Flat Earth Pizza has moved into its first bricks and mortar location, an intimate space with bottle green and rattan furnishings. This sustainable pizza joint puts veg at the forefront and dismantles the idea of pizza as ‘junk food’: the dough is neither refined or processed, while ingredients are sourced locally. Which pizza to order at Flat Earth Pizza? Experimental pizza lies at the heart of Flat Earth, and the offerings do not disappoint. The ‘Hackey hot’ – an oval-shaped pizza with sweet pickled beetroot, a mixture of three Somerset cheeses, jalapeños, fermented hot salsa and tomato passata – has sweet warmth, while the ‘Kimchi Fiorentina’ with kimchi, tomato passata, beetroot crumb and egg, is a Korean twist on a veggie classic (vegans have the option of a plant-based mozzarella pie). What else is there to eat and drink? Start with a selection of well-designed vegan small plates to share, such as pickled beetroot and turmeric-spiced white cabbage, roasted red onions with caramelised shallots, chives and soubise and hummus with sweet house pickles and springy house focaccia. Drink natural orange wine on tap during summery evenings, or try the foraged fig leaf and sweet woodruff martini. Finish with a gooey vegan sea salt brownie with salted caramel ice cream. Address: 286-290 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9DA Nearest tube station: Cambridge Heath Opening times: Tuesday (5-10pm), Wednesday-Thursday (11am-10pm), Friday (11am-10:30pm), Saturday (10am-10:3opm), Sunday (10am-4pm) Best pizza and beer in East London: Ace Pizza at Pembury Tavern This historic Hackney boozer is the home of Ace Pizza, a fun-loving pizza brand famed for its slow risen, picture-perfect Neapolitan pizzas which are stone baked for longer to achieve a crispier crust. Pembury Tavern is also under the stewardship of The Five Points Brewing Company, a local and independent brewery with modern brewing at the heart of its work. Which pizza to order at Ace? If you like your pizzas heavily topped, doughy and with lashings of sauce, try the chicken shawarma, a fun spin on the classic kebab where house-made shawarma is layered with red onions, spicy marinara, garlic and herb sauce, Guindilla peppers, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Pickled pink onion is the magic ingredient though, providing a gloriously tangy flavour to cut through the creamy garlic sauce. What else is there to eat and drink? Pizzas span meat, veggie and vegan with the menu divided into red, white and green bases. Vegans can indulge in ‘Ooh Mami’, the creamy truffle bechamel providing the perfect base for a smattering of portobello mushrooms, cashew ricotta, caramelised onions, oregano oil, porcini salt and fresh parsley. Crust dippers include the enticing truffle aioli and a lip-smacking, fittingly named ‘crack sauce’. And, as the pub is a Five Points Brewery pub, plenty of beer is available to pair with your pizza, including a Five Points favourite the JUPA, a juicy and fruity pale ale with bold, citrus flavours. Address: 90 Amhurst Rd, London E8 1JH Nearest tube station: Hackney Downs Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (4-11pm) Thursday-Friday (4-12am) Saturday (12-12am) Sunday (12-11pm) Best Neapolitan pizza in London: Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria For the ultimate Neapolitan pizza in London, head to Stoke Newington (and be prepared to queue) for a seat in Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria, as recommended in the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. This Neapolitan family first began making pizza back in 1870, and the business is still going strong five generations later with sites in Naples, Tokyo and, London. Which pizza to order at Pizzeria da Michele? Go for the classic marinara or the margarita (with the option for double mozzarella). Each of the ingredients used is of the highest quality, from the thin, pillowy soft base to the sweet tomatoes and fresh peppery basil. Address: 125 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London, N16 0UH Nearest overground station: Stoke Newington Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday (12 –11pm), Sunday (12 – 10.30pm) Best for progressive Italian: Lamezia Maria Dell’aquilla took over the reins of her parents’ restaurant in April and describes her new menus as “progressive Italian” in view of its combination of the original Calabrian dishes and her own inspired addition of nutrition-inspired elements, such as hemp and turmeric bases as well as vegan, gluten-free dough and dairy-free cheese. Which pizza to order at Lamezia? Hemp pizza is not the first ground-breaking dish to come out of Lamezia: Maria’s father, Franco, created his signature ’nduja pizza 10 years ago and it’s still the bestseller. Address: 165 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX| Nearest station: Holloway Road Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 12am), Sunday (12 – 10pm) Best for vegan pizza: Purezza The UK’s first 100% vegan pizzeria, Purezza specialises in plant-based pizzas that respect the Neapolitan heritage. Where possible, this means using alternative versions of animal products, such as a plant-based mozzarella, which took more than two years to develop – this organic cheese (that’s dairy-free, low in fat and allergen-free) is made with brown rice milk and is unique to Purezza. Last year, the restaurant secured investment to begin producing the cheese from a factory for retail. The original Brighton restaurant opened in 2015 and was followed three years later by a Camden branch and plans for more later this year. In 2018, Purezza won National Pizza of the Year for its Parmigiana Party pizza, despite being the only plant-based entrant. Address: 43 Parkway, London, Nw1 7PN Nearest station: Camden Town Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm) Best for seasonal toppings: Manifesto Former Natoora director, Vittorio Maschio, has opened his first London pizzeria with a focus on carefully sourced and seasonal toppings. Flour comes from Molino Pasini, a family-run mill in North Italy, while fior di latte is brought over from Puglia. The biga-style dough (meaning it proves for 48-hours, creating a ciabatta-like texture) with a semolina-coated crust creates a super light, crisp base which holds its shape well when topped with sweet tomatoes. There's a laid-back vibe and minimalist design to the place with a few wooden tables inside, help-yourself counter service and a pile of boxes ready to be filled for takeaway. Which pizza to order at Manifesto? The stripped back menu offers six pizzas, two beers (from Hackney Wick's Crate Brewery), four wines and two Sicilian soft drinks. Keep it simple with the tomato and co. pizza topped with wild cantabrian anchovies and taggiasche olives, or order the pig and field option piled with peppery pedrazzoli ham and mushrooms if you want something more filling. There are no starters or desserts, but pizzas are reasonable in size. If you're still peckish, go back and order seconds. Address: 148 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6RD Nearest station: Clapham Junction Opening times: Monday – Saturday (11 – 11pm), Sunday (11 – 10.30pm) Best sourdough pizza in London: Theo’s Head to Theo’s in Camberwell for the best sourdough pizza in London. Its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are the best in South London. Which pizza to order at Theo's? The Scotch Bonnet nduja is the menu must-order, as the spiced sausage is made across the road by the team at the Camberwell Arms pub. What else is there to eat and drink? Save room for a serving of Theo's outrageously good tiramisu, and order a negroni bianco or espresso martini to finish. If you don’t fancy sitting in, Theo’s do delivery, so it’s up there with the best takeaway pizza in London, too. Address: 2 Grove Ln, Camberwell, London, SE5 8SY Nearest overground station: Denmark Hill Opening times: Monday (12 – 10pm), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (12 – 10:30pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm) Best pizza slice in London: Voodoo Ray’s For the best slice of pizza in London, head to Voodoo Ray’s for a New York style slice. With four locations across East, North and South London, this joint bakes 22-inch pizzas topped with everything from wild mushroom, squash and red onion; salt beef, sauerkraut and emmental and a vegan option, piled high with artichoke hearts and green olives. Which pizza to order at Voodoo Ray's? If you fancy a pizza pie for brunch, Voodoo Ray's serve 10” pizzas on the weekend topped with classic eggs and bacon or a veggie spinach and ricotta version. What else is there to eat and drink? With a selection of craft beers (think Beavertown, Red Hook and Kona) and frozen margaritas on offer, Voodoo Ray's is the place to go for a late-night munch. Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB Nearest overground station: Dalston Kingsland Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (5 – 12am), Thursday (5 – 1am), Friday – Saturday (12 – 3am), Sunday (12 – 12am) Best pizza joint atmosphere in London: Yard Sale What started as a weekly supper club in owner Johnnie’s back yard has grown to three restaurants (with another opening in March 2018) offering the best pizza in North London. Grab a leather booth seat close to the kitchens for the comfiest spot in house and order a 12 or 18-inch pizza topped with slow cooked tomato sauce and fior di latte mozzarella. The blistered base is crisp yet doughy which gets slightly sloppy when you reach the centre (so napkins are necessary). Which pizza to order at Yard Sale? There’s no holding back when it comes to toppings, be it the ‘TSB’, a mixture of Tender stem broccoli, manchego, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil; ‘Cour Bimey’ topped with courgette ribbon, pancetta and black pepper, or, one for the cheese lovers, ‘Cheesus Walks’, a white base piled high with basil pesto, mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta and parmesan. What else is there to eat and drink? If you’ve got room for more, order a garlic pizza bread with cheese and Marmite for the ultimate punchy umami experience. There’s a great choice of beers from Beavertown and the Five Points Brewing Company. Address: 54 Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DW Nearest tube station: Finsbury Park Opening times: Monday – Thursday (5 – 11pm), Friday (4 – 11pm), Saturday (12 – 11pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm) Best unusual pizza toppings in London: Homeslice Homeslice is one of the best pizza restaurants in London with sites in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia, City and Covent Garden. Whether you want to eat in or takeaway, you can order just a slice or a 20-inch pizza. Which pizza to order at Homeslice? Go all out and split your pizza 50/50 with two different flavours, ideal for sharing. Choose between a classic margherita; a salty salami, rocket and parmesan or a slice topped with kimchi, porcini cream and basil. Address: 13 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP Nearest tube station: Covent Garden Opening times: Monday – Sunday (12 – 11pm) Best all-round pizza meal in London: Made of Dough For the best pizza in Brixton and Peckham, visit Made of Dough. The moreish, chewy dough has a 60-hour fermentation process before being cooked in a wood-fired oven, and the mozzarella is fresh from Campania. Which pizza to order at Made of Dough? If you fancy something extra cheesy, order the truffle pizza that comes with fior di latte, white alba truffle oil and an entire ball of Burratina. What else is there to eat and drink? Make sure to order a side of the scotch bonnet romesco sauce to add a spicy kick to the crust, and wash your pizza down with one of the negronis or a fruity pompelmo G&T. Address: 182 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4BW Nearest overground station: Peckham Rye Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10pm), Sunday (12 – 9pm) Best for pizza garlic bread: Sodo Pizza With six sites across London London, Sodo pizza is the place to go for a light, crispy, tangy base. Which pizza to order at Sodo Pizza? Head to the Walthamstow restaurant on the weekend for a brunch of pizza topped with eggs and sausage and, if it’s warm enough, grab one of the outside tables and order a Bloody Mary or two. What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are great, we love the sourdough garlic bread topped with sweet, crisp rosemary and drizzled with an earthy olive oil. Address: Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London, E17 4QP Nearest tube station: Walthamstow Opening times: Tuesday – Friday (12 – 10pm), Saturday – Sunday (10 – 10pm) Fancy something sweet now? Click here for our chocolate chip cookie pizza recipe Photographs: Steven Joyce (Doughnation)
Want to know where to go for the best sirloin, the juiciest ribeye and top quality wagyu? Read on for our picks of the best steak restaurants in London.
Want to know where to go for the best sirloin, the juiciest ribeye and top quality wagyu? Read on for our picks of the best steak restaurants in London. From old-school steakhouses to Argentinian classics and modern Japanese grilling, foodies are spoilt for choice with options for the next meat-feast. For more like this, check out our reviews of the best brunch in London, the best outdoor restaurants in London or the best London pubs for food lovers. Best places to eat steak in London Cooper's Cut at Four Seasons Hotel Tower Bridge Set inside the grand former Port of London Authority building, Cooper’s Cut takes its name from Sir Edwin Cooper, the British architect who designed the building in 1922. His work combined scale with detail and the restaurant follows his inspiration: majestic surroundings and cooking that is impressively precise. The centrepiece is Australian executive chef Luke Armstrong’s pride and joy: Japanese hokkaido A4 wagyu fillet. The steak arrives with a golden crust and a deeply succulent interior that all but dissolves as you eat. A quenelle of Kristal caviar and a Pomerol sauce push the classic surf and turf idea somewhere more polished. The wagyu is the star of a succinct, refined lunch that works as a guided tour of what the restaurant does best. We began with an amuse-bouche of Belted Galloway beef tartare and smoked scallop, followed by heritage beetroot with dijon mustard, crème fraîche and merlot vinegar: a bright plate that set the tone. Next came chargrilled Scottish langoustines with saffron and citrus beurre blanc, sweet and lightly smoky from the grill. Dessert was a neat finish: granny smith apple tarte tatin with crème fraîche ice cream. There are plenty of other steaks on the main menu – Angus côte de boeuf and blue grey chateaubriand from the Lake District among them – but the wagyu is the dish that made our eyelashes flutter. cooperscutlondon.com instagram.com/cooperscut MR PORTER, Park Lane Bone-in fillet isn’t a cut you see often, trimmed and portioned as the steak usually is into neat medallions. But MR PORTER (the Amsterdam steakhouse downstairs at the Hilton Park Lane) makes the bone a virtue, and that small decision changes the experience. The 450g cut arrives thick and imposing, pink at the centre, the bone lending extra depth to a piece of meat prized for tenderness though not necessarily flavour. MR PORTER took over the former Trader Vic’s space and replaced tiki theatrics with low lighting, deep booths and a central bar that draws a well-dressed crowd. Arrive early to eat, stay late to enjoy the vibes from the resident DJ. A cocktail is essential. We enjoyed the yuzu martini, a sharp foil for the richness of the food. The fillet is one star among many on the meat-led menu, including a mighty tomahawk, a mega 1.2kg Mr Porter and A5 Japanese wagyu. But other dishes have wow factor. Jumbo prawn salad is the most popular, and dover sole meunière was deliciously delicate with brown butter and lemon for contrast. The must-order side dish is the crunchy onion loaf – stacked, crisp, built for pulling apart and sweeping through basil mayo. For dessert, popcorn crème brûlée was a crunchy, creamy revelation, balancing caramelised sugar with sweetcorn custard and a gentle jalapeño warmth. olive tip: to start, head straight for the carpaccio section. Charred mushrooms came wafer thin and lightly dressed; courgette arrived with a shower of Swiss belper knolle cheese, adding salinity and bite. mrportersteakhouse.com Ibai, Smithfield Ibai is a steak restaurant that starts well before the grill. The duo behind it, Nemanja Borjanović and William Sheard, own Mr Txuleta, the wholesale butcher that supplies the restaurant, controlling the beef from farm to table. That means choosing breeds, working directly with farmers, selecting cattle pre-slaughter and ageing the meat on its own terms. Ibai is known for its Galician Blond – including the first UK herds, in Wales and Bedfordshire – but there’s also a focus on rare native breeds and older animals. It’s beef with a backstory, and it tastes like it. The room matches the ambition. High ceilings, polished stone and firelight frame the open grill, giving the place a sense of occasion without stiffness. We began lightly. Cantabrian anchovies slicked with arbequina olive oil slip down in seconds, before moving on to house favourite Croque Ibai, a gloriously indulgent sandwich of carabinero prawn, boudin noir and Tomme de Brebis, crisped and molten, both salty and sweet. But the pull is the open grill. Ask to be shown the board, heaving with slabs of sirloin and rib, cut thick before being cooked over embers. We went for Galician Blond, a six-year-old animal, its meat aged for 51 days: deeply flavoured, with a savoury sweetness, buttery textured but with a satisfying drool-inducing chew – a true connoisseur’s steak. Beef-fat fries and braised leeks with mustard played their roles, anchovy and herb salsa added sharpness to cut through the rich meat. Dessert kept faith with the Basque thread. The pain perdu – crisp, rum-scented – was reason enough to stay. olive tip: Hand yourself over to sommelier Hugh to steer you through an ever-changing by-the-glass list – from classic European benchmarks to more left-field bottles. ibai.london Vivat Bacchus, Farringdon Ever tried a zebra stokkie? In Afrikaans it means ‘little stick’, a type of biltong, the air-dried cured meat that’s a South African classic. Zebra, along with beef, is part of the theatre of the biltong trolley at Farringdon steakhouse Vivat Bacchus, rolled to your table and sliced to order. It’s powerful with spices and vinegar, chewy and deeply satisfying. The trolley is the star starter, a tongue-tingling warm-up for the main attraction, the heritage braai selection. The equivalent of a UK barbecue, braai is more than a cooking method – it’s an event for bringing people together over food. The braai here offers a well-balanced spread of meats cooked over flame, designed for two to share. Juicy sirloin, meltingly soft cola-cooked pork belly, peppery boerewors (sausages) and ostrich fillet. If you’re not familiar with steaks from the big bird, think venison – incredibly lean and mildly gamey. Pot-baked mealie bread, fiery chakalaka relish and sweet-spicy monkey gland sauce are the go-to accompaniments, along with “flippen lekker” (very tasty) chips. As you’d expect, South African wines dominate the list, so ask your sommelier to match a glass with each dish. Finish with peppermint tart, a creamy dessert like a tiramisu. vivatbacchus.co.uk The Guinea Grill, Mayfair At one of Mayfair’s most characterful pub-restaurants, the meaty mains beg to be experienced, so we plumped for beef, Guinness and oyster Pie (to share) to kick off proceedings (though the devilled kidneys on toast, and seared scallops on the table next to us, looked very appetising). Topped with a crispy oyster and melted cheese, it set the tone for the next grand entrance – a magnificent côte de boeuf, presented at the table before being flamed on the grill and served with brandy peppercorn sauce, crispy layered pancetta confit potatoes and parmesan-creamed sweetcorn. For pudding, the crème brûlée crackled satisfyingly under the spoon, while the bread and butter pudding was surprisingly light and fluffy. Olive tip: If you’re visiting in the evening, try to skip lunch to take full advantage of the meaty fare. As well as starters, salads and mains, add-ons include lamb cutlet, calf's liver, lamb kidneys, black pudding and haggis. theguinea.co.uk Goodman, Mayfair At Goodman, the cut is everything. Each day begins in the basement ageing room where chefs inspect racks of prime beef, selecting the finest cuts to feature on The Cut specials board – a roll call of sirloin, ribeye, T-bone and fillet, sourced from the UK, USA, Australia and beyond. The star is a 75-day-aged Angus Pure Breed from the Lake District: deep, gamey and minerally, with intense beefiness. Diners get to choose not only the cut but the size of their steak – whether you’re in the mood for a modest 250g or a mighty kilo. Each one is cooked to your liking over red-hot 400C coals that leave a toffee-like crust and juicy centre. The Mayfair dining room, opened in 2008 (the first of three), hums with a clubby but not stuffy confidence – all dark leather, low lighting and cosy corners. Along one wall, regulars' engraved steak knives sit in a glass-fronted cabinet like prized trophies. Starters include crispy, fist-sized prawn tempura, and sweet and briny crab on warm brioche toast. From the side, truffled mac and cheese is luxurious, spinach sings with garlic, Josper-roasted onions are sticky and dark, and triple-cooked chips are made to dredge through the creamy béarnaise. Get to know the sommelier – they’ll match your palate and your steak, possibly with a lush American pinot noir or a more classic French Bordeaux. goodmanrestaurants.com Dorian, Notting Hill Relaxed and friendly, Dorian has polish but no pretence. Smart enough for a birthday, casual enough for a Tuesday night, it proudly boasts of its place in the heart of the neighbourhood. But for all its clubbable vibe, what makes it a destination is the steak. Aged for 60 days on-site, Dorian offers three cuts, cooked with mesmeric care over wood fire: sirloin on the bone, rib-eye on the bone and the grand T-bone. Each arrives richly barked, exteriors crisped and as smoky as embers, interiors blushing and butter soft. It’s dramatic, theatrical cooking – made to share, made to marvel at. But this isn’t a one-dish restaurant. Rostis are fried to a deep gold and topped with crab and broad bean, or langoustine and pea. Or, if you’re feeling especially decadent, caviar. For starters, a plate of white asparagus is a snappable delight, tempura St George’s mushrooms deliver umami nuggets, and the succulent ibérico pork is complemented by noisily crunchy strips of deep-fried pig’s ear. Triple-cooked Pink Fir potatoes deserve their own accolade, shrapnel skins, fluffy flesh, built for scooping up whatever’s left on your plate. Desserts are great – go for salted milk flan with a scoop of coffee and dark chocolate sorbet. But, really, you’re here for the incredible steak. dorianrestaurant.com Cut at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair As you would expect, Cut at 45 Park Lane – culinary heavyweight Wolfgang Puck’s fine dining steakhouse – wants you to experience the best cuts from the world’s best steaks. To make the most of an experience in this sleek, polished dining room, choose The Taste of Cut: a trio of British grass-fed sirloin, Australian wagyu and Japanese A5 wagyu, each carefully cooked and clearly distinct. The sirloin is bold and beefy; the Australian richly marbled; while the A5, almost white with silky fat, barely needs a knife. It’s an impressive way to understand what top-grade beef really tastes like. Wolfgang may be best known for revolutionising Californian fine dining with Spago and feeding the stars at the Oscars, but at Cut you feel that steak is his passion. Head chef Ibrahim cooks over open flames, resting and flaming to deliver smoky perfection, perfectly paired with dry Italian red wine barbaresco. Small bites include miso cones of spicy tuna tartare, bite-sized, meltingly soft wagyu sliders, and sweet and fluffy crab and lobster rolls. If you have room for dessert, share a burnt Basque cheesecake with Hugh Lowe Farm strawberries, the freshness of the fruit a perfect foil for the delicately creamy pudding. dorchestercollection.com Macellaio RC, various locations The tagline of this collection of six Italian restaurants is ‘the butcher’s theatre’. Genoan restaurateur Roberto Costa’s original South Kensington branch is a homely ‘butcher with tables’, while the glamorous Soho outpost focuses on the theatre butchery. Executive chef Lello Favuzzi’s menu starts with lardo that melts onto sourdough with honey and hazelnuts, smoked, aged tuna bresaola with heirloom tomatoes and Tropea onions, and the signature steak tartare. The latter is excitingly prepared tableside on a smart wooden trolley – bowls of chopped Fassona steak, capers, onions, gherkins and anchovies are mixed with cognac, Worcestershire sauce and mustard, with an egg yolk balanced on top. The main event is the grill. House-butchered T-bones, ribeyes and sirloins are dry-aged for seven to nine weeks, and there’s a choice between grass-fed British, lean Fassona from Piedmont and a Bavarian breed that boasts intensely flavoured fat. Pair with a Seven Hills negroni, a bottle from the exceptional Italian wine list and finish with a tiramisu, built at the table, or homemade hazelnut gelato. macellaiorc.com Zoilo, Marylebone This intimate bistro has been serving regional Argentinian classics for over a decade. The upstairs dining room is a cocoon of elegance – exposed brick and wood panelled walls strung with black and white photographs of life in Buenos Aires, flickering tea lights on white tablecloths, deep red leather banquettes and chequered flooring, with a heavy velvet curtain wrapped around the door to keep out the cold. A wooden bar is generously stocked with aperitifs and spirits to make cocktails while impressive vintages line shelves behind. Chef Patron Diego Jacquet returns to Argentina two to three times a year to source the 250-strong list of wines including Mendoza's prestigious Malbec regions UCO Valley and Vista Flores. Kick things off with house-cured salami, flaky, beef-filled empanadas, provoleta (a semi-hard cheese similar to Italian provolone) melted and topped with almonds and honey, and sea bream ceviche doused in green oil, chia seeds and pickled kohlrabi. Grass-fed, pampas-reared Argentinian steak is the main event, from juicy ‘bife ancho’ rib-eye served with lively tomato and parsley salsa criolla to perfectly pink ‘asado’ flank and Brazilian style picanha cooked sous vide. Order extra-crunchy hand cut Provençal chips and seasonal sides that might include opulent cauliflower cheese layered with peanut butter. To finish, silky smooth crème brûlée is topped with dulce de leche swirled banana ice cream and petits fours include squares of dulce de leche fudge. zoilo.co.uk Flat Iron, Southbank Who can argue with Flat Iron’s motto, “Great steak for everyone”, when £15 is all it costs for a beautifully cooked flat iron steak. It’s no surprise that the crowd spans everyone from young professionals to parents with toddlers in tow. This is the 18th Flat Iron, set just behind the Royal Festival Hall and overlooking Southbank Market Square. Inside, a smart central bar divides a bright, lively front space from a cosier dining room at the back. There’s also a sunny terrace, perfect for relaxed lunches and summer evenings. The signature flat iron steak is the headline act: British-reared beef, expertly seared to a rosy blush and served simply with beef dripping chips, silky creamed spinach and an outrageously indulgent crispy bone marrow mash. Blackboard specials like wagyu keep regulars coming back, while a short, well-curated list of wines, beers and classic cocktails rounds out the offering. Flat Iron skips a formal dessert menu, instead handing out complimentary salted caramel soft serve in a crunchy cone – a small detail that’s part of the charm. Unfussy, reliable and brilliantly executed, Flat Iron really does make great steak democratic. flatironsteak.co.uk Hawksmoor, various locations There are multiple branches of Hawksmoor to choose from across London. The Wood Wharf branch combines its signature British steakhouse flair with a unique waterside location. Situated on a floating pavilion, this restaurant offers stunning views of the City alongside its renowned menu of perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty sides. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sipping on classic cocktails while enjoying the serene waterfront atmosphere. Hawksmoor’s dedication to quality and sustainability ensures a memorable dining experience. thehawksmoor.com/locations/wood-wharf/ NIJŪ, Mayfair Experience wagyu and kobe beef grilled to perfection at Japanese restaurant NIJŪ in Mayfair. Endo Kazutoshi, arguably London’s most esteemed sushi master, is behind this new Mayfair grill, with exec chef Chris Golding overseeing the menu day to day. Careful sourcing, luxe ingredients and well-honed kitchen skills create a unique menu inspired by ‘Katei Ryōri’: homecooked, seasonal dishes, some – like dover sole, asparagus and nori butter – served tableside. Wagyu, that most highly-prized beef, is sourced from Japan and England, cooked simply over Japanese charcoal and offered with fresh wasabi and yuzu salsa verde. Beyond the steak offerings, sashimi includes indulgent cuts like otoro (fatty tuna) served classic style or with a contemporary NIJŪ twist – ‘aburi’ (seared) with caviar. Vegetables are treated with equal care, from grilled aubergine with white sesame dressing to spicy spinach with sobacha (buckwheat tea). A sushi counter and glass panel revealing all the kitchen action add to the buzzy atmosphere. The basement Nipperkin bar uses British ingredients, some grown and distilled on site in its hyper-seasonal cocktail list. nijulondon.com Blacklock, various across London While Blacklock’s famous ‘All In’ – a pile-up of seared pork, lamb and beef chops served atop charcoal-grilled flatbread – remains a carnivore’s rite of passage, another must-order is the magnificent beef prime rib chop (choose the size to suit you). Charred and glossy, blushing pink within, it’s a true showstopper, elevated to even greater heights of umami meatiness with house gravy. It’s a dish that feels perfectly in keeping with the dark wood and exposed brick of Blacklock’s Shoreditch branch, tucked inside a Victorian warehouse, buzzing with office workers. Begin with bite-size canapés then choose succulent pig’s head on toast, lifted by sweet, pickled chilli slices. Sides compete for stardom: 10-hour ash-roasted sweet potato, smoky and creamy; sharp kale with parmesan; loudly crunchy beef dripping chips; and silky bone marrow. Try your luck and ask for the secret pie: only 20 are baked each day and they’re not listed on the menu – a celebration of Blacklock’s nose-to-tail philosophy made with handpicked cuts, slow-cooked in Cornish stout and wrapped in thyme-topped shortcrust pastry. To finish, white chocolate cheesecake is like no other you’ve had before, served at your table in great scoops for everyone to grab a spoon and dive into. theblacklock.com Solis, Battersea Solis is the personal product of Ana Gonçalves’ (along with husband Zijun Meng, who together are behind cult favourites TĀ TĀ Eatery and Tou) desire to showcase food from her childhood and challenge the conventional expectations of the steak night. With bold flavour influences from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Argentina, Solis is looking to break the mould without breaking the bank. Located right in the heart of Battersea Power Station’s multi-billion-pound restoration and redevelopment, it offers an accessible menu headlined by its signature grilled spatchcock chicken and flat-iron steak, both served with salad, fries and a big side of South American vibrancy. arcadefoodhall.com/solis Fazenda, Shoreditch This might just be the ultimate sharing extravaganza for steak lovers. Fazenda’s Churrasco Experience brings the theatre of the traditional gaucho grill to your table, offering a limitless selection (you can eat as much as you like) of 15 grilled meats, carved from giant skewers by expert passadores. Highlights include picanha (beef rump), sirloin, ribeye, pork belly and fillet, all cooked to medium-rare perfection. This premium south Brazilian restaurant spans two floors in the sleek 100 Bishopsgate Tower and boasts three private dining rooms, an elegant mezzanine lounge and the standalone Fino bar. Start your experience with the Market Table’s fresh salads and sides or opt for Brazilian small plates, such as seafood moqueca (a tomato and coconut stew) or yellowfin tuna with beef cream emulsion. For something extra special, Fazenda’s ‘Share an indulgent cut’ menu features sharing dishes like roasted bone marrow with chimichurri, a one-kilo tomahawk steak dry-aged for 21 days, grilled giant king prawns and a 500g grade 9 wagyu sirloin. To drink, Fazenda specialises in Argentinian, Brazilian, Chilean and Uruguayan wines, as well as innovative cocktails from South America. If you still have room, try dulce de leche filled churros or crème caramel layered with chantilly cream and madeira cake. fazenda.co.uk/location/bishopsgate Heliot Steak House, Covent Garden Heliot Steak House, right at the heart of Leicester Square’s famous Hippodrome Casino, overlooking the Grand Casino, has recently been given a refurb. It majors in elevated American cuisine, with buttery prime USDA steaks the stars of the show. Everything here is about the drama, from plumptious prawns presented with billowing clouds of dry ice, to perfectly grilled steaks, sliced at the table and served with oozy mac ‘n’ cheese (with a rarebit-style topping), creamy spinach and rosemary-salted fries. There’s a choice of 120 wines (choose Ramnista Xinomavro, a velvety red from Greece, a perfect partner for red meat). There are also fish, lamb, chicken and pasta dishes, and some vegetarian options. And if you do get lucky on the tables, you might want to splash out on a luxurious Japanese wagyu sirloin. hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/ The Butcher’s Tap and Grill, Chelsea A meat chamber filled with labelled cuts is the first sign that this is no ordinary boozer. The London outpost of Tom Kerridge’s pub joins the Marlow original in offering superior steaks and sauces: prime bone in ribeye with jalapeño mayo and truffle fries enjoyed in a leather booth feels right in this smart neighbourhood just three minutes from Sloane Square and shopper’s paradise King’s Road. True to its pub roots there are chops, burgers, kebabs and hot dogs, real ales and beer on tap, and sport on the TV screens. Tom has a knack for making everyone welcome, from locals popping by to collect a Friday night takeaway to destination diners and football fans catching the match over a pint or two. thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk/chelsea Daffodil Mulligan, Shoreditch Chef Richard Corrigan’s partnership with fellow Irishmen John Nugent and Tony Gibney is an unapologetic tribute to Irish craic. The industrial Shoreditch space is modestly decorated with moody portraits of Irish legends – Sinéad O’Connor guides you down the stairs to the basement drinking den; while upstairs is where you’ll find the main restaurant, open kitchen, complete with a wood oven and grill, and oyster bar. Let chef be your guide with six sharing courses and a Gibney’s stout, or work your way around the snacks, small plates, oysters and grill. On the grill, you'll find a selection of steaks using award-winning Shorthorn beef sourced from across Ireland and dry aged in Himalayan salt bricks for 28 days. As well as classic sirloin, flat-iron or cote de boeuf from the grill, the wood oven offers more for meat-lovers from a forerib of beef & bone marrow cheeseburger (served in a beef fat brioche bun) to sugar pit pork and wood-fired whole roast chicken. Many ingredients are sourced from Richard’s own estate in Ireland, Virginia Park Lodge – including smoky, wood-roasted carrots that punch way above their weight. Biscuity champagne and a light, very gluggable muscadet are winners on the wine list – but drinks nerds should explore the cocktails with infused spirits, from jalapeño-infused tequila in a blood orange margarita to chilli Aperol with mezcal, chocolate and orange bitters. daffodilmulligan.com Lurra, Marylebone Tucked away on Marylebone’s pretty (and seriously foodie) Seymour Place, Lurra is a contemporary, sophisticated Basque-inspired restaurant. It’s sister to Donostia, just across the road. There’s more to this trendy joint than its good looks though: ingredients are key. With a meat import business (think 14-year-old Galician Blond, 67-day hung beef) supplying the likes of Kitty Fisher’s and Chiltern Firehouse, and a cellar downstairs housing top Spanish wines (including an incredible Louro from Valdeorras), owners Nemanja and Melody know their stuff. lurra.co.uk The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair With its vintage styling, large booths and striking murals, the Colony pays homage to classic New York grill restaurants. Dishes finished tableside are a big part of chef Ben Boeynaems’ menu, including dover sole meunière with miso butter, theatrically deboned before guests. The sharing wood-grilled tomahawk steak (bone-in ribeye) is a similarly dramatic presentation, carved as it’s served at the table. Deft knife skills maximise the cut’s juiciness. colonygrillroom.com Gaucho, Piccadilly Step through the doors of Gaucho Piccadilly and you step into the original. The flagship that launched a now 20-strong group, this is where the magic started. Dark walls and flickering candlelight – the décor remains familiar just like the head chef Mario, who’s been grilling here for 25 years. That longevity brings serious consistency. Argentinian beef is sourced from farms committed to regenerative practices. The signature cut, churrasco, is a must: spiralled lomo (fillet), chorizo (sirloin), ancho (ribeye) or rump (cuadril), marinated in parsley, lemon, garlic and olive oil, and grilled to perfection. There are elegant starters – crispy prawn chicharrón with sweet-spicy aji amarillo and lime-bright crab tostada – but you’re here for steak and a serious glass of something red. Ask the sommelier for a pairing from the knockout New World wine list, and trust the superb waiting staff – they’re as much part of the institution as the steak. Once the haunt of power lunchers, today it’s shoppers and tourists looking for post West End indulgence. And they find it – topped off with a rich dulce de leche cheesecake crowned with chantilly, hazelnuts and cherries. gauchorestaurants.com STK Steakhouse, The Strand If you like your steak with a side of glamour, STK on The Strand delivers it in style. A buzzing, clubby vibe, a menu built around premium cuts and a sleek central bar make this one of London’s go-to spots for a steak night with extra sparkle. The space feels part steakhouse, part cocktail lounge – dark, dramatic lighting, plush leather booths and a live DJ most evenings. It's a popular choice for celebrations, stylish dinners and anyone looking to combine a serious steak with a lively night out. On the menu, prime cuts of USDA beef can be finished with a range of toppings and crusts, including truffle butter, crab and parmesan, blue cheese and chimichurri. If you’re feeling especially hungry go for the 900g tomahawk, a magnificent cut that’s made for sharing. But steak isn’t the only indulgence: mini wagyu burgers are a luxurious take on a crowd-pleaser, while Mermaid Surf & Turf pairs perfectly cooked steak with seafood. There’s plenty for lighter appetites, too — tuna tartare, roasted halibut and a punchy caesar salad ensure no one’s left behind. The drinks list leans heavily on signature cocktails alongside a robust wine selection. Room for dessert? Share a crunchy apple crumble topped with a scoop of creamy ice cream. stksteakhouse.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Islington Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Best restaurants in Hackney: where locals eat and drink
Check out our favourite restaurants, cafes, bars and foodie spots in Hackney – Sicilian red prawns, fragrant curries dipped into buttery homemade roti, and one of the best-value tasting menus in town
Looking for Hackney restaurants? Here are the olive team's favourite restaurants in London's North Eastern borough, from Hackney Road to Stoke Newington, Homerton and London Fields... Best places to eat and drink in Hackney Albers, De Beauvoir – for small plate classics with a twist Albers is a small corner room in De Beauvoir, all big windows and candlelight, with bikes sliding past outside and a faint Edward Hopper Nighthawks feeling to the scene. Inside, white walls and warm wood keep things simple, the tables close, the mood sociable. It’s the sort of place that wants to be your local even if you’ve crossed town for it. The cooking sits in that appealing middle ground between pub comfort and bistro intent: classics remembered, then gently tilted. I drank a sage cordial with soda, sweet and syrupy in the best way, and lifted by a soft herbal edge. The sardine ragu croquette was the first real wink from the kitchen: crisp outside, creamy within, deep with sardine warmth and finished with a generous parmesan dusting. Grey mullet crudo with cranberry and citrus was all balance, sharpness layered on sharpness, the fish cool and slightly creamy, the fruit giving tart little bursts. Sausage with sauerkraut and quince came rich and peppery, handmade and satisfying, the kraut leaning sweet-sour, quince adding a gentle perfume. The smoked eel and bacon caesar salad was the dish I kept going back to: smoke from eel and bacon folding into the salty anchovy depth of the dressing, crisp leaves: a bold take on something you think you know. Celeriac with confit egg was decadent and nutty. Bluefin tuna with peppercorn sauce was pleasant enough, thick buttery slices and a clean sear, though the sauce felt a touch thin and the temperature slightly off. Dessert was a maple and hazelnut ice cream sandwich: the biscuit was a little firm but the maple ice cream was silky smooth and toasty. Service is friendly, still smoothing its edges, and there’s no coffee or hot drinks to stretch the evening. Still, Albers feels like a place settling into itself. albers.london Mambow, Clapton – for modern Malaysian dishes Abby Lee has become eponymous with Malaysian cuisine in London. After years of pop-ups and a street-food outpost in Peckham, the chef opened a bricks-and-mortar space in northeast London. It’s a casual spot complete with pretty, mismatched tiles, bench seating and a lively soundtrack. Half of the small space is dedicated to an open kitchen, where Abby and her team dart between simmering pots and sizzling pans to create fiery, fragrant modern Malaysian dishes. Highlights include the signature lor bak – five spice pork encased in crisp, frilly beancurd, deep-fried stone bass steak in a lively Nyonya-style tamarind curry sauce and sticky, double-roasted pork belly pieces coated in a silky kecap manis caramel glaze, served with blue rice (to match Abby’s fabulous hair colour). There’s only one dessert option, but it has plenty going for it – a bright green pandan pancake filled with brown sugar and desiccated coconut, served with coffee ice cream. There’s a succinct natural wine list as well as Malaysian twists on classic cocktails. The floral, thirst-quenching Juice Box softens the heat from the spicier dishes, while the 100+ Sour is a refreshing concoction of gin, coconut liquor, miso syrup and blackberry. mambow.co.uk Bambi 2.0, London Fields – for sharing plates, wine and vinyl James Dye's music-led bar and restaurant is decked out with contemporary art, a cosy mezzanine space and a large vinyl library at the back, where DJs spin the decks come evening (plus, on weekends tables are cleared after dinner for dancing). Head chef Jamie Thorneycroft takes inspiration from around the world, most notably in the butterflied bream, dressed half and half in parsley and adobo sauce – a firm nod to his visit to Contramar in Mexico City. Kick off with sourdough from neighbouring E5 Bakehouse to scoop up whipped ricotta drizzled in hot honey. Next comes miso trout atop mini blue corn tostadas, crunchy buttermilk fried chicken pieces with Szechuan gremolata and plump Atlantic prawns slathered in peri-peri sauce alongside sweet black garlic aïoli. The low-intervention wine list includes chilled reds and skin contact aplenty (try a Czech orange to complement the prawns), all served in jazzy bespoke glasses. For dessert there's a choice of sorbet or basque cheesecake catered to post-lunch indulgence as well as a lighter option, to ensure nothing’s holding you back from that martini-fuelled dancefloor come 11pm. bambi-bar.com Sonora – for tacos You can always expect a queue to form at Sonora and for good reason, with loyal customers referring to it as the best tacos in London. Its barbacoa tacos, using homemade flour tortillas, are loaded with strong, tangy and juicy beef, melted cheddar and toppings including coriander, onion, lime and red salsa. It’s a messy affair, but one definitely worth partaking in. instagram.com/sonora.ldn Casa Fofó, Hackney Downs – for a great-value tasting menu An exceptional, yet accessible, haven for Hackney foodies where continental flavours collide without breaking the bank. Casa Fofó is the baby of Italian head chef Adolfo De Cecco, who’s best known for his time at Pidgin, and is joined by alumni from his time here – sous chef Sam Coleman and chef de partie Giuseppe Pepe. Eight courses are kicked off with a super-crisp potato cake finger with a spiced slice of pickled daikon and lardo, taken from a well-fed Middle White pig. The menu, which is tweaked daily, is Marie Kondo-esque minimal with only a few words to describe each finely tuned dish, making each arrival a pleasant surprise. casafofolondon.co.uk Angelina, Dalston – for Italian-Japanese fusion Sleek and buzzy. Angelina’s minimalist interiors include high ceilings, oversized pendant lamps, plenty of indoor greenery and wooden floors. Sit in dusky-toned chairs to eat, or perch at a counter surrounding the open kitchen and watch the chefs calmly at work. Simple yet refined Italian-Japanese cooking is the focus, and their dining concept is boldly simple: a 13-course sharing menu for £68. The menu starts with elegant fish and seafood crudités: Sicilian red prawns, dusted with roasted rice powder and drizzled with olive oil, has a lusciously soft, almost creamy texture, while rich tuna belly is pepped up by a zingy blood orange dressing. Sea bream with mirin is salty-fresh. angelina.london Pophams, London Fields – for pastries and pasta The team behind the popular East London bakery has smartly moved its pastry skills into pasta territory for evenings in the London Fields branch. Don’t fret, bakes are still very much present, with hunks of fresh-from-the-oven sourdough to start, homemade caraway-flecked crackers to scoop up smoked trout pâté and a perfectly formed croissant apple tart, filled with buttery sesame compote, intricate slices of apple and a moat of vanilla custard. These baked delights bookmark the evening’s main event: a short selection of fresh, homemade pasta shapes coated, filled and topped with seasonal sauces. Favourites on our visit were casoncelli parcels filled with a white veal mince bolognese, tossed in butter, guanciale pieces and parmesan. Orecchiette are made with toasted sourdough flour, coated in chicken butter sauce as a vehicle for dinky chicken meatballs. Order a side of pan-fried and roasted Romana courgette sticks with a light coating of fine sourdough and sun-dried tomato crumbs. pophamsbakery.com/pasta Equal Parts, Hackney Road – for Italian aperitivo Michael Sager has partnered with Matteo Vaccargiu to open an Italian aperitivo bar in a green tiled-fronted corner spot, a few doors down from the original Sager + Wilde wine bar. It’s an elegant yet unfussy space, with plenty of wood panelling, flickering candles and vinyl twirling on the decks. Perch at the window ledge to watch trendy passers-by or bag a spot at the bar to see the team shake and stir signature cocktails in front of an impressive line-up of amaros, aperitivo and bitters. The Flor cocktail combines fino sherry and olive oil vodka with Matteo’s elevated clarification of fresh tomato, basil, chilli and a tiny touch of garlic for a bright, fresh finish, alla liquid bruschetta to evoke the Sardinian coast. The Orange is a gluggable concoction of orange wine, Meletti amaro and pear and elderflower syrup, while the ACE makes a refreshing twist on the garibaldi combining carrot cordial, fresh orange juice, Campari and soda. A seasonal infusion makes its way into a trio of classics; on our visit a strawberry and fig leaf martini combo that brightened the negroni, sbagliato and americano. equalpartslondon.com Cinco, Dalston – for Mexican-inspired cocktails Hidden away underneath sister restaurant Corrochio’s, Cinco is a rustic, sultry basement den with flickering candles and bare concrete walls decorated with Mexican art. First and foremost a bar that specialises in agave and Mexican spirits, its collection – including rare bottlings – is curated by Corrochio founders Daniel Corrochio and Amy McQuarrie from their travels across Daniel’s native Mexico. The bar even has its own in-house mezcal available to try and buy. Cocktails are surprising and layered, showcasing the full breadth of what agave spirits have to offer. The Doña Mago uses raicilla (another agave spirit), tomato liqueur, plum sake, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur and plum and tomato cordial for a fabulous margarita-esque drink with smoky, fruity, tangy charm. Another next-level take on a marg comes in the form of the El Chihuas, with sotol (another Mexican distillate, made from the desert spoon plant), fig, guanabana and yuzu liqueurs. The end result is a tropical, creamy drink with a delicate floral edge. The Mujer Moderna features butter-washed Abasolo whisky, Nixta corn liqueur, crème de cacao and chocolate bitters for an opulent, cocoa-tinged interpretation of an old fashioned. Cinco also has a nice little roster of no- and low-alcohol cocktails made using alcohol-free spirits and Mexican ingredients – the La Bikini Cero, with non-alcoholic agave spirit, chilli syrup, verdita water and pineapple has a pleasing spicy kick. corrochios.com WAVE – for leisurely plant-based brunches Tucked down a quiet backstreet off buzzy Hackney Central lies a plant-based oasis. WAVE (We Are Vegan Everything) does exactly what it says on the tin and more: a fully vegan menu of brunches, pastries, bakes and drinks, set among Bali beach-inspired interiors with a neutral colour palette, rattan furniture and hanging macramé plants. The shakshuka with creamy butter beans comes topped with a convincing vegan egg made from whipped tahini yogurt and hollandaise. Eat the rainbow with the brekkie bowl of scrambled tofu, perfectly ripe avocado, roast tomatoes, hummus, sautéed kale and homemade barbecue beans. Açai bowls can be levelled up with Trip CBD, protein powder, maca powder and nut butters. Daily fresh treats from the counter include pastry perfection from up-and-coming plant-based bakery Okja in Spitalfields. Don’t sleep on these – the pistachio and lemon one is zesty and refreshing, while the chocolate hazelnut pastry hits the vegan Nutella spot. Try the salted coffee or peanut butter latte for a punchy caffeine hit, while the vibrant turmeric and beetroot lattes provide plant-powered goodness. Take it one step further with a medicinal lion’s mane latte or cordyceps chai – or make it a boozy brunch with a bloody mary. weareveganeverything.com Sune, Broadway Market – for eclectic small plates and natural wines Sommelier Honey Spencer and her partner Charlie Sims have curated hospitality experience from restaurants across the world to open their own place in Hackney. There’s a real neighbourhood-style buzz to the contemporary space, with a striking terracotta light installation casting a warm glow across the gnarled dark wood tables, prints of fresh produce and sweeping counter with floor-to-ceiling wine racks behind. Honey showcases natural wines, with plenty by the glass, from orange Czech pet nat to fresh Georgian Tsolikouri and South African Syrah. The menu is eclectic and bold, rotating dishes such as crisp potato cake topped with guindilla, anchovies and espelette pepper, sea bass crudo slivers in a vibrant borscht vinaigrette and the signature grilled pork chop bathing in a bisque-style prawn and lemongrass sauce, best paired with whipped brown butter emulsion spooned over pink fir potatoes. Head chef Michael Robins plays with his Canadian heritage in a homage to Montreal’s L’Express, where chefs meet after service for DIY beef tartare and croque Monsieur hybrids. At Sune, he tops a crisp, cheesy toastie with dairy beef tartare for a truly indulgent interlude between courses. sune.restaurant From The Ashes at Five Points Courtyard – for next-level BBQ BBQ legends Martin Anderson and Curtis Bell have a new home in Five Points Brewing Co’s expansive outdoor area beneath the railway arches. The succinct menu of smoker stars includes crisp beef brisket tacos, legendary ‘nduja doughnuts and brioche buns stuffed with smoked pork, garlic mayo and pickles. Meat-free options are equally excellent – floppy flatbreads doused in zaatar to scoop up sweet squash hummus and grilled hispi cabbage slathered in vegan ‘nduja and tahini yogurt. If you can't decide what to order, the chef's BBQ platter gives a taste of three meats and sides (loaded fries and bacon-adorned lettuce wedges) for £55. fromtheashesbbq.co.uk Koya Ko, Broadway Market – for Japanese udon noodles Tucked away off buzzing Broadway Market, Koya’s casual, friendly little sister follows suit from noodle bars found in Japan’s train stations, with a tachi-gui (standing-while-dining) element alongside seats for customers to slurp bowls of springy udon and tuck into donburi rice bowls. Pop in for the famous English/Japanese breakfast of hot udon topped with egg, bacon and butter soy mushrooms, or traditional neba-neba breakfast rice bowl with fermented soy beans, pickled seaweed and okra and onsen tamago egg. After midday, there’s crunchy chicken kara-age with spring onion sauce and steaming bowls of udon in dashi broth. Try new menu additions, such as slow-braised beef shin on hot noodles slathered in chilli oil, the KO salad of cold udon with pickled aubergine, and plenty of mini-don rice bowls to enjoy on the go. koya.co.uk Duke of Richmond, London Fields – for French gastro pub vibes A thoughtful restoration, including cool painted floorboards, calming accents of olive and cream on the walls, blue leather banquettes, and varnished wooden tables, make for a modern pub setting. Relaxed, a little bit rowdy (as all good pubs should be) and suitably stylish for its Hackney locals. The menu might be continental in its leaning but all of the dishes feel at home in their British pub setting – think seasonal giant vol au vents, rib cap burgers with confit shallots, roquefort, bearnaise sauce and fries, and tart au citron. Seafood shines – try super-light Cornish crab soufflé, sea trout with wild fennel and Cornish crab chip butties. thedukeofrichmond.com Little Duck The Picklery, Dalston – for casual small plates Dalston’s Little Duck The Picklery is no ordinary restaurant. Describing itself as a “fermenting kitchen, eatery and wine bar”, this third venue from the same team behind Soho’s Duck Soup and Hackney’s Raw Duck centres round one large, family-style kitchen table from which head chef and proprietor Tom Hill preps and cooks a carefully curated selection of seasonal small plates, guests only an arm’s length away. Drinks and dishes are scrawled on blackboards and change each week. For breakfast, expect the likes of beef and lamb sausages with garlic yogurt, flatbreads and pickled tomatoes, masala-spiced scrambled eggs, and shiitake mushroom oats. For lunch and dinner, the Mediterranean-skewed plates linger around the £8 to £11 mark and pack serious flavour. Start with a gut-friendly daily pickle or ferment (like a kimchi or kraut, for as little as £2.50) then move on to the plates proper. littleduckpicklery.com Morito, Hackney Road – for Cretan small plates With polished concrete floors, a striking, horseshoe, marble-topped bar, pops of colour and Instagrammable mirrored fish-scale tiles, Morito feels very much at home in Hackney. The open kitchen is headed by co-owner Samantha Clark and head chef Marianna Leivaditaki. Formerly at Moro, Marianna grew up in Crete and developed her feel for ingredients in her family’s fish restaurant. At Morito she makes exceptionally-sourced produce shine. Buffalo butter that smacks of the farm in Thessaloniki where it began life and the headiest za’atar from Istanbul make the breadbasket irresistible. The menu is similar to that of the first Morito with tapas, mezze and larger plates at lunch and dinner, but with new dishes, too – made-to-order Moroccan breads for breakfast, homemade halloumi with pickled za’atar, and kid mechoui with goat’s curd, preserved lemon and harissa. morito.co.uk Click here to try Morito's dinner party recipes yourself The Dusty Knuckle, Dalston – for cakes and bakes Looking for a bakery in Hackney? The Dusty Knuckle is a social enterprise café and bakery with a conscience, according to co-founder Max Tobias. “The idea was that we would start a bakery that could provide employment experiences to young people at the margins of society.” Max and chef Rebecca Oliver quit their jobs and launched The Dusty Knuckle from a shipping container in 2014. After three successful years it moved a few metres to a new permanent home opposite. It also runs regular bread-making classes and has ambitious plans to run a youth training academy in the future. thedustyknuckle.com/dalston Sager + Wilde, Hackney Road – for unusual wines and date night At this casual but romantic neighbourhood wine bar, huddle up in around candlelit tables, or prop yourself up at the industrial iron grate bar and soak up knowledge from the chatty staff while getting a closer look at rare bottles displayed on the rack along the back wall. The small but thoughtful wine menu covers lesser-known regions and quirky categories such fresh, bright Transylvanian white blend, juicy Georgian red made from indigenous grapes and toasty Alsatian crémant made using auxerrois grapes often reserved for whites rather than sparkling. The fino sherry-laced house martini, lifted with a pickled grape, makes a delightful aperitif to sip while you’re making your wine selection. On the food menu, glistening anchovies are neatly placed beside hunks of sourdough and a generous slab of butter, while charcuterie and cheese plates showcasing the likes of finocchiona, chorizo and Westcombe cheddar come with crackers and apricot jam. Don’t miss the legendary toasties – our favourite being the spicy ‘nduja-stuffed number complete with crunchy cheese skirt. sagerandwilde.com Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick – for beer and pizza If you love beer and you love pizza, Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick is the best place to visit. The stone-baked pizzas are topped with unusual ingredients including a veggie Kashmiri dal and a middle eastern lamb. As you’d expect, beer is a real focus. Each week there’s a selection of guest bottles from a fruity brown ale to a dark Indian pale ale as well as regular casks and kegs of zingy lemon gose, velvety Crate stout and a crisp Crate cider. cratebrewery.com Click here for the best places to eat pizza in London A Bar With Shapes For A Name– for cocktails The name of Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat’s Bauhaus-inspired bar takes pictorial form – the signage on Dalston’s Kingsland Road featuring a yellow triangle, red square and blue circle. If that sounds a little complicated then rest assured once you step into the bar – colloquially referred to as Shapes – everything takes a decidedly more minimalist turn. Inside, bare bones interiors look more akin to a science classroom than anything else, with bartenders flitting around in brightly coloured jumpsuits. The drinks list at Shapes is pleasingly pithy – just seven house cocktails and six bottled cocktails. The martini-style Habanero is an ingenious affair, using a distillate made from yellow habanero peppers that delivers all the vegetal flavours of the pepper minus the heat – funky and savoury, with a zingy Campari jelly garnish. The xscold is a surprising twist on a marg – here, eucalyptus adds a menthol edge to the herbaceous flavours of Amarás espadin mezcal and Ocho 8 tequila for a refreshing agave treat. From the bottled cocktails, a manhattan uses Buffalo Trace bourbon fat washed in olive oil, and a turmeric distillate, for a boozy whisky cocktail with dried date notes and fruity, earthy richness. clubbauhaus.com Barge East, Hackney Wick – for a Sunday roast on the water Nestled among Hackney Wick's trendy warehouses and cocktail bars, Barge East is a floating kitchen and bar on the Regent’s Canal, housed in a 125-year-old Dutch barge. The restaurant, with its open kitchen, boasts seasonal menus crafted by chefs using top-notch produce, from fresh Cornish monkfish to homegrown ingredients like loquat for its Tidal Sour cocktail. F or a memorable Sunday roast, go for the three-course set menu (£39) featuring three meat options (Aberdeen Angus beef, Norfolk marshland lamb leg, Suffolk Red Bruntona pork belly) with an abundance of trimmings. Add on decadent sides like four-cheese truffle cauliflower and honey mustard glazed pigs in blankets to your order. Barge East's superb sustainable food is complemented by attentive staff, who are happy to recommend wine pairings. bargeeast.com Marquee Moon – for a vibrant restaurant-cum-cocktail bar If you’re seeking a vibrant venue in Dalston that perfectly marries exceptional cuisine with a lively atmosphere, look no further than The Marquee Moon, the latest venture from the creative minds behind The Cause and All My Friends. This trendy establishment boasts an eclectic sharing menu that puts a fresh twist on contemporary pub classics, all with a nod to East Asian flavours. The Marquee Moon is a feast for the senses. Begin your evening in the stylish downstairs area, where you can indulge in melt-in-the-mouth sambal short ribs and an impressive portion of dan dan noodles. As the night progresses the vibe shifts seamlessly into a dance party, complemented by the expertly crafted cocktails. Don’t miss the Hot Alfonso Marg, a true standout, made with reposado tequila vacuum-sealed with Alphonso mangoes and cooked sous vide to extract their rich flavour. It’s then expertly mixed with manzanilla, agave, lime and a sprinkle of Tajín for a cocktail that’s as balanced as it is delicious. Whether you’re dining or dancing, The Marquee Moon promises an unforgettable experience. themarqueemoon.uk Photography: James Moyle (Marquis Moon) Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Paddington
West Hampstead restaurants: a local shares her favourite spots
Discover where to eat and drink in West Hampstead, from a local Parisian restaurant to a retro 1970s cocktail bar
Looking for the best places to eat in West Hampstead and the surrounding area? Local resident and expert Bettina Campolucci Bordi shared her must-visit recommendations, from a neighbourhood deli stocking St John baked goods to a weekly farmer's market. For more London food recommendations, check out our reviews of the best restaurants in Notting Hill, best restaurants in Marylebone and best restaurants in Paddington. West Hampstead is one of those neighbourhoods that just works – it’s got great food, brilliant independent shops, proper community vibes and you’re close enough to Hampstead Heath to escape London without actually leaving it. People chat, shopkeepers remember you and everything you need is within walking distance, which, for me, is the dream. Food is always how I connect to a place, and West Hampstead delivers. We’re lucky to be surrounded by small, independently run spots where the owners genuinely care about what they’re doing and, over time, many of them have become part of our everyday routine. What I love most about West Hampstead is how well connected it is with the tube, London Overground and Thameslink trains but also how it feels – it’s the people, independents, easy access to green space. It feels like this is a neighbourhood built around community which, when you live in a big city like London, can be hard to come by. Tannin & Oak A true local gem. This is our go-to wine bar and the kind of place that you end up staying longer at than planned. The owners and sommeliers really know their stuff but there’s zero intimidation – just great wine and conversation, and a very friendly crowd. It’s perfect after a long day and also brilliant if you’re on your own because everyone is so welcoming. It also does a generous champagne pour when you feel like celebrating! tanninandoak.com French Society A relatively new opening that we were very excited about, and it hasn’t disappointed. French-inspired dishes that are comforting, generous and delicious without being fussy. It’s already become one of those places we suggest when we don’t want to overthink dinner but still want to eat really well – and it’s close to home. frenchsociety.co.uk Hampstead Food & Drinks This Bulgarian shop is special to me. I buy my feta, brilliant yogurts and all sorts of treats here that instantly transport me back to childhood summers spent in Bulgaria. My mum is half Bulgarian and stepping inside always brings back those memories. Food has a funny way of doing that. hampsteadfood.co.uk Bobby Fitzpatrick Pure 1970s fun – great playlist, retro interiors and cocktails that don’t take themselves too seriously. A perfect spot when you want a great atmosphere and buzzing cocktails. bobbyf.co.uk Grocery Post I call this our posh corner shop and it’s dangerously close to our house. Part deli, part coffee shop, it stocks St John baked goods and Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches (The Gay One is my favourite). It’s the kind of place you pop into quickly and end up leaving with far more than planned. grocerypost.com West Hampstead Farmer's Market Saturday mornings usually involve a wander around the farmers’ market. It’s where we pick up seasonal produce and stop by The Source Bulk Foods for all our dry goods as well as refills of dishwashing liquid, multi-cleaner, loose coffee and, inevitably, chocolate-covered almonds. It makes food shopping feel intentional rather than rushed. It takes me a good couple of hours, as I always stop for chats and catch-ups with the different stall holders, which I love. lfm.org.uk/markets/westhampstead Intermission Coffee Some of the best coffee in the area and it gives back to the community too, which makes it even better. A proper local favourite and a great place to start the day, usually before having a wander around the Saturday market. intermission.coffee Al Arez A new Lebanese spot that’s become a family favourite – generous portions, brilliant pickles and loads of small plates that make it perfect for a proper pick-and-mix meal. We order a bit of everything and pile it into the middle. It also does seriously good-quality kebabs and other more substantial main dishes. alarez.co.uk Kiyoto Sushi Bar Really good sushi that’s quick, super tasty and hits the spot. It’s the takeaway we’ll order if I’ve had a particularly busy week and the last thing I feel like doing is cooking. kiyotosushi.co.uk/ location/west-hampstead Discover more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington Best restaurants in Camden
See our top picks for the best Indian restaurants in London. All-day Bombay cafes serving bacon and egg naan rolls, to Indian-style cocktails and bowl-shaped pancakes
Looking for an Indian restaurant in London that isn't your average curry house? From regional Indian street food at Masala Zone to popular traditional Bombay cafe empire Dishoom. Here are the top best Indian restaurants in the capital... Next discover Bangladeshi food: how to cook like a local. Now find out how to celebrate Holi. For something extra special, try one of the best chef's table experiences in the UK, then find out the best female-owned restaurants in the U.K. Now discover the best Japanese restaurants in the UK, the best dining experiences in London and the most romantic restaurants in London. Best Indian restaurants in London Empire Empire, Notting Hill Harneet Baweja (of Gunpowder) has built Empire Empire as both curry house and soundtrack-led hangout: murals on the walls, a custom jukebox playing Indian hits and a photo booth to capture memories of a great experience shared with friends in this small bustling space. The starters are the stars. Crisp tiger prawn Amritsari pakoras come with dill and caper chutney that cuts neatly through the batter. Kale patta chaat – the team’s must-try recommendation – is a crunchy, messy tangle of shards of fried kale with yogurt, tamarind and sev. If you’re with a crowd order All the Skewers (achari aloo, broccoli, beef and chicken). But there were just two of us so we went for chicken malai kalimirch tikka: a brilliant decision. Marinated in hung yogurt, the meat was as soft as marshmallow, bathed in a smoky, creamy sauce that had us licking our plates. Curries were more standard. Well-balanced, perfectly cooked but overshadowed by what preceded them. King prawns kadhai masala with roasted peppers delivered a punch. And no Indian restaurant would be complete without its take on a butter chicken. Here tandoori meat is slow-cooked then pulled and folded through a creamy tomato and fenugreek sauce. On the side, 24-hour cooked Empire dal makhani was rich and steady. Choose saffron rice and a laccha paratha – you’ll need them to mop up the sauce. Leave room for dessert. Saffron milk cake, soaked and fragrant, topped with cream and more saffron, was a light, simple end to the meal. Drinks-wise, a Pataka margarita kept things bright, and a can of Disco lager from 40ft Brewery did the job alongside the spice. empire-empire.restaurant Hoppers, Shoreditch Ten years after the Soho original, Hoppers has its fourth London site at the Tea Building in Shoreditch — and this one acts as a bridge between Sri Lanka and South India. Prawn paniyaram – crisp, golden balls filled with masala prawns – come with a Chettinad rasa for dipping, hot and peppery. Kochi chilli chicken chop arrives in a curry leaf crumb, fried until shattering. Then there’s the crab kari omelette, inspired by Madurai: spice-laced egg wrapped around crab, served with flaky thread parotta, podi-coated soft-shell crab and a glossy crab gravy for mopping up. From Bangalore comes lamb benne dosa – buttery and pliable, wrapped around pulled lamb shoulder masala with sharp pickled onions. The Kerala sizzling fish kari lands theatrically, salmon cooked in banana leaf, aromatic and gently spiced. Alongside it, Lanka chicken kari delivers that familiar red warmth of pandan and lemongrass. To drink, we balanced the spice with Hoppers’ signature Toddy Ale and an Arrack Attack highball, bringing Sri Lanka back into focus. olive tip: order across both regions – dosa next to kari, paniyaram next to omelette – to taste how closely Sri Lanka and South India intertwine. hopperslondon.com Brigadiers, City Brigadiers isn’t your typical City restaurant. It isn’t your typical pub, either. It’s a pulsing combination of both – a warren of rooms tucked inside Bloomberg Arcade, some all chatter and screens, others set for quieter dining. And with food from JKS Restaurants, the group behind Michelin-starred Gymkhana, expectations run high – and deliver. We began with the original BBQ butter chicken wings. New dishes have been added to the menu but these creamy, smoky, finger-licking starters are the essential order. Guided by the team, we then went for a tumbling mountain of prawn, soft-shell crab and squid Tellicherry fry with tomato pachadi – crisp, peppery and lifted by sharp chutney. A chunky skewer of Afghani lamb ribeye kebab followed, juicy and aromatic with cardamom and charcoal. For mains, the Sikandari kid goat shoulder came off the bone with a nudge of the fork, its spiced crust balanced by lacha paratha and sweet onions. The wood-roasted sea bream Pollichathu, wrapped in banana leaf, opened in a fragrant puff of curry leaf and coconut. And the dal makhani – thick, buttery, slow-cooked – tied everything together. Dessert is a nod to comfort: gulab jamun crème brûlée – super-sweet deep-fried milk balls nestling in a satisfyingly tappable caramel custard. Drinks are cold and calculated to cut through the spice: a lychee martini to start, a 4th Rifles IPA for the grilled dishes and a crisp sauvignon blanc from Turnbull & Thomas, Marlborough, to make the occasion even more special. olive tip: Brigadiers has recently opened The Outpost, a covered and heated terrace inspired by army bar culture – perfect for lingering long after the plates are cleared, rain or shine. brigadierslondon.com Kokum, East Dulwich This smart neighbourhood restaurant in East Dulwich serves some of the highest quality Indian cooking this side of the river. It should be no surprise, given the restaurant is the vision of Sanjay Gour (ex-head chef at Gymkhana) and Simeron Lily Patel – co-founders of the Michelin-rated Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen. Far from Michelin prices, Kokum offers a competitively priced menu that bridges delicate starters with bowls of gravy-laden curries and flaky lachha paratha. Dahi puri saw dainty layers of potato, chickpea and moong sprout submerged in deceptively fiery layers of tang, sweet and spice. Pickled and charred tandoori roast cauliflower sat in a pool of hot makhani sauce, jewelled with pockets of mint and coriander chutney. The curries that followed accommodate to the neighbourhood clientele, with deep bowls of lamb rogan josh and lemongrass-infused makrut lime prawns. A side of dal makhani – eight-hour slow-cooked black lentils – countered the mains with its dark sultriness. There’s plenty of choice to drink too – the sharp cocktail list includes an espresso martini spiced with chai liqueur, and a punchy strawberry blush, pepped with tamarind spicy vodka and lengthened with basil tonic. olive tip: Desserts are as crucial to the experience, from the rich kulfi made with Iranian pistachio to the rum-flambéed gulab jamun, tempered with vanilla ice cream. kokumlondon.com Thecha, Poplar Just five minutes from the towering offices of Canary Wharf, tucked inside Poplar’s Lansbury Heritage Hotel, Thecha delivers a knockout tour of Maharashtra with some of the boldest Indian flavours in the capital. The soft pink-grey interior whispers boutique hotel brunch but what lands on the table is straight from the streets of Mumbai. Thecha takes its name from a green chilli chutney – here paired with blisteringly grilled paneer. Sabudana vada (crisp sago and peanut fritters) and kothimbir vadi (crisp coriander and gram fritters) set the tone: regional snacks with punch. Chilli-laden Chicken 65 – so called because of the year it was created – is a must. Try it in the biryani for a complete meal, while the dabi dal fry (slow-cooked creamy lentils) soothes with buttery warmth. From the mains, Kolhapuri mutton rasa (tender chunks in curry broth) and prawn gassi (coastal coconut prawn curry) are full-throttle flavour bombs. But the star? The butter chicken chops. Cooked in the tandoor and drenched in velvety makhani sauce, it’s worth a visit for this alone. To drink, choose cooling solkadhi, made with kokum and coconut milk – refreshing with a hint of saltiness. And make sure you have room for mango shrikhand, a creamy sweet yogurt dessert that’s a perfect balance to the heat of this dining experience. instagram.com/its_thecha Trishna, Marylebone The secret’s been out for a while that eating early is how to bag the best tables and enjoy the greatest food at prices that won’t make your jaw hit the floor. And that is certainly the case at this Marylebone stalwart. Slip in for an early lunch or dinner and you’ll be rewarded with the Taste of Trishna menu: a stellar-value four-course showcase of South Indian coastal flavours for £55. Open since 2008, Trishna helped put regional Indian cooking on the map in London. It has unveiled a refreshed look with soft light blues, warm walnut tones and handcrafted rattan accents, inspired by India’s southern coastal towns. After thrilling your taste buds with a crisp trio of papads and tangy chutneys, choose from a range of perfectly portioned and beautifully presented plates of expertly spiced specialties. Soft shell crab masala with a quenelle of delicate white meat is divine. Duck chutney seekh is smoky, spicy and perfectly charred, cut through with pineapple chutney. Mains come with a thali-style spread of rice, breads, dhal and a sensational chettinad potato roast, with options such as wild mushroom biryani (elevated by truffle and pink peppercorn raita), deeply savoury gongura lamb with a sour, pickled edge, or baby aubergine vathagal, its creamy texture complemented by crunchy peanuts. Desserts nod to tradition with flair: a mango malai, layered with lassi cream and makrut lime jujubes, is both delicate and decadent. trishnalondon.com The Great Indian, Archway When a restaurant says it’s great, it better have the chops to prove it, and fortunately, The Great Indian has some of the best tandoori lamb chops we’ve ever tried. Meltingly soft, thrillingly juicy and spiked with mustard-chilli they are the dish chef Mohit most wants The Great Indian to be known for. Also the degh dal makhani, cooked for 48 hours until it’s unctuously creamy. And the butter chicken – golf ball-sized chunks of fall-apart grilled thighs, bathed in a silky, smoky sauce with a touch of tang. Set in a quiet leafy street in Archway, The Great Indian is the kind of pub everyone would like in their own neighbourhood. The foliage-decorated ceiling and wallpaper depicting scenes of India sets the inviting, relaxed vibe. It bustles with families with young children (there’s also a great kids’ menu), office workers, seekers of the new and locals. Like us, they come to see what’s so great about the place. Then they come again to sample surprising creations such as coastal chilli-tamarind prawns dosa, lamb ghee roast in a roti taco, and pork belly sliders, plus exciting meat-free dishes, including tangy chilli paneer and jackfruit biryani. thegreatindian.uk Dishoom Permit Room, Notting Hill Dishoom’s new all-day pub-café brings the vibes of Mumbai to Notting Hill. The space is bright, art-filled and fizzing with energy. By day, it teems with families, tourists and local workers; by night, a vintage jukebox hums in the background; and at weekends DJs spin vinyl. The playful menu is a medley of Dishoom classics and new bar-friendly bites. Crispy spinach chaat arrives as a tower of crunch, spice and tang. Chakli, the coiled, spiced snack, is crisp and moreish. Chicken Pick-Me-Ups –drumsticks with Indo-Chinese seasoning – are sticky, fiery and impossible to eat quietly. Prawn moilee is delicately sweet, lifted by turmeric and curry leaf, while the legendary house black daal remains the warm hug you hope it will be. Mattar paneer delivers soft cubes of cheese and bright green peas in a richly spiced tomato gravy. Drinks are as crucial to the experience as the food (this is a pub, after all). The Sober Summer negroni is bright and herbal, while the old fashioned is coconut-washed and smooth as silk. Dishoom IPA makes a bold, hoppy companion to the food, along with local beers and considered soft drinks. permitroom.co.uk Vatavaran, Knighstbridge Inspired by the Indian Himalayas, the latest restaurant from Rohit Ghai, takes its name from the Sanskrit translation of atmosphere. Spread across four floors in the heart of Knightsbridge, each has its own vibe: Brook and Ridge are buzzy and casual, while Meadow and Shikhar (meaning peak) create more of a special occasion ambience. As with Rohit’s other venues, Manthan and Kutir, the food combines classic Indian flavours with a modern twist. Start with the indori poha chaat – plump dumplings with tamarind and pressed rice – a satisfying explosion of crunch, tang and spice; and ghati masala prawns, fried in crispy batter and dressed with peanuts and sesame. Come with a crowd for the mains – they’re spectacular. Lamb shank biriyani arrives with a pastry lid which is cracked open at the table, before the soft meat is shredded from the bone. Butter chicken is among the best we’ve ever tried (in a fiercely competitive field): succulent chicken thigh meat in a smoky-sweet, vine tomato sauce. Neelgiri lobster is exceptional, served in a fresh coriander sauce with the tail shell decorating the plate. To drink, try Nisha, a refreshing gin with cucumber and elderflower, then finish with Lava, a chocolate and cardamom kulfi with meringue. vatavaran.uk Patri, Northfields The lively shack-chic Indian restaurant, Patri, has two west London sites and offers an extensive street food menu but we headed to the Northfields branch which does the UK's biggest thali. This immense, Insta-grabbing feast needs to be booked in advance and is a steal at £105, as it would easily feed five or six adults. While chef prepares the dishes that make up the thali, you are brought two pomegranate-topped palate popping starters of different chaats and a big jug of mango lassi. Chef brings the thali to your table ceremoniously and talks you through all 29 dishes which have been curated of as a culinary adventure around India. The thali offerings change daily and are divided into starters, which include spicy chicken samosas and the lightest pani puri we’ve eaten, then there’s tandoori, from which we loved the seekh kebabs, and the signature mains with the more familiar curries, including a knock-out keema and, from the sides, there’s rice and dhals, and everything is served with two types of fluffy naan. Claiming the UK’s biggest thali is an attention grabber that got us through the door but the quality of the cooking at Patri makes it a must return. patri.co.uk Colonel Saab, Trafalgar Square A pigeon’s stroll from Trafalgar Square, Colonel Saab is an oasis of calm and comfort away from the hustle and bustle. Adorning the walls of the grand dining space – magnificent rose-coloured chandeliers create a wow factor – are family photos, art and the framed military uniform of Indian soldier Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, the paternal inspiration behind the celebration of the diversity of cuisine from the subcontinent. Chef Sohan Bhandari’s menu is inspired by the colonel’s postings around India, so step into his shoes and try the £80 tasting menu. Marwad’s Raj Kachori – a crunchy ball of spiced chickpeas and potato with creamy, sweet and tart sauces with black lime chaat masala – brings drama. Then comes the highlight, a choice of curries, from Sunday lamb to Nadan fish or beetroot and lotus kofta, served thali-style with raita, rice, dak and naan accompaniments. colonelsaab.co.uk Kutir, Chelsea Walking into Kutir is akin to entering someone’s home – someone with an eye for interior design and a penchant for elegance. With its mint green and floral walls and dramatic chandeliers, the Georgian townhouse – in a smart side street off Chelsea’s King’s Road – oozes intimacy. Come here with a loved one or friend for a special occasion. But, most of all, come for Rohit Ghai’s cooking – an extensive exploration of India’s vast food heritage. Tasting menus are the way to go, with or without wine pairings. The signature Expedition menu (£75 per person) delivers six dishes, plus tadka dal, breads and rice. Plump, pink prawns are elevated with a dusting of coconut, sesame and peanuts. The richness of salmon tikka – so tender it’s spoonable – is off-set by pickled radish. Tandoori lamb chop – the star of the menu – is as fat as a cushion and just as luxurious, marinated with smoky black cumin. Then, choose between the nation’s favourite, chicken tikka masala, or spicy duck madras, with a hint of tamarind sourness. Finish with an unctuous date pecan pudding or refreshing pineapple and coconut. Apparently, the 2022 British Restaurant of the Year winner attracts the likes of Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Pierce Brosnan and Roger Federer. Clearly, celebs of impeccable taste! kutir.co.uk Pravaas, South Kensington Pravaas, explains chef-patron Shilpa Dandekar, means journey, and the menu at this stylish, intimate venue, a two-minute walk from South Kensington underground station, is the culmination of her journey from 21 years as a chef. It’s a challenge to come up with something new and exciting to stand out in the increasingly crowded scene of high quality Indian restaurants in the capital, but Shilpa pulls it off: an eclectic mix of dishes that combine the skills she acquired working alongside Sriram Aylur at Quilon and Raymond Blanc, before opening her successful Pure Indian Cooking in Fulham. You’ll want to come to Pravaas again and again, but for your first visit, plump for Shilpa’s tasting menu. Pani puri shots get the tastebuds carnival started: crisp mini bowls in which to pour minty zingy water. Seared scallops come next, hot with vinegary tartness, tender yet crunchy. There are so many more dishes to rave about: patra chaat, a kaleidoscope of colour, texture, sweet and sour, starring colocasia leaves; venison chops, charred outside, pink in the middle, and served with fiery Rajastani laal maas sauce – as succulent as any lamb chops we’ve eaten anywhere; dal makhani, smoky and silky, cooked and stirred for 24 hours. If Pravaas has a signature, it’s Wasabi chicken tikka. Marinated first in ginger, garlic and lemon juice, then again in wasabi and coconut, before cooking in the clay oven and served with green chutney, this is the dish you simply must try– an original creation from the brilliant inventiveness of Shilpa. Pravaas: well worth making the journey for. pravaas.com Babur, Forest Hill Established in 1985 by Emdad Rahman, the tiger that adorns the front of the restaurant makes it a neighbourhood landmark, as does its modern take on Indian dishes and cocktails. Inside, the restaurant interior is one of exposed brick, with walls adorned with art from Indian and local artists. The kitchen is led by head chef Jiwan Lal and sous chef Praveen Kumar Gupta – both formerly of the Oberoi Hotel Group. An ever-evolving menu of specials is updated throughout the year, alongside an à la carte menu that pairs each dish with a wine recommendation. Customers who sign up to the Tasting Group on the website can become involved in menu development by attending afternoon sessions during which new menus are honed, in exchange for honest feedback. The meal starts with poppadoms and a range of homemade pickles, including a fiery ginger and chilli chutney and tamarind and raisin chutney. Starters of Dhungri lamb tikka and shakerkandi ki chaat – a Punjabi sweet potato with pomegranate in salted pasty – are highlights. For mains, there is Gulnar jalpari, a Babur take on the North Indian Holi dish, with spiced prawns rolled in lemon sole on a sweet red pepper sauce. The theatrical cumin chocolate fondant with salted caramel gelato is the perfect finish, and there’s an extensive cocktail list curated by mixologist Rupam Talukdar – the whitegroni is full of aromatics, while the saffron gimlet is tart and sharp. babur.info The Tamil Prince, Islington Nestled among the leafy terraced streets of Islington, away from the bustle of central London, Tamil Prince is a gem: an airy, spacious new restaurant serving some of the finest Indian food in the capital. Created by ex-Roti King chef Prince Durairaj, it marries the classic British pub vibe (and excellent beers) with the food of Tamil Nadu from the chef’s childhood in South India. The menu is effortlessly navigable: six small plates; five large plates; four desserts. From the smalls, onion bhajis are a must, a billowy tangle of crunchy battered rings that melt in the mouth. Also choose pulled beef uttapam – a savoury dosa topped with unctuous meat – is a perfect sponge for mopping up fiery chilli coconut chutney. A small pot of glossy, smoky dhal makhani completes the set before going on to the main event, the grills. Go for the lamb chops – served as four, they are gorgeously tender, charred and crisp; nibble at the bone until clean. Then the dish with the biggest jaw-drop factor – a platter of three gigantic tiger prawns, like small lobsters, plump with sweet briny meat. Mango lassi for dessert refreshes the palate. Tamil Prince has a range of Indian cocktails and bottled beers but, on a warm summer evening, try a pint of cold, light 3.8% ABV Harbour Daymer Extra Pale Ale. thetamilprince.com BiBi, Mayfair Head chef Chet Sharma's selection menu is the must-try at his intimate Mayfair restaurant, comprising a dozen sharing plates using produce from the UK and India created with sustainability at its core. Formerly development chef of the JKS group (Gymkhana, Trishna, Brigadiers, etc), Sharma's BiBi – an affectionate term for grandmother in parts of India – is the realisation of his dream to open his own restaurant. To snack on, tangy Wookey Hole cheese papads have a melting yet crunchy texture; creamy Carlingford oyster pachadi is a refreshing segue to sweet, spicy, salty and sour chaats, including nashpati bhel – grains topped with a crunchy frozen pear granita – and raw Belted Galloway beef pepper fry, hot with lots of black pepper. From the counter, marvel at the theatre of chefs grilling on the sigree: aged Swaledale lamb chops, as soft as butter, with a subtle smokiness. And our star among many stars, Sharmaji's Lahori chicken: gorgeously tender chicken breast with a delicate creamy sauce made with whey that has been reduced to the point of caramelisation and then mixed with ground cashews and spices. Then finish with choc ice on a stick-style kulfis. bibirestaurants.com Farzi, Haymarket Located in the heart of theatre-land, Farzi specialises in modern Indian fusion, using fish and meat sourced within the British Isles. The menu is divided into sections ‘small plates’ ‘grill’ and ‘curries’, as well as chaat and sides, with a good value pre-theatre menu also available. Seasonal rotating dishes include palak paneer handi, wagyu beef kadak seekh kebab and Awadhi lamb shank korma. Be sure to check out the range of cocktails created by mixologists behind the jazz-age bar, with concoctions such as the ‘smoked old fashioned’, presented in a glass orb in a nod to Farzi’s theatrical surroundings. farzilondon.com Pahli Hill, Fitzrovia Named after one of Mumbai’s oldest neighbourhoods, Pahli Hill’s menu reflects its diverse culinary heritage, offering regional dishes from all over India. Colourful original Indian artwork and fabrics, booth-seating and a view into the open kitchen give the restaurant a contemporary feel, while its Bandra Bhai basement bar delights in its dimly lit, smuggler’s-den vibe. With a tequila-based saffron cocktail in hand, graze on papadi chat, a dip of contrasting flavours and textures, including pumpkin, spiced yogurt, wheat crackers and sev (crispy gram flour noodles), tamarind chutney and vibrant pops of pomegranate. Bangalore-born chef Avinash Shashidhara’s experience in high-end UK restaurants is clear in this menu, which utilises top-quality British ingredients. Mangalore buns – two warm, bready pockets – are served with a generous pile of spiced Scottish crab. Highlights from the tandoor include monkfish with monk's beard (greens grown in Tuscany); chicken tikka with cucumber noodles, mint and horseradish, and Cornish lamb cutlets. The pumpkin kofta is light and fragrant, and for a veggie feast, it's perfect served with a long ‘paper dosa’ or flaky flatbread, tomato and coconut chutneys, and sambar of radish and drumstick (seed pods from the Moringa tree, which are reminiscent in texture to okra. Ask about the trick to eating them). pahlihillbandrabhai.com/london-restaurant Madhu, Richmond Madhu's contemporary Indian restaurant has expanded from central London's Harvey Nichols to a smart neighbourhood setting in Richmond. The glass-fronted brasserie is full of cosy booths as well a bar overlooking an impressive tandoor oven and robata grill, where you can spy on an array of beautiful looking food before you order. Presentation is excellent, with food served in copper dishes with an array of interesting garnishes. For a very moreish appetiser try the palak patta chaat – British samphire and battered spinach leaves with chilli, turmeric, fresh coriander, yogurt and taramind, or the succulent robata chops that are marinated in aromatic spices and can be cut with a butter knife. Other highlights include king prawns cooked in a creamy coconut curry with ginger, mustard seeds and curry leaves. There's also vegetarian and vegan thalis on offer, which looked very generous when coming out of the kitchen. Finish off with a cooling badam kulfi – Indian ice cream made with clotted cream and almonds for a very satisfying end to the meal. madhusbrasserie.com Heritage, West Dulwich A new restaurant in leafy West Dulwich, Heritage is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood from Dayashankar Sharma, previously head chef at Michelin-starred Tamarind. Inside, the restaurant is spacious and elegant, with gold accents adding a modern feel, much like the menu, where you’ll find contemporary versions of dishes from all over India. From the small plates, start with the venison badal jaam (if you usually find game too strong, you’ll love this) — grilled aubergine topped with a fiery tomato sauce, cooling yogurt, and spiced venison. If you’ve got room, share the paneer and pineapple kebab — thick slices of paneer pair perfectly with sweet pineapple. Highlights from the mains include murgh makani, tender chicken in a tomato and fenugreek sauce; Kashmiri lamb spiced with saffron; and the most indulgent version of dahl mhakani we’ve tried — outrageously creamy, it’s not to be missed. The floral tones of the pulao rice steeped in rose water cut through the richness of the other dishes, and be sure to order a truffle naan. Subtly flavoured, it has just the right amount of umami, and is a great vehicle for mopping up all those delicious sauces. heritagedulwich.co.uk Madhu's of Mayfair, Piccadilly ‘Special occasion’ are the first words that spring to mind when you walk into the ornate dining room of Madhu’s of Mayfair, complete with enormous chandeliers, rococo-style architecture and marble tables. But far from feeling formal, the vibe is fun and friendly, bustling with birthday parties, tourists and after-work businessfolk. The design is the vision of Madhu’s founder Sanjay Anand, who wanted to "create an experience which engages each of the senses — ‘not just taste’." The food comes from creative chef Poonam Ball — Sanjay’s sister. She oversees the menus of the Madhu group’s four restaurants. It’s Indian, but with a Kenyan twist, including recipes handed down through four generations from her Nairobi-born mother Krishna and her father Jagdish Kumar Anand (nicknamed Madhu). Choose the signature dishes: palak patta chaat, a pile of crunchy marsh samphire and crispy spinach with warming spices and tangy chutneys; nyamah choma, succulent prime cut lamb ribs marinated in chilli and lemon; and Madhu’s machi’s — whole seabass in an onion and carom seed marinade — which is ‘special occasion’ luxurious. madhus.co.uk Chourangi, Marble Arch Named after the district of Calcutta (as the owners refer to the city we now call Kolkata) and translating as ‘crossroads’, the food at Chouranghi is a curation of ‘unexplored’ surprises from the British, Dutch, Armenian, French, Portuguese and Chinese who have influenced its cuisine. There are a lot of high-end Indian restaurants in London, each with its own ‘well, that was worth the money/must go back again’ dish. At this bright and vibrant open-plan venue, where you can watch the theatre of the chefs at work from the street, it’s the black dal. Simmered overnight until the urad lentils break down, then finished with spices and butter, it’s an unctuous, creamy, perfectly spiced bowl of deliciousness. In the hands of Indian restaurateurs Anjan Chatterjee and Aditya Ghosh, the dishes are simple yet intricately flavoured. Kamal kakdi chaat is a creamy, crunchy concoction with a fiery hit of sweet chilli-soy-jaggery. Nizami makai tikka, cooked with soft cheese, has an aromatic finish from aamada (mango ginger). Chingri cutlets (beaten-out breaded prawns) are dense and ‘meaty’ while another star is blistering paanch phoran, Welsh rack of lamb seasoned with ‘Calcutta five-spice’ And have you heard of hilsa — Calcutta’s queen of fish? Think white salmon — soft, oily and flake-apart. chourangi.co.uk Bombay Delight, Wimbledon A newly opened sister restaurant of Mumbai Delight in Vauxhall, Bombay Delight is a larger, more vibrant venue with a stylish bar area, space for private functions, and walls decorated with elephants and framed pictures of old Bombay. The offerings aren't dissimilar to its sister's, but there are some new dishes, including the excellent tiltala jhinga appetiser – juicy king prawns coated in a crisp sesame seed and gram flour batter, with a spiced mayo for dipping. Poppadoms arrive with two moreish dips – subtle beetroot, fresh mint and coriander, and a mango chutney with a hint of chilli. The menu doesn't stray too far from well-loved classics, and the rich and creamy BBC (Bombay butter chicken) is proof that this restaurant does them well, with the freshest ingredients and no colourings. Finish with the Indian sweet, gulab jamun, soaked in sugar syrup and served with a smooth vanilla ice cream, along with one of the mocktail concoctions, such as a fresh masala thums-up with mint, cumin and black salt. South London-dwellers will be happy this restaurant has arrived on their doorstep. bombaydelight.co.uk Fatt Pundit, Covent Garden Street food sharing plates with Indo-Chinese heritage storytelling is all part of a great restaurant experience these days, and the staff at Fatt Pundit are very happy to share. Pull up a chair! First, there’s the name Fatt Pundit, a combination of the common Chinese surname with the Indian word for scholar. Then the story of the Hakka Chinese immigrants who created a new cuisine by combining traditional Chinese cooking techniques with the spices of India. Set in an industrial chic dining room, there’s a buzzy vibe, with queues outside. But don’t rush: there’s so much to savour. Momos – steamed dumplings – are a must (especially the spiced kid goat). Crackling spinach is a refreshing take on a chaat with sweet yogurt, date & plum sauce and pomegranate. Hakka chilli paneer lettuce cups are filled with tongue-tingling Szechuan pepper-spiced paneer, showcasing the Indo-Chinese influences. Unique to the Maiden Lane outlet (there’s another branch in Soho) are crunchy pepper soft shell crab – blisteringly hot; sweet, caramelised Kolkata chilli duck, accompanied by pancakes and cucumber strips and plump chunks of rib-eye steak with chillies and roasted cashews.fattpundit.co.uk Manthan, Mayfair With a pedigree chef like Rohit Ghai, expectations of the food at his new Mayfair restaurant are high – and it doesn't disappoint. Rohit led the kitchens at Gymkhana and Trishna before opening his first venue, Kutir, in Chelsea. At Manthan – the Hindu word meaning to churn and reflect – Rohit takes inspiration from his mother’s cooking and the street food of India. The Maddox Street dining room is long and wood-panelled, adorned with beautiful paintings of exotic flowers. Even at lunchtime it feels romantic, and the sharing dishes reflect that vibe. If you’re here for the first time, have an overview experience and choose two dishes from the gali ka khana (street food) section, one from rassedar (curries), one from chapata chops & tikka, plus a couple of sides. To start, ghati masala prawns are plump and tender, coated with sesame, peanut and coconut for a satisfying crispy crunch. Jackfruit tacos are a revelation – almost meaty in texture, stuffed into fluffy rice lentil pancakes with southern spice and chutney. Fall-off-the-bone lamb ossobuco sits in a silky, satisfying sauce flavoured with jaffa spices and curry leaf, while sarson chicken, tangy and hot with mustard and chilli, is as soft as butter. If you have room for dessert, opt for the classic trip of sweet laddoo, sticky gulab jamun and creamy srikhand. manthanmayfair.co.uk Benares, Mayfair When spiced corn street snacks arrive under a bonsai tree, you know you’re in for a memorable experience. That feeling grows when a Porlock Bay oyster with a jewel-like cured sea bream chaat is presented on beach-like pebbles, swathed in dry ice to mimic sea mist. The bonsai tree is a salute to roadside vendors in India who seek shade beneath trees, and it’s the creation of executive chef Sameer Taneja, who regained a Michelin star for the Berkeley Square restaurant. But this culinary theatre is no gimmick: the dishes are as delicious to eat as they are a treat for the eyes. They’re part of a new eight-course tasting menu which takes influences from throughout the Indian subcontinent, using British ingredients. Too many dishes to list here, but stand-outs include soft-as-butter tandoori muntjac – venison cooked in a spicy marinade served with a garlic yogurt and chilli chutney; fragrant baby poussin tikka masala; and, to finish, sweet rasmalai, a quintessential milk-based dessert popular in eastern India. There’s also a vegetarian tasting menu, featuring baked golden vegetable kofta in rich cashew nut and kashmiri saffron korma. Make sure you’re not in a hurry: this is a three-hour dining experience, as relaxing as it is special. benaresrestaurant.com Dishoom, across London Inspired by the all-day Irani cafés that were an integral part of Bombay life, there are now seven branches of Dishoom in London (and a branch in Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester), each serving Bombay breakfast, lunch, afternoon chai and dinner. Breakfasts at Dishoom have won a cult following. Not least for the bacon naan rolls – crisp bacon wrapped in tandoor-charred naan with a dollop of chilli tomato jam and cream cheese. Pair with a breakfast lassi or house chai. dishoom.com Kanishka, Mayfair Focussing on the Seven Sister States as well as nods to Nepal and Bangladesh, Kanishka is a modern Indian restaurant serving a series of tasting menus and a la carte. Start with the Gantok momos (steamed Nepalese dumplings), proudly billed as made ‘in-house’ which was telling by the skins being light but still with some bite to them. We also had chef’s chicken tikka pie which wasn’t accredited to a region but still an exemplary piece of proper pie making with well-cooked puff pastry encasing juicy chunks of well marinated chicken. For mains we went with the lightly spiced and coconut sauced Kanishka seafood curry and underutilised goat cooked slowly until fork tender in a rogan josh style. Once we added generous serving of puffy paratha, fresh kachumba and signature black dhal to our order we were too full for dessert but the dark chocolate sphere with orange chocolate cream and spiced caramel sauce seemed to be impressing our neighbours with its table-side server theatrics. kanishkarestaurant.co.uk Darjeeling Express, Carnaby Street Darjeeling Express started life as a supper club in the Kensington home of Kolkata-born Asma Khan but her restaurant on the top floor inside Kingly Court is now at the forefront of the London’s Indian food scene. What is most striking about the kitchen at Darjeeling Express is that the chefs are all female, something that’s still a rarity in restaurants. These women come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures but none of them have worked in professional kitchens before. Asma lets them cook in the restaurant on Sundays to help them to get used to working in a professional environment. darjeeling-express.com Hoppers, Soho and Marylebone Named after the lacy, bowl-shaped pancakes that are a staple of Sri Lanka, Hoppers has quickly established itself as one of London’s hippest hangouts. From the can-do-no-wrong team behind Michelin-starred Gymkhana, Hoppers references the food of southern India and Sri Lanka. There’s a succinct menu starring traditional hoppers: light fermented rice and lentil pancake bowls, with a softly steamed egg and a selection of confidently spiced karis. Load up on the ‘short eats’, though. Mutton rolls are like crunchy cigars – with a golden crumb, shredded gamey meat and lightly spiced tomato chutney. Bone marrow is so seductively sauced that you would be forgiven for refusing to share. The best, perhaps, are buttered devilled shrimps: juicy and fiery. There are fab and refreshing cocktails also. hopperslondon.com Try our egg hoppers recipe here... Kricket, Brixton and Soho Contemporary and cool, Kricket specialises in Indian small plates using local vegetables along with fish and meat sourced within the British Isles. Expect to queue at these no-reservations restaurants but dishes like samphire pakoras and Keralan fried chicken are more than worth the wait. We have the recipe for Kricket’s kichri. Kedgeree as we know it was an adaptation of the original recipe for kichri, which consists of rice and lentils. You can use poached eggs rather than raw egg yolks, if you like. kricket.co.uk Try Kricket's kichri recipe here... Masala Zone, across London Excellent regional Indian street food – thalis, grills, curries and biryanis – explains the success of Masala Zone, which now has seven restaurants dotted around the capital. Best-sellers include spicy squid bhaji and the ghee roast duck. masalazone.com Looking for inspirational Indian recipes? Check out our best ever Indian recipes.
Check out our favourite restaurants, cafés and foodie spots in West London’s leafy neighbourhood boasting spiced beef cheek, collapsing chocolate cake, and Danish rye bread topped with boozy Akvavit-cured salmon
Looking for Notting Hill restaurants? Check out our ideas for eating and drinking locations in Notting Hill, from Portobello Road to Westbourne Grove and Golborne Road... For more like this, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Mayfair or the best restaurants near Oxford Street. Best places to eat and drink in Notting Hill Acre, Golborne Road – for simple food using quality, in-season ingredients Acre is the little sister to Thomas Straker’s flagship restaurant just a few doors away on the lively Golborne Road. It’s an inviting, corner spot – we emerged through heavy velvet curtains into a warmly lit room that felt a little bit like a snug Paris bistro. You may know Straker from his Insta fame and some of the dishes are already viral hits (like the chilli cheese smashburger, which is on and off the menu). Aside from that, the concise menu is a beautiful balance of top-notch ingredients and spot-on cooking. Deep-fried crunchy bites of pork belly came with a punchy herb and za’atar sauce for dipping. A main of pearly, fall-apart cod cooked with white beans and winter tomatoes was comfort heaven. The drinks are also on point – try the sweet/sour yuzu drop cocktail or a glass of complex, savoury nebbiolo. A nostalgic pudding of vanilla-spiked, creamy custard topped with poached pink rhubarb was a deliciously simple end to the meal. acre-london.com Empire Empire, All Saints Road — for contemporary Indian Empire Empire plays out like a Punjabi disco dinner party in the middle of Notting Hill. Harneet Baweja (of Gunpowder) has built it as both curry house and soundtrack-led hangout: murals on the walls, a custom jukebox playing Indian hits and a photo booth to capture memories of a great experience shared with friends in this small bustling space. The starters are the stars. Crisp tiger prawn Amritsari pakoras come with dill and caper chutney that cuts neatly through the batter. Kale patta chaat – the team’s must-try recommendation – is a loud, crunchy, messy tangle of shards of fried kale with yogurt, tamarind and sev. If you’re with a crowd order All the Skewers (achari aloo, broccoli, beef and chicken). But there were just two of us so we went for chicken malai kalimirch tikka: a brilliant decision. Marinated in hung yogurt, the meat was as soft as marshmallow, bathed in a smoky, creamy sauce that had us licking our plates. Curries were more standard. Well-balanced, perfectly cooked but overshadowed by what preceded them. King prawns kadhai masala with roasted peppers delivered a punch. And no Indian restaurant would be complete without its take on a butter chicken. Here tandoori meat is slow-cooked then pulled and folded through a creamy tomato and fenugreek sauce. On the side, 24-hour cooked Empire dal makhani was rich and steady. Choose saffron rice and a laccha paratha – you’ll need them to mop up the sauce. Leave room for dessert. Saffron milk cake, soaked and fragrant, topped with cream and more saffron, was a light, simple end to the meal. Drinks-wise, a Pataka margarita kept things bright, and a can of Disco lager from 40ft Brewery did the job alongside the spice. empire-empire.restaurant SINO, All Saints Road – for contemporary Ukrainian fine-dining At their chic fine-dining restaurant on All Saints Road, Ukrainian partners Polina Sychova and Eugene Korolev pay homage to their homeland. Minimal, contemporary interiors include a striking piece made from hay (translating to ‘sino’ in Ukrainian), brushed clay walls and sweeping banquettes. Chef Eugene gives traditional Ukrainian dishes a contemporary stamp, kicking off with the likes of bitesize sorrel potato waffles topped with soured cream and smoked pike roe, and marinated aubergine alongside Kyyrma smoked cheese flatbread and spiced adjika dip. Mains include glazed chicken and beef cheek dumplings in a spiced, fragrant oxtail and lemon verbena broth, while pickled beetroot ribbons with sliced plums doused in walnut oil makes a vibrant side. For dessert, the elevated honey cake layers are crowned with buckwheat chocolate in a moat of whipped walnut sauce. Eastern European wines hail from Kyiv, Georgia’s Kakheti region and the Black Sea, and Ana Reznik plays with nostalgic flavours in clever cocktails. sinorestaurant.co.uk Canal, Westbourne Park – for modern European on the water's edge Find this canal-side spot tucked down a cobbled mews between Notting Hill and Maida Vale and built into the new Mason & Fifth hotel-apartment complex. Its towpath perch on the Grand Union Canal sets a modern, urban stage for food that’s both precise and packed with flavour. Provenance is proudly front and centre – sourdough comes from Layla, while charcuterie like jamón and Mangalitza sausages arrive from Coombeshead Farm. The menu is cleverly pitched so there’s something for everyone. A fat diner-style cheeseburger bucks the smashburger trend and feels all the better for it, while scallops arrive plump and caramelised, served in their shells with ’nduja butter begging to be mopped up with that sourdough. Crab on toast is so fresh it tastes like it’s just left the boat, and chicken with sweetcorn and girolles might be the most impressive chicken breast you’ll eat this year. Desserts are just as memorable – a tiramisu that’s unapologetically boozy, and a brown butter almond cake with sour cherries that’s indulgent yet balanced. mason-fifth.com Ria's, All Saints Road – for deep-dish Detroit pizza Ria’s is a cosy neighbourhood spot selling fantastic deep-dish Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It is a spot for all occasions, full of charm and character, with a light and bright upstairs for lunches with your friends, and a cosy, warm downstairs, perfect for a date. Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. It offers a range of whole pies and slices to suit your appetite. Our favourite flavours were the Dave’s Hot Pep and the garlic wild mushroom. The first has a red sauce base, laden with pepperoni, soppressata, chillies, stracciatella and hot honey. The latter has a white sauce base with wild mushrooms and a burnt onion jam – perfectly cheesy and tangy. There is a great range of wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria’s, as well as on-tap cocktails from Black Lines and a good range of soft drinks: we enjoyed the ginger Rapscallion Soda for its spicy kick. If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat. rias.world The Pelican, All Saints Road – for gastro pub classics done properly The Pelican brings old-school British pub dining into modern focus, with confident cooking and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. It works with regenerative farms and sources vegetables from its own market garden at Bruern Farms. Menus shift with the seasons but dishes stay generous and gutsy. Snow crab on toast is brightly bound with a lemony mayonnaise, while welsh rarebit arrives thick and bubbling over sourdough. We try two mains: a pan-fried seabass fillet with a sharp salsa verde and sauce vierge, and crisp-edged lamb sweetbreads with braised lettuce and peas – all spot on, and the golden chicken pie to share looks like one to return for. A dark, deeply treacly sticky toffee pudding rounds things off. The Pelican doesn’t overdo it – good produce, cooked with care and a nod to gastro pub classics done properly, something so many other pubs just can’t seem get right. thepelicanw11.com Dishoom Permit Room, Portobello Road – for casual Indian-inspired dishes Dishoom’s latest all-day pub-café brings the vibes of Mumbai to Notting Hill. Set on a bustling corner of Portobello Road, the space is bright, art-filled and fizzing with energy. By day, it teems with families, tourists and local workers; by night, a vintage jukebox hums in the background; and at weekends DJs spin vinyl. The menu is a playful mash-up of Dishoom classics and new bar-friendly bites. Crispy spinach chaat arrives as a tower of crunch, spice and tang. Chicken Pick-Me-Ups –drumsticks with Indo-Chinese seasoning – are sticky, fiery and impossible to eat quietly. Chakli, the coiled, spiced snack, is crisp and moreish. Prawn moilee is delicately sweet, lifted by turmeric and curry leaf, while the legendary house black daal remains the warm hug you hope it will be. Mattar paneer delivers soft cubes of cheese and bright green peas in a richly spiced tomato gravy. Drinks are as key to the experience as the food (this is a pub, after all). The old fashioned is coconut-washed and smooth as silk, while the Sober Summer negroni is bright and herbal. Dishoom IPA makes a bold, hoppy companion to the food, along with local beers and thoughtful soft drinks. permitroom.co.uk akub, Uxbridge Street – for Palestinian cooking Tucked away in a quiet street behind Notting Hill Gate, Akub is Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan's first UK restaurant (after Fawda in Bethlehem). The contemporary space is split over three levels including an inner courtyard with retractable roof, adorned with olive trees in large pots, floral wall hangings and chic lamps. Palestinian ingredients are peppered through the cocktail list, from a red shatta-infused tequila margarita to za'atar-laced martinis. Wines are sourced from Palestine, Galilee Highlands, Lebanon and beyond. Kick off with a variety of breads to dip into handmade ramekins of shatta (made from the likes of fermented jalapeño and coriander) and moutabal (tahini-based, red lentil-style hummus), plus a trio of labneh balls rolled in spices such as za’atar and turmeric. Small plates include arak-cured seabass and roast aubergine laden with pine nuts, tahini, herbs and pomegranate seeds. A highlight from the larger sharing plates is lamb shank, its juices melting into an aromatic mahlab and mastika sauce, best accompanied with mint and pine nut flecked courgettes on garlic yogurt. To finish, try the likes of fenugreek and cardamom baba or Dead Sea chocolate cake with tahini ice cream, paired with a very special arak aged in black oak that you can only get here due to Fadi’s intimate connections in Palestine. akub-restaurant.com Dove, Kensington Park Road– for chic neighbourhood comforts Jackson Boxer's latest venture is a revamp on the same site as seafood restaurant Orasay – a place the chef wants to be familiar and accessible but still feel special and playful. This is evident in the menu, where comforting classics are peppered with pops of intrigue, such as octopus gildas to start alongside fino sherry and tonic. The springy, deep-fried potato pizzette comes laden with folds of mortadella and a huge burrata ball, while the yuzu-laced tuna tostada makes a lighter option. Next, four helmeted grilled Atlantic prawns in a zippy smoked garlic and black lime butter and Iberiko tomatoes drizzled in spicy chilli oil and soured cream. The must-order (if you can, only 10 are made for each service) is an umami-rich hunk of a burger formed from 50-day, dry-aged beef rib cap, brisket and chuck, flame-grilled with gorgonzola dolce and champagne-braised Lyonnaise onions so caramelised and melded together in a glazed potato roll… best accompanied with crunchy duck fat chips. Those too late are rewarded instead with steamed hake and Romana courgette in a rich champagne broth or sharing cuts such as wood-roast chicken in Café de Paris butter, 30-day Tamworth pork double loin chop and 50-day Highland beef sirloin chop. Finish with a retro-chic fior di latte soft serve doused in peppery olive oil with chewy oat cookies on the side. Paired with Orasay’s original interiors, elegant yet unfussy in style with earthy-hued linens and exposed brick walls, this next iteration takes Dove into true neighbourhood haunt territory. dove.london Zephyr, Portobello Road – for Greek-fusion Simple ingredients are lifted with a breath of smoke and herbs at Zēphyr, a cool and clamorous Greek-fusion restaurant by Portobello Market in Notting Hill. The tone is set from the bread basket featuring charred sourdough with oregano, as well pittas for scooping up silky, saline taramasalata, tzatziki or smoky aubergine dip. Opt for the meat-based tasting menu and you’ll still be treated to melt-in-mouth tuna ceviche (dressed with olive oil and yuzu), then prawns grilled with a splash of ouzo. But the star of the show remains the lamb cutlets; lightly spiced then crusted by the barbecue, and blushingly pink in the middle – eat with your hands for an even more satisfying experience. A side of crispy potato terrine topped with a metsovone (smoked cheese) custard adds an air of sophistication but there are no formalities here. To finish, the ‘burned’ olive oil cheesecake hits Olympian peaks of decadence. zephyr.london The Blue Stoops, Kensington Church Street – for a lively gourmet pub Allsopp’s has opened a lively pub near Notting Hill Gate, named for its original site in Burton on Trent. Overseeing the food is Lorcan Spiteri, whose menu is hale and hearty – chicken, leek and mushroom pie; Old Spot pork chop; chips and mash – punctuated with more trend-aware choices like anchovy toast, pressed potatoes with mussel velouté and pistachio tart. Along with cask ales, a short aperitif list includes artisan British drinks like Artemis red vermouth, Smith Hayne cider and Hepple gin. Décor is classic pub, which vintage beer signs and a blackboard of daily specials. thebluestoops.com Belvedere, Holland Park – for smart Italian Belvedere, a west London institution with its picture-perfect home in leafy Holland Park has had a glow-up thanks to new chef Lello Favuzzi. Now the menu matches the majestic surroundings with turbot, langoustine and caviar all making a play for your attention. Taking influences from his Italian roots and using carefully sourced ingredients from Italy and the UK, this is food to be savoured slowly, either on the terrace overlooking the park or inside the grand dining room. But stuffy it isn’t – go for pappardelle or a pizza, too, albeit topped with truffle. Highlights are Welsh lamb, lobster linguine for two and Lello’s tiramasu. Wines offered by the glass and carafe encourage experimentation, with English and orange wines joining Italian and French classics. belvedererestaurant.co.uk The Barbary, Westbourne Grove – for counter-dining with a Southern Europe and North African flavour At night this welcoming corner site on Westbourne Grove literally glows, as much due to its warm colour scheme and clever lighting as its lively open kitchen where chefs cook over fire. Grab a counter seat to watch heat-packed dishes prepared: Kapia pepper and feta brulée; house-made merguez; whole chilli cauliflower. More Southern Europe to North Africa (Barbary Coast) influences are seen in scallop aquachile; coffee-rub chicken; pata negra pork chop and crispy saffron rice. Cocktails – smoked pineapple paloma; saffron negroni – show imagination and match up to the menu’s punchy flavours. thebarbary.co.uk/notting-hill Julie's, Portland Road – for brasserie classics Iconic is a word often used to describe this west London institution, with its history of celebrity visitors and intrigue. Now chef patron Owen Kenworthy is at the helm, its well-executed brasserie classics has earned it a reputation for its menu, too. Highlights include clever snacks such as spider crab toast; tuna tartare served with house-made crisps from the raw bar; grills and salads including a luxurious lobster caesar. While the menu has a French flavour, ingredients sourced closer to home from suppliers, such as Shropshire’s Linley Farm, underline the kitchen’s commitment to regenerative agriculture. A martini trolley and potent cocktails ensure the balance between virtuous and decadent. juliesrestaurant.com Viajante 87, Notting Hill Gate – for cocktails An ambitious, continent-spanning menu, moody lighting and a chilled-out yet buzzy feel set the tone for this plush, Latin American inspired basement bar in Notting Hill. Viajante means traveller in Spanish and the team’s globe-trotting approach to flavours and drinks is reflected in a lively menu that takes you from familiar classics (palomas, pisco sours, spicy margaritas) to drinks made with unexpected and lesser-known ingredients you may not have come across before. Groups can also order carafes of agave spirits or caipirinhas, and you can even work with the bar to create your own custom cocktail. Viajante87 excels in offering polished and innovative agave riffs on classic drinks. The Mole Manhattan is a tribute to Mexico’s national food, mole, using fig leaves and Criollo de Oaxaca mezcal infused with cacao and sesame along with vegetal Cynar for an evocatively earthy, smoky and nutty cocktail – it’s a must order. The Charanda Old Fashioned is another star, made with Mexican Uruapan rum, Patrón reposado and amburana seed, the latter of which adds rich vanilla and toffee notes for a sumptuous and silky drink. Elsewhere, martini fans should delve into the Martini Malcriado (savoury and herbaceous from brown butter sage mezcal) and the bracingly icy Glacier Martini. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Leche de Bichos made with floral raicilla spirit, anise hyssop and jocoque, a Mexican fermented yogurt. Tangy and creamy with gentle anise notes, it’s an intriguing note to round off a visit to this west London gem. viajantebar.com Walmer Castle, Ledbury Road — for British-inspired pub dining Notting Hill’s Walmer Castle pub has had an excellent do-over by publican Jack Greenall (also of The Surprise in Chelsea). References to the area, pre-loved furniture and locally made fittings makes for the ideal décor for an area that includes Portobello Road. The ground floor is a proper pubby bar with a fire in the grate, art worth a closer look on the walls and a welcoming vibe. The menu gives you what you want from a modern pub including pork and fennel sausage rolls, braised ox cheek, halibut with smoked tomato and corn risotto, and a dry-aged beef burger. Vegetarian dishes such as celeriac schnitzel and gnocchi with hazelnut pesto are a cut above, and puddings include the crumble, and, of course, sticky toffee pudding. walmercastle-nottinghill.co.uk Los Mochis, Farmer Street — for Baja-Nihon cuisine Pioneering Baja-Nihon cuisine (a blend of Mexican and Japanese) expect a mix of ceviche, sashimi and tiraditos on offer. The taco menu is a great place to experiment, with 18 variations including the signature miso cod, and pato carnitas with teriyaki duck. Add a tequila or mezcal flight from the huge selection. losmochis.co.uk Dorian, Talbot Road — for British bistro cuisine Headed up by a team with personal ties to the Notting Hill area in which it resides – all of whom are plucked from institutions including the two- Michelin-starred Kitchen Table and Ikoyi, and three-Michelin-starred Core – Dorian’s ever- changing menu is a celebration of seasonal British produce, prepared with playful techniques that are sure to surprise and charm. Coupled with a cocktail menu created with foraged ingredients in mind, plus an extensive curated wine list that’s predominantly from France and Italy, and elegant décor, Dorian has all the makings of a mainstay in the London hospitality scene. dorianrestaurant.com SUMI, Westbourne Grove — for top-quality sushi The bright and airy space, with pale wood panelling, large windows and outdoor decking, perfectly suits the calm practice of SUMI’s sushi chefs. Watch them prepare stunning courses of fresh nigiri on bouncy and neat rice mounds, and wrap wafer-thin sheets of nori seaweed round the likes of minced red tuna and fermented mooli, or diced scallop with delicate purple hanahojiso flowers to make signature temaki rolls. Menu highlights are the seaweed salad coated in a creamy tahini dressing with toasted almonds, and a ceviche showcasing seasonal sustainable fish among a picture-perfect plate of peppers, corianders, marigold and a zingy yuzu dressing. Superb seared Japanese A4 wagyu is served with charred puntarelle and a jug of yuzu onion sauce. Finish by gliding a bespoke wooden spoon through the matcha mille cake’s thin layers of vibrant green, matcha-infused double cream and ultra-fine crepes. Don’t skip cocktails — the popular kawaii ne is a delicate mix of sake, local Portobello gin, lychee and yuzu, while the smoky boulevardier offers a much punchier blend of peaty whisky, umeshu plum sake, Antica Formula and Campari. sushisumi.com Gold, Portobello Road – for neighbourhood vibes Gold is a buzzing restaurant and late-night bar on London’s Portobello Road which puts cooking over coals at its heart. Split into raw, charcuterie and cheese, salads, vegetables and plates, all the dishes are designed to share. Portions are hearty though, so start off steady and see how things go. Charred pears with burrata welcome the salty tang of Tuscan ham, while a bouncy farro salad with sweet peas, broad beans and Berkswell cheese steals the show with its fresh flavours. The dessert menu is worth bringing a crowd for so you can unashamedly order them all. Honey rum babas arrive as boozy as they should be, with plenty of lemon verbena cream, while buttery sable biscuits layered with raspberry and mascarpone are lifted further with the crunch of praline. goldnottinghill.com Caractère, Westbourne Park Road – for date night The debut modern French/Italian restaurant from married culinary couple Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari, in the heart of London’s fine-dining territory. There are influences from both their ’hoods, namely France and Italy, and an unconventional approach to menu writing, grouping sections as character traits, ‘curious’, ‘subtle’, ‘delicate’, ‘robust’, ‘strong’ and ‘greedy’. It’s some of the more veg-centric dishes that wow the most. Celeriac cacio e pepe with aged (25 years, no less) balsamic vinegar steals the night early on. Ticking multiple trend boxes without being gimmicky – the al dente root added an earthiness we didn’t know such a classic needed. caractererestaurant.com Click here to read our full review of Caractère Core by Clare Smyth, Kensington Park Road – for fine-dining The tablecloths might be missing at Clare Smyth’s debut but the tone is undeniably formal. Don’t let that be confused with stuffy, though – Britain’s most lauded female chef has made her first solo mark thoroughly modern. Décor is stripped back and contemporary – via a small bar (where you can eat, too), you’re led to a dramatic chef’s table in front of the glass-fronted kitchen, and through to the bright dining room. Colchester crab royale to start comes in three parts – a bowl of sweet white meat surrounded by a moat of brown meat, a crab doughnut and a flute of shellfish broth. A single Isle of Mull scallop is cooked over wood fire and delivered under a cloche of smoke. A brackish, buttery sauce is lifted by herbs and chopped coral pearls of roe. corebyclaresmyth.com Click here to read our full review of Core by Clare Smyth Trailer Happiness, Portobello Road – for cocktails and dancing Descend from busy Portobello Road into this lively basement tiki bar for an evening of rum-fuelled fun. Bartenders in tropical shirts set cocktails on fire, laid-back locals drape over low-slung chairs and a DJ spins Northern soul and disco tunes from a wooden booth in the corner. The bar décor is enthusiastically kitsch – think geometric carpets, yellow fish stencilled onto glass doors, and tropical wallpaper. Tiki-style vessels in various shapes and sizes hold punchy rum cocktails. Try the Cotton Mouth Killer, a fiesty combination of Don Q and Wray & Nephew rum with apricot brandy, blue curaçao and guava. There are also playful rum twists on classics – Bacardi Carta Blanca is stirred with watermelon shrub, St Germain and tonic water in the Supersonic Tiki Tonic; and spiced rum is shaken with Tia Maria and Trailer Happiness homebrew coffee to create the Espresso Martiki. trailerh.com EggBreak, Uxbridge Street – for brunch The people behind Soho House and The Hoxton Hotel Group together opened an egg-based café on a residential street in Notting Hill. Split into basics (eggs on toast, egg benedict etc), buns, plates, salads and sides, the most dishes at this daytime café come with an egg of some sort, be it poached, fried or – surely the most fashionable egg of the moment – 63 degrees: cooked slowly in a waterbath at, you guessed it 63 degrees. eggbreak.com Click here to read our full review of Egg Break here Words by Alex Crossley, Keith Kendrick, Charlotte Morgan, Ellie Edwards, Hannah Guinness, Laura Rowe Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Pintxos is going to be a big trend this year: here’s where to eat
Be transported to the Basque Country in these chic pintxos bars across the UK, each making buzzy hangouts for relaxed grazing
Looking for an authentic taste of the Basque Country without taking the flight? The UK's clutch of cool pintxos bars offer the best of south-west Europe’s snacking culture and serve up the classics in a typically casual fashion, from gildas and gambas al ajillo to lightly sparkling txakoli. Capturing the spirit of pintxos (Basque-style tapas), these buzzy tabernas make great spots for Spanish-style grazing and sipping. Best pintxos bars in London Legado, Shoreditch Experience Basque dishes on a fine dining level at this elegant outlet, inspired by Basque-born chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho's childhood. Open for walk-ins only, The Taberna – the pintxos and tapas bar separate to the main restaurant – features an all-day menu that's nearly impossible to pick favourites from. However, the gordal olives and the chicharrón de Cádiz are currently on the menu and are must orders. You can also find pan con tomate, bocadillos and croquetas among the options, with a broad drinks list featuring vermouth, dry and sweet sherry and ‘three-sip’ cocktails. legadorestaurants.com Tollington's, Finsbury Park Housed in a former chippy, this Iberian-style fish bar breaks with tradition, inspired by the flavours of northern Spain but using local ingredients to give it a distinctive twist. Vermouth flows on tap, while the chips get a spicy salsa brava makeover – fried in beef dripping and finished with a generous hunk of homemade allioli. The line-up also includes the mighty bifana sandwich, pickled anchovies and battered cod cheeks. The standing-only terrace and walk-in-only bar counter area elicits the energy of a backstreet San Sebastián bar, plus a back room for sit-down meals. instagram.com/tollingtons.fishbar Bar Flor, Belgravia Tucked away above Wildflowers in Belgravia, Bar Flor is a warmly lit wine bar inspired by Spain's love of sherry and vermouth. Expect a thoughtful selection of sherries – from saline manzanilla to the palo cortado and raisin-rich PX – alongside English vermouth from Vault, which can be enjoyed neat or topped with soda or tonic. There’s also Basque cider and a handful of cocktails, including a bittersweet adonis (sherry and vermouth) and a dirty martini with a tangy peschiole pickle liqueur twist. Crafted by co-founder and chef Aaron Potter, the menu offers a line-up of pintxos and tapas that are perfectly matched to the drinks. Highlights include cave-aged manchego with honey, juicy gambas al ajillo and a deep-fried oyster draped in iberico guanciale. The must-order is the calamari sandwich: crisp, hot, deep-fried squid tucked into a baguette and slathered with garlicky allioli – a nostalgic nod to Madrid’s classic bocadillo de calamares. Bar Valette, Shoreditch Bar Valette captures the spirit of a warm neighbourhood hangout – expect mustard-hued banquettes, crisp white tablecloths and pops of modernist art, with the hum of conversation from the semi-open kitchen and bar. The bar's Pintxos Hour is a must for those seeking a taste of Basque Country's lively bar culture. From Tuesday to Saturday 5-7pm the bar serves up £4 drinks and a changing menu of pintxos, including classic gildas, barbajuans, mussel and pork skewers, and sardine toast. It’s a convivial way to graze your way through a variety of appealing morsels, in a buzzy setting that feels both welcoming yet stylish. barvalette.com Bask Street Boys, Seven Dials Market Bask Street Boys within Seven Dials feels more true to the pintxos bars in San Sebastián, where you tend to stand up and eat. The rotating line-up of pintxos, cold cuts, cheeses and classic gildas evokes the Basque ethos: simple, confident food done properly. Pan con tomate (our favourite on our visit) sits alongside golden Spanish tortillas, made with distinctly Basque ingredients like paprika-spiced txistorra (a type of chorizo). Graduating from KERB’s inKERBator programme in 2024, the team traveled extensively through the Basque region, learning from local chefs and home cooks, and perfecting recipes passed down through generations. baskstreetboys.com Topa, Islington By day this neighbourhood spot is the slick Provisions deli, well stocked with continental cheeses, charcuterie and fine wines. Come evening, Provisions morphs into Topa (meaning cheers in Basque) – a homage to San Sebastián just minutes from Highbury & Islington station. The set-up is as convivial as the food: a communal table stretches through the space, inviting guests to share dishes and conversation, while those seeking a cosier setting can opt for a barrel table. Chef Simon Shand draws on the deli’s premium produce to craft Basque bites, from nutty ossau-iraty cheese paired with roasted pickled onion to morcilla blood sausage with apple – a clever balance between savoury and sweet. The gildas, a trio of guindilla pepper, anchovy and olive, deliver a punchy hit of salt, heat, crunch and creaminess. From the plates think meltingly tender pork cheek stew atop creamy polenta, and wild mushrooms crowned with raw egg yolk and translucent guanciale. Order a glass of txakoli to drink, the lightly sparkling Basque white wine, or try a patxaran and tonic for a traditional aperitif with subtle notes of sloe berry. provisionslondon.co.uk Bar Rioja, King's Cross Tucked away around the corner of King's Cross St Pancras, Bar Rioja is an Andalusian-style hideaway dedicated to the celebrated wines of Rioja. This intimate spot is perfect for those interested in immersing themselves in the region’s famed hospitality. Pintxos are the star of the show here – from the quintessential Basque gilda (anchovy, pickled pepper and green olive skewered together) to more indulgent plates such as slow-braised, roasted Segovian suckling pig with celeriac purée and amontillado sherry jus. Hire the space and book in a tasting with passionate owner Richard Bigg for a truly memorable evening, his knowledge of Rioja’s vineyards is matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing them. barrioja.co.uk Best pintxos bars across the UK… Pintxo de Bath, Bath Tucked away in Bath’s theatre district, Pintxo is a Basque-inspired tapas bar that brings a slice of northern Spain to Somerset. The pretty garden out back is the perfect spot for lingering over its dedicated sherry menu, while inside the menu is all about sharing plates and sociable snacking. Start with pan con tomate y jamón, or opt for tinned sardines with bread and aïoli before moving on to albóndigas (meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce), gambas al ajillo and fried padrón peppers. For something sweet, the concise dessert menu delivers: warm chocolate and almond cake, and vanilla ice cream can be enjoyed solo or together, ideally with a shot of pedro ximenez sherry on the side. pintxobath.co.uk Curado, Cardiff Brought to life by the trailblazing team behind Welsh deli Ultracomida, Curado is Cardiff’s go-to for authentic pintxos and relaxed Spanish vibes. Settle in at the bustling bar for chargrilled lamb cutlets dressed with a punchy garlic and parsley picada, or opt for baked Valencian goat’s cheese and cuttlefish a la plancha. Pintxos and jamón are sourced straight from Spanish suppliers, ensuring every bite feels like a quick trip to the Basque Country. When the evening calls for a little more, slip next door to cosy sister spot Vermut, where sherry and the eponymous herbal wine take centre stage. curadobar.com Pintxo, Fowey Step away from Fowey’s bustling quayside and wander towards the esplanade, where Pintxo sits tucked between lofty townhouses. This lively tapas bar is the go-to for a Spanish-inspired lunch, with a menu that champions Valencian rosemary almonds, fiery pickled chillies and manchego drizzled with orange blossom honey. There’s plenty for those in search of something special: think spider crab and saffron croquetas, best paired with either a chilled glass of manzanilla, Spanish brandy or a pour of traditional El Gaitero cider. pintxofowey.co.uk Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Check out our guide to the best places to eat and drink in and around Marylebone, including restaurants, bars and cafés
Looking for Marylebone restaurants? Here's our foodie guide to places to eat and the best restaurants in Marylebone, including Marylebone High Street, Seymour Place and Blandford Street, from Bond Street to Marylebone station and in between... Read our guide to the best restaurants in Marylebone, then discover the best chef's table experiences in the UK. Now find out the best female-owned restaurants in the U.K. For more London food guides, see our review of the best restaurants in Soho, best restaurants in Islington and best restaurants in Mayfair. Best places to eat and drink in Marylebone Maset, Chiltern Street Maset offers something relaxed and grounded in a polished postcode. It has the feel of a French neighbourhood bistro but the cooking tilts lighter, with Mediterranean touches running through a menu built around small plates and dishes made for sharing. Start with bowls piled high with clams, white wine and parsley, and the silkiest spinach and basil linguine. Then move on to generous plates of iberico pork chop with cannellini beans, winter tomatoes and salsa verde, or the freshest dover sole served with hazelnuts and verbena. The dessert menu is simple but stunning: beautifully dark chocolate mousse with refreshing blood orange, or the perfect citrussy lemon tart with crème fraîche. For a boozy finish, opt for an after-dinner cocktail: the saffron margarita and preserved lemon martini carry the perfect kick. Service here is sleek and warm without being over-attentive – it’s very easy to settle in for the night. maset.london Lily Barclay Kol, Seymour Street Santiago Lastra’s refined Mexican restaurant took London’s Mexican restaurant scene to a new, fine-dining level. The vibe is anything from stuffy, with clay pots displayed against mottled red-orange walls and Santiago and his mustard t-shirt-clad team calmly tending to multiple pans in the open kitchen. Order a spicy mezcal margarita to start, perfectly balanced and sippable, with a cute Kol-branded ice cube. Kol serves Mexican flavours made with the finest seasonal English ingredients (save corn, chillies and chocolate from Mexico) to create six or nine courses of Mexican dishes. Think juicy, herbaceous strawberry stuffed with sea arrowgrass and pumpkin seed sikil pak, standout scallop paired with Trombone courgette and pil-pil, the scallop perfectly cooked and sweet against the salty sauce and sea buckthorn juice squeezed from a langoustine head over a sourdough taco stuffed with the crustacean’s meaty flesh and a smoky chipotle mayo. For the main event, fill handmade corn tortillas with fall-apart 18-hour cooked short rib smothered in rich pasilla chilli mole. A new offering from Kol is the dessert and drinks pairing downstairs. The smaller dessert tasting menu is bold and exciting: the Paleta lolly, with its striking Neapolitan design, is made from jalapeño, strawberry, yogurt and topped with wood ants. The Tamal, made with birch, koji, apple and buttermilk was refreshing with a fantastic blend of textures. Make sure you ask for a glass of the Szolo dessert wine, made in the style of Hungarian tokaji, which uses noble rot to intensify the dried fruit flavours. Kol is a fine dining restaurant with a price tag to match but now offers a five-course lunch menu at £95 for guests to experience a condensed version of the Kol experience. Perfect for a special occasion. kolrestaurant.com Trishna, Blandford Street The secret’s been out for a while that eating early is how to bag the best tables and enjoy the greatest food at prices that won’t make your jaw hit the floor. And that is certainly the case at this Marylebone stalwart. Slip in for an early lunch or dinner and you’ll be rewarded with the Taste of Trishna menu: a stellar-value four-course showcase of South Indian coastal flavours for £55. Open since 2008, Trishna helped put regional Indian cooking on the map in London. It has unveiled a refreshed look with soft light blues, warm walnut tones and handcrafted rattan accents, inspired by India’s southern coastal towns. After thrilling your taste buds with a crisp trio of papads and tangy chutneys, choose from a range of perfectly portioned and beautifully presented plates of expertly spiced specialties. Soft shell crab masala with a quenelle of delicate white meat is divine. Duck chutney seekh is smoky, spicy and perfectly charred, cut through with pineapple chutney. Mains come with a thali-style spread of rice, breads, dhal and a sensational chettinad potato roast, with options such as wild mushroom biryani (elevated by truffle and pink peppercorn raita), deeply savoury gongura lamb with a sour, pickled edge, or baby aubergine vathagal, its creamy texture complemented by crunchy peanuts. Desserts nod to tradition with flair: a mango malai, layered with lassi cream and makrut lime jujubes, is both delicate and decadent. trishnalondon.com Santo Remedio, Thayer Street Santo Remedio’s newest site in Marylebone feels fresh, lively and full of warmth. Despite being part of a small chain, it has the energy of a new launch, with polished service and a menu that beautifully balances spice, citrus and texture. The dining areas are stylish but unfussy, the kind of place that works as well for a pre-theatre dinner as it does for a long chatty meal with friends. The £40 dinner menu is excellent value, offering a broad sweep of the kitchen’s strengths, though we went à la carte. Start with the guacamole, of course, and follow with the tuna tostadas: sashimi-grade yellowfin, sesame, jalapeño and chipotle mayo piled high on a crisp base – fresh and cooling, if a little heavy on the mayo. Baja-style fish tacos arrive, generously filled with crisp, tequila-battered coley and limey slaw. Duck carnitas are soft, rich and built for sharing, like a Mexican riff on a duck pancake. And don’t miss the elote, its pecorino and chipotle mayo lifting sweet, slightly charred corn. Cocktails are a highlight – the coconut margarita is creamy and tropical, the sangria bright and citrussy. Service is warm, attentive and refreshingly personal, making Santo Remedio an easy choice for a flavour-packed, fun evening. santoremedio.co.uk AngloThai, Seymour Place AngloThai is the debut restaurant from husband and wife team John and Desiree Chantarasak, and marks the culmination of a nearly four-year site search after numerous highly successful pop-ups and residencies. Now the couple bring their unique vision for contemporary Thai-British cuisine to the historic Seymour Place in London’s vibrant Marylebone neighbourhood. À la carte by day and tasting menu by night, the menu is full of dishes that blend the bold flavours of Thailand with modern presentation and innovative techniques, while still respecting traditional cooking styles. It also adapts to the seasonal offerings of the British Isles, and is paired with a wine list that champions thoughtful producers and superior craftsmanship. This 44-cover restaurant was one of the hottest tables of 2024 and the momentum is carrying over to 2025, with AngloThai winning it's first Michelin star. anglothai.co.uk Abuelo, Cavendish Place Architect-owned Abuelo café unites its owners’ heritage with an Australian and South American menu of brunch, coffee, baked treats and now natural wines. The Marylebone outpost feels as though you’re kicking back at your friend’s house, that is, if that friend has impeccable taste in interior design. Sit up at the patchwork marble and reclaimed stone bar or on one of the large sharing tables for a sociable feel. Dark brown wood, hanging rice paper lanterns and vintage Bruno Rey chairs create a stylish 70s aesthetic, alongside an on-trend selection of lifestyle magazines from the likes of Dazed. Specialty Coffee Association accredited Latin American arabica beans are available in a diversity of serves, from the classics including V60 filter as well as cold brew specials such as dulce de leche iced coffee. If coffee isn’t your thing, matcha, chai and teas are on offer, too. Brunch dishes include a vibrant purple roasted heritage carrot sandwich with tangy carrot pickle, hummus and fresh green herbs. Elevated versions of classic bakes include carrot cake with statuesque mascarpone icing, slabs of banana bread, tahini cookies and sticky cinnamon buns. Saturday evenings feature natural wines, small plates and DJs. abuelocafe.co.uk Lita, Paddington Street Chef Luke Hearne heads up the kitchen of this elegant Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Marylebone. Earthy-hued interiors – parquet stone floors, brushed concrete walls and Italian red marble counter tops – are given a homely edge with kitsch knick-knacks, frilly lampshades, wooden dressers, hand-stitched vegetable napkins and jars of ferments. Eclectic seating areas create variety in the large space – from burnt orange velvet banquettes and mid-century tables to brass-edged booths and stools to perch at the bar and open-kitchen counter. There’s a succinct list of sophisticated cocktails – strong, sour currant and plum gimlet; fragrant, tequila-based Vetiver Margo; and delicate jasmine highball topped with Aperol caviar. The menu is split into four sections and dishes are designed to share. Starters include Hereford beef tartare with shoestring fries; crunchy Kentish radishes with smoked cod’s roe and onion ash; and thinly sliced tuna with chopped peppers, coriander and capers. Highlights from the primi-style section are veal sweetbreads in a gently spiced lobster bisque; Aylesbury duck ragu that clings to strozzapreti pasta twists and seasonal squash with creamy ricotta and caramelised hazelnuts. Monkfish – grilled then finished in the brick oven that takes centre stage in the open kitchen – rests on pumpkin purée with umami-rich chicken butter sauce and trompettes to garnish. For dessert, a contemporary slice of Sicilian pistachio and olive oil cake comes dressed with jammy figs, fresh blackberries, crème fraîche and pistachios. Prices are high but the excellent cooking and stunning setting provide ample justification for a special occasion. litamarylebone.com Zoilo, Duke Street This intimate bistro has been serving regional Argentinian classics for over a decade. The upstairs dining room is a cocoon of elegance – exposed brick and wood panelled walls strung with black and white photographs of life in Buenos Aires, flickering tea lights on white tablecloths, deep red leather banquettes and chequered flooring, with a heavy velvet curtain wrapped around the door to keep out the cold. A wooden bar is generously stocked with aperitifs and spirits to make cocktails while impressive vintages line shelves behind. Chef Patron Diego Jacquet returns to Argentina two to three times a year to source the 250-strong list of wines including Mendoza's prestigious Malbec regions UCO Valley and Vista Flores. Kick things off with house-cured salami, flaky, beef-filled empanadas, provoleta (a semi-hard cheese similar to Italian provolone) melted and topped with almonds and honey, and sea bream ceviche doused in green oil, chia seeds and pickled kohlrabi. Grass-fed, pampas-reared Argentinian steak is the main event, from juicy ‘bife ancho’ rib-eye served with lively tomato and parsley salsa criolla to perfectly pink ‘asado’ flank and Brazilian style picanha cooked sous vide. Order extra-crunchy hand cut Provençal chips and seasonal sides that might include opulent cauliflower cheese layered with peanut butter. To finish, silky smooth crème brûlée is topped with dulce de leche swirled banana ice cream and petits fours include squares of dulce de leche fudge. zoilo.co.uk Click here for Zoilo's alfajores recipe... Kima, Paddington Street It’s all about the small details at this minimalist dining room in Marylebone; wave-inspired crockery is handmade in a studio in Corfu and the restaurant’s name, which means “wave” in Greek, is elegantly displayed on one wall. Whole fish glisten on ice at the front, while a selection of cuts for the gill-to-fin menu age in glass-fronted fridges. An example of this zero-waste dining style is sea bream crudo lifted by thyme and lemon zest followed by the ‘shank’ of the same fish served with bacon-studded cabbage fricassee. An elegant take on a Greek salad accompanies, with aged feta crowning a bowl of chopped tomatoes and cucumber, doused in Greek olive oil poured from a carafe to meld with the juices, in which diners are encouraged to dip homemade sourdough. The “wave” theme extends to dessert, where caramelised seaweed plays a glorious role in a crisp millefeuille-tiramisu hybrid layered with coffee cream and caramelised nuts. Cocktails are infused with Greek ingredients – mastic Votanikon gin adds herbaceous notes to a basil cocktail, while clarified feta is used to create a unique twist on a sour. The selection of Greek wines includes a minerally white from Santorini, thoughtfully recommended by one of the very helpful, friendly Greek servers. kimarestaurant.com The Cavendish, New Cavendish Street Tucked away on a semi-residential street in Marylebone, the Cavendish is a little oasis of calm just a few blocks back from the buzz of Oxford Street. Downstairs, there’s an airy, high-ceilinged pub with outside pavement seating for sunnier days, and upstairs is a more grown-up dining space with smart blue-velvet banquettes, wood panelling and brass fittings. This is not your standard pub grub: the menu from ex-Oyster Shed chef Laura de Fillipis is full of surprising and inventive small plates, like delicate crunchy pan puri filled with smoked mackerel and mussels, or a starter of jellied beetroot cannelloni stuffed with goat’s cheese and served with a walnut gremolata. Larger dishes, like king prawn tortellini served in a tomato prawn bisque with nori crisps, show there is a real love of fish cookery here. Service is warm, friendly and chatty, and the dog-friendly vibe extends to a canine dining menu, so your furry pal can enjoy a meal, too. Order an ice-cold pint of crisp Cornish Harbour IPA served in a frosted glass, or choose a summery watermelon and aloe vera spritz from the quirky cocktail menu. 35newcavendish.co.uk Carlotta, Marylebone High Street The fifth restaurant in Big Mamma Group’s glamorous collection is possibly its most lavish yet. Enter from Marylebone High Street into a jewelled abundance of glassware and aperitif bottles and continue through into the glitz of an old-school Italian American film set. Silky folds of material line the walls along with black and white photographs and framed memorabilia on the ground floor, while downstairs is a spacy concoction of red and blue velvet reflected in mirror-lined curved walls. Food is equally lavish and fun, with starters such as tempura prawn cocktail and meaty ossobuco croquettes. The rich, bisque-style sauce in the Sicilian red prawn spaghetti is our highlight of the primi menu, while truffle butter fettuccini for two is the most Instagrammable, theatrically prepared at the table in true Big Mamma style. Opt for panko-crusted Milanese lamb cutlets for main if you like the sound of cheesy, meaty lollipops. Save room for pud – Carlotta’s wedding cake is a riot of meringue, delicate almond sponge and zesty coulis, while pistachio gelato is a texture sensation topped with pistachio cream and caramelised pistachio crumb. bigmammagroup.com Bao Marylebone, James Street BAO Marylebone is the fifth iteration of the much- loved cult Taiwanese steamed buns and xiao chi small plates concept which has been delighting Londoners since 2013 when friends Shing Tat Chung, Erchen Chang and Wai Ting Chung served their first gua bao on the streets of the city. Small in footprint but big on flavours, it’s a welcome addition to an area in Marylebone that’s otherwise lacking a taste of Southeast Asia. They’ve made themselves right at home with modern, sleek interiors – a far cry from their humble beginnings. baolondon.com Cavita, Wigmore Street Cavita, Adriana Cavita’s debut after a stint at powerhouses including Spain’s El Bulli and a successful pop-up at The Dorchester, is London’s newest, most vibrant Mexican offering. The gorgeous space on Wigmore Street is warm and inviting, with food that fills the belly as well as the soul – think pig’s head tamal wrapped in charred collard greens; mole verde with wood-grilled, herb-fed chicken; and pan de elote with cajita, a sweet cornbread topped with a goat’s milk caramel. Cocktails are inventive, with a secret bar below offering small-batch artisanal mezcal, tequila and the opportunity to learn more about Mexican culture. cavitarestaurant.com Mayha, Chiltern Street This Japanese omakase features just 11 covers – guests sit around a curved wood and stone bar, behind which chef Jurek Wasio sends out plate after meticulously crafted plate in a daily-changing tasting menu. As a guest, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ensuing feast. Start with a sparkling sake and a round of raw dishes – blue fin tuna belly tartare on sourdough topped with a briny mound of Polish caviar is a particular highlight. Meat dishes include wagyu tenderloin dusted in shaved summer truffle, as luscious and deeply umami as you might expect. The sushi sequence of the meal is the highlight – a stream of plump nigiri that showcase the impeccable quality of the produce used at Mayha: creamy scallop; lightly seared, butter-soft salmon belly; delicately sweet langoustine; dry-aged blue fin tenderloin; the list goes on. Fragrant cups of bamboo dashi and lobster miso, and a palate-cleansing rhubarb sorbet punctuate the meal. It all ends simply, but effectively, with a scoop of chocolate ice cream in a grassy pool of Sicilian olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Head downstairs before or after dinner to Mayha’s intimate six-seater bar, which offers its own five-course omakase meal paired with cocktails. mayhalondon.com Roketsu, New Quebec Street Daisuke Hayashi, trained at Yoshihiro Murata’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant Kikunoi, learned the principles of kaiseki from one of its masters and has been delighting Londoners looking for an authentic taste of Japanese fine dining since opening Roketsu in 2021. With a more relaxed à la carte experience in mind, Daisuke opened the Bo-Sen wine and dining room downstairs in 2023. With just eight covers, the experience is intimate, the wooden panelling and low mid-century furniture creating an atmosphere that’s just as refined as the minimalist counter-dining space on the ground floor. Daisuke’s handling of seasonal produce remains respectful, balancing flavours and ingredients precisely. Light dishes crafted to be enjoyed alongside extensive wine and sake lists include vegetable takiawase of simmered vegetables with dashi jelly, tsukuri of the day comprising four kinds of beautifully cut sashimi and flavour-packed homemade curry. Plating is artful and every detail of the Bo-Sen space has been considered, from the elegant furnishings in rich colours to the bespoke Kyoto crockery. roketsu.co.uk The Italian Greyhound, Seymour Street Sipping a sgroppino with passion fruit sorbet (flavours change daily) in the sunshine-flooded room of the Italian Greyhound, it’s hard to believe you’re a stone’s throw from the traffic-heavy Edgware Road. The ambience is calming: light wood, long walk-in bar, plants and patio windows that open onto the villagey vibe of Seymour Place. Sit by the open windows and soak up the breeze on a summer's day. The menu uses British produce, simply executed, divided into five sections: small plates, all day pizzette (light and thin with toppings ranging from courgette to mortadella and pistachio pesto), pasta, larger plates (think aubergine parmigiana, chicken Milanese and sea bream) and dolci. From the small plates, crispy tiny pea arancini are a highlight – a clever combination of traditional British flavours into an Italian classic. Pasta prices are on the higher end of the scale (but understandable given the location) and portions are generous. Spaghetti is silky, coated with shreds of Cornish crab, fennel seeds, chilli and lemon. Orecchiette with lamb bolognese is deeply comforting and loaded with Parmesan cheese. If you have room left, ensure you try the pillowy custard bombolini with dark chocolate sauce, perfect for sharing. theitaliangreyhound.co.uk Lina Stores, Marylebone Lane Head chef Masha Rener’s antipasti, perfect pastas and sharing dishes are as top-notch as ever in the Italian deli brand's fourth pasta-focused restaurant. The iconic white and mint awning ensures the newest outpost is unmissable to fans, while signature aesthetics continue inside. Soft globe lighting casts a golden glow over the contemporary Italian canteen and marble counter, mirrors line the wooden cabinet above the bar to shine the spotlight on rows of Italian aperitif bottles, and shelves groan with bespoke artisan deli products. Kick off with refreshing cocktails including wild oregano infused limoncello spritz, a delicate pomelo and basil martini, or the silky nogroni. Antipasti classics include a panzanella of rainbow-hued heritage tomatoes, golden cubes of sourdough, tropea onions and toasted buckwheat; alongside crisp pillows of focaccia slathered in creamy cultured butter and topped with salty anchovies. For the pasta course, choose between the likes of gomiti tubes glistening with umami-rich, knobbly pieces of guanciale, fresh peas and caramelised onions, and al dente casarecce coated in a tomato sauce with a slight chilli kick and plenty of plump prawns. Though pasta is the restaurant’s hero, we highly recommend treating yourself to the veal milanese for two, coated in a light, golden crumb and generously blanketed in Parmigiano Reggiano. Finish with a scoop of homemade gelato, decadent chocolate mousse or crunchy Sicilian pistachio cannoli piped with fluffy ricotta. linastores.co.uk Taka Marylebone, Marylebone High Street Take fills a much-needed gap between London’s high-end Japanese restaurants and casual ramen joints. Contemporary interiors include a wall installation of parasols that double up as lampshades to cast a warm glow across oak tables and a sleek, sake-bottle-lined bar downstairs, or you can head upstairs to the large dining room with a view over Marylebone High Street. Japanese-inspired cocktails feature the likes of the Old Oak Fashioned: a bottled concoction of Nikka whisky from the barrel, vanilla coffee syrup and chocolate bitters, infused with cherry wood smoke that billows out as you pop the cork and pour into the glass. Choose a selection of about six small plates between two, including popcorn shrimp with spicy mayo, super-soft aubergine in an umami plantain miso sauce, crunchy tuna avocado rolls and chicken yakitori grilled over hot coals. Don’t miss the homemade mochi breads to scoop up silky chicken liver pâté topped with crispy chicken skin. The showstopper, with a price to match, is the wagyu sando. Savour four flavour-packed rectangles of fat-rippled wagyu beef and miso spread between perfectly cut fried milk bread. takalondon.com Lurra, Seymour Place Tucked away on Marylebone’s pretty (and seriously foodie) Seymour Place, Lurra is a contemporary, sophisticated Basque-inspired restaurant. It’s sister to Donostia, just across the road, and the building has a shiny new extension. There’s more to this trendy joint than its good looks though: ingredients are key. With a meat import business (think 14-year-old Galician Blond, 67-day hung beef) supplying the likes of Kitty Fisher’s and Chiltern Firehouse, and a cellar downstairs housing top Spanish wines (including an incredible Louro from Valdeorras), owners Nemanja and Melody know their stuff. Florencio, Seymour Place Chef Diego Jacquet has opened a pizzeria near his contemporary Argentinian grill, Zoilo. Pizzas are made from a 48-hour fermented dough and finished with toppings including Buenos Aires’ popular three-cheese muzza style. Options include El Cuartito topped with chorizo, grilled peppers and jalapeños, and Martita laden with gorgonzola béchamel, courgettes and walnuts. florenciopizza.com Hoppers, Wigmore Street Named after the lacy, bowl-shaped pancakes that are a staple of Sri Lanka, Hoppers has quickly established itself as one of London’s hippest hangouts. From the can-do-no-wrong team behind Michelin-starred Gymkhana, Hoppers references the food of southern India and Sri Lanka. There’s a succinct menu starring traditional hoppers: light fermented rice and lentil pancake bowls, with a softly steamed egg and a selection of confidently spiced karis. Load up on the ‘short eats’, though. Mutton rolls are like crunchy cigars – with a golden crumb, shredded gamey meat and lightly spiced tomato chutney. Bone marrow is so seductively sauced that you would be forgiven for refusing to share. The best, perhaps, are buttered devilled shrimps: juicy and fiery. There a fab and refreshing cocktails also. hopperslondon.com The Parlour at Zetter Townhouse, Seymour Street Leave busy Oxford Street behind and pay Uncle Seymour a visit for a wintery cocktail. Inside this Georgian townhouse lies a secret drinking den that exuberates the eccentric charm of the Zetter Townhouse’s ficticous owner, wicked Uncle Seymour. Seymour’s Parlour is more front room of curiosities than hotel bar: trinkets clutter a cabinet that spans one side of the room, portraits adorn the wine-red walls and crystal decanters filled with bright orange liquid dress up antique wooden tables. The room has a hushed atmosphere with intimate lighting that creates secluded corners to settle in to. Dapper Italian waiters take your order, and shake at a little bar tucked into one corner. The seasonal cocktail list changes regularly, so the winter menu is made up of little coupettes full of punchy, warming mixes and remedies from the cold. Try the healing Scarlet’s Antidote, made with earthy homemade beetroot cordial, smooth Ocho tequila and the subtle spice of caraway from Kümmel liqueur. Dainty gimlet-like cocktail, The Rake, takes inspiration from ladies of the night in the series of paintings ‘A Rake’s Progress’, with fragrant orris (iris flower root) ‘powdered notes’ and a little drop of juniper oil that forms a delicate black beauty spot on the surface of the clear cocktail. Find out more about Seymour's Parlour Marylebone here. Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Best restaurants in Covent Garden: where to eat and drink
From Neal's Yard to Leicester Square, we've found the best places to eat in and around the West End, from intimate seafood bistros to contemporary wine bars and Laotian banquets
Looking for Covent Garden restaurants? Here are our favourite restaurants near Covent Garden for pre-theatre dinners and post-shopping meals. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking from The Strand to theatre land and beyond... For more recommendations, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Soho, best restaurants in Paddington or the best restaurants in Kings Cross. Also discover more of our London restaurant reviews. Best places to eat and drink in Covent Garden Gilroy's Loft – for Guinness and seafood Gilroy’s Loft is the cherry on the top of the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery recently opened in the Neal Street area. Walk in from the outdoor courtyard through The Porter’s Table grill and a dedicated lift whizzes you up to a top-floor, light-filled dining room. Exec-chef Pip Lacey (ex Murano) has leaned into the classic Guinness and seafood pairing. We decide to start with a selection of three types of oysters (two Irish, one from Guernsey) which came with classic shallot vinegar. It’s almost compulsory to try the Guinness here but if cocktails are more your thing try the Espresso Stoutini, the Guinness reduction giving surprising malty, caramel notes. There’s more Guinness in the rarebit from the starters, a thick slice of toasted bread piled with an umami, melty cheese topping with crisp edges, served with a pickled carrot and chicory salad and walnut ketchup. Lobster comes grilled in the half shell with a deeply savoury brown and pine nut butter, and a dish of perfectly flaking hake has a seasonal side of chargrilled sprouts with silky velouté. For dessert a must try is the blood orange mousse with Guinness ice cream: malty, sweet and savoury – a real revelation. opengatelondon.guinness.com Poons – for home-cooked Chinese food You should approach the Poon’s menu with a game plan in hand. Pick wontons or claypot or chicken, or, if you are lunching, the daily congee or noodles and go all in, the rest of the menu can wait for another day. If you have a choice of seating then the bar will give you plenty to observe – but wherever you end up this is a cosseting, pretty, elegant space that manages not to be slightest bit stuffy. Amy Poon started her business with an online dumpling dispatch business she called a ‘wontoneria’ and the same silky wontons are available at Poon’s: order the whole menu of pork, prawn, chicken and veg all slicked with chilli oil and a side of crunchy house pickles, and you’ll die happy. For the next visit choose white-cut poussin with spring onion ginger and chilli oil, or the wind-dried meat claypot rice alongside boiled peanuts (yes, delicious) and silken tofu with avocado and diced century eggs, and you’ll have had a completely different style of meal. Drink delightful small-batch teas from China and Taiwan and a truly lovely selection of wines both chosen by Amy’s husband Michael Mackenzie. poonslondon.com Dim Sum Library – for innovative dim sum Dim Sum Library brings a particular kind of Hong Kong polish to Long Acre. Aqua Restaurant Group’s new international outpost has settled neatly into Covent Garden’s all-day rhythm – somewhere you can drop in for lunch, stretch things into afternoon tea or head pre-theatre for cocktails. We went in dim sum first. The wagyu beef puff is the dish to swoon over: crisp, flaky pastry with a rich black pepper filling that’s light yet indulgent. Dan dan xiao long bao comes with a little jeopardy – dumpling skins hold a spicy broth that requires care with the chopsticks. Black truffle har gau are plump with prawn sweetness, while the black truffle crispy skin chicken has skin so thin it cracks like glass. If you love heat, order dai-ching Sichuan chicken, mouth-tingling with chilli intensity. Then cool a little with aromatic cheung fun filled with roasted pork, spring onion and coriander. Beyond the baskets, there are larger Cantonese classics – black cod, sweet and sour pork – but dim sum is the main focus, skilfully showcased by deft chefs in the open-plan kitchen that runs the length of the buzzy room. Dessert is worth saving room for. The classic egg tart has impossibly short, buttery pastry, while the oolong crème brûlée is creamy and gently perfumed. dimsumlibrary.co.uk Cô Thành – for Vietnamese noodles Hong Kong favourite Cô Thành comes to Covent Garden, taking the elegant former Frenchie site and adding a vibrant Vietnamese canteen sheen – mirrored tabletops, signage popping from exposed brick walls and colourful plastic stools outside. Sharing starters include minced beef wrapped in betel leaf, sausage skewers glistening in tamarind glaze and beer battered chicken wings with sweet, spicy fish sauce. Next comes an extensive list of noodle soups, my highlight being fragrant bún bò huế, the broth sweetened with pineapple that tenderises the rare beef and beef shank slices along with springy meatballs, fresh herbs and shredded morning glory. Seafood-packed bún Thái has a tom yum edge thanks to tamarind, galangal and ginger, while bún mám packs a fermented umami punch, and bún riêu’s crab base is ideal for thinner vermicelli noodles. We were recommended to drop a couple of unique yellow chillies into our broth, allow them to infuse their floral fragrant spicy kick and then remove. Dinky desserts punch above their weight, from kem chuối inspired coconut and banana ice cream lifted with lime zest, to tiramisu laced with rum and dark roast coffee that caramelises into the mascarpone. Dipping deep-fried sponge fritters into Vietnamese drip cà phê took me right back to Hanoi’s quirky coffee shops. cothanhrestaurant.com/london Adoh! – for Sri Lankan sharing plates Inspired by the Sri Lankan expression of greeting or surprise, Adoh! (‘Hey’) is a Covent Garden newcomer from Kolamba founders Eroshan and Aushi Meewella. Channelling the buzz of Colombo’s street food scene it’s a perfect pop-in when you need a fix of heat. Sri Lankans love to share and here there’s a riot of small plates, sambols and spicy mains, bright and colourful to match the walls splashed with the country’s famous lorry murals. We started with mutton rolls: fat cylinders of crisp fried pastry bulging with spiced mince and potato. Just £7 for two, a bargain in this prime London location. (In fact, everything on the menu is under £20). Another must-order is kothu, the nation’s signature street snack, a tangle of chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, egg and meat or seafood. I chose crab – as good as anything I’d experienced on a trip to Sri Lanka. The menu is short and easily navigable so arrive hungry and choose two or three snacks, including vadai (spiced lentil doughnuts), sticky-sweet devilled sausages and coconut roti with lunu miris, a sharp onion relish. Curries feature in the mains. We plumped for classic black pork, with a deep, roasted flavour, balanced with tangy tamarind, and served with rice, dhal and accompaniments. Sides like morning glory with garlic and red chilli, tomato and onion sambol, and seeni sambol (caramelised onion relish) round things out neatly. Drinks lean tropical: arrack-based spritzes, rum punches and ginger beer coolers that cut through the spice without overpowering it. olive tip: Save room for the only dessert on the menu – jaggery soft serve. Smooth and caramel-like with a subtle treacle sweetness, it’s all that’s needed to douse the fire of the punchy savoury dishes. adoh.co.uk Town – for lavish dinners The vibe at Stevie Parle and Jonathan Downey's new restaurant is a modern take on early James Bond cool and classy. At the standalone bar, pick from three varieties of martini (by Kevin Armstrong of Satan’s Whiskers fame) to pair with fried sage leaves, heather honey and chilli. The space age pass to the kitchen is ringed in glowing baize green and every bit of detail from the ceiling to the frosted glasses shouts ‘attention’. As with all of Stevie Parle's projects, provenance is key. Wildfarmed beef is raised for the restaurant and served wine-cured with crunchy candied walnuts and posh ‘cheese whizz’, as steaks or in fat form as the cooking medium for pink fir potatoes. There are Seasalter clams swimming in sherry or as a main, curried with cod; Isle of Mull scallops with smoked chilli butter and Kentish asparagus swathed in Mangalista lardo. Kasmiri saffron risotto is served with bone marrow to be scooped out and stirred through, mighty rich in flavour and a show-off on the plate. Buttermilk pudding with roasted nespole (loquats) or a scoop of Todoli lemon and Thai basil sorbet make a refreshing end. town.restaurant Ikoyi — for contemporary fine dining Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale’s second iteration of their highly acclaimed contemporary fine-dining restaurant at 180 The Strand. The spice-focussed menu has evolved to new heights and cooking techniques courtesy of a much bigger space, while keeping the theme more than ever on micro-seasonal British ingredients. Tasting menu £300; ikoyilondon.com Setlist – for casual riverside dining To celebrate 25 years of Somerset House, Setlist has arrived – a sharp, summery pop-up that blends food, art and music in a pavilion perched above the Thames. It’s one of the capital’s coolest new hangouts, boasting riverside views, serious culinary clout and a laid-back festival feel. Opeoluwa of Future Plate plates up punchy Nigerian-inspired dishes – crisp goat croquettes with a hum of heat, and jerk chicken offset with a scotch bonnet mango chutney that’s all fire and fruit. Sophie Wyburd teams up with Wildfarmed for pizzettes that go big on comfort and character – roast potatoes and taleggio mingle with fennel sausage and caramelised onion, while smoked aubergine meets sweet-hot honey in a must-try veggie twist. Andrea Montes Renaud and Laura Copp use heritage Mexican maize for their hand-pressed tortillas. The Baja fish taco, zingy with lime slaw and chilli, and lifted with burnt garlic and habanero mayo, is a standout. Drinks are seasonal and sunny. Try the Somerset Spritz – light, botanical and best sipped as the sun sets to the beat of a live DJ set echoing across the river. somersethouse.org.uk Oriole – for cocktails and live music From the moment you step into Oriole you know you’re in for a treat. The speakeasy-style interiors – all plush textures, low lighting, and eclectic global curios – evoke a feeling of discovery that carries through the entire evening. Head chef Gustavo Giallonardo’s menu draws on the vibrant fusion cuisines of Latin America, with playful plates that surprise and delight. Standouts include sea bass ceviche in bright Amarillo leche de tigre, tender lamb rump with spring greens, huacatay and black olives (reminiscent of a crisp, savoury latke), and melting pork cheek with mash and kimchi Nikkei. Finish with pineapple tartare and a cooling coconut and tarragon sorbet. Live music fills the bar while the cocktail list – arranged by continent and complete with tasting notes – brings the more obscure ingredients to life. Try the Saraburi Punch, inspired by Thai mango sticky rice, for a silky, delicately sweet tipple. Warm, intuitive service seals the deal – a truly memorable night out. oriolebar.com Parsons – for an intimate seafood dinner With its Victorian-style white tiles and high marble-counter tables, Parsons has the feel of a traditional, old-school fish restaurant that’s been there for decades, not one that only opened in Covent Garden at the end of 2017. Sibling to The 10 Cases across the road on Endell Street, Parsons is informal enough to drop in for a half-dozen oysters and a glass of fizz, or settle down for a full-on feast of sea trout tartare with bloody mary jelly; octopus with duck-fat potatoes, paprika and parsley oil; or a hearty bowl of clam chowder packed with smoked bacon, shellfish, potatoes and cream. parsonslondon.co.uk J Sheekey – for seafood in an iconic setting Dating from 1896, J Sheekey is located in the heart of West End theatreland so it comes as no surprise that the walls are adorned with portraits of celebrity clientele in the four interconnecting dining rooms. Both the restaurant and its adjacent oyster bar serve an impressive choice of oysters and crustaceans, but the famous Sheekey’s fish pie, and monkfish and tiger prawn tikka masala remain firm favourites with the regulars. j-sheekey.co.uk Officina OO – for pasta and unique pizza New to Covent Garden (there are existing sites in Old St and Fitzrovia), this modern Italian has a real focus on expertly crafted fresh pasta – Officina means workshop or lab and in the centre of the airy dining room there is a glass walled booth with a chef crafting the daily specials in front of diners. What makes this new branch, tucked minutes away from Neal St, unique is the addition of Nonna’s pizza – Officina’s take on a traditional style where the pizza is baked at a lower temperature in a special wheel-shaped rutiello pizza pan. Expect a thicker, lighter crust than usual and lots of fresh toppings – we tried the Pazzarella which came piled up with rocket pesto, prosciutto crudo, aged balsamic and a blanket of parmesan. The pastas are as good as expected, a particular highlight being the occhi – a filled ravioli-style pasta stuffed with pork genovese, parsley pesto and cheese. From the snacks and starters the croquettes had a rich oozy sausage and smoked provolone filling in a crisp shell, and the Sicilian tuna ceviche was spankingly fresh slices of cured fish in a zingy orange and chive dressing. The wine list has some well-priced Italian classics but don’t miss the Italian margarita with its delicious twist of amaretto served with a maraschino cherry, perfect as a dessert cocktail. officina00.co.uk Story Cellar – for rotisserie cooking A modern bistro from the team behind two Michelin-starred Story, with a focus on rotisserie cooking and counter dining. Nestled in Neal’s Yard, Story Cellar is the sister restaurant to Tom Sellers’ acclaimed Restaurant Story, offering a relaxed, Parisian-inspired modern bistro experience. The space hums with energy, with counter seating providing a front-row view of the chefs in action. The snail bolognese on toast is a must-order, rich and deeply savoury, while the tuna tartare is light and fresh, and the cheesy chestnut gnocchi delivers pure comfort. For mains, the dry-aged pork chop is expertly cooked but the rotisserie chicken – succulent and golden-skinned – steals the show. Don’t skip the crispy wild mushrooms, a standout side that’s packed with flavour. For dessert, the jerusalem artichoke soft serve surprises with its nutty depth, while the bread and butter pudding, with tonka bean and orange custard, is warm and indulgent. With a strong wine list, polished service and an open kitchen that makes counter dining the best spot, Story Cellar delivers refined yet effortless bistro dining in Covent Garden. storycellar.co.uk Heliot Steak House – for elevated American cuisine Heliot Steak House, right at the heart of Leicester Square’s famous Hippodrome Casino, overlooking the Grand Casino, has recently been given a refurb. It majors in elevated American cuisine, with buttery prime USDA steaks the stars of the show. Everything here is about the drama, from plumptious prawns presented with billowing clouds of dry ice, to perfectly grilled steaks, sliced at the table and served with oozy mac ‘n’ cheese (with a rarebit-style topping), creamy spinach and rosemary-salted fries. There’s a choice of 120 wines (choose Ramnista Xinomavro, a velvety red from Greece, a perfect partner for red meat). There are also fish, lamb, chicken and pasta dishes, and some vegetarian options. And if you do get lucky on the tables, you might want to splash out on a luxurious Japanese wagyu sirloin. hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/ Henri – for a modern take on a classic French bistro Chef Jackson Boxer (Brunswick House, Orasay) has partnered with hospitality pioneers, Xavier Padovani, Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros and Romée de Goriainoff (the brains behind the Experimental Group), and unveiled Henri, a glamorous and playful, Parisian-inspired restaurant on the ground floor of the Henrietta hotel in the heart of Covent Garden. A homage to the traditional Paris bistro with interpretations of some of Jackson’s bistro favourites, expect big and bold dishes as well as an expansive, mainly French, wine list and inventive cocktails. henricoventgarden.com La Compagnie Neal’s Yard – for a hidden wine bar This stylish little wine bar hidden away in Neal’s Yard is the perfect cosy bolthole for a glass or two in this tourist-thronged patch of central London. La Compagnie has been a fixture on London’s new-wave wine bar scene since 2014 – it has sister bars in Paris and New York – and is set over two floors and a terrace, the latter a particularly lovely spot for drinking in warmer weather. The focus is very much on smaller producers and hard-to-find bottles, with friendly staff on hand to make suggestions. Those looking for a bottle have a hefty slab of a menu to investigate but there’s also an impressively lengthy list of wines by the glass – perfect for trying lots of different things. Spot-on recommendations from our server come paired with seasonal European small plates from new head chef Ranieri Raimondi. Highlights include a delicious Jura chardonnay, zesty and minerally, with plump, buttery drunken scallops in a rich foie gras sauce; and torched mackerel with breadcrumbs and endive paired with a light and velvety Corsican red full of juicy red fruits. compagniewinebar.com/london Muse at RSA House – for cocktails in a hidden setting Hidden away in the elegant Georgian environs of RSA House, Muse offers a welcome respite from the busy nearby Strand, with a fine line in sustainably minded cocktails. In partnership with Idyll Drinks and Company of Cooks, the bar is on a mission to spotlight British ingredients, all served in a relaxed, subtly luxe setting. Drinks, designed by Marcis Dzelzainis (Sager + Wilde), are brimming with unusual seasonal and botanical ingredients, from hawthorn and rosehip rum cocktails to a truffle vodka martini. Particularly interesting are a roster of classic cocktails made with wild distillates. Our favourites included a pisco sour made with pineapple weed liqueur – smooth and creamy with a delicate tropical cast – and a wild carrot margarita with a warming, earthy, herbaceous character. thersa.org/muse-at-rsa-house Old Chang Kee – for curry puffs The Singaporean curry puffs at Old Chang Kee are some of the most flavourful savoury pastries anywhere in the city. The signature chicken curry puff is the one to go for. It’s filled with spiced chicken, potatoes and boiled egg – made to a secret recipe, so coveted that it’s locked away in a bank vault! There’s also a spicy ‘mala’ version which has the additional of mouth-tingling Szechuan pepper sauce. For a sweet treat, try their new Kaya Puffs – filled with fragrant pandan coconut jam. oldchangkee.co.uk Frog By Adam Handling – for a special occasion tasting menu There’s a lot to take in at Frog even before the meal begins. Design features include a fun frieze of Piccadilly Circus, juxtaposed with more classic décor, white leather table tops and a dramatic marble open kitchen. Fireworks continue in a tasting menu that spans the British Isles, from chef-owner Adam Handling’s native Scottish waters to the Cornish coast. After generous snacks and bread with Adam’s famous chicken butter, come well-balanced dishes such scallops with smoked chilli; cod, beans, quail or wagyu with morel and truffle; through to cherry bakewell or caramel and salted milk. Some ingredients are foraged by the team and nothing is wasted – all by-products are used up in clever ways in both cocktails in the basement bar in snacks such as crab biscuits made using the soft bones of lobster legs. frogbyadamhandling.com Bancone – for pasta The tagline for Bancone might be “pasta, prosecco, espresso” – but it’s those first little mouthfuls of arancini from the antipasti that you’ll be raving about, come home time. They arrive as three golden nuggets, their crisp armour gives way to the lightest rice, still just al dente, no stodge, and bags of flavour. First (on our visit) earthy mushroom, next creamy dolcelatte, and finally saffron with a fiery heart of ’nduja. It’s hard not to be mesmerised by the rest of the menu, though, particularly if you sit at the marble-topped, brass-trimmed bar, overlooking Louis and his team at work. Fresh pasta, which is made and rolled upstairs, is flash-boiled before being tossed with any of the 10 sauces on offer. Limited edition items also populate the menu, like the silk handkerchiefs 'carbonara', where thick ribbons of pasta are tossed in a cheesy sauce before being topped with crisp shards of pancetta and a golden egg yolk. Chitarra – guitar-string like spaghetti – is slicked with cacio e pepe and topped with a crisp, peppered cheese wafer. Oxtail ragu, slow cooked for 10 hours until sticky and sweet, clings to bouncy folds of pappardelle. Simple, quality ingredients – the bedrock of good Italian cookery – are shown proper respect. Hispi cabbage is charred and dressed with red chilli, garlic and 2017 Planeta olive oil. Chicory and beans are held up with sweet and sour onions, and a deeply savoury anchovy crumb. Classic negronis with the right amount of chunky ice and a twist of orange are just as well received as the prosecco, and don’t leave without a palate-cleansing, retro-tastic Amalfi lemon syllabub (recipe below) and granita served in its original host. Holiday vibes for the win. bancone.co.uk Arôme – for classic pastries with an East Asian twist At two central London bakery-cafés, co-founded with Singaporean restaurateur Ellen Chew, French pastry ace Alix André delivers classic croissants and pain au chocolats, while also exploring how that repertoire might evolve using East Asian flavours. His miso bacon ‘escargot’ (so-called for its coiled, snail-shell shape) neatly deploys sweet and savoury flavours. “Spring onions and a citrus syrup glaze add a touch of acid to cut through the fat,” explains Alix. Arôme’s popular honey butter toast (a thick slice of fluffy Japanese shokupan bread in a crunchy honey crust) was inspired by Alix’s experiences in Japan: “I was taken by the craftsmanship I experienced there, the dedication to perfecting even the simplest steps.” aromebakery.co.uk The 10 Cases – for wine The name stems from the fact that this buzzy little Covent Garden bar and bistro only ever buys 10 cases of the wines on the concise list in a quest to offer customers new experiences each time they visit. It was opened in 2011 by Ian Campbell and Will Palmer, who were bored of overpriced wine lists that never changed. Will says: “I think part of the success of 10 Cases is the constantly changing wine list and having more than 300 wines with very small cash mark-ups and small corkage charges. I think the ability to be able to drink really good and interesting wine in an unpretentious setting strikes a chord with many people.” 10cases.co.uk Click here for the best wine bars across the country Lao Café, Chandos Place – for casual Laotian food Authentic’ is overused on London’s restaurant scene, but Saiphin Moore has managed to do the word justice with her traditional Laotian cooking Covent Garden restaurant Lao Café. After successfully running seven branches of cool and casual Thai restaurant Rosa’s, Saiphin’s mission is to bring traditional home cooking from her original Laotian roots to Londoners. laocafe.co.uk Louie – for elegant seafood and cocktails Conveniently located in theatre district, this converted townhouse is home to three floors of New Orleans-inspired French glamour. Take a seat at the marble seafood counter in the ground floor bistro, or continue up to the first-floor restaurant, where intricately patterned carpets, gilt-framed mirrors, squishy sofas and frilly lamp shades add an elegantly eclectic touch. Start your meal with a selection from the raw bar; a tray of oysters (there are four varieties to choose from), sesame crusted tuna and yellow tail crudo lifted with green tomato, ginger and chilli. Hearty mains range from smoked Black Angus short ribs and black truffle pappardelle to king scallops with cuttlefish ink risotto and whole BBQ lobster in a silky butter sauce mopped up with French baguette toast. Whole lettuce hearts in a cashew dressing make a crunchy, refreshing side. The delicate, contemporary take on a southern pecan pie is a must-order dessert. Cocktails are served in embossed coupes; we loved the citrusy, floral Charles’, with a boozy absinthe edge. Upstairs, the plush Alligator Bar cocoons guests in its chic, New Orleans-style oasis, where champagne flows and boozy cocktails are shaken to the back drop of live jazz (dancing with the energetic staff is very much encouraged). louie-london.com Ave Mario — for lavish, camp interiors and superior Italian ingredients Anyone who loved the OTT charms of Gloria and Circo Populare will find much to enjoy in Big Mamma’s latest opening. Loosely inspired by Florence, it's a sprawling affair with almost 300 seats spread over three floors of kitschy, Instagrammable interiors, from the ground-floor dining room complete with soaring ceilings, green-and-white striped walls and a towering bar stocked with 3,500 bottles, to a louche, mirrored, 70s-style basement bar complete with an open kitchen where you can watch pizzaiolos work their magic. There’s campy Catholic iconography scattered throughout, pictures of Sopranos characters in the loos, pretty vegetable-shaped crockery and a 60cm marbled stracciatella ice-cream cake on the menu to rival Gloria’s famed supersized lemon meringue pie. It’s boisterously fun and undoubtedly a place you go to soak up the atmosphere, but the food — mostly crowdpleasing spins on classics — also impresses, from luscious carbonara ravioli filed with oozy egg yolk and flakes of guanciale, to the pillowiest of pizzas decadently topped with salty pearls of Venetian caviar. Ingredients, sourced from some 180 artisan suppliers, are top drawer — think 36-month-old prosciutto; dreamily creamy Puglian burrata; silky mortadella; and liberal clouds of umami aged parmesan. coventgarden.london/ave-mario Blacklock — for a sustainable approach to meat The Covent Garden branch of Blacklock is in a listed building just off Bedford Street in Covent Garden in what was once the location for the King's Coachmakers and it's their biggest yet. The mid-century modern/industrial feel is welcoming and the menu focusses on the affordable and sustainable approach to meat that is central to Blacklock's approach. A starter of Cull Yaw Crumpet signals what lies ahead. Dry-aged Cornish mutton shoulder and leg is slow-roasted overnight in a range of spices until it's soft and ready to fall apart. This is then placed atop a crumpet with English mustard and pickled onions. A jug of gravy is offered to pour over the meal and soak deep into the crumpet, resulting in an impressive depth of flavour. Blacklock's signature 'All In' option is a sharing platter of beef, pork and lamb skinny chops piled high on charcoal-grilled flatbreads, the juice and flavours of the meat flowing into the bread. There are also meat-free options, barbecued halloumi and coal-roasted celeriac. The drinks menu is extensive with a range of cocktails, wine and their own Blacklock Lager and Pale Ales, brewed with Harbour Brew Co. in Cornwall. theblacklock.com/covent-garden Joe Allen — for American classics with a British accent in Theatreland Beloved by the theatre crowd — that's those on stage, behind the scenes and in the audience — the USA-inspired all-day restaurant has moved into new premises off The Strand, with new (ex-The Ivy) chef Gary Lee on board. Playful touches kick off the menu; mini shepherd's 'tarts', a truffled cheese toastie and 'love it or hate it' — a riff on Marmite. Classic dishes include slow-baked smoked ribs, strip steak with fat chips, hotdogs with or without chilli and a decent caesar along with seasonal mains such as hearty braised beef in barolo and roasted squash risotto. Dessert features the very American peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwich and the very British eccles cake with cheese. What make Joe's so special, along with live piano and great cocktails (try a New York Wasp with salt and paprika rim) is its brilliantly laidback but ever-efficient staff who make it seem as fun to work as it is to eat there. The set menu available until 7pm offers great value at three courses for £27.50. joeallen.co.uk Jamie Oliver Catherine St — for comforting classics Catherine Street by Jamie Oliver marks the chef’s return to the London restaurant scene. A menu of comforting classics includes starters of devilled eggs, oysters and mushrooms on toast; sharing dishes like ox cheek pie and Sutton Hoo chicken with stroganoff sauce; homemade pastas, daily fish specials, steak and Trevor’s chicken, named in honour of Jamie’s father. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding and the River Café Nemesis cake, a nod to the restaurant Jamie worked in when he was discovered as a TV chef. Enter through an impressive garden-like courtyard with twinkly lights into a dramatic, buzzing main room with comfortable booths, antique lamps and modern art and photography. Suppliers are name-checked, with meat from HG Walter, Cobble Lane Cured charcuterie and Coombeshead Farm bread. jamieolivercatherinest.com Piazza at the Royal Opera House — for modern British dishes Piazza at the Royal Opera House, the restaurant and terrace housed within one of London’s most iconic buildings – overlooking what was once the city’s most famous fruit, vegetable and flower market, Covent Garden – has relaunched with a modern makeover, coinciding with a reinvigorated menu offering seasonal, modern British dishes and aiming to be every bit as breathtaking as the performances taking place within. Dishes include starters such as London burrata with heritage beetroot, mains including Cornish cod with mussels and pumpkin, and sharing dishes such as Belted Galloway ox cheek pie with bone marrow mash. roh.org.uk Pizza Pilgrims — for pre-show pizza and beer With its green-and-white chequered plastic tablecloths, chessboard tile flooring and framed film posters hanging on the walls, Pizza Pilgrims feels like an American diner meets Italian pizzeria. Available for walk-ins only, it's a perfect spot to grab a pre-show pizza and beer in the heart of theatreland. The Naples-style pizza with blistering crust and sloppy centre is proved slowly, then cooked fast. Order 'You've Got Maiale' with prosciutto cotto, 'nduja, salsiccia and pepperoni, burrata, red onion and balsamic glaze if you fancy something indulgent. Or, go for 'The 8-Cheese', a ramped-up cheese feast with ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, fior di latte mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, provola, pecorino and burrata, beautifully finished with pockets of smoked chilli jam. Or take it back to basics with the margherita, topped simply with tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, basil, parmesan and olive oil. For dessert, make a beeline for the hazelnut-flavoured espresso martini, shaken with Frangelico noisette liqueur and served with a chocolate and hazelnut rim. pizzapilgrims.co.uk Lahpet West End — for Burmese food in central London Lahpet West End is set over two floors, with an outdoor mezzanine overlooking a courtyard. Fragrant from cardamon and turmeric, and fresh with lemongrass and coriander, this is one of the few places in the UK to champion the food of Myanmar. The menu is split into small and large plates, bowls and sides which can all be shared or enjoyed as more conventional courses. Cocktails are twists on the classics and the kumquat spritz uplifted a glass of prosecco with orange bitters, lime leaf and kumquat juice. Different fritters are made out of split peas, shan tofu and sweetcorn, and come with a tamarind dip. The grilled chicken thigh and tiger prawn skewers were plump, smoky and worked well with the must-try tea leaf salad — a masterclass in crisp and fermented ingredient layering. The fish noodle soup was packed with seafood, and aubergines are ingeniously served whole and stuffed with chilli, coriander and crunchy fried shallots. We wanted to be left with the flavours of the savoury food so we didn't order anything sweet but the table next to us raved about the banana parfait with ginger crumble. lahpet.co.uk El Ta'Koy — for Hawaiian-style dining El Ta’Koy is the first UK opening from Cuban chef Luis Pous, who has restaurants of the same name in Miami and a pop-up in the Dominick Hotel in New York. Inspired by the tiki bars of Hawaii but with flavour influences that range from Asia to Latin America, El Ta’Koy provides an eclectic menu, with dishes such as ahi poke bowls, lamb barbacoa tacos, sea bass ceviche and pork chicharrón bao all sharing the same space. The menu is split into sharing, tacos and small plates, and there’s an inventive cocktail list that brings fresh updates to some tiki bar classics. el-takoy.com NoMad Restaurant — for New York meets London hot hotel dining Housed in the infamous Bow Street magistrates court, the room is dramatic with its high ceiling — bright or moody depending on time of day. A long comfortable banquette divides the space that’s alive with greenery and London buzz. NoMad’s menu has NYC touches (a nod to its sister hotel) and spans the sublime — oysters with cucumber ice, a delicate sea bream crudo with radishes and teeny picked strawberries; to sturdy (but refined) suckling pig; 30-day dry-aged rib-eye, and a brioche-stuffed chicken dish to share between two — to the sublime again: cherry ice cream with mascarpone within a crisp chocolate shell. The hefty wine list is best navigated with the help of the young, friendly wine team. Dinner bookings are like gold dust so go early or late, but go! thenomadhotel.com FishWorks, Catherine Street – for seafood Classic, maritime-inspired elegance defines the vibe at FishWorks’ third site with soft blue, grey and natural tones, white tiling and playful nautical hints – including knotted robe pendant lights and striking feature walls of copper fish scales. The restaurant’s central location in the heart of the West End makes it the perfect venue for enjoying a pre- or post-theatre seafood feast, from oysters and champagne at the marble-topped bar to lobster thermidor, whole Devon crab (perfectly sweet and plentiful on our visit) and fruit de mer platters. Dishes from the crowd-pleasing à la carte menu also impress. Brixham fish soup is rich and silky, with a pungently garlicky rouille; portly, hand-dived scallops – generously served four apiece – come in their shells swimming in garlic butter and topped with golden breadcrumbs. Dover sole is served on the bone and either grilled or à la meunière. We opt for the latter and it’s just as it should be, soft and flakingly tender. For drinks make a beeline for their roster of ‘maritime wines’ – all produced within 10 miles of the coast and with subtle saline notes designed to complement the fish and seafood on the menu. Finally, pick up more piscine treats at the in-house fishmonger before you leave, which, like the rest of the restaurant, offers responsibly sourced fish and seafood selected from Devon and Cornwall’s day boats and fish markets, plus homemade sauces to cook your catch with. fishworks.co.uk< 26 Grains, Neal's Yard – for porridge and seasonal dishes Hidden in Covent Garden’s courtyard haven, Neal’s Yard, 26 Grains has grown up from its porridge pop-up into the cosy site you see today. A crammed open-plan kitchen dominates most of the space. Shelves bend with the weight of pretty crockery; hard-working pots and pans hang, ready and waiting, above the hot gas stove; and any other free space is filled with jars of spices, grains and bags of flour. You can sit at the bar, facing chef-owner Alex Hely-Hutchinson as she beavers away, high up on smooth wooden bar stools, or at another counter facing the wall. Or there are a couple of communal tables with bench seating, inside and out (weather permitting), modestly decorated with dried flowers and twinkling candles. Seasonality drives the short-but-sweet menu. Visit in late spring, and you might find the likes of porridge with loquat and sweet cicely, whipped ricotta and toasted walnuts, or asparagus, chopped egg and hollandaise before midday. Lunch sees the likes of yellow dal with roasted cauliflower, aubergine pickle, garlic yogurt, almond dukkah and garlic flatbread, alongside fresh plates of courgette ribbons with herbs, nuts and pecorino. Ingredients are cooked with little fuss – meaning their bright, fresh flavours shine through – and thanks to Alex’s strong understanding of the importance of balance (whether that be crunch to counter softness, sourness to stand up to sweetness) everything delivers. 26grains.com La Gelatiera – for ice cream London’s La Gelatiera focuses on unique and intriguing flavour combinations, from blue cheese and walnut to basil and chilli. Each scoop is made with natural, seasonal ingredients and Jersey milk and cream, with the dairy ingredients pasteurised on site for optimum freshness. If you want to keep it classic you can order a scoop of creamy vanilla mananara, but the honey, rosemary and orange is recommended if you fancy something fresher with slightly savoury notes. lagelatiera.co.uk Click here for our favourite ice cream parlours across the country Temper, Mercer Walk – for crowd-pleasing barbecue and cocktails “I’m sure there are traditionalists out there who think I’m the devil himself, but I’d rather be knocked for trying something new than just roll out someone else’s recipes – I never saw the point in that,” says Neil Rankin, explaining his philosophy at Temper Covent Garden. This is a restaurant that likes to push the boundaries when it comes to Italian-rooted food, from the aged beef-fat tallow and pesto ravioli to the wood-fired ‘Detroit’ pizza with its topping of goat ragu, mozzarella, London-cured Cobble Lane pepperoni and San Marzano tomatoes. “I love traditional pizzas and pastas, but London is full of great places doing both – so I wanted to explore a different side to both and have a little fun. For me, food shouldn’t have restrictions and rules past deliciousness.” Other standout dishes at Temper Covent Garden include the crab okonomiyaki pizza with crab, fennel, langoustine mayo, hoisin, sesame and katsuobushi. Neil says: “Certain flavour profiles are almost set in stone, but there is always room within those borders to create something new. I like to see connections between cuisines because they’re all related and when you get an obvious crossover it’s fun to exploit that. Especially in London, which is a multicultural, mixed bag of cuisines.” temperrestaurant.com Click here to read about all our favourite pizza places in London Fabrique Bakery, Earlham Street – for cinnamon buns Whether cinnamon or cardamom is your bun of choice, Fabrique Bakery is a great place to enjoy a spot of fika. This Swedish stone-oven bakery has brought the concept to London, plying in-the-know citizens with squidgy buns and sourdough fresh from the oven. fabrique.co.uk Barbary, Neal's Yard – for counter-dining Specialising in grilling and baking from the Barbary Coast to Jerusalem, the menu at Barbary is divided into baking and grinding, land, sea and earth – and you’ve got a prime view over everything as it is cooked (seating is arranged around a horseshoe-breakfast bar facing the open galley kitchen). Order something from at least every section, and a special if you can manage it. Start with a Jerusalem bagel, a still-warm soft and chewy giant zero-shape, crusted with sesame seeds, and served with a pinch of aromatic za’atar. Roasted aubergine ‘sharabik’ is a smoking melting mouthful of tahini, sweet/sour molasses, toasted almonds and fresh raspberries. Pata negra neck is like no pork we’ve ever tasted – rich, buttery, more like a heavyweight Galician beef in its umami punch. Knafeh for pud, is crisp, savoury and sweet, with its pistachio crumble hiding angel noodles and melty cheese beneath, but it was the halva ice cream that stole our heart. Elegant, grown-up and yet very, very naughty in the best kind of way. thebarbary.co.uk/neals-yard Cora Pearl, Henrietta Street – for modern British small plates Cora Pearl brings modern British plates with Parisian accents to Covent Garden. Dishes are simple but impeccably executed, using beautiful ingredients. The kitchen’s way with vegetables especially impressed; creamy goat’s curd, in a generous pool of grassy olive oil, came with lovage and perfectly seasoned tomatoes. After this came soft, yielding agnolotti filled with more curd – cow’s this time – on a velvety pea purée, with perfectly pitched earthiness from summer truffle. Best of all was a deeply savoury and surprisingly rich main of courgettes – pickled, puréed and charred –with aubergine, black garlic (roasted whole and as a gel) and Ticklemore cheese. Dessert, as per the rest of the menu, was expertly crafted, our poached peach lusciously rich, paired with an intensely flavoured yet delicate earl grey sorbet. corapearl.co.uk Din Tai Fung, Henrietta Street – for dumplings A restaurant with a legacy for seriously good xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung evolved from half a Taiwanese store in the 70s to a global brand with a cult following and more than 150 restaurants in Asia, Australia and the US today. This outpost, its first branch in Europe, is on the edge of Covent Garden, on Henrietta Street. We’re here for the xiao long bao. The heavy, liquid-filled pouches of umami goodness are very special: the pork and crab version all the better for the rich, iodine tang of the shellfish encased within silky, supple dough. dintaifung-uk.com Shoryu Ramen – for quick ramen Part the noren (traditional Japanese fabric curtains) at Shoryu’s fifth ramen restaurant in buzzy Covent Garden and the friendly staff will shout “Irasshaimase!” (welcome in Japanese) from the white-tiled, sake-lined bar. Interiors are bold and play with angles – classic herringbone parquet timber flooring contrasts the brick walls and a curved wooden booth in one corner. Authentic Japanese touches filter all the way down to garlic cloves piled into pots on wooden tables so you can crush your own for extra welly. Shoryu specialises in food from Hakata, a district of Fukuoka city in Western Japan. Think Hakata buns – the local version of the pillowy steamed bao buns that are on everyone’s lips at the moment, and most importantly eight varieties of tonkotsu ramen. Shoryu gives this comforting and rich 12-hour pork bone broth a lighter, cleaner consistency with added miso and serves over thin, springy noodles. Plenty of Japanese lagers and craft beers line the bar, or opt for a sake flight. shoryuramen.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Clerkenwell Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Check out our favourite places to eat in the capital's city hub. Try crisp piri-piri chicken, hispi cabbage with pork fat and an XO crumb, and some of the best pasta and cocktails in town
Looking for Shoreditch restaurants? Here are some of our favourite restaurants in east London's buzzing borough around Old Street and Shoreditch High Street stations. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Shoreditch, from Brick Lane to Redchurch Street and beyond… For more London recommendations, check our guides to the best restaurants in Soho, best restaurants in London Bridge, best restaurants in Paddington and best restaurants in Camden. Best places to eat and drink in Shoreditch Hoppers, Shoreditch High Street – for Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes Ten years after the Soho original, Hoppers has its fourth London site at the Tea Building in Shoreditch — and this one acts as a bridge between Sri Lanka and South India, bringing Bangalore, Madurai and Kochi into the mix alongside Colombo and Jaffna. Prawn paniyaram – crisp, golden balls filled with masala prawns – come with a Chettinad rasa for dipping, hot and peppery. Kochi chilli chicken chop arrives in a curry leaf crumb, fried until shattering. Then there’s the crab kari omelette, inspired by Madurai: fluffy, spice-laced egg wrapped around crab, served with flaky thread parotta, podi-coated soft shell crab and a glossy crab gravy for mopping up. It’s the dish that will have you reaching for your phone camera. From Bangalore comes lamb benne dosa – buttery and pliable, wrapped around pulled lamb shoulder masala with sharp pickled onions. The Kerala sizzling fish kari lands theatrically, salmon cooked in banana leaf, aromatic and gently spiced. Alongside it, Lanka chicken kari delivers that familiar red warmth of pandan and lemongrass. To drink, we balanced the spice with Hoppers’ signature Toddy Ale and an Arrack Attack highball, bringing Sri Lanka back into focus. hopperslondon.com Vincenzo's, Bethnal Green Road – for NYC-style slices Vincenzo's in Shoreditch is the second location from Tom Vincent, who opened his first location in Bushey in 2022 and watched it become a cult favourite. You can now find his signature crispy, thin-crust whole pies and pizza by the slice in the capital, bringing New York’s late-night energy and providing Londoners with a new way to enjoy pizza: fresh, hot, generous slices to grab and go. It's made such a mark that it's already a buzzing London institution. Order by the slice or indulge in a 16-inch pie if you're hungry. NYC fold is served on grease-stained paper plates, with simple toppings alongside the likes of spicy vodka sauce, plus a fun take on a Greek-inspired spanakopita. NY slices are the emphasis, however our favourite has to be the focaccia, served by the square: it's tangy, chewy and loaded with premium toppings like burrata and pepperoni (drizzled in hot honey, no less). Super heavenly, though be warned: you may never look at pizza the same way again. It's primarily a grab and go situation, with just a few stools to perch, so the only thing left to order are the quietly formidable dips: a hot and sweet roquito ranch (our favourite), truffle mayo, garlic and herb, and hot honey. There's also a range of soft drinks. vincenzospizzas.com/vincenzos-shoreditch som saa, Commercial Street – for Thai food som saa has reopened with its same regional Thai authenticity and buzzy vibes but with a few new angles and a bit more bar-snack energy – recalibrations the team introduced after months to reflect and refresh. We began where the menu now gently prompts you to start: the nibbly bits. Tua phrik krob — deep-fried cashews with makrut lime leaf and dried chilli — are toasty, fragrant and entice you to keep reaching back into the bowl. Nang gai thort, crisp chicken skin with sriracha, makes you yearn to recreate it at home from the family roast. From there, the table builds itself. Gai yaang (BBQ chicken) comes off the grill juicy and lightly charred, with a tamarind jaew dip that keeps the sweet-sour heat tidy. Yum sanat, a warm northern salad of grilled pork, aubergine and herbs, has that lovely Thai balancing act: smoky meat, soft veg, bright herbs, a little roasted rice nuttiness. Dtom juet — clear soup of shiitake, samphire, kajon flowers and tofu skin — is the reset button in the middle of all that spice. Curries and braises keep the meal anchored. Mu parlow (five-spice soy-braised pork with fermented chilli sauce and a soy-cured egg) is glossy, savoury comfort, while gaeng gari yort mapraow orn — tofu with heart of coconut palm — brings an aromatic, gently sweet warmth. A side of sticky rice feels less like an option and more like the point. Olive tip: Start with four or five small dishes, then add a curry and rice. If the daily som dtam is on, order it — it sharpens everything around it. somsaa.com Noisy Oyster, Nicholls Clarke Yard – for modern bistro dishes Noisy Oyster is a sleek modern bistro with a focus on sustainable seafood and killer martinis. The room is an airy, industrial space with shiny, steel-topped tables and huge open windows leading onto a large buzzy terrace. Kick things off with one of the cult icy-cold mini martinis – the Oyster, made with Sapling gin, Otto’s vermouth and an oyster leaf garnish is great paired with a smoked tomato water and oyster dressed with crème fraîche. Small plate wins include a raw scallop crudo topped with zingy pickled raspberries and basil oil, and a dish of rich, creamy stracciatella topped with anchovies and almond pesto (don’t forget to order the light, puffy focaccia to spoon this onto). Standout larger plates include a crunchy breaded hake with a seasonal peach panzanella, and monkfish skewers with XO sauce, topped with a melting, paper-thin slice of lardo. We tried a twist on rum baba for dessert soaked in fig leaf bourbon and served with crème anglaise and strawberries but the soft-serve Jersey ice cream topped with caviar is intriguing enough for a repeat visit. noisyoysterlondon.co.uk The Prince, Old Street – for communal cocktails Led by Will Hawes (formerly of Milk & Honey and Booking Office 1869), and Aaron Wall (of acclaimed Islington bar Homeboy), The Prince is a warm, intimate cocktail bar with an interior of dark wood, forest green and gold evoking 1920s charm. We enjoyed the genuine sense of inclusivity and camaraderie – sit at the bar if there's space. Signature drinks include black velvet, a beguiling mix of Guinness and champagne – closer to a champagne cocktail than a pint; and Buster's Stout Punch, a blend of three rums, cognac, lemon sherbet and stout, which sounds lethal but was in fact fruity and exquisitely balanced. The real standout though is the martini menu: a 10-strong list of favourites such as the gin-vodka hybrid vesper, and the slightly savoury gibson, served with a pearl onion. Order straight from the list or let the bar staff tailor a martini to your exact preference – in our case, a 6:1 gin-vermouth ratio, three olives and freezing cold. "It's your drink," as the menu says, "it should be perfect for you." theprincebar.com Tatar Bunar, Curtain Road – for Ukrainian cuisine Southern Ukrainian cuisine is in the spotlight at this likeable new restaurant from Ukrainian restaurateurs Alex Cooper and Anna Andriienko. Named after Alex’s hometown of Tatarbunary, the menu is inspired by old family traditions and his grandmother’s recipes, as well as the richness of Bessarabian produce. There’s also a wine list packed with Ukrainian producers. Interiors are a soothing lush blend of creamy neutrals and natural textures with materials sourced from Eastern Europe such as reclaimed Carpathian wood and Bessarabian stone, with ceramics from Kyiv artist Svetlana Sholomitska. We start with forshmak: chunky dollops of finely chopped herring pâté on onion bread, the oily richness balanced by a disc of pink pickled onion and smoked soured cream. Bryndza, a crumbly, tangy, feta-like sheep’s milk cheese is topped with luscious slices of sweet tomato and sprat fillets for a caprese-like dish with an Eastern Europe spin. On the heartier side, banush – cornmeal and cream porridge – is velvety, cheesy and comforting, topped with meaty wild mushrooms. Mains come from the grill: we tried charred, juicy lamb chop served with yogurt, flavoursome pickled tomatoes and a bright and spicy sauce made with red peppers, the latter of which also accompanies tender, delicate grilled rabbit. Desserts are robust and rib-sticking. Crème brûlée comes with a secret surprise inside – a sturdy steamed varenyk dumpling filled with soft cheese – while crêpes come with three individual fillings: poppy seed sauce, blackcurrant jam and cottage cheese, all swimming in creamy custard. Tatar Bunar is generous to a fault – portions are sizeable, the glasses of wine are large and the flavours are bold and unapologetic. A refreshing addition to London's restaurant scene. @tatarbunar.london Chiave, Redchurch Street – for bespoke cocktails Chiave, meaning ‘key’ in Italian, cuts a subtle exterior on Redchurch Street bar the large, polished brass-effect key on the door. At sundown, the bar to transform into a cosy drinking den with dark mahogany tables and palo santo incense swirling up towards the alluring red ceiling. Street Spirit (named after Radiohead’s 1995 track) is a vibrant twist on a Moscow mule with aniseed notes from raki – Turkey’s national spirit – effortlessly blended with a subtle salted caramel vodka. Margarita fans will not be disappointed with a Tommy margarita mixing equal quantities of Ojo de Dios mezcal and Don Julio tequila, with chilli liqueur and a spicy sumac rim. For crisp and aromatic herbal refreshment don’t miss Sunbeams with Tanqueray No Ten gin, chinotto nero and a blend of clarified sea buckthorn and basil. The team’s Turkish heritage is carried into the small but thoughtful snack selection. Nibble on dainty, rice-stuffed vine leaves with pomegranate molasses for dipping, or hummus-filled cucumber bites. If you want to carry on the night, pop downstairs to the small but compact dance floor with custom-made speakers and a stylish HiFi mixer. chiaveshoreditch.com Osteria Angelina, Nicholas Clarke Yard – for Italian-Japanese small plates Angelina in Dalston offers a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cooking. This new offshoot caters to a more casual set-up, with tasting menus swapped out for a pick-and-mix of Italian-Japanese dishes and an open kitchen and pasta studio to be viewed from marble-topped tables. Small plates are split into pane (hello nori-flecked focaccia), insalate including Usman's magic mirin and star anise tricolore tomato salad, crudos, such as tuna belly with citrussy ponzu and wasabi, and fritti featuring courgette flowers stuffed with creamy miso and caramelised onion ricotta, topped with hazelnut furikake for extra crunch. Pastas are a highlight – the menu advises to order a couple and we agree. Kombu and truffle laced tortellini contrasts slow-cooked duck ragu and crunchy lotus flower pieces on folds of fazzoletti. Larger grill dishes include umami-rich grilled chicken in taro sauce slathered in miso butter, best paired with okonomiyaki-style shoestring fries. Finish with bruléed black sesame cheesecake or cheese panna cotta topped with caviar for a savoury burst. Playful combinations continue on the drinks list – Riso and Rosmarino pairs cynar and rosemary with sake and cucumber, while smoked pineapple and Sicilian smoked cactus distillate create a zippy Shinjuku Albatross. Lesser spotlighted regional Italian wines sit alongside sakes and a selection of digestifs including grappas and Japanese whiskies. angelina.london/osteria Kricket, Charlotte Road – for modern Indian cooking Housed in a former printing press, the fourth and largest Kricket is arguably its most ambitious. A natural evolution of the brand’s modern Indian ethos, the Shoreditch location is all brick, brass and soft pinks, inspired by Jaipur, delivering greatest hits alongside seasonal newcomers, all designed to share and all packing punch. From the starters, go for recheado butter prawns, meaty and plump, slathered in spiced Goan butter. Or the Keralan fried chicken, a dish so popular it’s become a Kricket signature, its craggy, spice-flecked crust giving way to juicy thigh meat, with a slick of curry leaf mayo and crisp mooli for contrast. Vegetables are treated with ingenuity. Grilled squash, dressed in makhani sauce with shards of paneer and puffed wild rice, is a creamy, crunchy triumph. And Tamil leek and potato hariyali – a vibrant green curry enriched with coconut – is a masterclass in coaxing richness and depth from humble ingredients. From the Grills & Curries section comes the Karnatakan pork neck, roasted with tamarind, dried chilli and ginger, while seafood fans should head straight for the claypot baked cod, nestling in a coconut cream sauce. This isn’t just a lunch or dinner spot, either. Brunch service includes masala fried eggs, smoked haddock kedgeree and a bacon naan. Pair it with a mango lassi or a spiced chai. kricket.co.uk Blacklock, Rivington Street – for great steaks While Blacklock’s famous ‘All In’ – a pile-up of seared pork, lamb and beef chops served atop charcoal-grilled flatbread – remains a carnivore’s rite of passage, another must-order is the magnificent beef prime rib chop (choose the size to suit you). Charred and glossy, blushing pink within, it’s a true showstopper, elevated to even greater heights of umami meatiness with house gravy. It’s a dish that feels perfectly in keeping with the dark wood and exposed brick of Blacklock’s Shoreditch branch, tucked inside a Victorian warehouse, buzzing with office workers. Start with bite-size canapés then choose succulent pig’s head on toast, lifted by sweet, pickled chilli slices. Sides compete for stardom: 10-hour ash-roasted sweet potato, smoky and creamy; sharp kale with parmesan; loudly crunchy beef dripping chips; and silky bone marrow. To finish, white chocolate cheesecake is like no other you’ve had before, served at your table in great scoops for everyone to grab a spoon and dive into. theblacklock.com Mad Cats, Redchurch Street – listening bar and cocktails Another listening bar has landed in Shoreditch – and this one is more than worth a visit. With a compact cocktail selection that chooses quality over quantity, Asian-inspired flavours sing with Muyu Jasmine Verte Liqueur, junmai sake and lemongrass, while there’s a dash of Lebanese inspiration with the Zaza cocktail, a spin on a classic tequila martini with infused za’atar oil. Red, white, rosé, orange and sparkling wines are available from traditional and new world regions, as well as five varieties of sake. East Asian flavours are carried across to the menu. The yellowtail carpaccio with jalapeño sauce and ponzu dressing is beautifully presented and citrussy without being too sharp. Towering brioche toast with crab and gochujang aïoli was a highlight, although there truly were no misses: charred Hispi cabbage is accompanied by an umami-rich wafu sauce, and the miso hake with chilli oil and samphire is buttery and delicate. Attention to detail goes beyond the menu, with chopsticks resting on hand-painted model cats, DJs spinning vinyl only and an abundance of high-fidelity speakers to keep audiophiles content. Don’t miss a trip to the bathroom through the blue velvet curtain where The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is played on a speaker directly in your cubicle. madcats.uk The Knave of Clubs, Bethnal Green Road – modern pub with rotisserie kitchen The Knave of Clubs is back on the East End pub scene with a proper old-school flourish. Originally serving the bird market traders on Club Row in the 1880s, this local continued life as an East End boozer until the 1990s when it underwent a full transformation into French restaurant Les Trois Garçons for a decade or so. The pub has been lovingly restored on the ground floor, huge wall mirrors have been unearthed and polished, the bar revamped and a toastie, oyster, snack and rotisserie chicken menu installed. The driving force behind this redo are Benjy Leibowitz (ex NYC’s NoMad), James Dye (The Camberwell Arms) and Patrick Powell (ex Allegra) all of whom are committed to the local feel of the pub – it’s one big room with the rotisserie kitchen at the end open. The upper floors will open from April with a clubby (members, not disco) NY dining feel and menu, keeping pub and restaurant vibes on different levels. You can book for lunch (advised, it’s popular) and evenings are walk-in, dogs are welcome and the vibe is buzzy. Try the prawn scotch eggs and venison sausage rolls to start. There's only one dessert, a very good chocolate mousse. theknaveofclubs.co.uk Kolamba East, Spitalfields – for modern Sri Lankan sharing dishes There is one dish on Kolamba East's menu that alone is worth a visit. Moor king prawn string hopper biryani is a version of the classic like no other: delicate threads of rice noodles cushioning plump prawns, over which you pour a fiery aromatic gravy. It’s made to share but you’ll be fighting over the last nugget. But it’s far from the only star. The menu is different to its Soho sister, showcasing a more refined, modern take on Sri Lankan cuisine, with an emphasis on small plates and sharing dishes. Set in a Grade II listed warehouse, the design is inspired by Colombo culture, integrating handmade dining chairs, lotus table lamps and prints of water buffalo on the exposed brick walls. Try a cocktail – the Pol Mezcalita is delicious coconut twist on the original – then start with black pork 'mas paan', a bun stuffed with slow-cooked black pork curry, served with pineapple chutney, and melt-in-the-mouth hot butter soft shell crab. From the mains, whole rib jaggery beef, sweet and spicy, flakes off the bone in juicy strands. And, as you’d expect, there is a variety of sides and sambols to accompany. Complete the feast with a Sri Lankan classic CBP – Colombo biscuit pudding. kolamba.co.uk/kolamba-east Bistro Freddie, Luke Street – for a neighbourhood bistro feel Tucked in the quiet back streets between Shoreditch High Street and Old Street stations, almost another world from the hustle of east London that surrounds it, Bistro Freddie has a distinct classic neighbourhood bistro feel, offering generous, down-to-earth hospitality and a menu featuring the best produce of the British Isles. There’s an intimate 45-cover open-plan dining room and plenty of top-quality tipples focussing on small and predominantly independent producers and growers. Highlights of head chef Alexandre Laforce Reynolds' menu include caper-jewelled tartare with fried bread, shaved celeriac salad with pear, Roquefort and caramelised walnut salad and an epic pie, its golden shell cracked open to reveal a saucy steak, Guinness and roast shallot filling. Finish with caramelised sticky toffee pudding served with a generous gravy boat of cream. bistrofreddie.com Shoreditch &Soul, Cheshire Street – for a social wellness space Hidden behind Brick Lane in a former Victorian textile warehouse, Shoreditch &Soul is a new third space and wellness hub for Londoners. Copper boiler canopies, handwoven wall art and a repurposed bowling alley flooring create a unique feel. During the day, the café is run by Palm Greens, serving hearty plant-based dishes such as tostada bowls, savoury toast and changing specials such as their current spring broth with wild garlic plus smoothies and juices. Come evening, the venue hosts supper clubs and dinners with guest chefs and food artists. &Soul bar offers alcohol-free drinks by Karmaceuticals, designed by a medical herbalist to subtly boost mood and relaxation without the side effects alcohol brings. Stick around to enjoy the Sanctuary, a multi-sensory space complete with 40-person circular sauna (complete with sound system to host raves), cold plunge and a roster of yoga, breathwork and meditation workshops. andsoul.com Bar Valette – for buzzing neighbourhood vibes There’s a warm neighbourhood feel at this opening from The Clove Club team – mustard banquettes, white tablecloths, bright modernist art that pops against white brickwork and stools at the semi-open kitchen/bar. Kick off with a sherry-laced martini and a pick and mix of the “fried, salty, crunchy” snack section including deep-fried ravioli-like barbajuan parcels, Scottish-style clapshot croquettes and buttermilk-fried pine chicken. Fish mains are strong – aged cold smoked trout with crackling-style skin is served on seasonal citrus hollandaise. Cuts of the day’s catch (turbot, skate, flounder) are dressed with the likes of zippy wild garlic sauce vierge. Finish with chicory root crème brûlée, the roots adding an earthy caramel flavour to the silky cream, or 70% Peruvian chocolate vanilla cream mousse. There's also the option to visit for Pintxos hour (actually two hours, 5-7pm, Tuesday to Friday) for tasty snacky bites of all shapes and sizes. barvalette.com Fazenda – for limitless sharing steaks This might just be the ultimate sharing extravaganza for steak lovers. Fazenda’s Churrasco Experience brings the theatre of the traditional gaucho grill to your table, offering a limitless selection (you can eat as much as you like) of 15 grilled meats, carved from giant skewers by expert passadores. Highlights include picanha (beef rump), sirloin, ribeye, pork belly and fillet, all cooked to medium-rare perfection. This premium south Brazilian restaurant spans two floors in the sleek 100 Bishopsgate Tower and boasts three private dining rooms, an elegant mezzanine lounge and the standalone Fino bar. Start your experience with the Market Table’s fresh salads and sides or opt for Brazilian small plates, such as seafood moqueca (a tomato and coconut stew) or yellowfin tuna with beef cream emulsion. For something extra special, Fazenda’s ‘Share an indulgent cut’ menu features sharing dishes like roasted bone marrow with chimichurri, a one-kilo tomahawk steak dry-aged for 21 days, grilled giant king prawns and a 500g grade 9 wagyu sirloin. To drink, Fazenda specialises in Argentinian, Brazilian, Chilean and Uruguayan wines, as well as innovative cocktails from South America. If you still have room, try dulce de leche filled churros or crème caramel layered with chantilly cream and madeira cake. fazenda.co.uk/location/bishopsgate Leydi, Holborn Viaduct – for Istanbul sharing plates Leydi sees the return of the talented Selin Kiazim (previously Oklava) to London and brings with it the spirit of Istanbul, serving an all-day menu oozing with Turkish favourites but with Selin’s unique modern twist. Launched opposite the Old Bailey in an area in Farringdon with an abundance of history, the restaurant pays tribute to the vibrancy of Istanbul’s eating culture, featuring generous, celebratory Turkish food meant to be shared and savoured. The drinks menu boasts bespoke creations from Kevin Patnode, two-time winner of the best bartender in Turkey, in addition to a transcontinental wine list with a distinctive Turkish influence. With décor featuring plush banquettes, warm lighting and understated references to Istanbul’s architecture and interiors that can only be described as elegant, this intimate 90-cover dining room sets its sights on charming the capital. leydilondon.com William IV, Old Street – for a cosy pub dining room This 200-year-old pub has recently had a makeover with the addition of a first-floor dining room but thankfully the ‘pubby’ elements (open fire, solid wooden tables and decent beer selection) have been left intact. Downstairs is buzzy (and packed) with a focus more on bar snacks but the cosy, candlelit dining room is where you want to be on a chilly winters evening. Start with the Guinness soda bread served with a dish of soft butter spiked with just the right amount of Marmite, or a dish of creamy burrata with sweet-sharp pickled figs and olive jam. Guinness appears again in a deep, umami glaze for a fall-apart beef rib, served with creamy mash and braised baby carrots. The cooking is assured and simple, letting ingredients like Scottish lemon sole with samphire, a buttery tarragon shallot sauce and new potatoes, shine. Puddings are generous and classic – the sticky toffee pudding is easily enough for two to share. For beer fans there’s plenty on draught from Verdant, Lost and Grounded, and Siren, or there’s a quirky cocktail list – try the 2:1 Coastal Martini with Boatyard gin and Vault Coastal vermouth. You can also order it as a mini shot accompanied by an oyster as a fun appetiser. william-iv.com Zapote, Leonard Street – for contemporary Mexican While you won’t find a burrito on the menu, you will find classic punchy Mexican flavours and plenty of spiked citrus, alongside handmade tortillas made from heritage corn. The house cocktail, Zapote 70, is a margarita twist combination of tequila, mescal and lemon juice. Choose from around 20 dishes, some serving one and others to share – a couple per person work well. Make sure someone orders the kaleidoscopic red prawn ceviche, pistachio, jícama and kumquat – a visually stunning plate. Servers will bring the dishes in the order that works best. For dessert, the raspberry doughnut is a lurid pink astonishment, an incredible amount of intense raspberry flavour and that signature zing packed into a beignet unlike any you’ve tried before. Imaginative use of ingredients, a focus on flavour and delicate presentation combine to create food that’s a cut above. zapote.co.uk Bar Lina, Shoreditch High Street – for hidden cocktails Bar Lina is the offshoot of Lina Stores, the Italian deli turned restaurant franchise that has been in Soho since 1944 and now has locations across the capital. Nestled beneath the branch of Lina Stores on Shoreditch High Street, Bar Lina offers a dark and cosy retreat to settle in for a cocktail or two. Everything from the ceilings to the sofas are colour drenched in burgundy, while single candles flickers on every table. Find a modern twist on the classics like the Pera, a combination of vodka, pear, extra dry vermouth and orange liqueur topped with prosecco. There’s also a range of negronis to choose from, including the classic Mamma Mia with gin, Campari and Antica Formula, and the unusual Bosco which features truffle vodka and porcini butter. Nibbles are Italian with green Cerignola olives on offer, or you can venture upstairs for a plate of handmade pasta. barlina.co.uk/shoreditch BAO City, Bloomberg Arcade – for bao buns in slick surroundings The newest offering from the BAO chain is a slick, smart affair. The interiors are sophisticated without being cold, matched with warm and friendly service from the staff. The classic hallmarks of BAO are there, with the Taiwanese fried chicken, dan dan noodles and crispy daikon bao buns all being as excellent as in its other locations. What switches this one up is the specials on the chalkboard, from grilled Taiwanese pork neck with pickled garlic and daikon, to whole grilled fish with yu-shiang sauce. The drinks menu is inventive and enticing – we loved the sweet potato sour. Save room for a sad face bao for dessert, it’ll have you feeling exactly the opposite by the end. baolondon.com/restaurant/bao-city/ The Brush Grand Café, Great Eastern Street – for all-day dining over European classics Hoxton’s new art’otel’s hub is this bright, airy restaurant, knocking out the kind of uncomplicated food we fancy eating everyday: salads nicoise and caesar; crisp flatbreads topped with ’nduja, basil and mozzarella; schnitzels made with veal or aubergine; decent burgers, meatballs and moules frites. Lots of skill in the pastry section, too: Basque cheesecake and a strawberry éclair show a lightness of touch. Cocktails include 50 Shades of Champagne with an intriguing champagne ‘air’ garnish (a delicate foam). Graffiti-style murals by British artist D*Face are another compelling reason to visit. thebrushhoxton.co.uk The Buxton, Brick Lane – for a slicked up boozer This is a former Brick Lane boozer turned polished pub-with-rooms, reimagined by the team behind Commercial Street’s The Culpeper. The heart of the action occurs in the slickly refurbished Victorian pub on the ground floor (there are bedrooms and a roof terrace above), which is now a reimagined bistro and wine bar. Tall, graceful arched windows introduce plenty of light, while a sweeping rosso levanto marble counter is a stylish focal point. Food has an emphasis on prime produce (including from The Culpeper Family Group’s own urban farm in Deptford) and seasonality, and will change weekly to use the best of what's available. Simple dishes combine British produce with French and Mediterranean influences, to build a carefully curated selection of small plates to share. Our spring visit included creamy shredded duck on toast, asparagus in a decadent brown butter sauce, and Denver steak with sticky, umami-rich glazed hen of the wood mushrooms. Don't miss the cheese croquettes to start: crisp on the inside and melting within. Finish with the generously sized chocolate bavarois. The all-natural wine list is joined by a short cocktail list with seasonal serves, currently including a delicate rhubarb sour for spring and seasonal bellini. thebuxton.co.uk With an impressively modest flat rate (including breakfast and a welcome drink) for every room, this a great option for solo travellers who have outgrown hostels, or those looking for a comfortable yet affordable base in this fashionable and often pricey part of London. Doubles from £135 – check availability at booking.com. Nest, Old Street – for great-value seasonal tasting menus The trio behind Hackney’s much-loved neighbourhood spot pulls off the same levels of intimacy in its larger Shoreditch restaurant, with various nooks carved out in the horseshoe layout. Pop into the cosy wine bar area before picking between gnarled wooden booths, a fireside table for six or a counter seat with a view of chefs adding their finishing touches. The eight-course seasonal tasting menu, presented in a tiny wax-sealed envelope, focuses on one hero ingredient at a time, allowing for superb sourcing – think Yorkshire’s Otterburn Mangalitza pork or Welsh Wagyu beef. Seafood season kicks off with a snack plate of tiny trout tarts, cod’s roe with seaweed tapioca crackers and oysters in pickled jalapeño foam, followed by treacly soda bread that hasn’t left the menu since it first featured. Other highlights include crab salad with sea buckthorn emulsion, silky squid noodles in a spicy, XO-laced broth and BBQ monkfish with roast carrot and ginger purée. Each menu is accompanied by an optional ‘one-region’ wine pairing; on our visit a showcase of the diversity of Loire wines, from sparkling pet-nat to a citrusy natural Pouilly Fumé and sweet chenin blanc to complement a delightfully surprising Jerusalem artichoke and chestnut dessert and made-to-order seaweed doughnuts to finish. nestfood.co.uk Sohaila, Shoreditch High Street – for Modern Middle Eastern cuisine Sohaila is a restaurant and natural wine bar created by social enterprise Fat Macy’s (which supports people in temporary accommodation via culinary training), serving modern Middle Eastern food. It’s named after founder Nathalie Moukarzel’s grandmother and a lot of the recipes are inspired by her. Dishes use local and sustainable ingredients, and the menu changes often to minimise food waste. Plates often include labneh and chilli butter, deep-fried mussels, and halloumi and figs. Cocktails use similar flavours, such as the martini overleaf. sohailarestaurant.com BAO Noodle shop, Redchurch Street — for Taiwanese noodle bowls The Taiwanese trio behind this mini pillowy bun empire have applied their signature style to this Shoreditch outpost — ruby red leather stools around blonde wood tables, soft globe wall lights and a white tiled bar, where staff in bespoke lab coats mix clever cocktails. An unusual sweet potato sour is creamy and silky with a sweet, earthy depth, and the old fashioned is given extra body from milk-washed whisky and Taiwanese tea. Small plates include crunchy Taiwanese fried chicken pieces, boiled cull yaw dumplings and crispy spring rolls filled with stretchy cheese and soy-cured jalapeños. Pillowy steamed buns are filled with the likes of prawn croquette with black garlic glaze and slow-cooked pork with a peanut crumb. Three noodle dishes join the regulars — the richer Taipei-style broth is topped with slow-cooked beef cheek and short rib, plus a dollop of spiced beef butter to melt through the silky homemade noodles. A lighter Tainan broth features rare sliced beef with melting edges of frilly fat, while sesame fried aubergine sits atop an umami-rich vegan kelp soup. Downstairs, there’s a karaoke den adorned with bespoke wallpaper for those who want to book for a bao-fuelled sing-along. baolondon.com Padella, Phipp Street – for homemade pasta From the brains behind Borough Market's buzzing, booking-free pasta spot comes Padella 2.0, an industrial-style space that makes up for its cool interiors with a showstopping selection of antipasti and, you guessed it, pasta. A spacious open kitchen accommodates bar stools, or there are red wooden tables further away from the action. Wherever you sit, the larger space feels like you can linger over your linguine for longer. Start with a bitter, dark-berry blackcurrant americano (Campari, Hereford blackcurrant liqueur, fig leaf and soda) or sip a punchy gorgonzola-stuffed olive martini. Every plate impresses, from sourdough with a crunch to the crust and satisfying chew to wobbly burrata in a pool of fruity Fiorano olive oil. You’d be missing a trick if you didn’t order at least half the pasta menu (there’s eight that change on the regular). Dexter beef shin ragu cooks for eight hours, clinging to the slippery sheets of pappardelle before being covered in frilly parmesan, while a Westcombe ricotta ravioli zings with lemon, sage and butter. Come for the pasta, stay for the puds. A sliver of seasonal tart (be it lemon, rhubarb and almond or salted caramel) will end things nicely – a buttery, short crust, light filling and dollop of cooling crème fraiche. padella.co Llama Inn, The Hoxton – for modern Peruvian cuisine Huge potted ficus plants and a retractable ceiling create an outdoors vibe to this style-conscious rooftop restaurant on the top floor on The Hoxton hotel. But despite its lofty location there is substance over style: the food is high-end, modern Peruvian, echoing the ethos at its NYC sister restaurant. Chef Marcin Maliczowski regularly updates the menu to ensure regulars find something exciting and new, and a helpful glossary on the back of the menu explains each ingredient. Ceviches include beetroot with pickled cucumber, dill and horseradish cream; and stone bass, lemongrass tiger's milk, coconut and huacatay (black mint). Smoked cauliflower, aji panca romesco and cauliflower vinaigrette works as a main or side, with a punchy sudado fish and seafood stew laced piled high with cod, cockles and prawns with sugar snap peas and rice. Mandarin, chicha morada (a mildly sweet drink made from purple corn) and verbena is a refreshing dessert. Classic and flavoured pisco sours are the perfect livener pre- or post-dinner. thehoxton.com/llama-inn-restaurant Daffodil Mulligan, Old Street – for Irish food Chef Richard Corrigan’s partnership with fellow Irishmen John Nugent and Tony Gibney is an unapologetic tribute to Irish craic. The industrial Shoreditch space is modestly decorated with moody portraits of Irish legends – Sinéad O’Connor guides you down the stairs to the basement drinking den; while upstairs is where you’ll find the main restaurant, open kitchen, complete with a wood oven and grill, and oyster bar. Let chef be your guide with six sharing courses and a Gibney’s stout, or work your way around the snacks, small plates, oysters and grill. Dishes include fiery beef tartare served in an oyster shell with oyster cream and vongole, chicken and tarragon best mopped up with homemade soda bread, and cured collar of bacon with creamy mash and fresh pickled shallot rings. Many ingredients are sourced from Richard’s own estate in Ireland, Virginia Park Lodge – including smoky, wood-roasted carrots that punch way above their weight. Biscuity champagne and a light, very gluggable muscadet are winners on the wine list – but drinks nerds should explore the cocktails with infused spirits, from jalapeño-infused tequila in a blood orange margarita to chilli Aperol with mezcal, chocolate and orange bitters. daffodilmulligan.com Manteca, Curtain Road – for nose-to-tail Italian cooking Chefs Chris Leach and David Carter opened Manteca’s first permanent home on Curtain Road, Shoreditch, in November 2021 to rave reviews. Inspired by Chris’s travels through Italy, the focus is on nose-to-tail Italian cooking, with hand-rolled pasta, house-made salami, seasonal vegetables and wood-fired breads at the forefront. Expect hearty, knockout dishes including puffy clam flatbreads, a rich pig skin ragu, and rigatoni with a silky kale sauce served in a light, airy setting. There’s a carefully honed wine menu with classic bottles and bolder ‘down the rabbit hole’ wines, and an amari-focussed cocktail list making the most of the Italian herbal liqueur, featuring not-to-be-missed house-made amaro. mantecarestaurant.co.uk Plates, Hoxton – for high-end vegan Siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth have created a one of a kind menu and vibe at this entirely plant-based Hoxton restaurant. Each dish combines highly seasonal, sustainable, occasionally unfamiliar ingredients which makes a fun journey of discovery. A tasting menu kicks off with – depending on the season – hibiscus and white tea granita with a beetroot and buckwheat truffle, savoury but surprisingly the exact texture of a rich chocolate treat. Laminated sourdough has both crunch and flakiness, served with a vibrant spirulina butter. You might recognise ‘lasagne’ from Kirk’s win on Great British Menu – his deconstructed version combines an umami-packed ragu with a miso and chive sauce. There’s no refined sugar but plenty of flavour in cacao gateaux with sour cherry, coconut blossom ice cream and caramel sauce. Low-intervention wines and cocktails are equally inspiring. Book a seat at the counter for a ringside view. plates-london.com Gloria, Great Eastern Street – for a fun group dinner A Paris export bringing top-quality Italian food to the streets of east London in its own quirky, seriously OTT and raucous way. Gloria might call itself a “pure and traditional Italian trattoria” but this is signature Shoreditch (by way of Paris) – expect long queues, one-way-glass in the loos and overflowing plants, everywhere. In a nod to 50s Capri, the dining room mixes Carrara marble with colourful antique Italian ceramics, mirrored ceilings and velour banquettes. All produce is sourced from Italy and it shows. Order smoked stracciatella (if you can resist burrata from Puglia), accurately described on the playful menu as “bloody godsent”. If Instagrammable dishes are your bag then look no further than the La Gran Carbonara, for two to share, served in a giant wheel of pecorino, and the “incomparable” lemon pie with a promised 5.9-inch meringue layer. Neapolitan-style pizza is as it should be; big, blistered crust; a sloppy, well-seasoned San Marzano tomato sauce heart – and the spicy “Robert de Nitro” toppings of mozzarella, ricotta, candied onions and salame piccante. There are plenty of classic cocktails to choose from but Gloria’s trophy negroni is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in London, with unusual additions of porcini mushroom wine and a truffle foam. Wines are all Italian, naturally. bigmammagroup.com BRAT, Redchurch Street – for sharing plates Brat, slang for turbot – the much ordered and much Instagrammed star dish on the menu at this former Shoreditch strip bar – is grilled over an open wood fire grill to much dramatic effect, along with more prime ingredients.Order the Cornish moorland beef chop – slices of ruby red meat with a darkly charred bark, come lined up like dominos, their border of gamey yellow fat almost better than the meat itself. Italian tomatoes, on the side, are simply quartered, seasoned and drenched in an olive oil so peppery it catches in your throat. The rest of the menu follows the trend for sharing plates – small snacks up to giant platters. Chopped egg salad with bottarga, and bouncy, blistered, pillow-soft grilled flatbread, topped with curls of salty anchovy fillets. Sweet langoustines with earthy spikes of roasted rosemary are barely licked by the flames – still daringly see through. Spider crab, cabbage and fennel salad is refreshingly different – a careful dance between the sweet shellfish, brassica pepperiness and aniseed hit, lemon zest and chervil. For dessert try a Tomos Parry classic, brown bread ice cream marbled with marmalade. The wine list lives up to its promise, too – curated with the help of the cool gang at Noble Rot – there’s plenty for the chipper team to recommend, from supremely sippable sherries, to the grown-up Koehler-Ruprecht riesling trocken. bratrestaurant.com Seed Library, Shoreditch High Street – for sophisticated cocktails Ryan Chetiyawardana’s latest venture is a slinky drinking den in the basement of the One Hundred Shoreditch hotel. Whereas his flagship bar – Lyaness at Sea Containers in Southbank – showcases a high-concept approach to mixology, Seed Library is deliberately more casual and low key. Walk-ins are encouraged and the space, with its sultry lighting, wood-panelled walls, red velvet chairs and warm palette, feels retro and slightly louche, yet very welcoming. Expect elevated riffs on cocktail classics. Sansho Leaf Martini with Belvedere vodka, Cocchi dry vermouth and green sansho oil is clean and delicate, and subtly savoury. A Coriander Seed Gimlet is gorgeously executed, clean and citrussy with a backbone of gentle, warming spice. Galangal Pencillin swaps the traditional peated whisky for tequila and mezcal, and adds aromatic galangal for a vibrant, smoky cocktail. Bar snacks are winningly hearty, and moreish – expect the likes of deep-fried chicken hearts, beef short rib croquettes and potato smileys. seedlibraryshoreditch.com Voodoo Ray’s, Kingsland High Street – for pizza slices For some of the best slice of pizza in London, head to Voodoo Ray’s for a New York style slice. With four locations across London, this joint bakes 22-inch pizzas topped with everything from wild mushroom, squash and red onion; salt beef, sauerkraut and emmental and a vegan option, piled high with artichoke hearts and green olives. If you fancy a pizza pie for brunch, Voodoo Ray’s serve 10” pizzas on the weekend topped with classic eggs and bacon or a veggie spinach and ricotta version. With a selection of craft beers (think Beavertown, Red Hook and Kona) and frozen margaritas on offer, Voodoo Ray’s is the place to go for a late-night munch. voodoorays.com Crispin, Spitalfields – for brunch This all-day and night café can be found on a quiet corner just off Spitalfields and Liverpool Street Station. In a quirky, purpose-built zinc and glass pavilion, designed to look like an origami-folded bird, light pours into the back onto the cool polished concrete bars, and terrazzo-topped ash bar. There’s Assembly coffee from Brixton during the day, and at night Fernando Berry of Otros Vinos has helped curate a rotating wine list focussing on natural and low-intervention wines. Breakfast starts at 7.30am and covers the classics, alongside trendy new contenders. There’s an organic bacon sandwich with house ketchup; bright-yolked, boiled Burford Brown eggs with Dusty Knuckle Bakery soldiers; and Secret Smokehouse (made in London Fields) on sourdough (check out our guide to sourdough here) with soft cheese, lemon and dill. There’s avo on toast, too, plus scrambled eggs with chives and parmesan, and overnight oats with kefir, toasted seeds and compote. Order the super-crunchy, smoked ham toastie – oozing with melted cheddar, topped with a crispy fried egg and showered in finely grated, nutty Berkswell cheese. crispinlondon.com Click here to read about the best brunches in London Old Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields – for street food Spitalfields Market has a selection of street-food traders right at its heart. Choose from ultimate cheese toasties at Melt, hand-pulled noodles from the team behind Dumpling Shack at Fen Noodles, traditional wraps at Nilly's Turkish Kitchen and much more. oldspitalfieldsmarket.com Click here to read about the best street-food markets in London Smokestak, Sclater Street – for barbecue Founder David Carter launched his US-style smoked and barbecued meat stall onto the capital’s street food scene in 2013. Since then Bajan David has grown a reputation in London and beyond (praise the lord for the UK food festival circuit) for his USDA brisket, pork and beef ribs. Ribs – beef and pork – collapses from the bone with only the merest nudge. Pigtails, cut into bitesize chunks are fiddly with the bones still intact, but this isn’t a place for airs and graces, or cutlery. It’s a place to gnaw, and spit out bones. Pastrami with sour cabbage and pickles< is moreish – rudely blushing pink – amongst the dark, sticky plates that continue to stack up. smokestak.co.uk Dishoom, Boundary Street – for Bombay brasserie-style outings Inspired by the all-day Irani cafés that were an integral part of Bombay life, there are now five branches of Dishoom in London (and another in Edinburgh and Manchester), each serving Bombay breakfast, lunch, afternoon chai and dinner. Breakfasts at Dishoom have won a cult following. Not least for the bacon naan rolls – crisp bacon wrapped in tandoor-charred naan with a dollop of chilli tomato jam and cream cheese. Pair with a breakfast lassi or house chai. dishoom.com These are our favourite Indian restaurants in London Nightjar, City Road – for speakeasy vibes The busy City Road in Shoreditch seems an unlikely setting for a stylish, subterranean speakeasy bar but that’s exactly where you’ll find Nightjar. On the outside, a tall wooden door sandwiched between two cafés is the only evidence of its existence, but go inside and discover a plush space replete with candlelit tables, leather banquette seating and flatteringly dim lighting. The bar’s characteristically detailed drinks menu riffs on old cocktail recipes (ranging from the pre-prohibition to post-war periods) but adds its own twist. Try the Honeymoon – a short, fresh yet punchy blend of Glenfiddich 21-year-old whisky, Nightjar’s ‘forbidden fruit liqueur’ (a mix of citrussy pomelo, sherry and dry vermouth), Cynar, mead, lemon and geranium leaf. It's a complex drink, dry and delicately smoky, with subtle honey and aniseed notes. Drink nerds should investigate the bar’s vintage spirits menu, which is full of rare, aged spirits dating from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. barnightjar.com Boundary Hotel, Boundary Street – for rooftop vibes In fast-changing Shoreditch, Boundary is virtually prehistoric. Which is a compliment. Opened in 2009, the fact that this hotel – part of the Prescott & Conran empire – is still buzzing means it got its recipe for classy but unpretentious food, wine and bedrooms right from the off. In the basement is a small bar serving classic cocktails, and the main Boundary Restaurant, an elegant, boudoir-ish, space that wallows in the gloom, with theatrical lighting bouncing off red velvet chairs, the glass walls of its kitchen and polished cutlery. The menu here also has a strong French influence, with dishes such as roast and confit duck with a cherry sauce and salardaise potatoes and herb-crusted rack of lamb, and a good-value menu du jour (there’s also a wine club, for tastings and events, should the all-French wine list not sate your thirst). In summer the Boundary Rooftop is the ideal spot to rise above the streetside hustle and sip cocktails as the sun sets over a slightly hushed, 360-degree view of London. It’s by no means out of bounds in winter, though, with its heaters, blankets and covered pergola; shelter under a string of fairy lights with a seasonal cocktail and a sharing plate of octopus and chorizo skewers, or fish or meat dishes cooked on a Robata grill. Or just head up after dinner and sit by the outdoor fireplace nursing a digestive glass of vielle prune. boundary.london Click here to read our full review of Boundary hotel Passione Vino, Leonard Street – for wine Wine importers Luca Dusi and Federico Bruschetta have run this Shoreditch< shop since 2013, supplying Italian wines from 75 different producers to top restaurants including Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and The River Café. Behind the shop itself is a ‘secret bar’ which also spills downstairs to the basement with small tables which can be booked. There’s no wine list or menu as customers are encouraged to discuss their tastes so the team can recommend something just a little out of their comfort zone. passionevino.co.uk Click here for the best wine bars across the country Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Clerkenwell Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Some of the capital's best spots for a glass (or two) of wine, from cult natural wine bars to laidback neighbourhood joints
Looking for the best London wine bars? I've spent the past eight years writing about London's drinks scene for olive, and one of the things I'm most excited about is the explosion in new-wave wine bars across the capital. From trendy natural wine spots in Shoreditch to Gallic boltholes in Covent Garden and vermuterias in King's Cross, there's something to cater for every taste. So whether you're in the mood for a glass of funky orange wine, a fizzy pét nat or a big, bold Italian red, we've got you covered. Make sure you keep coming back here for updates, as I'll be refreshing this guide with the latest openings and discoveries. Next discover the best new restaurants in London, best dining experiences in London and best food and drink festivals to visit. Also discover some of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Covent Garden, best restaurants in Kings Cross and best restaurants in Shoreditch. If you're partial to a cocktail served with stellar sound systems, discover our favourite listening bars in London. Best wine bars in London Passione Vino, Clerkenwell There’s something about the sight of a hefty wine menu that can induce a brain fog – too much choice can often be overwhelming. So, what if you got rid of it? Veronese Luca Dusi has been importing and selling Italian wine in London for more than 20 years, and he has no truck with wine lists. At his much-loved east London fixture, Passione Vino in Shoreditch, guests simply drink whatever Luca thinks they might enjoy. He’s brought the same idea to his new site on Exmouth Market, where you can tell staff what you’re in the mood for and they’ll make their own intuitive recommendations, bringing over a few bottles to try and talking passionately about different grapes, producers and regions. It’s a relaxed, interactive and inclusive way to choose wine, and you’re almost always guaranteed to discover something you really like. On to the bar itself, Passione Vino has taken over the digs of a family tattoo parlour on Exmouth Market. A rich blue frontage – the original ‘Electric Tattooing’ still picked out in gold on the windows – leads into a warmly inviting space with bare plaster walls, metallic-topped tables and a bar lined with colourful jars of pickles and bottles. The wine list is an all-Italian affair and our server did a fine job of introducing us to new grapes and styles we hadn’t tried before. We enjoy a peachy, lemony sylvaner from the Alpine Isarco Valley in South Tyrol; a fresh, red fruit-and-herb-flecked nebbiolo from Valtellina in Lombardy; and a soft, fragrant pòllera from the ancient region of Lunigiana which straddles Tuscany and Liguria. All of this is accompanied by a food menu that showcase the country’s best ingredients: we snacked on crunchy housemade pickles, Puglian altamura bread with Sicilian EVOO and salty, nutty chunks of parmesan, alongside excellent platters of Italian cheese and charcuterie. Those looking for more substantial repast can explore the small plates – do try the Cantabrian anchovies draped across a pillow of milky, creamy buffalo stracciatella. passionevino.co.uk Bar Flor, Belgravia One of the best things we ate on our last visit to Madrid was a calamari sandwich: crispy, hot, deep-fried squid in a baguette with a garlicky aïoli from Bar La Campana, eaten outside on the pavement. That same trip also included a visit to legendary sherry bar La Venencia – former haunt of Hemingway and Republican soldiers – where phones are banned, we sipped chilled copitas of fino and our bill was chalked up straight on the wooden bar. Our core memories of holidays in Spain almost always involved fortified wine, whether sherry or – equally enjoyable – a glass of sweet red homemade vermouth drawn directly from the barrel, served over ice with a slice of orange and olives. Flor is the layer of yeast that grows over fino and manzanilla sherry in the cask, imparting its characteristic savoury flavours. It’s also the name of the bar cloistered away in the eaves above smart Med-inspired sister restaurant Wildflowers in Belgravia, a warmly lit space decked out in buttery neutrals with a delicate floral mural wrapped around the walls. A short, snappy drinks list nevertheless has lots to say: there is of course vermouth and sherry which you can drink with soda water or tonic, or neat – the former comes from English brand Vault, while the latter runs the gamut from uber-dry saline manzanilla to rarer sherries like deliciously full-bodied palo cortado (our favourite), and raisiny PX. There’s Basque cider and a small roster of cocktails: we adored the bittersweet adonis using sherry and vermouth, and a dirty martini given a tangy twist using peschiole pickle liqueur. Sherry is a fantastically food-friendly wine and the menu features simple but delicious pintxos and tapas from co-founder and chef Aaron Potter. From cave-aged manchego and honey to gambas al ajillo and deep-fried oyster draped in iberico guanciale there wasn’t a duff dish, but the luscious calamari sandwich is a must order and reminded us of the last one we had – wolfed down in that busy Madrid street. wildflowersrestaurant.co.uk/barflor Godet, Islington A good pub is a glorious thing but typically not a place for wine drinkers. Yes, there might be a plethora of tropical IPAs and amber cask ales on offer, but we’ve had our fair share of rickety – sometimes grim – pub wine, and even when the quality is good the choice is usually much more limited compared to what’s on tap. Godet is an Essex Road denizen with the spaciously proportioned bones of an old Victorian boozer (it was formerly The Seveney in another life) but with a decidedly more chic peach and sage palette. It calls itself a ‘wine pub’ and we can see why – the vibe inside feels decidedly laid back, bustling and akin to the neighbourhood local it once was. We were impressed by the equal importance given to grape and grain here, with a pithy rotating list of low-intervention wines chalked up on blackboards and a roster of nine beers on tap. The former draws heavily from France (as befits Parisian owner Sylvain’s heritage) while the latter showcases classic and experimental brews from London and across the UK. You could stop by for a pint here as easily as you could a date-night glass of gamay. Godet has hosted several kitchen residencies – previous ones have included Nordic pop-up Jomfru by Anna Søgaard and Perk’d Up Burger – and its latest, modern Chinese outfit Ling Ling’s, delivers flavour-packed pan-Asian hits. Our crispy pork and water chestnut wontons and zingy pomegranate radish cakes made for deliciously umami bar snacks and winning matches with our glasses of textured, floral orange wine and delicate chilled red. Other highlights to keep an eye out for include regular wine tastings and meet the winemaker events, and vinyl DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. Or just swing by for a beer – that’s what we’re planning to do next. godetlondon.com Stable Wines, Islington Stable Wines makes a good case for being one of London’s most beautiful wine bars. Arrive in a glass-walled space on Essex Road which functions as a wine shop – complete with a striking oak and volcanic stone counter, and head downstairs where a former bank vault has been turned into a magical candlelit, labyrinthian cave: dimly lit with bare brick and stone walls, full of arches, alcoves and cosy nooks. It feels like you’ve descended into an ancient pagan temple but in a sexy, sultry way – a date-night spot par excellence. Owners Alex Young and George de Vos are also the brains behind the much-adored Goodbye Horses and The Dreamery, and Stable Wines has similar decorative touches – like the sculptural painted paper lanterns dotted throughout, including a beautiful rice paper shade in the ground-floor shop illustrated with whimsical folkloric scenes by artist Lucy Stein, who also lent her touch to the other venues (such as the Chagall-esque ceiling at The Dreamery). Wines channel a ‘zero zero’ ethos, meaning natural and low-intervention bottles: just tell the server what you’d like and they’ll bring something out for you. A highlight on our visit included a textured, honey-floral pét nat. Next-level snacks and small plates include uber-umami Guinness rarebit oysters, crunchy fingers of layered potato topped with beef tartare, grilled squash with a crisp pastry filled with hazelnut cream, and an unmissable silky whipped chocolate mousse doused in olive oil. @stablewines Bar Levan, Peckham Peckham's answer to the Parisian wine bar comes in the form of Bar Levan, where bottles line deep red walls, candles flicker alongside vintage Ricard vessels and co-owner Mark curates the list of regularly rotating European natural wines chalked up on the board. Staff wind through the handful of tables to make recommendations - a chilled, crunchy Austrian red perhaps as a progression from a rosé on a warm summer's evening, a honeyed Georgian orange (find out where to eat and drink in Tbilisi here) with nutty finish to warm up on a colder night or a fresh, salty, appley Bavarian pinot blanc to accompany the succinct food menu. Smoked sausage embedded into a slice of brown butter brioche is a rich uplift on a hotdog. Beautiful orange peaches with creamy burrata and glistening crispy sage sit alongside Vesuvio tomatoes as fantastic vehicles for warm, crusty baguettes delivered at 2am each morning. An eclectic rotation of DJs on a Friday night add an extra je ne sais quoi to the already buzzy vibes of Peckham punters that spill out onto the pavement in the warmer months. There's also a short aperitif list including refreshing Lillet and soda or the floral negroni made with Suze, Lillet rouge and ELLC gin. barlevan.co.uk Sager + Wilde, Hackney With its many wines by the glass, its adventurousness and its legendary cheese toasties, this East End venue was the first of the capital’s new-wave wine bars and it's still one of our favourites. There’s an unstuffy feel, where clued-up sommeliers bring a selection of bottles to try depending on your mood – think a fresh, bright Transylvanian white blend, juicy Georgian red made from indigenous grapes and toasty Alsatian crémant made using auxerrois grapes often reserved for whites rather than sparkling. The fino sherry-laced house martini, lifted with a pickled grape, makes a delightful aperitif to sip while you’re making your wine selection. On the food menu, glistening anchovies are neatly placed beside hunks of sourdough and a generous slab of butter, while charcuterie and cheese plates showcasing the likes of finocchiona, chorizo and Westcombe cheddar come with crackers and apricot jam. Don’t miss the aforementioned toasties – our favourite being the spicy ‘nduja-stuffed number complete with crunchy cheese skirt. sagerandwilde.com Dynamic Vines, East Dulwich Dynamic Vines, the UK’s leading importer of premium biodynamic and organic wine, has opened its first wine bar, offering European wines alongside charcuterie, cheese and bread to Dulwich denizens. The candle-lit space can be found on upper Lordship Lane – one of London’s best independent shopping streets – harbouring a cornucopia of much loved suppliers including neighbouring Mons Cheesemonger (which supplies the snacks), Moxon’s fishmonger and Bora & Sons greengrocer. A pithy, seasonal menu showcases independent winemakers, with wines sourced from minimal intervention, sustainable vineyards. When we visited we enjoyed a glass of IGT Venezia Giulia Slatnik, a chardonnay-dominant Italian orange with notes of stone fruits and baking spices with a touch of paprika. We also loved the gently sweet Jurançon Marie Kattalin, a French dessert wine with a rich nose of stone fruit, caramel popcorn and a hint of coconut. With a few individual tables as well as a large, eight-seater communal table and an outdoor terrace for sunnier days, this is a space which can be enjoyed all year round, with wines to take home or enjoy in the bar without any corkage fee. dynamicvines.com Marjorie's, Soho Though slap bang in the middle of Soho, its locals rather than tourists who frequent this Parisian-inspired wine bar, tucked away on a side street. Perch at the large counter table on the ground floor while owner Michael and team pour wines. A wooden dresser showcases the 100% French wine line-up, covering a diverse mixture of regions and styles. New bottles are opened each day to keep the ‘by the glass’ list interesting, with a sparkling, a couple of skin contacts, three reds and three whites on rotation – that might be a pétillant, oak-aged chenin blanc from the Loire, a chilled beaujolais or a robust Crozes-Hermitage. To pair alongside the wines, there's baguette with French butter and La Fromagerie cheese plates as well as Morello cherry rolled in chicken liver parfait and hazelnuts for a savoury Ferrero Rocher twist. Other highlights include lamb tartare studded with summer vegetables – sliced radishes, peas, broad beans and edible flowers – and comforting poached chicken and nutty rice bathing in a rich, frothy brown butter emulsion, with radicchio and leaves doused in floral orange blossom dressing to pair. For dessert, a towering slice of puff pastry mille-feuille comes layered with silky crème diplomat and strawberries, while cocoa nib and hazelnut-flecked warm chocolate mousse is spoonable comfort. marjorieslondon.co.uk La Compagnie Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden This stylish little wine bar hidden away in Neal’s Yard is the perfect cosy bolthole for a glass or two in this tourist-thronged patch of central London. La Compagnie has been a fixture on London’s new-wave wine bar scene since 2014 – it has sister bars in Paris and New York – and is set over two floors and a terrace, the latter a particularly lovely spot for drinking in warmer weather. The focus is very much on smaller producers and hard-to-find bottles, with friendly staff on hand to make suggestions. Those looking for a bottle have a hefty slab of a menu to investigate but there’s also an impressively lengthy list of wines by the glass – perfect for trying lots of different things. Spot-on recommendations from our server come paired with seasonal European small plates from new head chef Ranieri Raimondi. Highlights include a delicious Jura chardonnay, zesty and minerally, with plump, buttery drunken scallops in a rich foie gras sauce; and torched mackerel with breadcrumbs and endive paired with a light and velvety Corsican red full of juicy red fruits. compagniewinebar.com/london Farm Shop Wine Bar, Mayfair True hidden gems are hard to come by in London but Farm Shop’s underground wine bar truly feels like one. By day it’s a fancy Mayfair deli on South Audley Street, supplied by the company farm in Bruton, among other artisan producers. There are piles of fresh fruit and veg, stacks of chutneys and jams, and loaves of sourdough and pastries laid out in the window. From the afternoon, the basement space comes into its own. There’s no signage from outside, so it’s just the arrows inside the deli that guide you downstairs to a warm, cosy room, speckled by candlelight with a relaxed, welcoming vibe where you can sit along the windows to people-watch. The menu includes classic treats like rotisserie chicken and cheese toasties, alongside sharing boards of charcuterie and cheese from Somerset, near the company farm, as well as a selection of Swiss offerings. Clearly experts in cheese, with temperature-controlled rooms to store it, this is a great place to try Yarlington, Montgomery cheddar and a creamy Bath Blue. Most importantly, the wine list is 150-strong with some varieties from the company’s vineyard. Prices for a glass of house of red start at just £4.50, so it’s a surprisingly reasonable option for such a high-end area. A particular highlight is the Maid of Bruton sparkling rosé, which is ideal for a celebratory drink. farmshop.co.uk/london/wine-bar/ Carousel Wine Bar, Fitzrovia Carousel reimagines the wine bar format, doing away with cheese and charcuterie in favour of flavour-packed small plates, like Cornish tuna crudo in a lemon vinaigrette with crispy leeks; rye and Westcombe cheddar toast kimchi; fried chicken with pickled cucumber and scotch bonnet honey; and ceps tagliatelle with butter emulsion and parmesan, wiped clean with lofty sourdough spread with cultured butter. Make sure to finish with the large scoop of chocolate mousse, elevated with crunchy hazelnuts, sea salt flakes and olive oil. A list of minimal-intervention wines focusses on small, independent producers, with a concise list available by the glass or carafe, as well as an impressive bottle offering. carousel-london.com/winebar Trullo Wine Bar, Islington Feted Italian restaurant Trullo has opened a small but perfectly formed wine bar next door with punchy, moreish antipasti and intriguing left-field bottles. It’s a small space, and interiors are kept clean and simple – white and grey walls, black-and-white photographs of past and current Trullo staff and a long counter lined with wine bottles. It feels suitably cosy compared to the traffic rush of St Paul’s road outside. The seasonally changing wine menu, chalked up on a blackboard, flits everywhere from Catalonia to Cyprus, with plenty to entice. There’s lots available by the glass and pours are pleasingly generous. Adventurous wine drinkers will find much to explore on the list. We tried Georgian Okro’s Wines Rkatsiteli, a supercharged orange wine with cider-like funkiness and spicy, savoury intensity, but more crowd-pleasing, accessible natural wines are also available, like the tangily fresh Can Sumoi Xarel-lo from northern Spain. Equally appealing is the short and sweet antipasti menu: pillowy, salt-flecked focaccia; luscious whipped cod’s roe with salted crisps for scooping; crisp arancini and flavour-packed crostini – try the whipped ricotta and confit garlic. trullorestaurant.com Sol's, Bayswater Sol’s sees the team behind Margate’s Fort Road Hotel serving Iberian-inspired dishes in a sleek, wood-decked delicatessen and wine bar in flourishing foodie neighbourhood Bayswater. Highlights include tinned sardine pâté on sourdough; roast pumpkin, braised coco beans and taleggio; half a roast chicken with peppers and aïoli; and perfectly plump jamón croquettas. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse: rich, glossy, studded with sea salt and topped with a cluster of toasted hazelnuts. The drinks list includes low-intervention, European-focussed wine curated by food writer Mina Holland. Perch at the window-side counter with a glass of chilled Côtes du Rhône for a cosy date night spot (and if you really enjoy it, you can pick up a bottle from the fridge to go). instagram.com/solslondon/ Half Cut Market, Holloway Positioned halfway between Camden and Islington (hence its name) on York Way, Half Cut Market redefines the dining experience with its unique restaurant, wine bar and bottle shop blend. This charming venue, vibrant with a lively atmosphere, boasts an impressive selection of low-intervention and natural wines curated by the expert Holly Willcocks, inviting you to sip in style. Enhance your tasting experience with small plates thoughtfully crafted by the talented Aidan Richardson, a chef celebrated for his outstanding experience at Brat. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that even the most devoted regulars – affectionately dubbed 'cutlets' – always have something new to enjoy. Among the standout dishes, the mackerel with lovage and dandelion deserves special mention – it’s so exquisitely tender that it melts in your mouth. halfcut.world Oranj, Shoreditch Oranj started as an online bottle shop and wine delivery service in 2020, specialising in natural wines. At its first bar, off Brick Lane near Shoreditch, unmarked double doors lead into a warehouse space that ticks all the trendy east London boxes – dim lighting, concrete and stark industrial fittings galore – enlivened by splashes of orange, bottles dripping with wax on the tables and high ceilings. The mood is relaxed (founder Jasper Delamothe describes the bar as a “pub for wine drinkers”), and staff are friendly. While there’s a lengthy bottle list for natural wine nerds to plough through, a pithier list of wines by the glass (as well as cocktails including dry gin martinis and spicy margaritas) is a good place to start. Highlights include Domaine Pierre Frick Pinot Gris Fischbach Maceration, an incredible skin contact wine with notes of tangerine, apricot and raspberry; and Magna Carta Wines Uthando Syrah, fresh and zippy with crunchy red fruit. Oranj also has rotating kitchen residencies. Our visit saw Nigerian-Colombian fusion cooking from Ayo Collective (highlights include zingy prawn tartare with lime apple and tropical lulo fruit; and lamb cutlets with incredible crispy sweetbreads), while previous residencies have included New Orleans-inspired outfit Decatur, and cult Vietnamese pop up Ha's Đặc Biệt from New York City. Check out @oranjwine for what’s up next. oranj.co.uk Bottle + Rye, Brixton This intimate wine bar and restaurant from Robin and Sarah Gill brings a slice of European café culture to Market Row in Brixton Village. The team took the classic Parisian bistro as their starting point for the interiors, dominated by an elegant marble, brass and walnut bar. Nab a seat here to watch the kitchen and bar team whip up cocktails and plate dishes. A menu of simple, deftly executed Gallic classics delivers. Succulent, well-seasoned pig’s head brawn terrine comes with cornichons, delicate rings of pickled onion and hunks of sourdough, and a luscious dollop of creamy smoked eel brandade is served with Pink Fir crisps for scooping. Veggie dishes also shine – especially summery pea and broad bean ragu and a salad of green beans and leeks with crunchy hazelnut praline. Don’t miss out on dessert – a beautifully made blackcurrant and fig leaf choux éclair on our visit. A mostly European list of minimal intervention wines includes plenty by the glass (try Judith Beck’s delicious Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch rosé) as well as natural ciders from the likes of Little Pomona, Brixton Brewery beers and a succinct cocktail list including a peach and jasmine americano. bottleandrye.com Bedales of Borough, Borough Located in the middle of Borough Market, Bedales of Borough is the labour of love of three childhood friends – Rob Dann, Jamie Watts and Mario Sposito – who took on a failing wine shop in 2012 and transformed it into one of London’s best-loved wine bars, with delicious food to match. With a wine list focussed on celebrating and supporting the diverse and colourful world of small, independent winemakers, and a menu where much of the produce is sourced from neighbouring shops within Borough Market itself, it’s little wonder that Bedales of Borough – affectionately known as ‘BoB’ to regulars – is still going strong a decade on. bedaleswines.com Bar Crispin, Soho With its stylish continental vibes, this poised bar on Soho’s Kingly Street serves lavish small plates ranging from native oysters, Neal’s Yard cheeses and Trealy Farm charcuterie, and elegant sharing dishes from head chef Brendan Lee. Make a beeline for the anchovy and potato focaccia; a decadent double-carb affair of bread topped with golden piped swirls of mashed potato, whole anchovies and salsa verde. We also loved the day-boat fish – sole on our visit – which arrived, soft and flaking, in a luscious pool of brown butter, topped with briny capers. Alongside this, a natural wine list focusses on indigenous, rare and old-world grapes, featuring smaller producers who use biodynamic, organic and sustainable practices. Expect to see wines from French regions such as the Loire, Jura, Savoie and Burgundy, as well as further afield, from Slovenian orange wine to Greek assyrtiko. The menu is ever-changing, with some wines only available in finite qualities so novelty is guaranteed. Staff are imaginative and generous with their recommendations, rustling up for us their last-ever bottle of Kiss Kiss Maddie’s Lips; a juicy yet elegant German pink fizz with creamy red fruit notes. barcrispin.com The Mulwray, Soho This plushily intimate, grown-up wine bar is hidden away above the Blue Posts pub on the edge of Chinatown, a setting that inspired its name (that of Evelyn Mulwray, Faye Dunaway’s character in the classic 1970s noir film). In contrast to the bustling surrounds of the pub downstairs,The Mulwray exudes a sense of lush calm, with a pin-sharp décor that includes high ceilings garlanded by foliage, dusty pink stools and sweeping midnight blue banquettes framing a panoramic window. The seasonally changing natural wine list – created by sommeliers Honey Spencer (previously Noma Mexico) and Sarah Wright – is playfully divided into sections such as ‘Firm Favourites’, ‘The Path Less Trodden’ and ‘Wild + Free’ and accordingly there’s a wealth of interesting wines to try if you’re in the mood to explore, from crisp and crunchy Austrian rosé to funky Portuguese co-ferments. Adventurous wine drinkers should make a beeline for the Sortevera Taganana Blanco, a gorgeously smoky, stony Tenerife white. theblueposts.co.uk/the-mulwray Noble Rot, Holborn Noble Rot is unique in that it started out as a cult wine and food magazine, which then grew into a wine bar and restaurant in Lamb’s Conduit Street. Since it opened in 2015 it has won numerous awards for its wine but also its food, which is overseen by executive chef Stephen Harris (of the acclaimed Sportsman in Whitstable) who backed owners Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew. The self-styled ‘Franglaise’ menu includes the likes of beef bourguignon with kale and mash; and braised turbot with fennel and saffron velouté, which can be matched with wines ranging in price from a £24 bottle of Portuguese vinho verde to a 1985 bottle of red burgundy at £6,750. Do visit their other – equally excellent – sites: in Soho's Greek Street and Mayfair's Shepherd Market. noblerot.co.uk The Nook Deli & Wine Bar, Highbury This cosy venue on St Paul's Road in Highbury delivers quietly impressive small plates and a vibrant wine list in intimate, friendly surroundings spread over two compact floors. It's a joint effort from husband-and-wife team Angus and Lale Oztek-Pook, who both worked at the likes of The Mash Inn and Arthur Hooper's before opening their own place. The wine list – Angus's baby – is ever-changing and skips from exciting English wineries such as Renegade and Tillingham to wines from Austria, Turkey and Hungary, plus plenty in between, with a focus on organic, minimum intervention and biodynamic bottles. Highlights for us include Weninger Rozsa Petsovits, a deliciously funky Hungarian rosé, and La Fea Tambe, a tangy, floral orange wine. The petite cocktail list also impresses: try a lemony, herbaceous martini made with mastiha liqueur. The food is Lale's domain and seriously impresses, with masses of precise, vibrant flavours. Described as European with a Turkish twist, the menu, like the wine list, skips gaily across the continent. Try super-sized, golden, crisp pork schnitzel with fruity plum sauce; impeccably crisp, dainty seasonal salads; pillowy burrata with an umami garland of samphire, chilli and almonds; and hummus punchily spiked with naga chilli oil. Even the sides deliver, such as properly crispy potatoes with dips of piquant walnut ketchup and a ferocious yet moreish hot sauce made with Carolina Reaper chillies. Leave room for dessert: hazelnut parfait with miso caramel and cocoa nibs was as exactly as good as it sounds. There's also a chance to do some shopping before you leave, thanks to the restaurant's little deli and small selection of records from indie labels. thenooklondon.co.uk Passione Vino, Shoreditch Wine importers Luca Dusi and Federico Bruschetta have run this Shoreditch shop since 2013, supplying Italian wines from 75 different producers to top restaurants including Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and The River Café. Behind the shop itself is a ‘secret bar’ which also spills downstairs to the basement with small tables which can be booked. There’s no wine list or menu as customers are encouraged to discuss their tastes so the team can recommend something just a little out of their comfort zone. passionevino.co.uk Top Cuvée, Highbury This friendly, understated neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant on Blackstock Road is a relaxed affair. The wine list changes regularly but focusses on interesting low-intervention bottles, with mostly light reds and textured whites on offer. The menu lists only a few options by the glass but this is deceptive – staff are happy to let you try most wines, depending on what’s open. Winners on our visit included Lucy M 3 Colours Red: a juicy, gluggable red made, unusually, with pinot noir and two white wine grapes – pinot gris and sauvignon blanc. Another hit, Podere Pradarolo Vej 210, was a lovely malvasia with bold stone fruit notes. They also have a cocktail list courtesy of Three Sheets, featuring an elegantly tropical take on a G&T as well as a deliciously tannic margarita made with an orange wine reduction. Drinks are accompanied by an affordable, seasonal small-plates menu – try the likes of beef dripping potatoes with aïoli, charred leeks and smoked cream, and Blythburgh pork chop with burnt apple purée. Do check out their shop – Shop Cuvée – launched in 2020 to roaring success – for everything from natural subscriptions to superlative bottled cocktails. topcuvee.com The 10 Cases, Covent Garden The name stems from the fact that this buzzy little Covent Garden bar and bistro only ever buys 10 cases of the wines on the concise list in a quest to offer customers new experiences each time they visit. It was opened in 2011 by Ian Campbell and Will Palmer, who were bored of overpriced wine lists that never changed. Will says: “I think part of the success of 10 Cases is the constantly changing wine list and having more than 300 wines with very small cash mark-ups and small corkage charges. I think the ability to be able to drink really good and interesting wine in an unpretentious setting strikes a chord with many people.” 10cases.co.uk <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2018/10/Interiors-at-The-10-Cases-London-0f6afdd.jpg" width="3976" height="2652" alt="A restaurant has white walls with wine bottles painted onto them. There is a distressed wooden bar with blue leather high stools dotted around it. The bar is laid with napkins, cutlery and wine glasses" title="Interiors at The 10 Cases Wine Bar, Covent Garden" /> 40 Maltby Street, Bermondsey Located under the railway arches where the weekly Maltby Street food market takes place, this bar is owned by nearby Gergovie Wines, an importer of natural wines free from pesticides and fertilisers. The wines from the shop can be enjoyed in the bar with seasonal dishes such as crab quiche and lamb sweetbreads with creamed broad beans. 40maltbystreetcom Quality Wines, Clerkenwell There are around 200 bins at any one time and, since it opened in June 2018, almost 2,000 different wines have graced the shelves. Gus says: “We try to keep things interesting and ever-changing, with around 18 wines by the glass. Many of our customers end up talking to each other and sharing wine – that is a particular source of pride.” qualitywinesfarringdon.com Peckham Cellars, Peckham Elegant floor-to-ceiling Crittal windows frame this breezy, laidback wine bar on Queen's Road in Peckham. Start with a glass of lemony Gusbourne fizz from Kent before delving into a wine list defined by sustainably minded, small-scale producers, with plenty of affordable options by the glass. We try another Kentish stunner – Westwell's Ortega Amphora 2019, fermented in terracotta jars – with fragrant apricot and honey suckle notes before moving onto summery, cherry-tinged chilled gamay, available on tap at the bar. A quietly industrious open kitchen amiably sends out plates of unfussy yet deceptively indulgent food. Highlights include springy sourdough with whipped lemon and rosemary butter, porchetta layered with crispy, salty shards of crackling and filo-wrapped asparagus with a soft-boiled duck egg for dipping. Save space for pudding – a decadent lemon meringue pie sundae is the childhood dessert of dreams. South-East Londoners looking for interesting wines to drink at home should also check out PC's Club Del Vino, which delivers curated cases of wine, as well as discounts and offers on the bar's online wine shop. peckhamcellars.co.uk The Winemakers Club, Holborn A shop and wine bar in the Victorian arches beneath the Holborn Viaduct, the site of this bar was a wine cellar for more than 150 years, including a spell as the Oddbins’ fine wine store. The bar offers wines from small organic and biodynamic producers from around the world, all them working with the same philosophy of focussing on the region and the grape varietal, and not using chemicals. The short weekly-changing seasonal menu includes root vegetables with farro and yogurt, and pigeon, bread sauce and hazelnuts. thewinemakersclub.co.uk Elliot’s, Borough Market Since opening in 2011 in the buzzing surroundings of Borough Market, Elliot’s has focussed on working with small-scale producers for both its drinks and produce, much of it sourced from the market itself. The bar adopted an all-natural or low-intervention wine list early on and has worked with Master of Wine Isabelle Legeron on its wine list. All the wine producers share the same mindful approach to wine-making as chef-owner Brett Redman does to cooking simple dishes such as grilled sweet and sour squash with chicory and Tunworth cheese, or cauliflower caponata and flaked almonds. Elliot’s also makes its own soft drinks and seasonal infused spirits. elliotscafe.com Le Bar a Vin, Blackheath Parisian Jean-Philippe Tessier has created his own corner of France in this Blackheath wine bar, where cheese and meat platters are served alongside Gallic classics such as quiche lorraine, chicken chasseur and duck leg confit. What was once a neighbourhood Indian restaurant has been given the full French makeover, right down to the vintage belle époque posters. Jean-Philippe runs his intimate, minimalist and relaxed bar almost single-handedly and is always willing to share his wine knowledge, whether it’s about his beloved natural and biodynamic wines or which French cheeses work best with them. lebaravin.co.uk Photography credits: Aleksandra Boruch (Carousel Wine Bar) Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Best restaurants in St Ives: an expert shares their favourite local spots
Discover the best restaurants in St Ives, serving up everything from Mediterranean tapas to fresh seafood and unbeatable brunch on the beach
This popular corner of Cornwall is filled with great restaurants, cafés and interesting bars. Here's our pick of the best places to eat and drink in buzzy St Ives. For more Cornwall inspiration, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Cornwall, best restaurants in Penzance and the best hotels in Cornwall. Best places to eat and drink in St Ives Brine For inventive brunch dishes Grab a coveted window seat at this cute first floor café overlooking St Ives Harbour and try one of the inventive brunch dishes, like the Ful (beans with flatbread, pickles and tomato confit) or the Jaffle toastie, stuffed with fresh crab, Singapore chilli sauce and cheese. In the evening Brine transforms into a cosy spot with freshly shucked and topped oysters, small plates (such as smoked mackerel caesar) natural wines and cocktails. Look out for the late afternoon wine and oyster happy hour bargains too. @brine_stives Ardor For Mediterranean grilling The Josper grill is the star of the show at this central Fore Street spot. The Med-influenced menu runs from lighter tapas dishes like scallop, prawn and octopus pil pil, and grilled sardines with chorizo and piperade, through to perfectly seared dry-aged steaks, duroc pork chops and monkfish skewers cooked over charcoal. There’s a concise European wine list with lots available by the glass to try. It’s an elegant spot perfect for date night and buzzy enough for a fun group outing. ardorstives.co.uk Silco Bar & Kitchen For stellar sharing plates This fun, casual space which hugs the Downalong side of the harbour is perfect if you fancy a drop-in lunch or perfectly mixed cocktail. Bag a seat outside and watch the boats bobbing as the sun goes down over the harbour. There’s a lovely playful menu of small sharing plates with eclectic global touches. The small kitchen turns out stellar dishes including a puttanesca butter flatbread with white anchovies and crispy capers, and a crisp pork belly, meltingly tender, with a nuoc cham sauce. You can also buy bottles of premixed house cocktails to take away. drinksilco.co.uk Porthmeor Beach Café For unbeatable views This breezy café perched directly over Porthmeor beach has some of the best views in St Ives with multiple areas to choose from, including a dog-friendly terrace, the main restaurant or cosy sea-facing pods. Whichever you choose you’ll be directly over the beach. The menu is a mix of vibrant spice-forward plates like celeriac shawarma with beet hummus and ras el hanout yogurt, or crispy skinned St Ives Bay mackerel with zaalouk (aubergine dip) and fennel and grape salad. It's the perfect spot to grab a spritz made from Cornish rose vermouth and watch the surfers during the day, or to savour a drink at sunset. porthmeor-beach.co.uk The Gurnard’s Head For an excellent pub There’s a reason The Gurnard's Head tops many 'best of West Cornwall' lists. It's not strictly in St Ives (you’ll need a car, taxi or local bus to get there) but absolutely unmissable if you want to try some of the best cooking in the area. The distinctive bright yellow pub sits on the edge of the coastal path and there’s a winding road down to the sea if you fancy a pre- or post-lunch stroll. In the summer the huge garden is great for views across the countryside, but if the weather turns there’s a cosy flagstoned pub room with an open fire, as well as a larger dining room. The menu changes seasonally and makes the most of locally landed fish in dishes like plaice with mussels, capers and seaweed, or wild sea bass with lobster butter. There’s a great selection of wines available by the carafe or glass. If you miss the lunch sitting there’s an all-day bar menu with a superior burger or ploughman's available, alongside a pint from Cornish brewers like Verdant, Firebrand or Skinner's. gurnardshead.co.uk JOHNS For unique bottles This Aladdin’s cave of craft spirits, wines and local beer and cider is worth visiting just to marvel at the sheer volume of different bottles on offer (including its own award-winning Crusty Juggler rum). Hidden away at the back is a cute, compact bar area where you can enjoy a bottle of wine chosen from the shelf or fridge, try the St Ives Brewery beers on taps, or sip an expertly poured Golden Hour martini. johnswines.co.uk St Eia For wine bar chic This chic, intimate wine bar pours rare, low-intervention bottles alongside a short menu of bistro-inspired food. Chat to the knowledgeable team, who will help you pick a glass you’ll love, or buy a bottle to go. steiawines.com More travel inspiration... Best day trips from London by train Brighton guide: where locals eat and drink 14 small towns across the UK every foodie should visit The UK's best pubs with rooms UK boutique hotels for food lovers 10 exciting UK city breaks for food lovers Best restaurants with rooms UK spa hotels for food lovers Best romantic UK hotels Best seaside staycations
Best restaurants in Mayfair: where to eat and drink
Check out our favourite restaurants and bars in Mayfair, Central London's swankiest neighbourhood, from buzzy pubs to outstanding Indian hotspots
Here are our favourite Mayfair restaurants, from tapas in Heddon Street to afternoon tea just off Piccadilly and date night bistros in Shepherd Market. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Mayfair. Now discover new restaurants in London, the best restaurants in Clerkenwell, the best restaurants in Knightsbridge or the best private dining rooms in the UK. Best places to eat and drink in Mayfair Labombe, Old Park Lane – for Michelin-starred à la carte dining Labombe sits in the corner of the COMO Metropolitan London with its own street entrance, so it feels like a standalone Mayfair wine bar rather than a hotel restaurant. The room is pared-back but plush – warm woods, soft lighting and an open kitchen that keeps the atmosphere lively – and the cooking is modern European with the occasional wink to nose-to-tail. It’s just earned a Michelin star. The menu is à la carte and built for grazing, snacks, starters, grills and a few generous mains. We started with the signature hot tongue bun – thinly sliced tongue stacked in toasted brioche with sharp pickles – essentially a very posh hot dog. Duck heart and cherry skewers were the bolder follow-up, the hearts wrapped in melting lardo and lifted by lightly pickled fruit. Hand-rolled pici pasta came glossed in a rich madeira and mushroom sauce, while seabass crudo was brightened with orange ponzu and a pleasing, fermented anchovy funk. Mains were more comforting, a plate-sized veal schnitzel and meaty chunks of monkfish with coco beans in glossy chicken sauce. We were too full for pudding but our neighbouring table’s rhubarb frangipane tart had us plotting a return. labombe.co.uk Chargal, Berkeley Street – for classic Turkish flavours Situated on Berkeley Street, just steps away from Green Park, Chargal is bringing an elevated Mediterranean-Turkish experience to the heart of London. This three-storey establishment offers a lively ground floor bar, fine dining and a late-night lounge experience under one roof. Whatever vibe you’re there for, expect exceptional service from the team. Open-fire cooking is the lifeblood of the menu. Pure-bred wagyu is a staple of the menu, as well as lamb dishes cooked with classic Turkish flavours. The menu is perfect for sharing, so start with some hot and cold meze dishes. We recommend the wagyu kofte piyaz, chargrilled halloumi with cherry, hot honey and sesame, and of course the mixed meze which includes cacık, muhammara and hummus with seasonal crudites. When it comes to larger plates, the mangal section of the menu has some fabulous options but don’t dismiss the fish market plates too quickly. The Greek wild seabass with smoked bay leaf, honey lemon dressing and samphire is excellent, packed with flavours that elevate the fish. On the drinks menu the signature cocktails are a great opportunity to try some new flavours and the mocktails give a nice refreshment to enjoy with dinner – we recommend the Passiflora mocktail, combining the flavours of passion fruit, ginger and honey. chargal.com Daka Daka, Heddon Street – for modern Georgian and natural wine Georgia is the world’s oldest wine-producing country, with 8,000 years of viticulture woven into its culture – and DakaDaka on Heddon Street puts that heritage front and centre. This modern Georgian restaurant and natural wine bar comes from Giorgi Mindiashvili and chef-patron Mitz Vora, with a list of more than 100 bottles curated by Honey Spencer, one of the UK’s most influential sommeliers and a leading voice in natural wine. We started, naturally, with an amber wine fermented on skins in the Georgian tradition: textured, savoury and a perfect match for the food. The kitchen, led by head chef Adrian Hernandez Farina, cooks over charcoal and a wood-fired hearth, and the menu leans into Georgia’s most defining dishes. We began with lobio – a kidney bean hummus slicked with ajika chilli crisp – earthy and smoky, made for scooping. Then came the khinkali, hand-folded soup dumplings served steaming hot. The iberico pork pluma and aged beef versions arrived with cracked black pepper and a burst of slurpable broth inside, the kind of dish that makes you slow down. From the grill, kababi skewers brought smoke and spice, while penovani (flaky, cheese-filled pastry) was rich and moreish. We moved on to shkmeruli, roast chicken in a confit garlic sauce, glossy and deeply savoury. Dessert kept things Georgian too. Napoleon, the regional mille-feuille, came layered with dulce de leche cream and caramel – delicately crisp and not overly sweet. Olive tip: ask the knowledgeable team to guide you through the amber wines by the glass alongside the khinkali: it’s the quickest way to understand what DakaDaka is really all about. instagram.com/dakadaka.london The Audley Public House, Mount Street – for a buzzy pub The dark polished wood and interior of The Audley scream traditional Victorian pub (and this one has been on the site since 1888) but look closer and you’ll see quirky artworks and pops of vibrant modern colour from the recent refurb, including a specially commissioned mosaic artwork from Phyllida Barlow which covers the ceiling in a riot of hot pink, orange and turquoise. It’s walk-in only here which gives the place a buzzy atmosphere, even in this quite fancy bit of Mayfair. The casual vibe extends to the ordering (no table service) – just order your food at the bar alongside drinks. All the usual pub favourites (fish and chips, sausage and mash, chicken pie) are present and correct but elevated with meat sourced from the owners’ farm in Somerset and Cornish day boat fish. There are also some fun surprises like the London Dip – a hearty sandwich of slow roasted, thinly sliced beef served with a pot of gravy for dipping – and bowls of cheesy chips with curry mayo sauce and jalapeños. The wide beer selection includes brewers like Deya, alongside more traditional cask offerings from Battersea brewer Sambrook’s. theaudleypublichouse.com The Guinea Grill, Bruton Place – for quality cuts in historic pub Meaty mains beg to be experienced at this characterful pub-restaurant, so we plumped for beef, Guinness and oyster Pie (to share) to kick off proceedings (though the devilled kidneys on toast, and seared scallops on the table next to us, looked very appetising). Topped with a crispy oyster and melted cheese, it set the tone for the next grand entrance – a magnificent côte de boeuf, presented at the table before being flamed on the grill and served with brandy peppercorn sauce, crispy layered pancetta confit potatoes and parmesan-creamed sweetcorn. For pudding, the crème brûlée crackled satisfyingly under the spoon, while the bread and butter pudding was surprisingly light and fluffy. Olive tip: If you’re visiting in the evening, try to skip lunch to take full advantage of the meaty fare. As well as starters, salads and mains, add-ons include lamb cutlet, calf's liver, lamb kidneys, black pudding and haggis. theguinea.co.uk Silva, Bruton Place – for varied all-day dining Silva, the Latin word for forest, carries this theme in its interiors with woodland friezes and natural tones in the airy dining room and snug bar. A compact, seasonal menu takes inspiration from the Med and Japan with a raw section designed to wake up the palate – wild sea bass crudo, jalapeño, yuzu and ginger dressing has delicate tang. Classic steak tartare is made hearty by topping a chunky potato waffle and a signature dish of crispy egg with girolle and parmesan sauce is also a generous starter. Lighter mains like roasted cauliflower with butter beans and caponata or steamed halibut are balanced by the more robust Creedy Carver duck with coco beans and addictive rosemary and garlic roasties. Silva’s busy kitchen team, headed up by Slawomir Sawicki, can be seen through the street-facing windows below a pretty striped awning on the increasingly restaurant-focussed Bruton Place. Open all day from breakfast to dinner. silvarestaurant.co.uk Sparrow Italia, Avery Row – for luxe modern Italian Set in a townhouse in the heart of Mayfair, Sparrow Italia offers up classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes, and those with a more contemporary twist. Its main menu showcases a selection of hot and cold starters, and pasta designed for sharing – expect classic like cacio e pepe and puttanesca alongside an indulgent lobster acqua pazza – before moving on to fine cuts of steak and some exquisite seafood dishes. Seasonally inspired menus also provide a reason to go back. To celebrate autumn there is a truffle-inspired menu in addition to an à la carte section designed to showcase this luxury ingredient. You can even quench your thirst with a truffle martini. The ground floor’s centrepiece is the floor-to-ceiling bar, perfect for a few drinks before heading up to the main restaurant. On the third floor you’ll find an intimate lounge where guests can enjoy a curated selection of the world’s best cigars. sparrowitalia.com Vesper Bar at The Dorchester, Park Lane – for luxe cocktails Vesper Bar is a thirties-inspired golden, glimmering confection, with polished wood and shimmering surfaces, plump blue armchairs, racing green bar stools and a beautiful 1930s palladium leaf ceiling. It’s plush, luxe and comfortable, with seamless service. The new menu, Eterna, explores the golden ratio, a mathematical ratio seen throughout nature and art, and expressed in the menu through different flavour profiles – from savoury to herbaceous, floral and smoky. The Venus Observed, with coconut pisco, Seatrus gin, Italicus, tomato and caperberry, is a savoury delight, while Thunderball’s combination of Enemigo blanco tequila, pineapple and sage sauvignon blanc is a smoky, spicy winner. The Green Knight deploys diverse ingredients including vodka, mastiha, feta, gentian and watermelon in a balanced, gluggable drink, full of herbaceous character. It would be remiss to miss out on drinking an actual vesper, made with Stolichnaya vodka, the hotel’s own old tom gin, forbidden fruit liqueur and dry sherry. It’s icy, boozy perfection. dorchestercollection.com Farm Shop Wine Bar, South Audley Street – for a hidden wine bar True hidden gems are hard to come by in London but Farm Shop’s underground wine bar truly feels like one. By day it’s a fancy Mayfair deli on South Audley Street, supplied by the company farm in Bruton, among other artisan producers. There are piles of fresh fruit and veg, stacks of chutneys and jams, and loaves of sourdough and pastries laid out in the window. From the afternoon, the basement space comes into its own. There’s no signage from outside, so it’s just the arrows inside the deli that guide you downstairs to a warm, cosy room, speckled by candlelight with a relaxed, welcoming vibe where you can sit along the windows to people-watch. The menu includes classic treats like rotisserie chicken and cheese toasties, alongside sharing boards of charcuterie and cheese from Somerset, near the company farm, as well as a selection of Swiss offerings. Clearly experts in cheese, with temperature-controlled rooms to store it, this is a great place to try Yarlington, Montgomery cheddar and a creamy Bath Blue. Most importantly, the wine list is 150-strong with some varieties from the company’s vineyard. Prices for a glass of house of red start at just £4.50, so it’s a surprisingly reasonable option for such a high-end area. A particular highlight is the Maid of Bruton sparkling rosé, which is ideal for a celebratory drink. farmshop.co.uk/london/wine-bar/ Nipotina, South Audley Street – for welcoming Italian cooking Chef Somaia Hammad was brought up in Turin and brings Italian warmth to her unfussy, family-style cooking. The room is welcoming and cosy with banquette seating and a warm orangey glow. Start with a Nipotina claypot negroni, premixed and poured table-side from a large earthenware jug, with Amaro Santoni and earl grey bringing herbal notes. The menu is split classic style into cicchetti, antipasti, primi, secondi and pizza. A basket of rustly courgette fritti arrived with a tempura-style light crunch and a rich aïoli dip – deliciously moreish. From the antipasti, a tricolore tuna, sea bream and salmon carpaccio was spankingly fresh, and a fennel and aged pecorino salad came with a crunch from caramelised walnuts and a kick from Calabrian chillies. The pasta is house-made – try the mafalde, a rich creamy tomato, beef and veal ragu, or from the special seasonal truffle menu, tagliolini in a creamy parmesan sauce with a shaving of fresh Umbrian truffle added by the waiter. Standout puddings include a light and airy tiramisu enriched with gianduja (chocolate and hazelnut) and a rich almond-infused cheesecake with sour cherry, which had all the flavours of a bakewell tart and was quite ingenious. Wines are exclusively Italian and sourced from small regional independent producers. nipotinaristorante.com Encore, Mayfair - for a stylish listening bar and cocktails Downstairs from Lebanese rotisserie joint Toum, Encore successfully ticks off two cocktail bar buzzwords in one fell swoop: listening bar and speakeasy. Just steps away from Regent Street, this stylish subterranean bar unites a heady mix of Lebanese and French influences across the polished cocktail and snack menus. Twelve signature cocktails showcase inventive twists on classics – a sumac-spiced negroni with tequila is balanced by pomegranate, while the refined mezcal spritz brings in zingy and refreshing yuzu, lime and coconut water. Those sweet-inclined will enjoy the unique yet familiar taste of the tarte tatin: oak aged brandy, vanilla liqueur, coconut water and honey give a balanced sweetness that is never saccharine. The Encore batanga is a stand-out with added depth from sherry and spidery strands of red chilli scattered on top. Unctuous and warm comté madeleines were particularly irresistible from the elevated bar snack menu. Habibi funk and Arabic disco deep cuts can be heard spinning on vinyl, thanks to the sound-diffusing ceiling and speakers dotted around the intimate space. Rich red carpets, mid-century wood panelling and stylish contemporary artwork make the bar the perfect spot for a date night or cosy catch-up with a friend. toumrotisserie.com Cut at 45 Park Lane – for cuts from the world's finest steaks Cut at 45 Park Lane – culinary heavyweight Wolfgang Puck’s fine dining steakhouse – wants you to experience the best cuts from the world’s best steaks. To make the most of an experience in this polished dining room, pick The Taste of Cut: a trio of British grass-fed sirloin, Australian wagyu and Japanese A5 wagyu, each carefully cooked and clearly unique. The sirloin is bold and beefy; the Australian richly marbled; while the A5, almost white with silky fat, barely needs a knife. It’s an impressive way to understand what top-grade beef really tastes like. Small bites include miso cones of spicy tuna tartare, bite-sized, meltingly soft wagyu sliders, and sweet and fluffy crab and lobster rolls. If you have room for dessert, share a burnt Basque cheesecake with Hugh Lowe Farm strawberries, the freshness of the fruit a perfect foil for the delicately creamy pudding. dorchestercollection.com Nipperkin, Berkeley Street – for a hideaway cocktail bar Situated in the depths of NIJŪ Japanese grill and sushi bar, Nipperkin is inspired by 1950s Japanese listening bars. Step through ornate curtains into an intimate, mid-century space with plush seating and marvel as expert mixologists fan perfectly cuboid ice, behind them an impressive record collection and vinyl set-up. Centred around micro-seasonality, the drinks menu from award-winning mixologist Angelos Bafas is split into four harvest seasons. Hyper-seasonal British ingredients such as wild garlic, spring flowers and blackberries expertly coalesce with the classic Japanese such as yuzu, shiso and matcha. The highball pickled cucumber was seriously refreshing, as was the Granny Smith and yuzu with Exmoor raw wildflower honey. Macerated blackberries and sloes make a pleasantly herbaceous and bitter sip with Axia extra dry mastiha and Cambridge red bitters, while there’s umami savouriness on offer from the likes of Nipperkin’s aged mushroom spirit, Cambridge truffle gin and tomato liqueur. Don’t overlook the ‘dry’ season – the sour green gooseberries with a non-alcoholic citrus spirit and English wasabi tastes like a lemon meringue pie with a whisper of warmth. Dunk crunchy bar snacks from NIJŪ of seasonal vegetables and lotus chips into creamy tofu with shiso oil and buttery grilled aubergine – and you can even peep into NIJŪ’s kitchen when paying a visit to the adorned bathrooms. nijulondon.com Sabor, Heddon Street – for authentic tapas vibes With a friendly service style and nods to Andalucían tapas bars (colourful tiles, high tables), Nieves Barragán Mohacho and José Etura have nailed the authentic feel of bars found all over Spain. Wait in the lively brick-walled bar area and whet your appetite with mushroom croquetas and cured presa Iberica. Charismatic José will then seat you at a counter overlooking the open kitchen, where conversation with the Spanish chefs is encouraged. Sabor means ‘flavour’ in Spanish, and there’s plenty of that in the restaurant’s small plates – tiny deep-fried shrimp served with a crispy, paprika-dusted fried egg, golden croquetas and chubby mussels ‘a la Bilbaina’ slurped up a light sauce of tomatoes, sherry, sherry vinegar and herbs. Sobrasada, the soft paprika sausage from Menorca, come in a rusty rubble on top of lightly crushed new potatoes, bobbing in a garlic cream. Desserts tick every box – chocolatey bombas, sharp and creamy rhubarb and mascarpone tartlets, and an inspired goat’s cheese ice cream with a liquorice sauce rounded off a perfect meal. The all-Spanish wine list begins with txakoli, the lightly effervescent Basque wine that’s poured from a dramatic height. Or try fresh and zingy rosé with a touch of red fruit, along with a couple of saline fino sherries. There’s vermouth on tap, too! saborrestaurants.co.uk Goodman, Maddox Street – for a polished steakhouse The Mayfair dining room, opened in 2008 (the first of three), hums with a clubby but not stuffy confidence – all dark leather, low lighting and cosy corners. Along one wall, regulars' engraved steak knives sit in a glass-fronted cabinet like prized trophies. The highlight is a 75-day-aged Angus Pure Breed from the Lake District: deep, gamey and minerally, with intense beefiness. Diners get to choose not only the cut but the size of their steak – whether you’re in the mood for a modest 250g or a mighty kilo. Each one is cooked to your liking over red-hot 400C coals that leave a toffee-like crust and juicy centre. Starters feature crispy, fist-sized prawn tempura, and sweet and briny crab on warm brioche toast. From the side, truffled mac and cheese is luxurious, spinach sings with garlic, Josper-roasted onions are sticky and dark, and triple-cooked chips are made to dredge through the creamy béarnaise. Get to know the sommelier – they’ll match your palate and your steak, possibly with a lush American pinot noir or a more classic French Bordeaux. goodmanrestaurants.com Hide, 85 Piccadilly – for an extra special brunch Modern European Hide in Mayfair offers a decadent brunch perfect for special occasions. With a menu featuring the likes of truffle-smothered scrambled eggs, a scorched banana and pecan croissant, blueberry and crème crue French toast and an oozing croque Madame, find out what we thought below when we popped in for breakfast. hide.co.uk View Green Video on the source website Fonda, Heddon Street – for regional Mexican dishes Santiago Lastra, chef-owner of Mexican fine dining restaurant Kol, brings a more informal option to Heddon Street. A fonda is a Mexican family-run inn, to which there are nods in the décor (earthy tones, handwoven fabrics and Mexican crafts), regional Mexican menu and homely touches, including a trio of salsas – smoky salsa macha, lively gooseberry salsa verde and fiery salsa roja – brought to the table for customers to apply to dishes as they wish. Kick off with Yucatan ground pumpkin seed speciality sikil pak topped with vibrant green pine oil and deep-fried totopos. Specials include tuna belly crudo in soy, sesame and fermented gooseberry dressing; and quesadillas stuffed with Oaxacan-style cheese from Canterbury. The traditional clay comal is the kitchen’s focal point and the dedicated comal list includes Marmite beer-battered baja fish dressed with chipotle mayo, Hispi cabbage and pistachio guacamole. Costra is an elevated tribute to CDMX post-clubbing snacks – 30-day aged rib-eye topped with grilled spenwood and manchego infused with macha sauce.Moving on to sharing mains – black sesame, short rib stock and chocolate paste take centre stage in the rich, 60-ingredient short rib mole. Charred adobo-laced monkfish comes on soft Ratte potatoes doused in Arbol chilli infused butter. For dessert, Santi's American cheesecake topped with blackcurrant compote is a popular choice; steamed corn tamales are doused in butterscotch cream and silky chocolate sorbet laced with Oaxacan oak-smoked pasilla chilli oil is a surprising highlight. Santiago’s commitment to sourcing British ingredients continues through to cocktails – think fresh gooseberry juice and rhubarb liqueur to add zing to margaritas; and rhubarb palomas rimmed with gooseberry salt. Honcho the sloth guides guests down to the basement dining room and agave bar for a mezcal night cap. fondalondon.com The Colony Grill Room, Balderton Street – for classic grill With its vintage styling, large booths and striking murals, the Colony pays homage to classic New York grill restaurants. Dishes finished tableside are a big part of chef Ben Boeynaems’ menu, including dover sole meunière with miso butter, theatrically deboned before guests. The sharing wood-grilled tomahawk steak (bone-in ribeye) is a similarly dramatic presentation, carved as it’s served at the table. Deft knife skills maximise the cut’s juiciness. colonygrillroom.com The Cocochine, Bruton Place – art gallery and upscale restaurant combined The partnership of chef Larry Jayasekara and gallerist Tim Jefferies is surprisingly under the radar for cooking of this standard. Three courses only (with a regularly changing set lunch menu) are offered on the ground floor restaurant, starting with a presentation of seasonal veg grown on the restaurant’s Rowler Estate. Ingredients and dishes reflect chef Larry’s travels and connections with artisan suppliers including his native Sri Lanka, regional England and the shores of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Unusual combinations are both playful and seriously cheffy: roasted onion soup, truffle cheese toastie and agnolotti is a rich, umami broth poured at the table; chicken, sourced from chefs’ favourite Arnaud Tauzin in south-west France, is offered with Scottish langoustine and maitake mushroom; and a spoonful of gorgonzola adds extra punch to quince and vinegar tart. Around the counter on the first floor, watch the chefs at work in one of those rare working kitchens with natural light. Throughout the restaurant photography by Irving Penn and Richard Avedon add extra interest, and in the top-floor private dining space there are original prints by Andy Warhol. thecocochine.com Milos, Regent Street – for luxurious Mediterranean seafood Milos’s concept is gloriously unique. Entered by imposing wooden doors the formal room is dominated by Grecian urns and grand marble features, and is lively at lunchtimes with business execs from Mayfair and St James, and a glamorous international set at dinner. Each table is guided by a ‘Captain’ through its signature market display of colourful, just-caught fish from the Med and more local shores. While British turbot and sole might be familiar, varieties such as balada, fagri and barbouni are less so, and each one is described in term of texture, intensity of flavour and cooking technique. This includes a raw bar of oysters, carabinero shrimp and jumbo Madagascan prawns, and sashimi-grade tuna. You might start with a tartare of magiatiko with chilli, lime and micro herbs, and signature tower of courgette and aubergine served with kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki; move onto a mid-course of Greek salad before whole grilled snapper with steamed wild greens, lemon and olive oil. estiatoriomilos.com/location/london/ NIJŪ, Berkeley Sreet – Japanese steak and sushi with a contemporary edge Endo Kazutoshi, arguably London’s most esteemed sushi master, is behind this new Mayfair Japanese grill, with exec chef Chris Golding overseeing the menu day to day. Careful sourcing, luxe ingredients and well-honed kitchen skills create a unique menu inspired by ‘Katei Ryōri’: homecooked, seasonal dishes, some – like dover sole, asparagus and nori butter – served tableside. Wagyu, that most highly-prized beef, is sourced from Japan and England, cooked simply over Japanese charcoal and offered with fresh wasabi and yuzu salsa verde. Sashimi includes indulgent cuts like otoro (fatty tuna) served classic style or with a contemporary NIJŪ twist – ‘aburi’ (seared) with caviar. Vegetables are treated with equal care, from grilled aubergine with white sesame dressing to spicy spinach with sobacha (buckwheat tea). A sushi counter and glass panel revealing all the kitchen action add to the buzzy atmosphere. The basement Nipperkin bar uses British ingredients, some grown and distilled on site in its hyper-seasonal cocktail list. nijulondon.com The Guinea Grill, Bruton Place – pub classics and premium steaks Recently reopened after a revamp, this gorgeous restaurant and pub is tucked away down a quiet side road behind New Bond Street. This institution is every bit the great British pub with its tartan carpets and wood-panelled walls. Try the prawn and crayfish cocktail for a delicious retro starter. For your main, though it serves pub classics such as homemade pies, it is well known for its steaks. It has used the same premium butcher for 60 years, for tender, dry-aged steaks, and the knowledgeable staff will give you expert advice on how each cut should be cooked to ensure the optimal experience. We loved the pancetta confit potatoes and creamed spinach, served alongside the steak. The wine list to complement the meal is vast but let the wait staff guide you, or go the whole hog and ask for some wine pairings with your meal – we tried a gorgeous white from Austria. Round off a special meal with a decadent banana sticky toffee pudding, served with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. If you’re not quite ready to leave the warm embrace, you can roll to the pub side and enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness, too. theguinea.co.uk UMU, Bruton Place – Michelin-starred Kyoto cuisine Opening in 2004 and thriving 20 years later is testament to UMU’s unique offering – inspired by Kyoto cuisine, using British ingredients such as fish sourced from Cornwall and Welsh lamb. Behind a discreet doorway in Mayfair’s Bruton Place, the dark wood-panelled room is lit to emphasise the sushi masters at work at the counter, carving, chopping and grating fresh wasabi. There is more theatre on the plate with premium ingredients like high-grade wagyu served à la minute, which arrives smoking at the table; the salty-sweet and glistening eel kabayaki, and a cute dessert: Charamisu Mayfair garden Japanese seasonal tiramisu, with a mini watering can to sprinkle over sake. Select a wine or sake pairing for the full experience. umurestaurant.com Akira Back, Hanover Square – for playful riffs on Japanese cuisine Akira Back, well known in the USA for his playful approach to Japanese cuisine, is influenced by both his travels and Korean heritage. Dishes are made to share and flavours are bold. Try the signature tuna sashimi pizza, rich with truffle oil; mini tacos filled with wagyu bulgogi; rock shrimp with creamy gochujang; black miso cod; and finish with sushi rolls like Hot Mess – sashimi poke, crab tempura and spicy ponzu aïoli. A lighter starter of yellowtail jalapeño with citrussy yuzu, is a highlight. On the inventive wine list try Smiley NV, a South African chenin blanc blend which pairs well with sushi. The triple-height room, with one wall dominated by spectacular artwork by Akira’s mother, and glass ceiling, makes it light-filled at lunch, twinkling at night. mandarinoriental.com/en/london/mayfair/dine/akira-back Murano, Queen Street – for elegant Italian After a short closure and 15th anniversary celebration redesign, Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred contemporary Italian restaurant has reopened. George Ormond has taken the reigns as head chef and worked with Angela to create a selection of new regional Italian dishes. Fold out the green and pink menus to build your own three-to-six course menu (or go at lunchtime for the great-value set lunch, £55 for three courses). Chef’s appetisers from the kitchen (gorgonzola and pickled walnut choux bun, spindly grissini, sun-dried tomato-studded focaccia) make an extra treat best enjoyed with a classic negroni. Menu highlights include agnolotti parcels filled with provolone and puréed smoked potato, chicken tortellini scooped up from a clear, nourishing broth and a unique play on the classic tonnata using fried monkfish slices on a fennel salad lifted with veal jus. For dessert, try the chocolate marquise’s elegant layers topped with a PX sherry reduction or the signature silky Amalfi lemon tart in a delicate puff pastry casing. Supreme Italian wine pairings, unpretentious yet informed service and a hushed living room atmosphere make this a truly elegant Italian dining experience. muranolondon.com Abajo, St George Street – for a Colombian fusion chef's table experience Colombian chef Miller Prada cooks over fire in his Japanese-Colombian fine dining restaurant, Humo (see review below). Downstairs at intimate chef’s table experience, Abajo, there’s space for ten diners, who chefs and sommeliers take on an evocative journey through the regions, communities and culinary tapestry of Colombia. The menu is split into five chapters, each spotlighting a hero ingredient. Corn, for example, is baked into a biscuit topped with grilled corn, its silk dried and fried to garnish trout mousse-stuffed morels and the husk fermented to make miso. Elsewhere, Mediterranean blue fin tuna tops a traditional plantain and coconut tamale, pressed East Sussex quail is charred in shallot ashes and Kagoshima beef brisket is slow-cooked in sugarcane honey reduction. To finish, Merinda tomato is presented in a fresh and delicate dessert medley of gels, ice cream, coal-torched meringue and choux buns. A delicate Japanese rice vodka cocktail kicks things off while wine pairings span south America, Spain, Italy and beyond. A velvet pouch of Colombian coffee beans to take away with the menu is a touching souvenir of a special evening. abajolondon.com Bossa, Vere Street – high-end Brazilian cuisine Chef Alberto Landgraf transports his vision of high-end authentic Brazilian cooking from Rio to Mayfair with punchy sharing plates such as seafood moqueca. However wine is equally the star here with one of South America’s best sommeliers, Laís Aoki, ready to guide diners through the perfect pairing. bossa.co.uk Humo, St George Street – cooking over coals with Colombian and Japanese influences Sit at the counter – effectively the pass – for prime interaction with Colombian chef Miller Prada, whose cooking combines his South American roots with the skills and passion he gained for Japanese techniques and ingredients working with mentor Endo Kazutoshi. Fire cooking and dry ageing of fish and meat are at the heart of the restaurant. The laid-back team will introduce you to new discoveries which might include eight-day-aged yellowtail with citrus sauce and the more surprising addition of a Castillo coffee sauce from Miller’s family farm; subtle smoky flavours in everything from the refreshing house salad of smoked Cornish Agria potatoes, wild rocket, Tokyo turnips, miso to Orkney scallop in 20-year-old oaked rum and 31-day-aged Cornish lamb in beetroot sauce. Thrillingly unique. humolondon.com The Connaught Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzaud, Carlos Place – for perfect patisserie French pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud’s patisserie is a chic cocoon of blush pink, crystal and marble in the heart of Mayfair. Level up on your morning pain au chocolat with Camille Kenny-Ryder’s inventive trio au chocolat, a stunning striped pastry encasing three batons of dark, white and gianduja milk Swiss chocolate. Dip a warm lime madeleine into a coffee for elevenses or pair perfectly formed patisserie with a glass of Billecart-Salmon champagne come afternoon – we love the pistachio-studded éclair, bright apricot cheesecake and crisp, frilly hazelnut paris-brest. the-connaught.co.uk Caviar Kaspia, Chesterfield Street – for caviar decadence Unique in terms of vibe and menu, an international crowd flock to this former private club now open to everyone who can afford its luxe offering. Decadent in every way, the jewel box room with dramatic artwork hums with anticipation as champagne flows and diners browse the menu of caviar-topped dishes. Highlights include tagliolini in a champagne cream sauce and Instagram-friendly, completely indulgent – and delicious – baked potato, designed to savour and share. There’s tableside service in a smoked salmon and blini starter, two oversized blinis draped with salmon and sandwiched together with crème fraîche. Pudding features a cocoa sponge with ricotta, served in a caviar tin and topped with beads of coffee ‘caviar’. caviarkaspialondon.com Taku, Albemarle Street – for omakase dining The capital is currently enthralled by the intimacy and theatre of omakase dining; where, in sleekly designed counter-dining cocoons, highly skilled chefs prepare seasonal tasting menus for attentive diners. Chef Takuya Watanabe bagged a Michelin star within four months of opening this Mayfair 16-seater. Using mainly British produce, he is creating some of the city’s most elegant, flavourful hot seafood dishes and sushi. Tasting menu from £160pp; takumayfair.com Isabel, Albemarle Street – for impressing your date From its luxe grill dishes, including a Galician ex-dairy côte de boeuf or a sharing Cornish dover sole with creamed spinach, preserved lemon and brown butter, to its silk jacquard wall coverings, golden ceiling and bar, this glamorous Mayfair restaurant is guaranteed to wow any date. After dinner, the beats purr, as DJs take guests through until 3am, both in the restaurant and the Dragon Room bar, downstairs. Isabel’s innovative cocktail list includes the Rosetta, a take on the French 75, garnished with a rose petal and dehydrated lychee. isabelw1.london BiBi's Mayfair, North Audley Street – for contemporary Indian sharing plates Head chef Chet Sharma’s selection menu is the must-try at his intimate Mayfair restaurant, comprising a dozen sharing plates using produce from the UK and India created with sustainability at its core. Formerly development chef of the JKS group (Gymkhana, Trishna, Brigadiers, etc), Sharma’s BiBi – an affectionate term for a grandmother in parts of India – is the realisation of his dream to open his own restaurant. To snack on, tangy Wookey Hole cheese papads have a melting yet crunchy texture; creamy Carlingford oyster pachadi is a refreshing segue to sweet, spicy, salty and sour chaats, including nashpati bhel – grains topped with a crunchy frozen pear granita – and Raw Belted Galloway beef pepper fry, hot with lots of black pepper. From the counter, marvel at the theatre of chefs grilling on the sigree: aged Swaledale lamb chops, as soft as butter, with a subtle smokiness. And our star among many stars, Sharmaji’s Lahori chicken: gorgeously tender chicken breast with a delicate creamy sauce made with whey that has been reduced to the point of caramelisation and then mixed with ground cashews and spices. Then finish with choc-ice-on-a-stick-style kulfis. bibirestaurants.com Mount St. Restaurant, Mount Street — for London classics On the first floor of The Audley, the Mayfair landmark pub transformed by Artfarm, Mount St Restaurant has bold, timeless style in its light-flooded dining room. There’s art on every surface, from the floor to laden walls, including feature pieces such as Still Life with White Carbs by Keith Tyson. Chef Jamie Shears’s menu of London classics includes lobster pie, and lamb and beef are sourced from Durslade, its farm in Somerset. mountstrestaurant.com Pavyllon, Hamilton Place — for modern French cuisine No one does comfort like a five-star hotel, and French chef Yannick Alléno has settled into the Four Seasons in London with the full weight of his 15 Michelin stars. Pavyllon (an outpost of the Paris restaurant of the same name) is run by executive chef Benjamin Ferra Y Castell when Yannick is away. There’s a huge counter overlooking the open kitchen – sit here for the drama. Try the curry man’ouché; the warm potatoes glazed with lovage mayo, with kombu broth, seaweed and cucumber; and the lamb (recipe, right). Plus, Bar Antoine’s cocktail list by Michele Lombardi can be enjoyed with a bar menu. pavyllonlondon.com Apricity, Duke Street — for low-waste, seasonal cooking Unlike so many box-ready restaurants, chef-owner Chantelle Nicholson wanted Apricity to be “not just sustainable but restorative, a closed-loop of use and re-use”. It’s an aim that requires effort – foraging nettles and hazelnuts in urban London, designing low-waste cocktails, using up-cycled and repurposed furniture – and imaginative flexibility. Day to day, chef Eve Seemann executes dishes such as Cornish mackerel and Shetland mussels with sambal butter and pickled pear, or crispy sprouts with spent-beer vinegar and rosemary. Meanwhile, Chantelle, who first made her name at Tredwells, manages green energy issues, waste-minimal menu planning or gluts of hyper-seasonal produce from suppliers. Many of these hand-picked small producers practise “regenerative farming”, a buzz-term for traditional techniques that nurture diverse, natural landscapes and improve soil health. apricityrestaurant.com Bar des Pres, Albemarle Street — for high-class Asian-French hybrid Leading French chef Cyril Lignac has opened this sleek London outpost of his Parisian Bar des Prés in Mayfair, serving an all-day sharing menu from lunch till late. Key seats are around the counter where sushi chefs prepare Insta-friendly dishes which deliver on flavour, too, such as the signature crunchy crab and avocado galette Madras curry. Other highlights include crispy sushi salmon with chipotle mayo; satay beef fillet with lime and a silky mash potato with vanilla. Desserts, particularly the generous millefeuille with praline, are equally camera-friendly. A lemongrass-spiked margarita, made with mezcal and tequila rimmed with black salt, is the star of the cocktail list. More than two of you? Choose a booth or the high table nearer the entrance. bardespres.com Stork, Cork Street– for Pan-African dishes Situated in the centre of the artistic hub of London’s Mayfair, Stork proudly represents an authentic interpretation of Pan-African cuisine. Its post-pandemic reopening celebrates its reimagined concept, described as “a migration of flavour and culture”. The “flavour” is prepared by a team that boasts a world-class repertoire, led by highly regarded head chef Taalib Adanse and senior sous chef (and former MasterChef: The Professionals finalist) William Chilila. The menu takes you on a culinary journey, having been influenced by cuisines from across the African continent as well as its diaspora. The North African ras el hanout goat beignet, Ghanaian red red with plantain, Jamaican jerk spatchcock poussin and Nigerian puff puff sundae are examples of such influences. An extensive drinks menu supports the food with cocktails from £13 and a wine list featuring Gavi di Gavi at £12 a glass. storkrestaurant.com Madhu's of Mayfair, 21 Piccadilly – for Indian dishes with a Kenyan twist in a sumptuous setting ‘Special occasion’ are the first words that spring to mind when you walk into the ornate dining room of Madhu’s of Mayfair, complete with enormous chandeliers, rococo-style architecture and marble tables. But far from feeling formal, the vibe is fun and friendly, bustling with birthday parties, tourists and after-work businessfolk. The design is the vision of Madhu’s founder Sanjay Anand, who wanted to "create an experience which engages each of the senses – not just taste". The food comes from creative chef Poonam Ball – Sanjay’s sister. She oversees the menus of the Madhu group’s four restaurants. It’s Indian, but with a Kenyan twist, including recipes handed down through four generations from her Nairobi-born mother Krishna and her father Jagdish Kumar Anand (nicknamed Madhu). Choose the signature dishes: palak patta chaat, a pile of crunchy marsh samphire and crispy spinach with warming spices and tangy chutneys; nyamah choma, succulent prime cut lamb ribs marinated in chilli and lemon; and Madhu’s machi's – whole seabass in an onion and carom seed marinade – which is ‘special occasion’ luxurious. madhus.co.uk José Pizarro at Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Gardens — for daytime tapas in central London gallery Chef José Pizarro’s beautiful new Mayfair outpost is a reflection of the chef’s lifelong love of art. With high ceilings and wood-panelling this light-filled room at Royal Academy of Arts is the ideal daytime spot to enjoy a quick glass of manzanilla and some acorn-fed cinco jotas jamón or a long, lazy lunch. Among José classics such as croquetas, pan con tomate, chorizo al vino and prawns with garlic and chilli are some new additions, including the must-order truffle and Ermenesada cheese toasted sandwich. On the ground floor he has also opened the walk-in Poster Bar, selling delicious bocadillos (sandwiches) and snacks. Both are open during the daytime only, closed on Monday. josepizarro.com Kitty Fisher's, Shepherd Market – for a bistro Red velvet curtains welcome diners into this intimate bistro. A handful of tables sit snugly beside a bar, behind which jars of home-made rhubarb gin, turmeric syrup and fig leaf vodka nestle in amongst trinkets. A creaky wooden staircase in the back corner takes you down past the kitchen into the intimate basement dining room, where dusty-pink banquettes line walls decorated with antique paintings. Start with a round of cocktails. A boozy hanky panky is a more delicate and floral twist on the negroni, while the restaurant's signature Bad Kitty has a subtle sparkle and a syrupy sloegin edge. Order all the bite-sized snacks. A smoky stack of Welsh rarebit is finished on the open grill to make Montgomery's cheddar cheese extra golden; crisp ham hock and jowl croquettes melt in the mouth; fresh, dill-flecked bream tartare is topped with apple slices and grassy green leaves, and a silky-smooth splodge of chicken liver parfait comes with pieces of quince on a seeded cracker. Mains are cooked on a wood-fired grill so take 20-25 minutes to arrive, but it's worth the wait. Pork presa is soft and pink with charred edges, accompanied by a pig-cheek sausage, candied heritage carrots and plums, while meaty monkfish comes on a rich bed of aubergines and tomatoes. Get involved with the sides, too – crunchy layers of deep-fried pressed potatoes or wood-fired Hispi cabbage lifted with mustard seeds, described correctly by the owner as “buttery wonderfulness”. For pudding, try the hazelnut and chocolate ganache with brown butter ice cream, covered in a dome of fluffy hazelnut mousse and dusted in cocoa powder. kittyfishers.com Kanishka, Maddox Street – for regional Indian Focussing on the Seven Sister States as well as nods to Nepal and Bangladesh Kanishka is a modern Indian restaurant it serving a series of tasting menus or, as we went, a la carte. Start with the Gantok momos (steamed Nepalese dumplings), proudly billed as made ‘in-house’ which was telling by the skins being light but still with some bite to them. We also had chef’s Chicken Tikka Pie which wasn’t accredited to a region but still an exemplary piece of proper pie making with well-cooked puff pastry encasing juicy chunks of long marinated chicken. For mains we went with the lightly spiced and coconut sauced Kanishka Seafood curry and underutilised goat cooked slowly until fork tender in a Roganjosh style. Once we added generous serving of puffy paratha, fresh kachumba and signature black dhal to our order we were too full for dessert but the Dark Chocolate Sphere with orange chocolate cream and spiced caramel sauce seemed to be impressing our neighbours with its table-side server theatrics. kanishkarestaurant.co.uk Scott’s, Mount Street – for seafood Celebrity haunt Scott’s has been a resident of Mount Street since 1967 but it actually dates back to 1851 when it was opened as an oyster warehouse, making it one of London’s five oldest restaurants. This Mayfair establishment has welcomed the great and the good for decades, and it’s where James Bond creator Ian Fleming is said to have discovered his ‘shaken not stirred’ dry martini. Since 2005, Scott’s has been owned by Richard Caring, who has retained the restaurant’s character, right down to the bowler-hatted doormen. Eat in either the oyster and champagne bar or the stylish dining room, where blackened miso salmon and goujons of Cornish sole and tartare sauce are among the signature dishes. scotts-restaurant.com Dickie’s Bar, Upper Grosvenor Street – for late-night Irish cocktails Head to Dickie's Bar for an elegant late-night cocktail bar within Corrigan’s Mayfair. Dickie’s Bar oozes Irish charm and, naturally, Irish whiskies feature heavily in cocktails – Jameson Black Barrel is combined with peach, bergamot, vanilla and lemon to create soft and smooth Stage Door Johnny; while dark and punchy Professional Stalker showcases Powers John’s Lane 12-year-old whiskey along with allspice and fig. Illustrations and anecdotes in the menu showcase ingredients picked and shipped over daily from Richard’s 100-acre Virginia Park Lodge in Ireland. Sit on burnt-orange leather stools at the wood-panelled, marble- topped bar and sniff at the various infusions that the team conjures up. corrigansmayfair.co.uk/dickies Sketch, Conduit Street – for contemporary afternoon tea Aside from the other-worldly surroundings, the highlight of afternoon tea at Sketch has to be the tea itself. Waitresses scoot golden tea trollies around the room, each one stacked with glass jars of aromatic loose leaf teas – there are at least 40 to pick from, including whole rosebud, matcha, white peony and Taiwan red jade. Feel free to sniff before you choose, and refills are complimentary. Sketch’s caviar afternoon tea begins, as expected, with a spoon of rich, creamy Oscietra caviar (from Russian sturgeon) – vegetarians get little pearls of cold cauliflower as a clever substitute. Even more enjoyable was the accompanying take on boiled egg and soldiers: a 63 degrees egg yolk nestled inside a deeply flavoursome ‘egg white’ made from comté cheese mornay. Utterly indulgent, and one of the most exciting, innovative ways to kick off an afternoon tea that we’ve ever seen. sketch.london For more afternoon teas in London click here Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill, Swallow Street – for oysters Richard Corrigan (see Dickie’s Bar) is chef-owner of Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, open for more than a century. World-famous for its seafood and shellfish, Bentley’s is also revered for its exceptional service. The oyster bar at Bentley’s is one of the things Richard is most proud of, and during the native oyster season from September to April, his staff will shuck more than 1,000 oysters a day. “There’s always an element of fun,” says Richard. bentleys.org The Ritz, Piccadilly – for traditional afternoon tea The Ritz is as iconic as the Queen, and this institutional British hotel keeps up tradition by serving 350 afternoon teas every day. It’s only fitting that afternoon tea at The Ritz is a lavish affair; the formal dress code requires men to wear shirt and tie, doors are opened for you by folk in top hats, and the resident pianist, Ian Gomes, who flutters away most days during afternoon tea service, used to play with Frank Sinatra. Afternoon tea at The Ritz is taken in the Palm Court, an area raised up from the rest of the hotel’s lobby like a marble-floored stage. The Louis XVI-style set is beautifully ornate, with pristine white tablecloths laid out beneath intricate chandeliers, giant palms and gold-gilt mirrors. Choose from the 18-strong tea menu that has been curated and exclusively blended by The Ritz’s tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu. There are black tea blends, fermented Oolongs, herbal fruit teas and even The Ritz’s own Chai. We tried The Ritz Royal English, a classic black tea blend, combining aromatic Ceylon orange pekoe and rich Assam. theritzlondon.com For more afternoon teas in London, click here Cubé, Blenheim Street – for sushi and Japanese 'tapas' This sleek, intimate restaurant brings sushi and Japanese ‘tapas’ with a fine dining twist to Mayfair. Butter-soft scallops are a must if you’re a seafood obsessive; perfectly cooked, they came drizzled with an intense sea urchin butter so delicious we nearly drank it directly from the scallop shell it was served in. The soft, tender lamb with a bronzed, crisp ribbon of fat was another hit; the sour, refreshing oroshi a clever spin on a classic mint sauce. cubemayfair.com Ginza Onodera, Bury Street – for high-end Japanese The menu is extensive and detailed at this Mayfair institution, starting with kobachi (little snacks) followed by starters, sashimi and sushi, tempura, soups, robata and teppanyaki. Ginza Onodera’s prestigious Mayfair location is reflected in the liberal use of high-end, luxurious ingredients, from Kobe beef to Norwegian king crab. The best way to sample a little of everything is to try one of the sushi platters; from plump slices of butter-soft, fatty marbled tuna and luscious scoops of sea urchin to (predictably good) slices of Kobe beef and creamy seared yellowtail. ginza-stjames.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Discover our favourite places to eat and drink in this south London areas, from cult pasta joints to Portuguese small plates and intimate wine bars
Here are our favourite London Bridge restaurants. The best foodie spots include shopping at Borough Market, homemade pasta at Padella and French bistro Casse Croute. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in London Bridge, from Borough Market to Bermondsey Street... For more Borough Market recommendations see our full guide to the best restaurants in Borough Market. Next check out our pick of the best restaurants in Brixton, best restaurants in Shoreditch, best restaurants in Paddington and best restaurants in Battersea. Looking for something special? Discover the best London restaurants with a view, best dining experiences in London and best new restaurant openings in London. Best places to eat and drink in London Bridge Barang, Borough Market – for amplified Cambodian flavours Tom Geoffrey’s smoky, herb-heavy Khmer-inspired menu is a symphony of a sharing experience, drawing on the chef’s years visiting Cambodia, delivered with the panache he honed at Kiln. Every flavour is amplified, working in harmony with myriad textures. Sharp is the way to start: a Kampot gin martini alongside a Carlingford oyster dressed with Koh Kong mignonette. The oyster, clean and saline, the mignonette bringing a hit of acidity, brought our tastebuds to attention for the sharing plates to come. From there a diver scallop, wading in weltering tamarind brown butter, was sweet, sour and crunchy, topped with splinters of pig’s ear crackling. Laab of venison – aromatic minced meat salad, enriched with pork fat and Khmer spices – is scoop-ably loose, ideal for piling into fresh lime leaves. Its richness is offset by stir-fried winter greens with pork jowl, served alongside bright citrus fruit with pear, bitter leaves and shrimp floss. From the grill comes the theatrics. Fragrant whole red mullet, cooked in banana leaf, torn apart and dipped into Kep sauce with fistfuls of herbs. Then the hero of the experience: bone-in sirloin – thick, juicy, charred, served with bone marrow and prahok dripping, plus a sharp chilli relish to keep it balanced. olive tip: book early to bag a table with a view of the pass, then grab a beer from the downstairs bar at The Globe Tavern and enjoy the theatre. baranglondon.com Oma, Borough Market – for Greek small plates With an impressive portfolio that already includes acclaimed restaurants Smokestak and Manteca, David Carter furthered his London restaurant empire and opened the doors to Oma and its more casual sibling Agora in London’s Borough Market. Split across two floors (Oma upstairs and Agora downstairs), the restaurants draw inspiration from the lively street markets and restaurants of Athens and the wider Mediterranean, with décor and food and beverage offerings that channel its relaxed yet refined energy. We sent our pro reviewer KS Tong to try it out, here are his thoughts: "The menu at Oma begins with a sneaky hero in the form of the wood-fired laffa flatbreads and açma verde (akin to a bagel twisted with wild garlic). These are made on-site in the basement bakery with wild-farmed British grains under the direction of Eyal Schwartz (the former head baker at cult favourite bakery E5 Bakehouse) to go with a selection of house spreads, including a salt cod XO labneh that was pure heaven.' 'I could’ve easily just stopped here, via a few samples from the 23-page-strong wine list featuring 450-plus predominantly Greek producers, and left content. But to miss the crudo menu would be criminal (the name Oma draws from the Greek word for ‘raw’ after all) – and yellowfin tuna with zesty clementine ponzu and crispy garlic certainly delivered. Small plates of lobster bisque börek and spanakopita gratin, and skewers of dry-aged Cornish lamb chop (from renowned high-quality, high-welfare supplier The Cornwall Project) were a sensory slam dunk, each thoughtfully curated and purposefully executed. But the real centrepieces are the bigger clay pots, and the oxtail giouvetsi served with bone marrow and beef fat pangrattato was a worthy dish – rich, heavy and a striking contrast to the rest of the menu, which is much fresher and lighter. It’s the perfect dish to set you up for dessert, where the sticky date pudding is not to be missed and pairs nicely with an Oma negroni." oma.london Sollip – for Korean fine dining Sollip means ‘pine needle’ in Korean, reflecting the Michelin-starred restaurant’s precision and attention to detail in hospitality, ingredients and cooking. A serene, warm ambience and muted tones (floor-to-ceiling curtains, sweeping banquettes and a handful of pale wood tables) allow the food to shine. Korean components are weaved through the seven-course evening tasting menu (four at lunch) with nods to tradition but presented in a unique and contemporary style. On the menu since launch, the aged gochujang beef tartare buckwheat tartlet is topped with a thin layer of truffle cream, while the signature dish is a collab between husband-and-wife owners – Woongchul Park's savoury edge applied to Bomee Ki’s patisserie skills in a delicate daikon tarte tatin. Extra touches to elevate the experience include the presentation of a ""magic box"", opening to reveal a variety of perilla seeds, to encourage diners to taste the ingredient in its true form before enjoying the chestnut noodles with cold pressed perilla seed oil in a nurungji broth. Other highlights include chargrilled monkfish in onion glaze and passion fruit velouté. After dessert (that might be coconut sorbet with green mandarin meringue and spruce crisps), there's a tea menu to pair with pea and basil madeleines. Cocktails are created with care – think soju and makgeolli fermented rice wine muddled with the likes of juniper, mint and orange shrub. The wine pairing includes one or two Korean options – that might be rice, wheat and pine liquor soju varieties served in intricate glasses. sollip.co.uk Little Baobab – for vibrant Senegalese flavours and warm hospitality At the Africa Centre in Southwark, Little Baobab brings teranga, the Senegalese spirit of warm hospitality, to life through an evening five-course set menu. Lively music from the African diaspora, an open kitchen and vibrant décor all lend themselves to the convivial setting. Starting with caramelised fried plantain slices topped with bissap salt – a seasoning made with dried hibiscus flowers – the pleasantly sweet tamarind butter served alongside is a great foil. Snacks including thiou boulette, fish meatballs with rich tomato sauce, come before the dry peanut rub of suya on cubes of tofu and fall off the bone chicken dibi wings. For the main course, a vegetarian take on Senegalese thieb (traditionally made with fish) is layered with delicate slices of cassava, aubergine and carrots, and served with fragrant jollof rice, while the punchy peanut mafe sauce with the lamb chops is addictive. You certainly won’t leave hungry: baobab ice cream with a creamy, almost custard-like texture, vibrant strawberry sauce and delicate pieces of meringue rounds off the meal. The drinks offering brings Senegalese ingredients aplenty with the reappearance of bissap as well as tropical baobab fruit juice. The set menu is a great experience for those new to West African flavours, although a more casual à la carte is also available at lunchtimes. littlebaobab.co.uk Applebee's, Borough Market – for seafood Applebee’s, a family-run Borough Market institution for 25 years, has recently relaunched with a new design and menu showcasing seasonal, sustainable British seafood. In summer, bag a table in the outside area at the front for watching the bustle of the market go by, while, inside, the open kitchen and bar all down one side of the winding room add to the buzzy atmosphere. Take a look at the fridge holding that day’s catch and watch chefs cooking over the tall barbecue grills. Kick off with cocktails – a delicate rhubarb sour had an almost creamy texture. The drinks list includes a good range of wines by the glass, including interesting English bottles. If you can resist the opening snacks (crab croquettes, oysters, taramasalata), head straight to starters. Scallops are served in the shells with three different butters to tour through – lemony garlic, spicy sobrassada and salmon roe. A wedge of brown crab rarebit is cheesy and filling, topped with samphire and shrimp. The mains showcase classic fish cookery paired with a range of culinary influences – grilled monkfish tail with chorizo jam, hake with beurre blanc, whole stuffed sea bream with spiced potatoes and curry sauce. A skillet of fish pie is soft and comforting. While Applebee’s may be predominantly all about the fish, make sure you save room for dessert – the sticky toffee pavlova with warm toffee sauce served tableside is not to be missed. applebeesfish.com Pyro, Southwark Street – for open-flame Greek cuisine Pyro is a light-filled, open-kitchen spot where smoke and fire do the heavy lifting. Headed up by Yiannis Mexis, formerly of Hide, the Greek menu leans into open-flame cooking with balance and control. Potato pita is essential: pillowy, dotted with onion seeds and perfect for scooping up cooling tzatziki or smoky aubergine topped with walnuts and pomegranate. A pork pluma skewer is rich, roasted and herb-packed, expertly balanced with sour apple. Sea bream crudo, by contrast, is light and bright – green olive and caper leaf add savoury lift, while precisely diced chillies lend occasional, welcome heat. The octopus is soft and lightly charred, paired with a spiced red wine sauce and silky yellow split pea. Lamb, cooked over alder wood, is standout – tender, subtly sweet, served with lamb-fat flatbreads and an anchovy-spiked yogurt. Sides more than pull their weight: crisp layered potatoes with garlicky skordalia and a confidently simple lettuce salad. Portokalopita, soaked with citrus syrup and served with a perfumed citrus leaf ice cream, ends things on a bright note. pyrorestaurant.co.uk Lolo, Bermondsey – for all-day European olive favourite José Pizarro has opened an all-dayer next to his tiny tapas bar José on Bermondsey Street, adding a few British and French elements to the menu. Breakfast on baked eggs with chorizo, croissants or kouign-amann. Snack on devilled eggs with anchovy, ham and cheese bikinis (bite-size sandwiches) with a cava, albariño or sherry, or try more substantial British cheeseboard or pork stew with mash. The room is warm and welcoming in pink tones, and with a stunning British art including pieces by Tracey Emin and Norman Ackroyd. josepizarro.com AGORA, Bedale Street – for a taste of a Greek taverna Agora means 'market' in Greek, which reflects the casual, buzzy style of David Carter's ground-floor restaurant below his hot opening OMA. Punters can soak up Borough Market’s buzz at window perches or sit inside the contemporary space that offers a layer of Greek taverna warmth thanks to the handmade rotisserie’s open flames. Order a frozen margarita or paloma pepped up with lemongrass syrup while perusing the Mediterranean food menu. Flame-grilled bread, brushed with garlic butter, is perfect dipping material for fermented chilli erzu-topped tahini and silky hummus laden with hot crisp shards. The flatbread twist on a spanakopita is a must-order, it's graviera cheese layered with buttery, dill-flecked spinach and finished with grated parmesan and paprika crisps. Sardines are served simply with za'atar and a squeeze of lemon, while mushrooms skewers are given umami treatment with spring onion, soy and mirin. Turkish chilli and crispy capers add texture to braised fava beans and a crunchy cucumber and radish salad is brightened with sumac and lemon vinaigrette. Rotisserie stars include chicharron-style pork belly served with vibrant green herb, cornichon and pickled chilli sauce. There's only one dessert – a tiramisu that holds its own paired with a plum and mezcal margarita. agora.london Nine Lives, Holyrood Street – for cocktails This vibrant subterranean bar brings plenty of tiki-inspired fun and on-point cocktails to London Bridge, just minutes from the station. Hip interiors of rattan lampshades, lush hanging plants and upcycled bamboo furniture, are paired with pulsing beats and feel-good vibes. The cocktail menu from award-winning bartender William Campbell-Rowntree (ex-Artesian Guards bar) stays true to Nine Lives’ Tropicalifornication roots with Don Julio Blanco tequila, Grey Goose vodka and fino sherry, mixed with an array of sunshine flavours including watermelon, hibiscus and kiwi. To help pique your interest and inform your decision, each cocktail is expounded with three key tasting notes. The Inner City 75 – a twist on the classic French 75 and topped up with crémant – is "velvet, floral and elegant", while sipping on their Plum 'n' Bass, you can expect to enjoy a "round, ripe and fiery" cocktail made with Martell VS cognac, plum, lemon and ginger beer. No- and low-alcohol options are available, as well as taco and bar food pairings for some of the serves. If you get hungry, impeccably made guacamole and flavoured-packed seasonal seafood tacos – including a vegan no-fish Baja – are available to order from Tigre Tacos' now permanent kitchen. ninelivesbar.com Akara, London Bridge – for West African fine-dining Akoko’s more casual off-shoot lies in Borough Yards’s refurbed railway arches. Light pours into the contemporary space, where vibrant artwork is framed by whitewashed enclaves set into brick walls. Owner Aji Akokomi puts the spotlight on the namesake akara dish. This crisp, fluffy black-eyed bean fritter is stuffed with barbecue celeriac or prawns, served elegantly on a stone cube. Snacks include fried chicken nuggets with sosu kaani sauce and springy rice pancakes, with a hibiscus-flecked black-eyed bean hummus. Spiced coconut rice, a dish originating in southern Nigeria’s Efik communities, is served in a pot with a wooden spoon to scoop onto the side of mains. Slices of 24-hour slow-cooked short rib are topped with a Nigerian peanut-based sauce, and cabbage is cooked over charcoal until meltingly soft, then served with a vibrant Ghanaian abunu abunu (green green) sauce. Desserts hold their own – coconut and lime sorbet is creamy and zingy, while chocolate mousse is elevated with banana caramel and feuilleutine wafer crackers. A Ghanaian pineapple and passion fruit spirit is combined with rum, hibiscus and citrus for a tropical rum punch, while cacao-infused Campari and date vermouth lend richness to the negroni. akaralondon.co.uk Elliot’s, Borough Market – for bistro vibes Since opening in 2011 in the buzzing surroundings of Borough Market, Elliot’s has focussed on working with small-scale producers for both its drinks and produce, much of it sourced from the market itself. The bar adopted an all-natural or low-intervention wine list early on and has worked with Master of Wine Isabelle Legeron on its wine list. All the wine producers share the same mindful approach to wine-making as chef-owner Brett Redman does to cooking simple dishes such as grilled sweet and sour squash with chicory and Tunworth cheese, or cauliflower caponata and flaked almonds. Elliot’s also makes its own soft drinks and seasonal infused spirits. elliots.london/borough-market Click here for the best wine bars across the country Trivet, Bermondsey – for high quality dishes and wine in an informal setting Chef Jonny Lake, sommelier Isa Bal and team currently hold two Michelin-stars for Trivet. It’s the combination of creative, superbly cooked dishes and unstuffy ambience that makes this neighbourhood restaurant such a success. The likes of langoustine pici pasta, grilled sweetbread with smoked Maitake mushrooms and braised and roasted celeriac precede seasonally rotating desserts. A 450-plus wine list orders countries based on when they started making wine. trivetrestaurant.co.uk Santo Remedio, Tooley Street – for vibrant Mexican cooking This lively Mexican restaurant bursts with colour and fun vibes, from the uplifting Latin beats bouncing off walls papered with tropical patterns to the multicoloured broken tiles creating a focal point in the mezcal and tequila bottle-lined bar. Go classic and order a zippy margarita, or be adventurous and try the delicate hibiscus or smozy mezcal varieties, the latter complete with zingy chilli salt round the rim. Start with guacamole topped with fried krickets (think crispy onions more than critters!) and a citrusy tuna tartare on crunchy tostadas, finished with creamy chipotle mayo. Next, order a one of the slow-cooked, bone-in sharing dishes for the table (fall-apart lamb barbacoa, short ribs slathered in an intense mole negro sauce, or whole grilled mackerel with pineapple) to shovel into soft, handmade corn tortillas along with refried black beans, crunchy slaw and jalapeño potato salad. santoremedio.co.uk Padella, Borough Market – for pasta Padella’s short menu features eight handmade, fresh pasta dishes, inspired by the greatest hits that have made Padella’s sister restaurant Trullo in Highbury one of the most accomplished and respected neighbourhood restaurants in London. With a laidback atmosphere and reasonable prices, Padella is the perfect place to escape the tourists at Borough Market (although word has got out about the excellent pasta here, so expect to queue). Showcasing classic Italian techniques, the simple menu is built around slow-cooked sauces and ragus from the owners’ travels around Italy. Traditional pici cacio e pepe, a simple, yet brilliantly executed dish of parmesan, lemon and black pepper is an example of how confident the team are in their products. Made without egg, for a slightly doughier texture, the pasta acts as a magnet to the sauce. We loved it so much we asked them for the recipe, try it here. Padella’s signature dish though, is pappardelle with eight-hour Dexter shin beef ragu, and it’s easy to see why. The rich and succulent flavour of the slow cooked, fall-apart beef combined with the juicy fresh tomatoes and just the right amount of garlic makes the sauce the real hero here. With traditional Italian flavours at the heart of the menu, from Dexter beef carpaccio to bruschetta with baked borlotti beans, there’s plenty to please. Burrata fans won’t be disappointed – the Italian classic is sourced by artisan supplier L’Emporio fine foods and simply drizzled with Tuscan Chiarentana estate olive oil. Finish off with an espresso, the only coffee Padella serve, or add a shot of grappa or sambuca for a caffe corretto, in true Italian style. padella.co/ Mallow, Borough Market – for elevated plant-based dining From the team behind Mildreds comes another fully vegan restaurant in London Bridge. Seasonal and sustainable ingredients are the threads that brings the menu together, which draws from a diversity of influences across the globe. The Taste of Mallow tasting menu is front-loaded with small plates which shine brightest, starting with a flatbread with tempered curry leaf oil to dunk into a smoky sweet potato pepper mojo and creamy white bean and confit garlic hummus. Aromatic pickled seasonal vegetables and a charred fennel and citrus salad add welcome balance and crunch. These are followed by innovative root chop croquettes and a charcoal brioche, while the main to share is a creamy tomato and potato masala with a crisp pakora, dhal tarka and fluffy pea-studded pilau rice. The chocolate cherry truffles complete the meal when all you can manage is one last bite. Take a break between courses to enjoy the warm low lighting and cosy velvet cushioned chairs. The extensive drinks menu includes cocktails made with Mallow’s own gin, such as the dry vermouth and chilli martini, as well as beers made in collaboration with UnBarred Brewery and Harbour Brewing Co. You won’t miss the booze with a non-alcoholic and utterly delightful citrussy and red chilli-spiced pineapple martini. mallowlondon.com Bar Douro, Flat Iron Square – for Portuguese small plates This wine bar/restaurant fuses traditional Portuguese cervejaria interiors with original industrial features from the London Bridge railway arches – pretty blue and white tiles line the marble-topped bar that provides the only barrier between diners and the small open kitchen, while exposed aluminium piping in the curved railway arch roof becomes part of the decoration. A mezzanine level cleverly utilizes the space at the top of the arch’s curve to showcases the owner Max’s impressive Portuguese wine collection. Max speaks with great knowledge and enthusiasm about wines from Alentejo, Lisbon and The Douro Valley, along with lesser-known Portuguese winemaking regions that he aims to put on the map. Small plates at Bar Douro are true to Portuguese traditions, with a few of chef Tiago’s modern twists – tender grilled octopus tentacle was served with sweet potato as it is in tabernas across Tavira in the Algarve (try our Portuguese fish stew for a taste of this kind of cooking), bitter grelos (turnip tops) were sautéed with wafer-thin slices of fried garlic, and suckling acorn-fed Bisaro pig was cooked sous-vide then pressed and served, true to tradition, with homemade crisps. Another standout dish was a delicate mix of wild mushrooms (king oyster, Portobello, shiitake) served with roast chestnuts on a silky chestnut purée and topped with a delicate tempura spinach leaf. Save room for pudding. We had a preview of a super light olive oil cake, beautifully presented with jewel-like pieces of quince and swirls of whipped requesón (a Portuguese ricotta-like cheese). But, go all out with baba de camelo, a bowl of thick, creamy dulce de leche mousse decorated with wafer thin pieces of dark chocolate, or keep it traditional with gooey warm pastel de nata and lightly spiced cinnamon ice cream. bardouro.co.uk Bancone, Borough Yards – for elegant pasta Popular pasta joint Bancone opened its third restaurant in buzzy Borough Yards. It's a buzzy, lively restaurant with a small but well executed menu and a great selection of drinks. The renovated railway arch allows lots of light to shine through onto diners, while the open kitchen and bar add a familiar but unobtrusive clatter of pasta tossing and cocktail shaking to the buzz. Kick off with a negroni – classic, white or floral orange blossom. There is something for everyone – good range of antipasti to start, the creamy burrata and confit tomatoes are rich and sumptuous. The crispy fried oysters are excellent but a small portion for £16. The silk handkerchief pasta is the most celebrated dish here and for a good reason. Salty, umami, perfectly al dente pasta with the crunch of walnuts is a definite winner. The mafalde with 'nduja was well seasoned and a generous portion, but the pasta was perhaps a touch undercooked. New on the menu is the borlotti bean ravioli with chicken butter – it is beautiful to look at and is a tasty plate of pasta. Come to Bancone for a reliable and speedy meal with efficient and polite service – get a seat by the kitchen if you enjoy watching the kitchen at work. bancone.co.uk Casse Croûte, Bermondsey Street – for French bistro vibes You'll be lucky to bag a table at this tiny French bistro on foodie Bermondsey Street. From the moment of calling up to book, you're greeted with French charm and a friendly "Bonsoir". Bookings are scribbled across white paper covers to save the gingham table cloths beneath from crumbs and butter. Which the chefs at Casse Croûte don't hold back on. A whole sole comes drizzled in the stuff, lamb shoulder with slow-cooked ratatouille has a generous helping, and the mash is whipped up with more butter than potato, just how we like it. In true neighbourhood bistro style, a short menu of French classics is chalked up on the black board. The selection of three starters may feature refreshing salades nicoise, chunky game terrines and silky salmon rillettes. Mains are simple yet well executed, focusing on the classics – bavette with creamy gratin dauphinois potatoes, hake on a bed of fennel, roast chicken with crunchy green beans – while the indulgent, cream-heavy desserts are worth leaving room for. Try mille feuille, crêpes suzette, apple tart, and luxurious chocolate fondant. Nestle in to a red leather banquette, sink a carafe of French wine, and give an in-the-know nod of appreciation to your neighbour (you may be touching shoulders, after all). cassecroute.co.uk José Tapas Bar, Bermondsey Street – for tapas A sublime, if tiny, tapas bar where compulsive ham croquetas are creamy and full of jamón, this was the first of chef José Pizarro’s growing stable of Spanish restaurants. Find a corner to burrow in and enjoy a glass of sherry and a game of padron pepper roulette (who will find a spicy one?), along with some patatas bravas and tortilla for good measure. The blackboard menu’s daily selection might include rich, boozy chorizo al vino, crisp baby chicken and potatoes with punchy Romesco sauce, and fresh pisto with delicate duck egg. Puddings are excellent – try the creamy rice pudding or the rich, velvety chocolate pot that’s given a savoury finish with olive oil and sea salt. josepizarro.com Where The Pancakes Are, Flat Iron Square – for brunch This is a pancake house with serious style. A custom-built oak bar and kitchen area along with wooden tables and seats based on retro Dutch school chairs give the space a calming Scandi feel. The railway arch is warmed up with a whole wall of white felt cut outs and ceiling planters that brim with greenery to intermingle with modern light installations. As it says on the tin, this clean and bright spot specialises in stacks of buttermilk pancakes. Where The Pancakes Are takes pride in its sourcing of ingredients, with high welfare eggs from Kent, organic flour and 100% pure maple syrup, hand-tapped in Quebec, Canada (plus, it’s packed with minerals and antioxidants). Try the popular savoury dish found within the section titled 'Dutch babies' – an American interpretation of a 17th century German oven-baked pancake recipe, it's a Yorkshire pudding-esque pancake layered with asparagus, goat's and cheddar cheese, decorated with roast thyme and rosemary sprigs with a side salad of fennel, rocket and kale. wherethepancakesare.com Vinegar Yard, London Bridge – for al fresco drinking and street food This amalgamation of drinking terraces, bars and street-food trucks is a great al fresco hangout and handily located right next to London Bridge station. There's a large inside area in winter (plus covered canopies and heaters outdoors), and in summer the large buzzy terrace is a suntrap for groups of friends and after-work hangouts. Take your pick from multiple bars and several different street food stalls – whether you fancy a fully stacked burger, slice of pizza or Indian or Asian-inspired snacks. vinegaryard.london Bala Baya, The Old Union Yard Arches – for Middle Eastern food Tucked down The Old Union Yard Arches, in a brick-exposed railway arch, Bala Baya is a Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant in Southwark. It’s the first solo venture from Eran Tibi, who cut his teeth at Ottolenghi. Like Eran, who had us ‘sampling’ bitter orange vodka shots on a school night, it’s lively and energetic. balabaya.co.uk Shangri-La at The Shard – for a special occasion with city views If The Shard had toes, they would tickle Borough Market, from where the splendidly high-rise hotel sources much of its produce. Initial impressions of main restaurant, TING (on level 35), are magnificent: the lift doors open onto a spectacular and uninterrupted panorama of London, dominated at first by St Paul’s Cathedral. Low tables and armchairs are sensibly arranged to soak up as much of the view as possible. The food lives up to the view: Dorset crab, cucumber, mango, passion fruit and tomato to start; organic lamb loin with sake, soy, Erengi mushroom, apple and shiso to follow. Sommelier Anne Lomas is unstuffy and approachable despite the glam surroundings. The ground floor’s Lang sells yuzu cheesecake to eat in or take away. Don’t leave without visiting Gong, the highest bar in London; and with a pool, too. Try The Big Smoke, a gin, sherry and vermouth cocktail served in a dramatic, smoked-at-table martini glass. TING at Shangri-La also does a fabulously exotic twist on afternoon tea. If you enjoy Asian food, and would prefer to gaze across a sparkling city rather than a Victorian dining room, then you can’t get much better.Diners have the choice of a traditional afternoon tea or an ‘Asian-inspired’ afternoon tea… the latter reigns supreme, with fat, moreish steamed prawn dumplings and delicate crab soft rolls in place of finger sandwiches. Service is spot on – after loudly complimenting our dumplings, we were quickly presented with another piping hot batch to enjoy. shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/ Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Tooting restaurants: Milly Kenny-Ryder shares her favourite insider spots
From top-notch brunches and bakeries to bao buns and special occasion restaurants, this is an insider guide to where to eat in Tooting
Tooting doesn’t try too hard, with all the grit and authenticity a true London neighbourhood should have, but with a sprinkling of gentrification. This exciting mix ensures it’s satisfyingly varied for locals and thrillingly unexpected for occasional visitors. Speciality coffee and independent bakery fans will be delighted with the offering, while foodies looking for something different to sink their teeth into will rush with anticipation to the Afghan, Spanish and Taiwanese outposts. For more south London restaurant recommendations, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Peckham, where to eat in Battersea or the best restaurants in Brixton. Best places to eat and drink in Tooting Juliet's Quality Foods My local happy place and quite honestly one of the reasons I started looking to live in Tooting. This is an Aussie-style brunch spot everyone wants within walking distance. Uber-talented Julian Porter is at the helm and the menu is filled with his travel-inspired dishes. But it’s the trusty classics like Sweet Maria (sweetcorn fritters with grilled halloumi, tomato, coriander, avocado and homemade kasundi sauce) that ensure this cool spot is always busy. I have been known to Deliveroo the dark chocolate, marshmallow and sea salt cookies to my house in sugar-desperate moments. @julietsqualityfoods Turo Turo Ask any Filippino in London and chances are they will know about Turo Turo, a welcoming Filippino BBQ restaurant set up by Chef Rex de Guzman and Black Eyed Pea musician Allan Pineda Lindo (known as apl.de.ap). The dishes are innovative and addictively tasty – try the signature Chicken Inasal and save space for Ube ice-cream for dessert. The staff here always make you feel so at home. turoturo.co.uk Cut the Mustard While some bakeries produce overly sweet hybrid bakes to follow the trends, Cut the Mustard keeps things classic with unbeatable French-style viennoiserie. This small scale bakery has a handful of branches across south-west London and continues to grow. Expect perfectly poured coffee (from UK roastery Campbell & Syme), buttery pain an chocolats and cakes so moist it will dictate an afternoon tea break. cutthemustardcafe.com Daddy Bao When I lived in Peckham, Mr Bao was my go-to for fun fluffy buns. Now I live in Tooting, its second branch, Daddy Bao, is my local for Taiwanese cuisine. It’s a buzzy place to enjoy a plum wine negroni with fried chicken, handmade dumplings and, of course, a selection of bao (the pork belly with house pickles and roasted peanut is my favourite). daddybao.co.uk The Little Taperia This charming restaurant finds itself on every top Tooting eats list for good reason. Spanish classics reign supreme here – pan con tomate, croquetas de jamón and tortilla sit alongside its own creations (morcilla scotch eggs never leave the menu due to popularity). Grab a cosy corner table with a group of friends and make your way through the tempting menu. Open every day for lunch and dinner, it is a failsafe place to have a flavour-filled meal. thelittletaperia.co.uk Watan A family-run restaurant celebrated for its warm hospitality and authentic Afghan and Pakistani cuisine. The shiny dining room is expansive and the extensive menu can be overwhelming, so I recommend asking your waiter for suggestions. If in doubt, the Afghani mixed grill is a good place to start – a platter stacked high with delicious marinated meats and fragrant rice. watanrestaurant.co.uk/tooting Milk Run Little sister of the hyped Balham brunch hang-out Milk, this bakery and café prides itself on sell-out creative pastries and speciality coffee. The pale pink interiors and terracotta tiles may tick all the Instagram boxes but it is definitely not style over substance here. Choose a special – the team works wonders with seasonal fruit – or opt for my favourite, the crème brûlée danish, a flaky, creamy wonder. milk.london/milkrun Lahore Karahi Tooting is known for its plentiful curry houses, particularly offering great options for Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan food. Lahore Karahi is often cited as a cheffy favourite, a family-run eatery serving authentic Pakistani cuisine since 1995. For a cheap, flavour-packed lunch in Tooting do not miss their £2.50 (!) kebab rolls made with the freshest of naans. lahorekarahi.co.uk Smoke & Salt In an area awash with casual dining options, Smoke & Salt offers something a bit more refined but without the pretense. It started out as a pop-up but is now a Michelin-recognised restaurant. The interiors are simple and allow you to focus on the energetic open kitchen. Visit for a special dinner – seasonal tasting menus are surprisingly affordable and often feature wood-smoked and fired dishes. smokeandsalt.com Kaosarn Kaosarn is my go-to Thai takeaway, and I feel very lucky to have it just a couple of minutes drive away. They are one of the few London-located Thai restaurants to be recognised by the Royal Thai Embassy for quality and authenticity. Whether you eat in or takeaway the dishes are vibrant and full of flavour. I’m a creature of habit and always get the aromatic and creamy Penang curry. kaosarntooting.co.uk Check out more London restaurant guides: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
21 UK restaurants owned and run by women
Join olive in celebrating the very best of female-led restaurants from across the UK
We are putting the spotlight on 21 women at the top of the UK restaurant game. Showcasing the very best of global cuisine, from Africa to Asia and the Galapagos islands, these women show us that running a professional kitchen is anything but a man's world. Read on for some of our favourite restaurants owned and run by female chefs and restaurateurs, and you might just find the perfect spot for your next evening out. Or check out the best new London restaurant openings and then find out our favourite informal dining spots. Now discover the best restaurants in the Lake District. 21 restaurants owned or run by women Poons, Amy Poon Amy Poon has transformed her online dumpling business into an elegant restaurant at Somerset House. Poons offers home-cooked Chinese food, including silky wontons and claypot rice, in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Chishuru, Adejoké Bakare After a summer as a pop-up in 2020, Chishuru now has a permanent home in Fitzrovia with Nigerian-born chef Adejoké Bakare at the helm. She's recently become the first Black woman in the UK – and only second in the world – to be awarded a Michelin star. The set menu dinner includes dishes such as deep-fried quail, cured mackerel and grilled celeriac cake. chishuru.com Bubala, Helen Graham Helen Graham is a food writer and the former executive chef of Bubala, a highly regarded Middle Eastern restaurant known for its inventive small plates, bold flavours and creative plant-based dishes. Helen has over 10 years of experience in restaurant kitchens, working in London's finest Middle Eastern establishments such as Ottolenghi as well as being on the launch teams for The Barbary & The Palomar. Her debut cookbook will be published in April 2026. Apricity, Chantelle Nicholson An advocate for seasonality and sustainability, Chantelle Nicholson is a multi-award-winning chef and owner of Michelin-starred Apricity Restaurant in London. Its tasting menu celebrates British vegetables, regeneratively farmed meat and sustainably caught fish, plus it has an extensive list of low-intervention wines that champion English vineyards and winemakers. apricityrestaurant.com The Dodo Micropub, Lucy Do Lucy Do founded award-winning The Dodo Micropub, creating a welcoming space for lovers of craft beer, real cider and natural wine in Hanwell, west London. The pub’s ethos centres on inclusivity, community and supporting independent producers. Darjeeling Express, Asma Khan What started as a supper club in the Kensington home of Asma Khan is now a restaurant at the forefront of London’s Indian food scene. What makes Darjeeling Express unique is that the chefs are all female, coming from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, none of whom have worked in professional kitchens before. darjeeling-express.com Make some of Asma Khan's dishes at home with her recipes. Uyen Luu A woman of many talents, Uyen Luu is a food photographer and cookbook author, but also runs a Vietnamese supper club at her home in London. Discover the breadth of Vietnamese cuisine with home-cooked dishes that Uyen holds close to her heart. uyenluu.com Listen to our podcast interview with Uyen Luu about Vietnamese cuisine and try her Vietnamese ginger chicken recipe here. The Pem, Sally Abé One of the country’s most-celebrated and awarded chefs, Sally Abé and her team at The Pem serve nostalgic British cuisine using innovative techniques to give them a modern twist, like Lake District rose veal tartare and wild mushroom and truffle suet pudding. This much-loved restaurant was included in the 2023 National Restaurant Awards and The Square Meal Top 100. thepemrestaurant.com Caribe', Keshia Sakarah Cookbook writer Keshia Sakarah’s Caribe’ is a celebration of the diverse food culture that exists in the Caribbean. The dishes are inspired by Keshia’s travels throughout the Caribbean and the food she grew up on, which was cooked by her grandparents, who emigrated to the UK during the Windrush. She also runs a supper club, Baruru, which takes diners on a food journey of the same region. instagram.com/caribe_uk Try Keshia's Caribbean recipes here. The Little Chartroom, Roberta Hall Roberta Hall has been working in professional kitchens since the age of 16, and in 2018 opened The Little Chartroom in Edinburgh with her husband Shaun McCarron. Starting as a cosy 18-cover bistro, in 2021 they moved to a bigger premises, serving a simple, seasonal British menu with a French influence. thelittlechartroom.com Sambal Shiok, Mandy Yin Mandy Yin is Malaysian-born Chinese of Peranakan Nyonya heritage, and founder of Sambal Shiok. Experience ultimate Malaysian comfort with warming bowls of laksa noodles and crispy Malaysian fried chicken with peanut sauce. sambalshiok.co.uk Learn about Malaysian cuisine through Mandy Yin's guide here. Jikoni, Ravinder Bhogal Nestled in the heart of Marylebone, Jikoni describes itself as ‘an extension of our home and home kitchen’. Owner Ravinder Bhogal was born in Nairobi, Kenya, but grew up in London and is of Indian descent. Jikoni serves immigrant-inspired dishes from east Asian, Middle Eastern, east African and British cuisines. jikonilondon.com Rochelle Canteen, Melanie Arnold & Margot Henderson Opened in 2004, Rochelle Canteen has become a Shoreditch staple and a must-visit if you’re looking to dine alfresco in the warmer months. Hidden away from the busy streets, you’ll be transported to a lush walled garden wonderland that comes to life in spring and summer. rochellecanteen.com Discover more of the best restaurants in Shoreditch. Sabor, Nieves Barragán Founded by Nieves Barragán and José Etura, Sabor brings the tapas bars on Andalucía and seafood restaurants of Galicia to central London. This open-plan Michelin-starred restaurant allows customers to interact with the wait staff, front of house and even the chefs easily, creating a welcoming food experience. saborrestaurants.co.uk Murano, Angela Hartnett Angela Hartnett is one of the UK’s most-loved chefs and restaurateurs, with Michelin-starred Murano being a crown jewel for over 15 years. Expect a wonderful selection of regional Italian dishes, like chicken Milanese and osso bucco risotto. muranolondon.com Core, Clare Smyth Core is an elegant British fine-dining restaurant from ex-Gordon Ramsay chef Clare Smyth. Celebrate the best of British ingredients, like scallops from the Isle of Harris, Scotland and venison from the Rhug Estate in Wales. corebyclaresmith.com Cook House, Anna Hedworth Cook House in Newcastle prides itself on casual all-day dining. Watch Anna rustle up plates of whipped feta and smoked leeks on toast with black sesame, and wild garlic and spinach soup from her open kitchen for a truly intimate food experience. cookhouse.org See our guide to the best restaurants in Newcastle for more inspiration. Chuku's, Ifeyinwa Frederick Founded by siblings Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick, Chuku’s is the world’s first Nigerian tapas bar, located in Tottenham, London. It allows patrons to experience the vastness of Nigerian flavours in one sitting. Enjoy jollof quinoa and plantain waffles for a unique twist on west African cuisine. chukuslondon.co.uk Koya, Shuko Oda Transport yourself to Tokyo at chef Shuko Oda’s Soho restaurant Koya. Since 2010, patrons have been slurping away at its famous bowls of springy udon noodles. We recommend the sweet tofu and spring onion, or lamb mince with cumin miso and herbs. koya.co.uk Anne-Sophie Pic Anne-Sophie Pic is the most-decorated Michelin-starred female chef in the world, currently holding 10 Michelin stars across her restaurants, three of which are for her renowned restaurant Maison Pic in south-east France. She until recently ran her two-Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic at the Four Seasons hotel in London. ladamedepiclondon.co.uk Ana Ortiz Galapagos Islands-born chef Ana Ortiz is an expert at live-fire cooking. Along with husband Tom Bray, she launched Country Fire Kitchen – now called Fire Made – designing and producing fire cookery equipment for chefs. Previously chef-director at The Mess in Wilshire, Ana has also collaborated with restaurants like Holm, helping showcase her Latin American cooking roots. firemade.co.uk Listen to our podcast interview with Ana Ortiz about Galapagos cuisine.
Looking to enjoy a meal out to break your fast over Ramadan? Here are 10 restaurants in London that are celebrating with special Iftar menus for 2026
Ramadan is upon us with Muslims now fasting between sunrise and sunset. Restaurants across the capital are getting involved in the celebrations by offering patrons special Iftar events throughout Ramadan or unique menus and late night dining offered throughout the whole month. Iftar is the name of the fast-breaking meal eaten during Ramadan. We've rounded up our favourite spots in London, from famous institutions to smaller independents. Find somewhere that's perfect for you and your family to come together and enjoy an Iftar feast to break your fast during this holy month. If you're looking to host at home, have a look at our Ramadan recipes and Eid recipes for some inspiration. 10 Iftar events in London 2026 Chargal Feast upon a three-course Turkish Iftar at Chargal inspired by the country's rich grilling traditions and meze culture. Enjoy warm breads dipped in hummus and muhammara, a choice of Turkish grill, including plant-based options and finish with a choice of milk kadayif or dark chocolate sorbet. The Iftar menu is available from sunset at £79 per person. Comptoir Libanais The growing Lebanese cafe chain, Comptoir Libanais, has launched an Iftar menu for £29.95 per person that includes dates and choice of drink to break your fast. Feast on a selection of meze dishes, mixed grills and tagine before finishing off with a traditional Lebanese dessert. Spice Village, Tooting and Southall Both the Southall and Tooting Spice Village locations are giving guests the chance to celebrate with them throughout Ramadan. In Southall, guests can opt for the Iftar set menu or buffet that celebrates the best of Pakistani cuisine. While in Tooting, enjoy a set menu which includes dates, pakoras and a selection of curries. Check each location for pricing. Em Sherif On the second floor of Harrods, you'll find Lebanese restaurant Em Sherif, showcasing the best of Lebanese cuisine. Their Iftar menu gives a chance to try a host of dishes, including Lebanese chopped salad, kebab and muhallabiyeh (orange blossom and rose milk pudding). The menu is priced at £90 per person. COYA Available from sunset to 7:30pm, COYA in Mayfair are giving a bespoke Iftar experience blending the traditional with Peruvian flavours. The specially curated menu highlights Latin American dishes and non-alcoholic cocktails for a memorable Iftar experience at £65 per person. Farzi For £29.99 Farzi London are serving up their signature Charsi Tawa platter, a sharing-style menu of Mumbai street food. You can add on an optional Eid dessert to complete your meal for an additional £2.99. Their carefully curated menu offers rich flavours, with dishes designed to nourish after fasting. Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane The Wellington Lounge at the Intercontinental Hotel will be celebrating with an Iftar set menu throughout the month of Ramadan, available every evening from 5:15pm. At £74 per person, you can break your fast with a host of Middle Eastern dishes including their signature mixed grill, lamb ouzi and concluding with a selection of homemade desserts. Supperclubs at Aram Imad Alarnab, founder of Aram and Imad's Syrian Kitchen, will host a series of supper clubs throughout Ramadan in the private dining space at Aram in Somerset House. Taking place on 25 February, 5 March and 12 March, each supper club will take place after Iftar, and features a sharing mezzo and pita, main courses like slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rice and cashews, or chickpeas and aubergine with cumin, red peppers and tomatoes. Aram is collaborating with Action Syria and Choose Love to donate a portion of each £55 ticket sale. Bacchanalia Just off Berkley Square in Mayfair, you'll find Bacchanalia, offering Mediterranean cooking in one of London's most spectacular dining rooms. During Ramadan they will be serving a £20 Iftar add on when dining à la carte. Enjoy a selection of sweet bites to break fast before moving on to the main menu. Dishes include strip loin tagliata and rib-eye on the bone with grape mustard and thyme butter. The Great Chase Located in Angel, The Great Chase is back with their Great Iftar menu available throughout the month at £78 per person. The impressive tasting-course menu features lamb bon bons, black garlic and wild mushroom soup and the option to upgrade to a beef wellington or ribeye.
Delis are set to be this year’s biggest hospitality trend: here’s where to find the UK's best
Stock up on the finest provisions at these specialist food stores, including an Italian institution and an Aladdin's cave of Persian produce
Delicatessens are fast becoming go-to destinations for food lovers seeking quality produce, regional specialities or simply a good cup of coffee and a pastry. Whether you’re stocking up on pantry essentials, hunting for a prime foodie gift or intrigued by those little luxuries that make cooking more exciting, these independent gems across the UK deliver on flavour, provenance and a sense of community, from historic establishments to neatly curated farm shops and bucolic village nooks. Best delicatessens in London Farm Shop, Mayfair For seasonal British produce This stylishly outfitted deli on South Audley Street in Mayfair is the sort of gem that London foodies dream of shopping in daily. By day, the ground floor is a showcase for the best of British produce, with baskets of vibrant fruit and vegetables, rustic sourdough, tempting bakes and shelves stacked with artisan chutneys and jams, all sourced from the company’s own Somerset farm and a select group of producers. There sare also grab-and-go sandwiches, toasties and coffee. As the evening arrives, follow the discreet arrows through the deli and down to the softly lit basement, where candlelight and a welcoming buzz set the scene for wine, leisurely grazing and people-watching. Think rotisserie chicken, indulgent cheese toasties and generous sharing boards piled high with Somerset charcuterie and cheese (cheese lovers will be in their element, with temperature-controlled rooms ensuring the likes of Yarlington, Montgomery's cheddar and creamy Bath Blue are always at their best). farmshop.co.uk The Ealing Grocer For sustainably minded staples What started as a lockdown project between Ealing denizens Andy Harris and Katie Millard has flourished into a neighbourhood fixture, supplying the W5 area with premium pantry staples, hand-sliced meats, farmhouse cheeses, homewares and more. This paradise of artisanal wares was inspired by the co-owners' various work travels visiting eclectic épiceries, street markets and tavernas. Pimp up your pantry with the likes of pickled green figs, La Guinelle vinegars and Cantabrian seafood (many of the products are exclusive to the store, imported through Andy’s other business, Vinegar Shed). There is also a daily roster of traiteur-style prepared food (think chicken and saffron rice soup, pumpkin arancini and spanakopita), and you can also catch Andy making his celebrated soft serve ice cream, with diverse flavours like saffron, melon, vanilla and sea buckthorn. Devotees to sustainability, they sell many things by the scoop and encourage shoppers to bring their own bottle to fill with the best Greek honey or olive oil. theealinggrocer.com Gladwell's, Camberwell For a little bit of everything Housed inside a Grade II listed former bank, this neighbourhood store has it all under one roof, from everyday essentials through to luxury treats for gifting. Trending deli staples share space on the packed shelves with English forced rhubarb, Dusty Knuckle sourdough, British cheese from Mons Cheesemongers, natural wine and fresh seafood, not to mention a sleek butcher's counter from Turner & George, the award-winning butcher co-owned by chef Richard Turner (Hawksmoor, Meatopia, Pitt Cue Co). The counter sells freshly baked Viennoiserie and bagels, deli sandwiches and homemade sausage rolls, which disappear in minutes. In the the evening, sip on a glass of wine or beer at shop prices. gladwells.co.uk Lulu's, Herne Hill For unique comestibles The sister wine bar and shop to Herne Hill restaurant Llewelyn's, this bijou deli champions quality and craft in its carefully selected products from the kitchen's favoured suppliers, along with house-made pantry provisions. Rare and local finds include green hot sauce from Rye Lane, spiced tomato juice from The Pickle House in Suffolk and EVOO from Honest Toil. Lulu's ensures locals and commuters are well fed with a weekly changing menu of pastries and coffee, freshly made sandwiches and salads, with small plates, wine and cocktails served from 6pm. lulus.london Lina Stores, Soho For high-quality Italian fare A Soho fixture since 1944, Lina Stores is the city's most famous destination for authentic produce and ingredients imported from Italy. The mint-tiled corner shop is a visual treat, its shelves crammed with everything from metre-long pasta frills to chic bottles of passata, ideal for gifts, stocking up the larder or simply treating yourself. Regulars love the fresh pasta bar and a meat and cheese counter, piled high with over 40 different types of salumi and formaggi, from ’nduja and finocchiona to creamy gorgonzola. You can also expect delectable pastries and sweets – all ready to take home or enjoy with a strong Italian coffee on the spot. linastores.co.uk Persepolis, Peckham For Persian pantry staples Step into this quirky deli-cum-café and stock up on exciting Persian pantry staples. This much-loved deli is a cornucopia of tins, spices, paklava and beyond, with Persian rugs, cookware and shisha pipes adding to the atmosphere. Beyond the shelves, a relaxed café rustles up vibrant meze platters and a unique selection of meat-free dishes — think tofu scrambled with dates and aromatic spices, or indulgent dairy-free sundaes bejewelled with Persian sweets. foratasteofpersia.co.uk Provisions, Islington For wine and cheese This smart Islington shop is worth a visit for its inimitable line-up of cheese and wine. Provisions was founded in 2015 (with a second shop on Hackney Road that opened in April 2022), and the team puts a lot of care into the curation, seasonality and presentation of their products, importing raw milk cheese, organic and natural wines, cured meats and other deli items mainly from small producers in France and Italy. Aiming to make wine and artisan food affordable and accessible rather than elitist, Provisions stocks quality products like tinned fish from Portugal, cured meats from the French Basque Country and craft beer from across the UK. Later in the evening the space morphs into an intimate pintxos bar. provisionslondon.co.uk The Larder, Lewisham For local London finds Opened in 2014 by south London foodies Katherine and Cynthia, this homely delicatessen stocks as locally as possible, including beers from Brockley Brewery and Villages, bread from Boulangerie Jade and Cooper's Bakehouse, Catford Honey, chutneys and oils from Pat & Pinky’s, Catford and Lewisham Gins. Organic fruit, veg and salad comes from Chegworth Valley Farm in Kent and Sitopia Farm in Greenwich, while British cheese (Neal’s Yard Dairy) and European cheeses (Mons Cheesemongers) is delivered every week. Owing to its well-curated range, The Larder was recently crowned the best deli in London. thelarderdeli.com Terroni of Clerkenwell For fresh Italian produce London’s oldest delicatessen (and arguably the first in England), Terroni of Clerkenwell has been a family-run fixture since 1878. Inside, counters brim with Italian cheeses, cured meats and freshly made pizza. Must-tries include taleggio, creamy burrata, punchy gorgonzola, guanciale and mortadella studded with pistachios. Settle in with the locals for a slice of just-baked pizza, best enjoyed with an Aperol spritz or a glass of sangiovese. terroni.co.uk <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2026/02/GettyImages-2253596920-7864e4f.jpg" width="5621" height="3751" alt="A street-level shot captures the double storefront of ‘TERRONI OF CLERKENWELL’ on Clerkenwell Road. The deli is housed in a handsome red-brick Victorian building with white-framed sash windows on the upper floors. The shopfront features dark green signage with gold lettering, and several small tables and chairs are set out on the pavement in front of the large glass windows." title="Terroni Of Clerkenwell Italian Delicatessen Facade" /> Jones of Brockley, Crofton Park For high-end wares All your picnic needs are catered for at this family-run store, neatly curated with posh jars of olives, nuts and tapenade, British beers, cider and more. Its commitment to selling flavour-first supplies and quality groceries is evident in its samples of peaches from Natoora, ice cream sandwiches from Happy Endings and 100% British canned fish from Sea Sisters. Towards the end of the week, cop artsy, buttery bakes delivered by Toklas Bakery, such as their 'nduja and cheddar croissant. jonesofbrockley.com Harrison’s, Ealing For cheese or something special This unassuming spot has been a local haven for fine wine and life’s little luxuries since 2010. Check out the bumper crop of British and European cheeses which line the shelves, spotlighting award-winning cheesemakers like Snowdonia Cheese Co. It also stocks a solid range of gourmet treats; highlights include truffle carpaccio, duck rillettes and fresh Scotch eggs. The team are wine and spirits specialists, too. harrisonswines.co.uk Mum’s Whole Food, Harringay For organic groceries It's almost impossible to walk past this family-run store without stopping to admire its abundant flower display. Inside, there's a bounty of organic produce in all shapes and colours flanking shelves of little goods to satisfy every craving, from luxury teas to truffle cheddar and freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the bakery. There's also a decent health and wellbeing section stocking clean beauty products and green household items. mumswholefood.co.uk Best delicatessens across the UK… Lunya, Liverpool For authentic Spanish flavours Lunya is a family-run Catalonian deli-restaurant that celebrates the best of Spanish produce and cuisine. Step inside and you’ll find shelves stocked full of regional wines, sherries and vermouths, alongside a deli counter laden with fresh padron peppers, piquillo pepper hummus, and an extensive array of artisan Spanish cheeses – from nutty manchego and mighty wheels of cabrales blue to creamy torta (Lunya says it has the UK’s largest stock of cheese from Catalunya and Spain). The selection of cured meats is equally tempting, with acorn-fed Ibérico ham taking centre stage. For 15 years, Lunya has been a go-to for food lovers seeking authentic flavours, with everything from Asturian cider to Navarran roncal cheese available to take home. lunya.co.uk Martin & Malthouse, the Cotswolds For olive oil and local cheese A collaboration between family and friends, Martin & Malthouse is a rustic-chic deli, café and bottle shop in the quaint town of Tetbury. Shelves are teeming with local cheeses, meats, baked goods and coffee, alongside an assured clutch of fine wines, beers and spirits in the bottle shop. Make a beeline for the olive oil pressed from the family’s own groves in Greece. Each Thursday, the shop transforms into a buzzing evening wine bar, offering charcuterie and cheese boards, while a local sourdough pizza maker pops up a couple of times a month to dish up freshly baked slices. martinandmalthouse.co.uk Lupe Pintos, Glasgow For hot sauce and more For nearly a quarter of a century, Lupe Pintos has been a vibrant fixture in Glasgow’s West End and a haven for spice lovers, brimming with more than 100 varieties of hot sauce, Mexican products and speciality foods from across the Americas. Whether you’re on the hunt for an interesting Mexican beer or seeking authentic ingredients for a chilli con carne, a visit to Lupe is always a discovery. Shelves are filled with everything from dried chillies and Yorkshire-made Mexican-style queso fresco to freshly delivered tortillas each Wednesday. Devotees make pilgrimages here for cult favourites such as La Carmina from Asturias, a cooking chorizo that has graced the deli’s counter for decades. lupepintos.com Eusebi Deli, Glasgow For Italian groceries Eusebi Deli began life as a humble Italian grocer in Glasgow’s East End in 1975. It's since flourished into a vibrant deli and restaurant in the city’s West End, with regional and seasonal Italian dishes taking centre stage. Expect a deli counter with ready prepared meals, fresh pasta, grocery provisions and fine wines at your fingertips. The team’s commitment to quality is unwavering; in the on-site ‘pasta laboratory’, pasta is crafted daily from scratch, using a variety of flours including chickpea, chestnut and grano arso. eusebideli.com Picnic Fayre, Norfolk For Norfolk stock Running for over 40 years, find this bucolic deli squashed into an old forge in the shadow of Cley Windmill. Shelves are lined with the deli’s own chutneys and spice pastes, but the real star is their speciality bread: pillowy focaccia drizzled with a fragrant lavender marinade. Foodies can also fill their totes with Norfolk wines, homemade pâtés and quiches and local preserves and mustards. The deli also stocks fresh sourdough and viennoiserie from ‘Baked in Cley’, made only a stone's throw away. picnic-fayre.co.uk Cedarbarn Farm Shop, North Yorkshire For Yorkshire supplies A treasure trove of Yorkshire deli finds, Cedarbarn Farm Shop on the outskirts of Pickering is a must-visit. This wholesome deli and farm shop is a go-to spot for foodies to stock up on artisan treats, with a considered range of fresh produce grown on its own farm and groceries from some of Yorkshire's finest suppliers (Shepherd's Purse cheeses, Whitby Seafish smoked fish and Yorkshire Rapeseed oil, for example). Shelves are lined with Rosebud Preserves jams, local Yorkshire honey, Cartwright & Butler butterscotch crunch biscuits and bottles of Wold Top Brewery ales. cedarbarnfarmshop.co.uk Broadway Deli, the Cotswolds For locally grown produce Housed in a characterful 17th-century building with a storied past — including stints as a vicarage, tea room and guest house — Broadway Deli has been a cherished fixture in the Cotswolds for over two decades. Step inside to discover shelves jammed with freshly baked bread and pastries, locally grown fruit and veg and artisan cheeses, nestled alongside a selection of wines and deli essentials sourced from near and far. Beyond the counter, a delightful café and picturesque garden offer the perfect spot to linger over your finds. broadwaydeli.co.uk
The 10 most exciting restaurant openings to visit this February
If you're a fan of low-lit wine caves, NYC-style pizza slices and Milanese cooking, book a table at one of these new London restaurants
Want some ideas on where to eat in February? We’ve curated our pick of new destinations for a food lover to book for this month and ahead, with something for everyone. From candle-lit wine caves to regional Thai cooking and French-inspired bistro dishes, there's plenty to discover this month. For more restaurant inspiration, check out more of our London food guides, as well as our comprehensive guide to the best new restaurants in London to visit. Want some ideas on where to go on holiday in February? Check out our curation of the best spots to visit in February. For a date-night at a 'wine pub': Godet, Islington This Essex Road denizen has the spaciously proportioned bones of an old Victorian boozer (it was formerly The Seveney in another life) but with decidedly more chic peach and sage interiors. It calls itself a ‘wine pub’ and we can see why – the vibe inside feels decidedly laid back and akin to the neighbourhood local it once was, but the drinks place equal importance on grape and grain, with a pithy rotating list of low-intervention wines chalked up on blackboards and a roster of nine beers on tap. The former draws heavily from France (as befits Parisian owner Sylvain’s heritage) while the latter showcases classic and experimental brews from London and across the UK. You could stop by for a pint here as easily as you could a date-night glass of chilled red. What to order: Godet has hosted several kitchen residencies – previous ones have included Nordic pop-up Jomfru by Anna Søgaard and Perk’d Up Burger – and its latest, modern Chinese outfit Ling Ling’s, delivers flavour-packed hits such as crispy pork and water chestnut wontons, zingy pomegranate radish cakes and spicy beef ragu noodles with parmesan. Other highlights include regular wine tastings and meet the winemaker events, and vinyl DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. godetlondon.com Hannah Guinness Address: 382 Essex Rd, London N1 3PF Nearest train station: Canonbury Opening times: Wednesday (5pm-11pm); Thursday (5pm-12am); Friday (5pm-12:30am); Saturday (3pm-12:30am); Sunday (3pm-9pm) For contemporary European dishes in a relaxed setting: Levan, Peckham This Peckham mainstay has undertaken a few refreshes as it enters its eighth year, with ex-Planque and The Clove Club chef Rani Raimondi in the kitchen. His appointment is accompanied by a thoughtful update of the restaurant’s interior, with big Parisian charm via a rich burgundy palate, softened lighting and carefully curated art. What to order: Inspired by the ‘bistronomy’ movement and a longstanding love affair with French cuisine, Levan’s à la carte menu is split into four sections – snacks, starters, larger mains and sides. Start with a few snacks and starters: tuck into the must-have beef tartare, a rich, tender morsel perched atop a deeply golden Parisienne-style rösti. The highlight of the starters is the scallop crudo – delicate slices of scallop are balanced by sweet-tart blood orange, accompanied by dabs of crème fraîche and trout roe for a fresh, mildly salty finish. For mains, the pork neck is tender and deeply succulent, crowned with slithers of buttery Cantabrian anchovies and charred sprouts which elevate its savouriness to heavenly new heights. Finish with the chocolate pudding, uniquely fused with plums, hazelnut praline and sesame ice cream to create a mouthwatering experience. The carefully curated wine list focuses on low-intervention and biodynamic wines. Dafni white is wonderfully herbaceous with a refreshing citrus finish – a native variety saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family in Greece. There is also a snappy list of modish aperitifs: the Red Velvet Margarita, mixing mezcal verde with Lillet Rouge, plum brine, almond orgeat, cranberry and rosemary, will be what we order next time. levanlondon.co.uk Helen Salter Address: 12-16 Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QL Nearest train station: Peckham Rye Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday (12pm-1pm), Sunday (12pm-4pm) For modern Georgian and natural wine: Daka Daka, Mayfair This modern Georgian restaurant and natural wine bar comes from Giorgi Mindiashvili and chef-patron Mitz Vora, with a list of more than 100 bottles curated by Honey Spencer, one of the UK’s most influential sommeliers and a leading voice in natural wine. What to order: The kitchen, led by head chef Adrian Hernandez Farina, cooks over charcoal and a wood-fired hearth, and the menu leans into Georgia’s most defining dishes. We began with lobio – a kidney bean hummus slicked with ajika chilli crisp – earthy and smoky, made for scooping. Then came the khinkali, hand-folded soup dumplings served steaming hot. The iberico pork pluma and aged beef versions arrived with cracked black pepper and a burst of slurpable broth inside, the kind of dish that makes you slow down. From the grill, kababi skewers brought smoke and spice, while penovani (flaky, cheese-filled pastry) was rich and moreish. We moved on to shkmeruli, roast chicken in a confit garlic sauce, glossy and deeply savoury. Dessert kept things Georgian too. Napoleon, the regional mille-feuille, came layered with dulce de leche cream and caramel – delicately crisp and not overly sweet. instagram.com/dakadaka.london Keith Kendrick Address: DakaDaka, 10 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BX Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm); Friday (12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm); Saturday (12pm-11pm) For contemporary Cantonese dining: Cafe Kowloon, London Fields Hot on the toes of its noodle bar opening, Wonton Charlie's, the team behind Mr Bao has launched a contemporary Cantonese evening spot through the back, inspired by the fast-paced buzz of Hong Kong (from where co-owner Frank Yeung's dad hails). We sat at the glossy tiled counter so we could watch the chefs work the charcoal grill, while the adjacent dining room has a real vibe with a neon-lit bar and swishy curved booths, larger tables complete with lazy susans for sharing-style dishes. What to order: Kick off with on-trend sipping cocktails, a lime leaf delicately perched on the white lady offering a fragrant hit. Snacks include fish ball skewers in a light, fragrant curry sauce, tinned dace and black beans whipped into a cream cheese dip, and beef tendons two ways: puffed up like crackers and soy-marinated for deep umami results. On to the sharing highlights – lo bak go (turnip cake) garnished with crispy Chinese-style sausage and prawn toast, its bread base custom designed by E5 Bakehouse, topped with a thick layer of prawn and sesame seeds, deep-fried and sliced into soldiers alongside crispy prawn heads to dip into spring onion chill oil. There are two larger sharers: whole steamed sea bass looked fabulous but we were tempted by the Cantonese-style chickens twirling on the spit. Half a chicken, foot and all, comes doused in ginger sauce, Szechuan salt on the side, best paired with sesame-sautéed cabbage. The Hong Kong french toast is another winner (spot a theme?) – two thick slices of bread filled with a silky peanut crème patissière then deep-fried to ensure a crisp yet surprisingly light finish. cafekowloon.co.uk Alex Crossley Address: 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PH Nearest train station: London Fields Opening times: Wednesday-Saturday (6pm-11pm) For natural wines in a date-night spot: Stable Wines, Islington Stable Wines makes a good case for being one of London’s most beautiful wine bars. Owners Alex Young and George de Vos are the brains behind the much-adored Goodbye Horses and The Dreamery, and Stable Wines has similar decorative touches – like the sculptural painted paper lanterns dotted throughout, including a beautiful rice paper shade in the ground-floor shop illustrated with whimsical folkloric scenes by artist Lucy Stein. Arrive in a glass-walled space on Essex Road which functions as a wine shop – complete with a striking oak and volcanic stone counter, and head downstairs where a former bank vault has been turned into a magical candlelit, labyrinthian cave: dimly lit with bare brick and stone walls, full of arches, alcoves and cosy nooks. It feels like you’ve descended into an ancient pagan temple but in a sexy, sultry way – a date-night spot par excellence. What to order: Wines channel a ‘zero zero’ ethos, meaning natural and low-intervention bottles. A highlight on our visit included a textured, honey-floral pét nat. Next-level snacks and small plates include uber-umami Guinness rarebit oysters, crunchy fingers of layered potato topped with beef tartare, grilled squash with a crisp pastry filled with hazelnut cream, and an unmissable silky whipped chocolate mousse doused in olive oil. @stablewines Hannah Guinness Address: 344a Essex Road, London N1 3PD Nearest train station: Essex Road Opening times: Monday (12pm-11pm); Tuesday (12pm-6pm); Wednesday (12pm-8pm); Thursday-Saturday (12pm-11pm); Sunday (12pm-10pm) For NYC-inspired slices: Vincenzo's Pizza, Shoreditch Vincenzo's in Shoreditch is the second location from Tom Vincent, who opened his first location in Bushey in 2022 and watched it become a cult favourite. You can now find his signature crispy, thin-crust whole pies and pizza by the slice in the capital, bringing New York’s late-night energy and providing Londoners with a new way to enjoy pizza: fresh, hot, generous slices to grab and go. It's made such a mark that it's already a buzzing London institution. What to order: Order by the slice or indulge in a 16-inch pie if you're hungry. NYC fold is served on grease-stained paper plates, with simple toppings alongside the likes of spicy vodka sauce, plus a fun take on a Greek-inspired spanakopita. NY slices are the emphasis, however our favourite has to be the focaccia, served by the square: it's tangy, chewy and loaded with premium toppings like burrata and pepperoni (drizzled in hot honey, no less). Super heavenly, though be warned: you may never look at pizza the same way again. It's primarily a grab and go situation, with just a few stools to perch, so the only thing left to order are the quietly formidable dips: a hot and sweet roquito ranch (our favourite), truffle mayo, garlic and herb, and hot honey. There's also a range of soft drinks. vincenzospizzas.com Helen Salter Address: 122 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street Opening times: Wednesday-Friday (4pm-10pm); Saturday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) For a date night deserving of a white tablecloth: Sartoria Launceston Place, South Kensington Set between the bustle of Kensington High Street and the quieter elegance of Gloucester Road sits Sartoria Launceston Place. This is Milanese cooking, done with confidence and restraint. Sartoria Launceston Place is the younger sister to the original Sartoria on Savile Row and it carries that same sense of polish and tradition, just loosened slightly for this corner of west London. The room is all softness and polish. Banquette seating, white tablecloths and plenty of tucked away corners give it an easy sense of comfort, while still feeling smart. It’s an obvious choice for a date, though there are larger tables too, should the evening stretch into something more sociable. Service is warm and attentive, perhaps a little formal for some, but in keeping with the room and the setting. What to order: The menu follows the familiar Italian rhythm: snacks and breads, antipasti, primi, secondi and sides. Calamari arrived shatteringly crisp, paired with a chilli jam carrying just enough heat. Tuna tartare and beef carpaccio made a pleasing contrast: the tuna soft and buttery, glossed with vivid basil oil; the carpaccio deeply beefy, brightened by the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. For my primi, I chose the calamarata: generous and seafood-rich, mussels scattered through the pasta, red prawns offering small bursts of sweetness. Fillet steak followed, perfectly rare and lounging in a pool of creamy peppercorn sauce, so good we wished the plate had lingered a moment longer. We kept sides simple with sautéed spinach, its slight bite cutting cleanly through the richness. sartoria-launcestonplace.co.uk Lydia Anderson Address: 1A Launceston Place, London W8 5RL Nearest tube station: Gloucester Road Opening times: Wednesday-Saturday (9am-10pm); Sunday (9am-9pm) For fun and fiery Thai cooking: Plaza Khao Gaeng, Borough Yards Set under the railway arches that flank Borough Market, this fun new spot brings the energy of a raan khao gaeng – the informal canteens that pop up on street corners and markets across Thailand. The high-ceilinged room is breezy and buzzy with a quirky, eclectic style: stainless steel tables, zingy pops of colour, retro Thai movie posters and restaurant signs all add to the atmosphere. What to order: A Paricha margarita eased us into the heat zone – mango infused tequila and kumquat liquor with a kick of fresh Thai chilli served alongside an appetiser plate of miang pla: betel leaves to be wrapped around spicy sausage, dried fish and crunchy galangal floss to make a herbal, tangy mouthful. The yam strawberry salad was a refreshing sweet/salty surprise – strawberries in a punchy dressing, topped with a sprinkling of the tiniest translucent fish and coconut. From the curries, the gaeng massaman neua was deeply comforting – big chunks of beef, slow cooked in a rich spiced coconut sauce with hunks of potato to soak up all of that fragrant curry. Gung pad prik gaeng sator (tiger prawns stir-fried in red curry paste) brought some of that notorious heat but balanced it well with coconut cream. We kept the heat at bay with a icy glass of Singha beer, served in a chunky frozen glass tankard. Or if you’re in a crowd there’s the option to order a three-litre beer tower with your own tap – a fun playful touch for a very fun spot. plazakhaogaeng.com Janine Ratcliffe Address: Arch 207, 18 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD Nearest tube station: London Bridge Opening times: Monday-Saturday (12pm-10pm); Sunday (12pm-4pm) For elegant and modern European cooking: 74 Charlotte St by Ben Murphy, Fitzrovia 74 Charlotte Street by Ben Murphy sees the chef (who ran the kitchen at Launceston Place to great acclaim) in his first solo spot. The room is calm and elegant: coming in from a rainy winter evening the golden light and a warm atmosphere was immediately welcoming, as was the beautiful crescent-shaped cocktail bar where we kicked off with an icy, citrussy yuzu gimlet and a French 75. Such is the commitment to a perfect cocktail that my drink was decanted into a fresh frosty glass halfway through to keep it chilled. What to order: Don’t skip the bread – a pillowy loaf of tear-apart milk bread served with a cube of beurre noisette and a dish of hummus with vivid green pumpkin seed oil was just gorgeous. We loved the tender butter poached lobster tail with a tartlet topped with tiny discs of pumpkin to look like fish scales, and the iberica presa pork served perfectly pink with tiny grilled baby gem, carrot purée and a savoury jus – each dish looking like a little work of art. The wine list has some interesting by the glass options, with a Turkish sauvignon blanc being a particular surprise. Desserts are fun – there’s a retro mint green ice cream trolley with a seasonal flavour (mince pie on our visit) and a lovely chocolate tart, dense and rich with crisp chocolate pastry and hazelnut praline. 74charlottestreet.com Janine Ratcliffe Address: 74 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QH Nearest tube station: Goodge Street Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday (12pm-9:30pm) For reimagined Caribbean food: 2210 by NattyCanCook, Herne Hill As a Brixton resident I was extra excited about this opening. The Clink project at HMP Brixton inspired Nathaniel Mortley to turn his life around, launching a social media channel which led to residencies and now his permanent home in Herne Hill. Though born and raised in Peckham, Natty’s heritage is Bajan, Jamaican and Guyanese, thus he spotlights flavours and ingredients from the region in his elevated dishes. It’s a family affair – Natty's delightful godmother Cecilia was our server, his mum is his accountant and an old school friend helps out front of house. This, paired with the throwback soundtrack causing us to wiggle along in our plush grey chairs, ensures that good vibes prevail. I’m already planning a trip back for the Sunday roast, with the promise of scotch chimichurri roasties, followed by a brisk walk in neighbouring Brockwell Park. What to order: We kicked off by dunking grilled roti triangles into whipped scotch bonnet butter. Next came crispy spring rolls stuffed with ackee and saltfish, and pork belly with crackling trim, spiced jus and puddles of scotch bonnet mayo. I recommend sharing the hearty mains, all served with a choice of aromatic jollof rice or spiced rice and peas. There’s a sophisticated take on jerk chicken with mango and pineapple salsa, a much talked-about lamb rump with tamarind jus, and pan-seared spiced duck breast served with a show-stealing confit leg croquette. My highlight was whole brill lifted with a lightly spiced plantain velouté, pickled plantain cubes and vibrant coriander pesto. Don’t miss deep-fried apple crumble for dessert, presented in croquette form encasing spiced, pickled apple, with coffee chantilly cream and basil oil crème anglaise to lift. Cocktails pack a punch – signature rum punch is a popular choice, while margaritas are laced with scotch bonnet, and negronis infused with tangy sorrel. 2210bynattycancook.com Alex Crossley Address: 75 Norwood Road, London SE24 9AA Nearest train station: Herne Hill Opening times: Wednesday-Thursday (5pm-11pm); Friday (5pm-12am); Saturday (12pm-12am); Sunday (12pm-10pm) More restaurant inspiration Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in this buzzing area of south-east London. Try Persian meze, low-intervention wines, Indian street food nibbles and more
Looking for restaurants in Peckham? Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in the SE area, from French-style bistros to Persian meze and plant-based Indian street food. After, read about our favourite new restaurants in London or the best restaurants in Clerkenwell. Best places to eat and drink in Peckham Levan, Blenheim Grove This Peckham mainstay has undertaken a few refreshes as it enters its eighth year, with ex-Planque and The Clove Club chef Rani Raimondi in the kitchen. His appointment is accompanied by a thoughtful update of the restaurant’s interior, with big Parisian charm via a rich burgundy palate, softened lighting and carefully curated art. Inspired by the ‘bistronomy’ movement and a longstanding love affair with French cuisine, Levan’s à la carte menu is split into four sections – snacks, starters, larger mains and sides. Start with a few snacks and starters: tuck into the must-have beef tartare, a rich, tender morsel perched atop a deeply golden Parisienne-style rösti. The highlight of the starters is the scallop crudo – delicate slices of scallop are balanced by sweet-tart blood orange, accompanied by dabs of crème fraîche and trout roe for a fresh, mildly salty finish. For mains, the pork neck is tender and deeply succulent, crowned with slithers of buttery Cantabrian anchovies and charred sprouts which elevate its savouriness to heavenly new heights. Finish with the chocolate pudding, uniquely fused with plums, hazelnut praline and sesame ice cream to create a mouthwatering experience. The carefully curated wine list focuses on low-intervention and biodynamic wines. Dafni white is wonderfully herbaceous with a refreshing citrus finish – a native variety saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family in Greece. There is also a snappy list of modish aperitifs: the Red Velvet Margarita, mixing mezcal verde with Lillet Rouge, plum brine, almond orgeat, cranberry and rosemary, will be what we order next time. levanlondon.co.uk Connie's, Station Passage Find this smart and cosy pizzeria set under the arches of Queen’s Road Peckham, taking over the site formerly occupied by South African restaurant Little Kudu. It is the latest project from Andrea Asciuti, founder of acclaimed Neapolitan hot spot 081 Pizzeria. Named after his wife, the focus is on Britalian style pizzas, injecting London-style pizza (light, crispy, premium toppings) with Italian soul, all while using seasonal, local ingredients. Andrea leaves his background in Neapolitan-style pizza behind for pies which are crisp and airy, with dough fermented for 36-48 hours and baked at 370C using American flour (you won't find floppy slices here). Expect up to eight different pizzas on the menu, from a classic margherita to a double pepperoni with hot honey, as well as 'nduja and British stracciatella. There is a quartet of starters to choose from: cheesy dough balls, deep-fried mac ’n’ cheese, mozzarella sticks and meatballs. The mozzarella fingers easily make it into the cheese-pull hall of fame, while the mac 'n' cheese bites make crunchy morsels which taste even better liberally dunked into a pot of tangy blue cheese sauce. There is one dessert, presented in three forms: fiocco di neve mini brioche filled with either pistachio, Nutella or ricotta whipped cream. conniespizzeria.com Maiz, Peckham Rye Maiz is London's first dedicated 'pozoleria' and the latest addition to London's advancing Mexican food scene. This relaxed spot is the vision of two Mexican chefs: Dany Vázquez, who previously worked at Eleven Madison Park as well as under José Andrés, and London-based chef Erick, who ran the Los Ilegales food truck in Greenwich. Maiz has a cantina atmosphere comparable to Mexico City’s buzzy taquerias, where you can spot the chefs loading up tacos while you sip on a Michelada. Expect a punchy menu offering two authentic Mexican dishes: pozole and street food-style tacos. Deep bowls of red pozole – a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy, pork and a red broth that’s simmered with spices and chillies for hours – offers soothing comfort and offsets the fresh, tongue-tingling tacos which disappear in minutes. Taco highlights include the 24-hour beef birria, served with melted cheese and its own consommé, plus the 12-hour cochinita pibil (pork), sprinkled with pickled red onion and habanero sauce. The strong cocktail list straddles mezcal and tequila-based creations with classic tipples – make a beeline for the 'Chelada' for a fresh and lighter take on the spicy classic. instagram.com/maizgroup Kokum, East Dulwich Road This smart neighbourhood restaurant on the East Dulwich/Peckham border serves some of the highest quality Indian cooking this side of the river. It should be no surprise, given the restaurant is the vision of Sanjay Gour (ex-head chef at Gymkhana) and Simeron Lily Patel – co-founders of the Michelin-rated Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen. Far from Michelin prices, Kokum offers a competitively priced menu that bridges delicate starters with bowls of gravy-laden curries and flaky lachha paratha. Dahi puri saw dainty layers of potato, chickpea and moong sprout submerged in deceptively fiery layers of tang, sweet and spice. Pickled and charred tandoori roast cauliflower sat in a pool of hot makhani sauce, jewelled with pockets of mint and coriander chutney. The curries that followed accommodate to the neighbourhood clientele, with deep bowls of lamb rogan josh and lemongrass-infused makrut lime prawns. A side of dal makhani – eight-hour slow-cooked black lentils – countered the mains with its dark sultriness. There’s plenty of choice to drink too – the sharp cocktail list includes an espresso martini spiced with chai liqueur, and a punchy strawberry blush, pepped with tamarind spicy vodka and lengthened with basil tonic. Desserts include a rich kulfi made with Iranian pistachio and rum-flambéed gulab jamun, tempered with vanilla ice cream. kokumlondon.com Lai Rai, Rye Lane Meet friends for fuss-free snacks and cold beers at this dinky new-school Vietnamese on Rye Lane. With the name Lai Rai meaning ‘little by little’, the space is a homage to Vietnamese canteens, with a buttery colour palette, neon lighting and slick red stools. By day it serves bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee, by evening the menu mutates into playful twists on familiar Vietnamese flavours – you won't find any bowls of pho here. Small plates include crunchy prawn lollies on sugarcane stalks and a light, multicoloured papaya jellyfish salad with lumps of pineapple, charred tomatoes, fresh Viet herbs and peanuts, wiped clean with charred bánh mì chunks. Larger dishes include a twice-cooked chicken leg atop a herby dressing and grilled betel leaf beef, swimming in a smoky pool of house-made coffee barbecue jus. Vietnamese-inspired cocktails include the Xoài Kick, a bracing mix of tequila, mango, red chillies and fruit salt, and a Viet coffee-laced vodka martini. Finish with a scoop of freshly churned ice cream made by small south London manufacturer Clingy Wrap, with funky flavours including fish sauce vanilla caramel and kumquat cucumber sorbet. If you're looking for something altogether unexpected, you’ll find it here. lairai.london Hausu, Station Way Housed inside a Victorian Grade II listed train station, Hausu makes a cool and cosy date night spot run by head chef Holly Middleton Joseph. Luckily, the backdrop of clattering trains is cleverly masked by a vintage high-fidelity sound system that plays funk and soul. The menu's modern sharing plates promise bold flavours such as its signature spin on prawn toast, piled high with a mountainous helping of prawn and scallop mousse coated in black sesame seeds and deep fried until crisp. To finish, it’s plated with a fermented chilli ketchup and dusted with dehydrated scallop roe. The menu changes with the seasons, along with the DJs, so every time you swing by it feels like a new experience. Plus, when you're ready to go home you’re handily already at the station. hausulondon.co.uk Dough Hands, Nunhead Green Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at fun-loving south London pub The Old Nun's Head, as well as Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms. The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas. Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar. We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA. instagram.com/doughhandspizza/ Taquiza, Rye Lane Mexican-inspired eatery, Taquiza, is a fun, laid-back spot, perfect for dinner with friends. It's an open and buzzy space, situated under a Peckham archway, with a menu of eat-with-your-hands dishes: grilled elote showered in chipotle aïoli, chilli and queso añejo (Mexican cheese), 12-hour beef tacos with salsa roja, onion and coriander, chiles toreados (blistered chilli peppers) and smoked tofu chorizo tacos with xcatik cream (a spicy chilli pepper cream), guacamole and jalapeños. There’s an impressively sized pasilla chocolate mousse for dessert, topped with vanilla cremate and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and pistachio. Wash it all down with margarita picantes or, if the evening calls for it, a shot of smoky mezcal. instagram.com/taquizaldn/ Peckham Arches, Blenheim Grove Find this trendy south-east London haunt underneath the railway arches of Peckham Rye station, complete with a botanical garden terrace, two cocktail bars and art gallery. Watch chefs as they sling pizza from a wood-fired oven, laden with toppings such as Italian spicy sausage, mozzarella and Frank’s hot honey or – our favourite – ’nduja with mozzarella, pickled red chilli and red onion, finished with lashings of creamy garlic sauce. Choose from a selection of hot, crunchy morsels on the ‘nibbles’ menu – the mushroom and truffle arancini and the crispy courgette fries are not to be missed. Cocktails are given equal attention, offering refreshing mezcal and tequila numbers like a picante, a grapefruit margarita and a passion fruit mezcalita. Natural wines, ‘regular’ wines, draught and local beers are also available. peckhamarches.com En Root, Peckham Rye Brothers Nish and Harsh have come a long way since selling hot sauce at markets in 2016, expanding to a bricks-and-mortar in Clapham and, more recently, a plant-based restaurant in Peckham decked with plants, draped mandala tapestries and decorative cushions. Sip on the watermelon juice with beetroot, apple, ginger and mint during summer evenings, or ask for the modestly priced cocktail menu, where juices are livened with rum. Nourishing vegan fare lies at the heart of En Root, offering Indian classics and street food nibbles infused with Gujarati spices. Start with sharing bites: puri is filled with beetroot, onions and chickpeas, and submerged in date tamarind masala water, while the plantain chaat – seasoned plantain on a bed of beetroot, onions, chickpeas, ‘spice krispies’ and chutney – is an explosion of sweet crunch. For mains, saag aloo-filled dosas come with lentil soup and coconut chutney. Or, for optimum health, try the buddha bowl, generously filled with rainbow salad, baba ghanoush, sprouted lentils, curried chickpeas, plantain and avocado. To finish, the mango lassi cheesecake on an oaty coconut base offers a healthier twist on the original – best served with creamy chai. enrootldn.co.uk Peckham Cellars, Queen's Road Elegant floor-to-ceiling Crittal windows frame this breezy, laid-back wine bar on Queen's Road in Peckham. Start with a glass of lemony Gusbourne fizz from Kent before delving into a wine list defined by sustainably minded, small-scale producers, with plenty of affordable options by the glass. We try another Kentish stunner – Westwell's Ortega Amphora 2019, fermented in terracotta jars – with fragrant apricot and honey suckle notes, before moving onto summery, cherry-tinged chilled gamay, available on tap at the bar. A quietly industrious open kitchen, led by chef Henry Freestone – garlanded with a Bib Gourmand in 2020 – amiably sends out plates of unfussy yet deceptively luxurious food. Highlights include springy sourdough with whipped lemon and rosemary butter, porchetta layered with crispy, salty shards of crackling, and filo-wrapped asparagus with a soft-boiled duck egg for dipping. Save space for pudding – a decadent lemon meringue pie sundae is the childhood dessert of dreams. peckhamcellars.co.uk Frank’s Café, Rye Lane This is about as trendy and hipster as you get, but in the best possible way. On top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham, there's a pithy list of on-trend drinks, from negronis, margaritas and cucumber gimlets to jug cocktails such as white port and tonic, and fruity rum punch. Snacks include brown sugar hot wings, deep-fried mackerel in a bun, and lamb breast kebab with burnt chilli yogurt. It closes for winter and opens in the spring each year. boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe Persepolis, Peckham High Street Pay a visit to Persepolis for a taste of Persia in the heart of Peckham. Beyond the deli’s impressive selection of tins, spices, Persian yogurts and display of shisha pipes, you’ll find a cosy hideout where diners feast on freshly made meze platters and veggie and vegan delights such as eggs scrambled with dates and fragrant spices, and dairy-free knickerbocker glories. This popular café is a favourite among locals for its no-nonsense, avocado-free breakfasts (think mango and tamarind smoothies and pots of Persian tea with cardamom); however, the £20 tasting menu is the real standout: a colourful carousel of food spanning meze, soup, mains and a dessert platter filled with ice cream, paklava and fruit. foratasteofpersia.co.uk Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Discover our favourite restaurants in Canary Wharf, from a top-quality French brasserie to Eastern Mediterranean all-day dining and more
Looking for Canary Wharf restaurants? These are the spots worth knowing, from irresistible Taiwanese dumpling at Din Tai Fung to modern Anglo-Indian delights at Kricket. For more restaurant guides, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Soho, best restaurants in Clerkenwell and best restaurants in Covent Garden. Best places to eat and drink in Canary Wharf Nora, West Lane Opened by brothers Ozgur and Sidar Akyuz, Nora is bringing Turkish dining to Canary Wharf. Drawing inspiration from the streets and kitchens of Istanbul, the restaurant serves up a menu of small and large plates all designed for sharing in a communal dining experience. If you’re new to Turkish cuisine and looking for a leisurely start to your weekend, I’d highly recommend booking a spot for the weekend Serpme feasting breakfast, served between 11am-3pm. Inspired by Turkish serpme kahvalti, a traditional breakfast spread, the set menu is a showcase of the region’s cultural diversity with a breadth of dishes to try. Our favourites included aubergine and pepper kizartma, fried cauliflower, hummus with pulled lamb, and the tahini with pekmez which I couldn’t get enough of dipped with the warm breads. For an extra £10 each you can add on a choice of two skewers – coffee rub chicken shish, beef fillet lokum shish, adana (lamb), bream fillet and prawns. To finish, kunefe is served to share – a traditional dessert made with kadayif layered with cheese and soaked in a sugar-based syrup. Don’t worry if you have leftovers, the team will happily box this up for you to finish later. The breakfast is also served with unlimited Turkish tea. The cocktail menu offers Turkish twists on some classics, like a black tea martini and a baklava old fashioned. nora.london CRATE Brewery, Wood Wharf Known for its experimental and expansive array of craft beers, as well as thin and crispy stone-baked pizzas, Crate is bringing its signature cool to Canary Wharf with its second site opening. Think industrial chic created with upcycled materials and handcrafted furniture situated by the water’s edge with laid-back vibes. Crate is perfect for anyone who wants the traditional pizza and beer experience but elevated: eclectic pizzas with a global influence ranging from Middle Eastern lamb to Malaysian chicken laksa. My personal recommendation? The sweet potato, stilton and walnut pizza – tangy, sweet, with a little bit of crunch, a perfect hearty, comfort food go-to. Furthermore, sustainability is always at the forefront with all dough bases being mixed using Wildfarmed renegerative flour. However, Crate’s crowning glory has to be its extensive range of craft beers, perfect for both aficionados and laymen alike. Once again, sustainability is key, the brewery’s own core range is brewed in partnership with Purity Brewing on a farm with one of the world’s most sustainable brewing kits. Punters can also expect new world Hazy Pales, a rotating line of guest beers, a range of limited-edition seasonal sours (triple fruited mango sour was a firm favourite for me), as well as its new gin, lemon and koji, and vodka, raspberry and yuzu soda cocktails. cratebrewery.com Mallow, Park Drive From the same team behind Mildreds, Mallow Canary Wharf offers a fully plant-based menu. Seasonal and sustainable ingredients are the threads that brings the menu together, which draws from a diversity of influences across the globe. Think earthy mushroom ravioli topped with fried basil, a coconutty Kashmiri gobi and fluffy basmati rice or fattoush salad packed with juicy tomatoes paired with a creamy garlic labneh. To finish, indulgent desserts include passion fruit tart topped with the bitter crunch of sesame tuile. The extensive drinks menu includes cocktails made with Mallow’s own gin, such as the dry apricot negroni, as well as beers made in collaboration with UnBarred Brewery and Harbour Brewing Co. You won’t miss the booze with a non-alcoholic and utterly delightful lychee jasmine martini. mallowlondon.com Note that Mallow is currently operating as a takeover by Mildreds on the Wharf, including a bold pre-theatre menu for those visiting the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. Roe, Park Drive From the team behind Fallow comes another restaurant with sustainability at the core. Set on the Canary Wharf waterfront in the beating heart of the financial world, Roe is buzzing despite its large size spread over multiple levels. Start proceedings with the mushroom parfait – a mixture of smoked shiitake and oyster mushrooms on lightly griddled toast. It’s well balanced with a creamy nuttiness and delicate sweetness. If you choose to continue with the fungi theme, the deep-fried hen of the woods burger in a Roe-branded brioche bun is a crowd-pleasing option, while juicy skewers include spiced lamb shoulder with a smoked onion yogurt and honey to enjoy with pillowy flatbreads. Desserts are hard to resist for those with a sweet tooth. The zero-waste caramelised banana parfait uses the entirety of the fruit, while lemon meringue pie is transformed into a creamy soft serve with crunchy pieces of Wildfarmed shortbread. Pair your dessert with a glass from Renegade Urban Winery or pick from the extensive wine list which includes English sparkling wine. Cocktails are classic, creative and refreshing. roerestaurant.co.uk Din Tai Fung, Crossrail Place Taiwanese dumpling phenomenon Din Tai Fung has more than 170 restaurants in 14 different countries. Its fourth UK location has set up shop in Canary Wharf’s Crossrail Place – making it the perfect place for hungry commuters. The 112-seater restaurant is attentively staffed, with servers briskly delivering bamboo baskets of handmade steamed dumplings to tables. Din Tai Fung’s calling card is xiao long bao, steamed soup dumplings where a delicate dough encases a meaty filling and a pocketful of hot, savoury broth. We ordered the classic made with minced pork – satisfyingly slurpy – alongside succulent, bouncy prawn and pork shao mai. The surprise hit of our visit, however, were the delicately made prawn and pork wontons bathed in a poky chilli sauce. dintaifung-uk.com Brother Marcus, Reuters Plaza In the heart of Canary Wharf, Brother Marcus has unveiled its biggest opening yet – a vibrant all-day restaurant with a sun-soaked south-facing terrace seating up to 80. Exclusive to this location is the souvla and skewers menu, where dishes are flame-grilled over an open fire. Highlights include Greek smoked feta sausage with Louvi beans, grated plum tomatoes and herb salad, or lamb saddle souvla served with skordalia, spinach, ouzo and anchovy jus. Brunch is a must, with classics like eggs benedict alongside bolder plates such as kefir-fried chicken with crispy potato rösti and perfectly poached eggs. For a sweet-savoury hit the halloumi with watermelon and mint is a refreshing side worth ordering. Pair it all with the brunch cocktails deal – two for £20 – and sip on a balanced honey and grapefruit bellini while soaking up the Docklands buzz. brothermarcus.co.uk Kricket, Frobisher Passage The hot seats at Kricket are along the vivid red counter which stretches the length of the modern Anglo-Indian restaurant group newbie. Bhel puri, that colourful Mumbai street food, is sweet, tart and crunchy; Keralan fried chicken with pickled mooli is a Kricket classic; pickled cucumber is a good foil to a glossy poussin ghee roast; and grilled squash with paneer and puffed rice is served in a rich sauce to be scooped up with chilli cheese naan. Aromatic cocktails include no-booze versions like Kashmiri Adrift, a refreshing blend of lime and agave spiked with chilli salt and served over ice, while adjacent late-night Soma bar serves the harder stuff. kricket.co.uk Marceline, Water Street London’s love affair with France continues with chef Rob Aikens’ brasserie at the increasingly foodie destination of Wood Wharf. From breakfast to dinner, expect well-executed classics like warm cheese soufflé, French onion soup; rotisserie chicken with a rich, glossy jus and the standout, sweet-meets-savoury dish, sugar-pit bacon chop with charcuterie sauce. All desserts are Instagram-worthy, from a shiny crème caramel to cookie crust and banana profiteroles. Cocktails feature a classic French martini no 5 to a punchy absinthe sour. marceline.london Hawksmoor, Wood Wharf Hawksmoor Wood Wharf combines its signature British steakhouse flair with a unique waterside location. Situated on a floating pavilion, this restaurant offers stunning views of the City alongside its renowned menu of perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty sides. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sipping on classic cocktails while enjoying the serene waterfront atmosphere. Hawksmoor’s dedication to quality and sustainability ensures a memorable dining experience. thehawksmoor.com/locations/wood-wharf/ Thecha, Lansbury Heritage Hotel Tucked inside Poplar’s Lansbury Heritage Hotel, Thecha delivers a knockout tour of Maharashtra with some of the boldest Indian flavours in the capital. The soft pink-grey interior whispers boutique hotel brunch but what lands on the table is straight from the streets of Mumbai. Thecha takes its name from a green chilli chutney – here paired with blisteringly grilled paneer. Sabudana vada (crisp sago and peanut fritters) and kothimbir vadi (crisp coriander and gram fritters) set the tone: regional snacks with punch. Chilli-laden Chicken 65 – so called because of the year it was created – is a must. Try it in the biryani for a complete meal, while the dabi dal fry (slow-cooked creamy lentils) soothes with buttery warmth. From the mains, Kolhapuri mutton rasa (tender chunks in curry broth) and prawn gassi (coastal coconut prawn curry) are full-throttle flavour bombs. But the star? The butter chicken chops. Cooked in the tandoor and drenched in velvety makhani sauce, it’s worth a visit for this alone. To drink, choose cooling solkadhi, made with kokum and coconut milk – refreshing with a hint of saltiness. Make sure you have room for mango shrikhand, a creamy sweet yogurt dessert that’s a perfect balance to the heat of this dining experience. instagram.com/its_thecha Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Discover our favourite places to eat in this high-end pocket of central London, from glamorous dining rooms to great-value mezze joints
Looking for Fitzrovia restaurants? Check out our ideas for eating and drink in London's Fitzrovia, from Charlotte Street to Wells Street and beyond. Next, discover the best restaurants in Marylebone, best restaurants in Kings Cross, best restaurants in Soho and the hottest new London restaurant openings. Best places to eat and drink in Fitzrovia Arros QD, Eastcastle Street – for flame-led Valencian cooking You might not expect to discover traditional Valencian food just off Oxford Street, so Arros QD is a welcome find. Everything here revolves around fire, from smoky cocktails at in-house Fuego Bar to wood-fired paella and fideuà cooked in the open kitchen. Start at Fuego Bar for a pre-dinner drink – bartender-recommended Sol Y Humo is a vermouth-based cocktail topped up with cava, and spice lovers can’t go wrong with La Picante. I’ve got my eye on the signature bar snacks for next time, particularly the smoked gilda or iberian charcoal presa skewer. Once seated, overlooking the flames, kick things off with the Valencian kale salad. It’s fresh and zingy thanks to tamarillo dressing, Valencian citrus and kumquat with a clever tomato jelly mixed through tableside. For mains, fideuà is a must. Similar to paella but made with short, thin noodles instead of rice, the duck and eel version is spectacular, and a rare find in London – confit duck leg, caramelised eel and shiitake mushrooms cooked in a deeply savoury veal and herb stock. Designed for sharing, the paellas and fideuà arrive in impressive pans and are prepared using the traditional Valencian method, so expect a crisp base, or ‘socarrat’. If you still have room, finish with the warm chocolate cake, or head back to Fuego Bar for one last cocktail to end the night. arrosqd.com Motorino, Pearson Square – for modern London-Italian fare Modern and open, Stevie Parle’ and Luke Ahearne’s Italian-inspired bar-restaurant is a space for all occasions – quick lunches, group meals or cosy dinners. We started with Moto Classic martinis, then tore into springy rosemary-scented focaccia, complemented by crisp, acidic pickles. From the starters, delica pumpkin with stracciatella, candied hazelnuts and radicchio moved comfortably between sweet, creamy and bitter. But the dish that defined the meal was the agnolotti carbonara. Each small pinched pasta pocket was filled with a classic pecorino and yolk-rich carbonara, and topped with salty bites of guanciale. The fun comes from eating it whole, as it bursts between your teeth. Clever and deeply satisfying. An old spot chop, sliced into slabs, was juicy and beautifully cooked, where the pink becomes blush, the rich meat cut through by mustard fruits and apple. Cornish blonde ray followed, robust and flake-apart, with a shellfish sauce that added depth without dulling the fish. Olive tip: add a couple of glasses of the light Burgundy pinot noir and you have a perfectly balanced lunch. motorino.london Koba, Rathbone Street – for Korean charcoal barbecue Koba, Linda Lee’s Korean BBQ restaurant on Rathbone Street, has quietly reinvented itself after 20 years of pioneering Seoul-style DIY cooking. The beloved tabletop grills remain downstairs, ready for those who like to sizzle their own. But while below is party time, above it’s date night – a calm, softly lit space of wood, stone and warm light. The shift gives the chefs room to show off their skills, sending out a parade of dishes that play with contrast: heat and sweetness, crunch and silk. We dived into the £45 tasting menu after a shot of fragrant Korean wine, swapping a dish to suit our cravings. Kim mari, deep-fried seaweed rolls stuffed with prawn, are the snacks you’d happily trade your favourite crisps for, while mandu, pork-filled dumplings, are plump pillows of succulence. Then came dakgangjeong, fried chicken coated in a glossy honey-soy glaze, with chewy rice cakes catching the sauce. Both arrived with a flurry of banchan: tiny dishes of kimchi, omelette and pickled roots that turned the table into a colourful mosaic. We were firmly in bliss territory. From the barbecue section, daeji bulgogi, wafer-thin slices of spicy pork, delivered heat and smoke, followed by fat shell-on king prawns (saewoo gui), which we peeled and piled into lettuce leaves with crunchy kimchi and sauce. For theatre, our server stirred a pot of sticky dubu sotbab (tofu and vegetable rice) before piling it into bowls. Dessert was simple and refreshing: vanilla ice cream topped with dried persimmon, a milky nod to tradition. Olive tip: grab a seat at the bar for a yuzu martini before dining – the perfect way to ease into Koba’s new rhythm. kobalondon.com Luso, Charlotte Street — for authentic Portuguese plates Walking into Luso on Charlotte Street brings a sense of continuity and reset all at once. Formerly Lisboeta, it’s been rebadged and refreshed, but the cooking still sits firmly in Portugal. The room is long and narrow, a bright corridor of tables, with the open kitchen humming at the far end giving the whole place buzz and energy. We went straight for the small plates. Rustic sourdough arrived warm and ready for scoops of requeijão cream cheese – cool, milky, faintly tangy – and drapes of silky ibérico ham. A glass of Quinta do Montalto Cluricaun white from Lisbon slotted in neatly with the seafood. First, sweet clams at à bulhão pato, all garlic, coriander and briny liquor, then wild Iberian garlic prawns, plump and glossy with oil, the kind of dish that has you chasing the last of the sauce with bread. Mains kept things simple and sharp. Grilled wild sea bream came with corn migas – a comforting, savoury base that soaks up the fish juices without stealing the show. But the dish that really stuck was the leitão Segovian suckling pig jowl: a proper contrast of textures, brittle skin snapping cleanly before giving way to soft, fatty meat. Dessert was the chocolate mousse with olive oil and salt – dark, smooth and lifted by that savoury flicker at the end. Olive tip: There are three floors – the top works well for office get-togethers, downstairs suits intimate private dining but, for maximum atmosphere, try to nab the ground floor table nearest the pass to see the kitchen in full flow. luso.restaurant The Ninth, Charlotte Street – for contemporary French cuisine Jun Tanaka’s Michelin-starred Charlotte Street fixture has used its 10-year milestone to gently reset the dial. Long-time head chef Filippo Alessandri has been promoted to executive chef and is now shaping the menu’s next chapter, while keeping faith with the restaurant’s identity – robust French foundations with a Mediterranean tilt, celebrating produce of the season. On our visit, dainty crab and seaweed tartlets arrived like compact bites of the seaside – sweet crab, a saline lift and buttery pastry. Tongue and salt beef cheek on crispbread followed, rich and sticky in the best way, while a venison ragu with kale brought dark, winey comfort offset by the greens’ gentle bitterness. Mains were indulgent yet light. Ibérico pork pluma came pink and tender, bathed in an umami jus that clung to every slice. Grilled mackerel with rainbow chard, mussels and kale was the counterpoint: oily fish, clean smoke and a shellfish-laced savouriness. Then the inevitable return to the pudding that’s been on the menu since 2015. The pain perdu is made from brioche baked past the point of comfort, chilled overnight, soaked in custard, cubed, deep-fried, then brûléed to order. The result is a crackling caramel shell giving way to a molten, custardy centre – the kind of dessert that makes the rest of dinner feel like a prelude. Olive tip: Order Agria potatoes as if they’re roasties – they deserve their own fan club: thin-sliced, confited, pressed in butter, set overnight, cubed and fried until shatter-crisp yet somehow weightless. theninthlondon.com Elsa, Charlotte Street – for all-day grazing inspired by Alsace Alsatian-inspired food gets a glow-up in this cute new all-day space on Fitzrovia’s foodie hub, Charlotte Street. Share snacks like deep-fried munster (a mild, soft cheese) or pork and apricot terrine while lingering over a glass of low-intervention wine for lunch or early evening, or book for dinner where the highly seasonal menu might include white asparagus with brown butter; braised sausage with mustard and sauerkraut; rhubarb and custard crêpe. A small, well-curated drinks list features lighter versions of classics like melon negroni and the best Alsatian riesling and pinot gris. elsabistro.co.uk Kin, Foley Street – for stylish, well-considered vegetable dishes Beginning life as a vegetarian café in 2014, Kin restaurant in Fitzrovia opened the doors to its fully fledged and 100% plant-based restaurant towards the end of 2024. Seasonal ingredients shine across the thoughtful menu whose inspiration draws from across the globe. Golden broad bean croquettes are served with a smooth butter bean and dill cream, crisp gyoza is complemented by a coco wasabi mayo and toasted coconut flakes, while miso-glazed aubergine is delightfully soft and umami-rich. There is no fake meat in sight and gluten-free options aplenty. Enticing sauces and pickles – including the likes of pickled figs and smoked red pepper relish - can be paired with the dishes for even more variety and vibrancy. On drinks, the Sol Picante with tequila, passion fruit and pickle juice strikes just the right tang from the mango pickle alongside passion fruit’s tart, sweet counterbalance, served with an ostentatiously large red chilli for a touch of drama. The No 47 with pineapple, Campari and dark rum is a sip of sunshine, whatever the weather. Round off your meal with a light and creamy gluten-free lemon cheesecake with ponzu foam. Olive tip: Keep an eye out for the hidden downstairs table, if you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two. kinlondon.com The George, Cleveland Street – for elevated pub classics Tucked just behind Oxford Circus on the edge of Fitzrovia, the George serves the same menu upstairs and down though it’s a very different vibe in each space. Downstairs a dark wood classic London pub, buzzing with drinkers spilling out onto the pavement. Upstairs is much quieter with plush, soft green velvet seating and a calmer feel. The menu is a mixture of elevated pub classics with some modern touches. The black pudding scotch egg is perfectly done with a nicely runny-ish yolk – and comes with an addictive Oxford sauce (brown sugar, vinegar and mustard, according to our server). The highly recommended fish and chips doesn’t disappoint – a shatteringly crisp batter piled with extra shards on top, perfectly golden fat chips and an extra order of curry sauce. It also comes in two sizes which is great for smaller appetites, although the small portion is still very generous. Desserts are comfortingly retro (banana split, sticky toffee pudding) or, if you’re too full, there’s an ‘Afters’ drinks section choose from, including a sticky toffee old fashioned or the famous George Irish coffee (the twist is the addition of a Guinness reduction which gives a deep malty edge). The beer selection is also well thought out and varied, with taps from Verdant, Northern Monk and Harbour Brewing. thegeorge.london 64 Goodge Street, Goodge Street – for classic French cooking There’s a quiet confidence to 64 Goodge Street. The vibe is grown-up but not stuffy – a polished wood armoire doubling as a cloakroom and frosted windows signal a more refined dining experience but the service is the right side of relaxed and well-paced. The menu is a Francophile’s dream: French classics are lightened and updated, a smoked eel vol-au-vent sets the tone with its rich, silky filling and shatteringly crisp shell, while a navarin of lamb wraps tender braised shoulder in a cabbage leaf, steeped in an elegant broth with spring vegetables. Mains are equally impressive – a brilliantly butchered saddle of rabbit with mustard sauce is robust but precise, and turbot Véronique, poached and served with grapes and beurre blanc, shows serious technical finesse. The wine list is tight but clever, with a focus on French bottles, and desserts are worth saving room for. We tried the best Paris-Brest we’ve ever eaten – crisp and light, filled with a praline crème diplomat that’s dangerously good. For cooking this accomplished, the pricing is almost baffling – three courses for under £60 makes this one of the best-value restaurants in central London. 64goodgestreet.co.uk The Newman Arms, Rathbone Street – for fancy pub grub This historic pub (it dates from 1730) has had a recent glow-up and a new menu, and the result is a warm, friendly spot that still feels like a proper pub at heart. Downstairs the bar has a fun, buzzy atmosphere but make your way up the winding wooden staircase and you’ll find a cosy dining room (or pie room as it’s billed) with a smarter look – think white linen tablecloths, wood panelling and plush velvet furnishings. The pies here are a bit fancier than your regular pub grub. A rich fish pie comes garnished with a large langoustine (clutching a tiny bottle of Tabasco in his claw) and a generous dollop of salmon roe. From the starters don’t miss the lamb scrumpets – slow-cooked lamb belly, breaded and fried to a perfect crispy morsel which is served with creamy tartare sauce. If you can fit dessert there’s only one and it’s a winner: a generous chunk of dark chocolate torte – rich and very shareable. The cocktail list is short and classic – try the twist on a black velvet made with Murphy’s stout and crémant, and served in an old-fashioned pewter tankard. thenewmanarms.co.uk Portland, Great Portland Street – for Michelin-starred dining Now in its 10th year, Portland stands as a beacon of understated excellence. Since it opened, this unpretentious gem has redefined fine dining by focussing on the confident cooking of exceptional ingredients and warm hospitality rather than starched linen. The current menu, curated by executive chef Chris Bassett and head chef Angelica Hope, is a celebration of British seasonality with dishes like roast monkfish paired with Exmoor caviar sauce, and a showstopping Highland beef wellington. The celebratory, great-value £55 four-course tasting menu encapsulates a decade of creativity, from crispy chicken skin with liver parfait to a sublime milk chocolate ganache. Portland’s modest charm extends to its thoughtful wine list, showcasing hidden gems alongside grand cru classics. With a loyal, savvy following and an ever-evolving food ethos, Portland remains a must-visit for those who appreciate elegance without airs. portlandrestaurant.co.uk Bar Kinky – for an intimate bar Hidden underneath modern Georgian restaurant Kinkally, Bar Kinky lives up to its name with sultry interiors and a bold, left-field approach to ingredients and flavours. The small 17-seater bar occupies a sleek, vault-like space with stainless steel walls, sensual red lighting and a techno music soundtrack. The focal point is the marble central island bar around which customers sit – the vibe is somehow intimate yet hectic, with bartenders offering attentive and speedy service. Cocktails look deceptively pared back but have plenty going on behind the scenes, from inventive ingredients to playful garnishes. Bossy is a delicious margarita/gimlet hybrid, with El Rayo Plata tequila, orange, hazelnut and cacao delivering layered flavours and delicate zestiness with soft chocolate notes, plus savouriness from a Georgian seasoning in lieu of a salt rim. Chocolate also plays its part in the smoky and seductively smooth Snatch, alongside truffle, vermouth and Ojo De Dios Mezcal; while Bureau, Bar Kinky’s take on a French 75, is a fruity, fizzy crushable delight with East London Gin, sparkling wine and a frozen pomegranate ball that keeps the drink chilled and subtly changes the flavour as it melts. kinkally.co.uk Akoko, Berners Street — for West African dishes Executive chef Ayo Adeyemi’s tasting menu is rooted in tradition but sharply executed with great imaginative flair. Dishes may include tatale (Ghanaian plantain pancakes) with cashew cream and caviar, or moi-moi (a steamed pudding of puréed black-eyed beans with onions, peppers and stock) served with the Afro-Brazilian seafood and coconut milk sauce, vatapá. akoko.co.uk Rovi, Wells Street – for veg-centric dishes Part of the Ottolenghi canon, Rovi’s a restaurant with vegetables, fermentation and fire at its heart. As is the trend, there are small and large plates available at lunch and dinner with veg punching way above their weight. Corn ribs have already become an Instagram star, taking inspiration from a Momofuku dish – the corn quartered, deep-fried, glazed in apricot sauce, baked then dusted with chipotle sauce. It’s as ridiculously good as it sounds – sweet, sticky, smoky and spicy. Hot tomatoes (roasted yellow and red cherry tomatoes) with cold yogurt, herbs and bags of dark urfa chilli displays a simple but masterful grasp of what feels good in the mouth. There’s plenty more that’s great on the menu – including crumpet lobster toast (think posh prawn toast) with kumquat and chilli sauce – but you won’t go far wrong sticking with the veg. ottolenghi.co.uk/pages/locations/rovi Chishuru, Great Titchfield Street After a summer as a pop-up in 2020, Chishuru now has a permanent home in Fitzrovia with Nigerian-born chef Adejoké Bakare at the helm. She's recently become the first Black woman in the UK – and only second in the world – to be awarded a Michelin star. The set menu dinner includes dishes such as deep-fried quail, cured mackerel and grilled celeriac cake. chishuru.com Roka, Charlotte Street – for elegant Japanese robatayaki The original Charlotte Street branch of this elegant Japanese restaurant is centred around an open kitchen, home to a large, coal-fired robata grill. Sit at the striking wraparound counter, or on a table beneath jewel-like jars of homemade ferments, to taste a succession of contemporary robatayaki dishes. We suggest selecting something from each of the menu’s sections (with a sparkling yuzu and cherry-laced sakura cocktail in hand while choosing). Snacks, salads and tempura include chunky beef and ginger gyozas, crisp prawn and shisho leaf tempura and silky aubergine salad topped with fluttering, umami-rich katsuobushi flakes. Roka's signature tokusen sushi comes next – yellowtail tartare laced with chilli, served in a pot over ice with a wooden spoon to scoop onto puffed rice crackers. From the robata grill, yuzu miso-coated black cod served in a dried hoba (magnolia) leaf is so delicate it melts at a slight touch, while a heartier rack of baby back pork ribs has a tingling edge courtesy of sansho pepper. To mark its 20th anniversary, the restaurant has curated a £20 set menu, signature dishes and special events to celebrate. rokarestaurant.com Honey and Smoke, Great Portland Street – for Middle Eastern mezze Honey and Smoke, the younger sister to nearby Honey and Co. brings the flavours and flair of Jerusalem grill houses to Fitzrovia. There’s a cool yet casual vibe, with rough plaster walls, teal-blue tiles, pops of primary colour and shelves lined with tubs of tahini. Upstairs there’s a slick five-seater bar, while downstairs, the open kitchen is the focus. Go with a group to make the most of the seasonal sharing menu; velvety smooth hummus with diddy triangles of fluffy pitta, feta fritters filled with a sweet pea centre and charred asparagus-adorned labneh. After a mezze feast, tuck into grilled meats, fish and veggies. Slow-cooked lamb falls effortlessly from the bone with a side of gently-roasted plums and dried rose petals. Saffron-marinated chicken thighs have a kick of heat, while scorched orange segments burst with smoky sweetness. Accompany with buttery, almond-flecked basmati rice. Honey and Co.’s signature cheesecake has made its way over to the dessert menu, the crunchy kadaif noodle base topped with a dollop of whipped feta, a drizzle of honey and fresh mint. A regularly changing wine list matches the season, with a few bottles from the Middle East making an appearance, from a light Palestinian cremisan to herby maia red from Israel. If you want a booze-free option, the refreshing orange blossom iced tea has a gentle sweetness. honeyandco.co.uk Pahli Hill, Mortimer Street – for regional Indian dishes Named after one of Mumbai’s oldest neighbourhoods, Pahli Hill’s menu reflects its diverse culinary heritage, offering regional dishes from all over India. Colourful original Indian artwork and fabrics, booth-seating and a view into the open kitchen give the restaurant a contemporary feel, while its Bandra Bhai basement bar delights in its dimly lit, smuggler’s-den vibe. With a tequila-based saffron cocktail in hand, graze on papadi chat, a dip of contrasting flavours and textures, including pumpkin, spiced yogurt, wheat crackers and sev (crispy gram flour noodles), tamarind chutney and vibrant pops of pomegranate. Bangalore-born chef Avinash Shashidhara’s experience in high-end UK restaurants is clear in this menu, which utilises top-quality British ingredients. Mangalore buns – two warm, bready pockets – are served with a generous pile of spiced Scottish crab. Highlights from the tandoor include chicken tikka with cucumber noodles, mint and horseradish. The pumpkin kofta is light and fragrant, and for a veggie feast, it's perfect served with a long ‘paper dosa’ or flaky flatbread and chutneys. pahlihillbandrabhai.com Punch Room at The London EDITION – for cocktails Hidden in the depths of the glamorous London EDITION hotel, this bar is a cocoon of wood panelling and blue-grey velvet banquettes where creatives gather for hushed conversations over iconic punch-style cocktails. An electric fire casts a cosy ambience across the lounge area and there’s a steady stream of shaking and stirring at the free-standing bar in the corner. The menu plays with light, and drinks are split into three sections – opaque, translucent and transparent. From the latter, completely clear drinks include the silky, mezcal-based Halo of Smoke with a kick from cayenne pepper, fragrant Bergamot liqueur Italicus and a fresh, grassy lift from coriander, basil and parsley oil dropped in. Fireball Punch has a tropical edge while negroni fans should order the unique Mother of Pearl, with Campari playing its part in a bittersweet pink foam that sits atop a clear Sakura cherry vermouth infused liquid. An eclectic choice of bar food ranges from the likes of toasted brioche rolls filled with tempura prawns, marie rose and trout caviar to crisp chicken tenders lifted with jalapeño and even mini versions of Berner Tavern comfort food, such as mac and cheese with braised beef blade. editionhotels.com Clipstone, Clipstone Street – for date night Clipstone is on a corner of Clipstone Street in Fitzrovia and is the sister to nearby (and Michelin-starred) Portland, a modern-European dining room set up by restaurateurs Will Lander and Daniel Morgenthau with chef Merlin Labron-Johnson. Both restaurants pride themselves on high-quality cooking, wine and service, but Clipstone is more casual – here, you can have freshly made sourdough flatbreads from a pizza oven, left-over from the Italian restaurant that was here before it. There are larger plates including homemade ravioli of hay-baked carrot and ricotta with brown butter and hazelnuts and a tempting array of desserts – lemon sheep’s milk ice cream, for example, and the ultimate Paris-Brest (a Parisian bistro classic). Drinks-wise, there are several wines on tap and, for something soft, homemade sodas (including yuzu-ade) and watermelon iced tea. It’s all set in a warm, elegantly designed space – expect reclaimed stone, natural linens and outdoor seating. clipstonerestaurant.co.uk Circolo Popolare, Rathbone Place – for a group dinner This extravagant Italian trattoria (the second London outpost from Big Mamma group) is ideal for a fun group dinner – it’s buzzy, loud and seemingly the place to be (booking is essential, unless you want to brave the walk-in queue that snakes round the block). The interiors set the tone – lights twist into foliage hanging from the ceilings, walls are jam-packed with colourful memorabilia (photo frames, ceramic plates, candelabras) and shelves groan with every liquor imaginable – there are tens of thousands of bottles. Kick things off with the Big Mamma cocktail, a refreshing vodka, lime and ginger ale concoction served in a mermaid-painted glass, or one of the restaurant’s takes on Italian aperitifs and spritzes – we loved the Spritz Veneziano with herbaceous Plymouth thyme gin, prosecco, blood orange bitters and a gobstopper-sized olive for good measure. There are also sharing cocktails served in giant strawberry ceramics and champagne buckets. The food is centred around produce from Sicily – share a huge burrata with pesto or deep-fried courgette flowers to start. Mains are ideal for groups, too, with carbonara served in a pecorino wheel and silk handkerchief pasta covered in Tuscan pork ragu and aubergines, both meant for two. Tongue-in-cheek-named pizzas include I Wanna Nduja (San Marzano tomato and smoked mozzarella with subtle heat from ’nduja, spicy sausage and chilli), Elizabeth Regina topped with Sicilian herbs, prosciutto and ricotta cream, and vegetarian Emrata Burrata with creamy burrata heart, almonds, capers and olives. For dessert there’s a hefty 5.9-inch-high slice of lemon meringue pie, or creamy, boozy tiramisu spooned straight from the dish.bigmammagroup.com Kiss the Hippo – for coffee The second branch of this sleek coffee shop (see our brunch guide for info on the original spot in Richmond) offers breakfast and brunch classics alongside top-notch coffee. Expect plenty of niche brews, from Ugandan nitro cold brew and a fresh, bright option from Yemen to their classic George Street blend with notes of blackberry, caramel and chocolate. Dishes include vegan options such as avocado on toast with toasted seeds and chilli flakes, and scrambled tofu with red pepper and herbs on toast. An indulgent eggs benedict is served in an Insta-worthy croissant bun, while mushrooms on toast is slathered in black olive tapenade and shaved Italian cheese.kissthehippo.com Al Dente, Goodge Street – for pasta This neighbourhood glass-fronted pasta spot is a casual affair, with simple black and white walls, a reggaeton soundtrack and a fridge packed with colourful San Pellegrino cans. In front of the small open kitchen, creations from the on-site pasta lab are laid out in all shapes and sizes to take away, from twirly fusilli to ribbed tubes of maccheroni and filled tortelli. After a starter of fresh tomato cubes on toasted focaccia doused in Sicilian olive oil, tuck into an array of handmade pasta dishes. Spaghettoni coated in a silky, yolk-yellow sauce jewelled with salty guanciale (complete with melty fat) and pecorino cheese makes a top-notch carbonara, while large tubes of paccheri soak up a sweet tomato sauce of finely minced beef and vegetables. Vegetarian options include the peppery punch of cacio e pepe tossed through chewy worms of tonnarelli (thicker spaghetti), and ravioli parcels filled with pumpkin and ricotta adorned with crispy sage. Simple desserts are well executed, with ricotta-filled housemade cannoli, and thick folds of mascarpone layered with boozy sponge in a Kilner jar tiramisu. The wine list showcases producers from across Italy – floral Umbrian San Giovanni, rich Puglian primitivo, and soft, smooth chianti from Tuscany. <pastificioaldente.com Flesh & Buns, Berners Street – for Nikkei cuisine Nikkei cuisine and on-demand pisco sours define the vibe at Flesh & Buns’s newest site. While Flesh & Buns’s trademark bao buns still make an appearance, the menu focusses on nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) cuisine – from tiger prawn toban with aji amarillo (a Peruvian chilli), ponzu butter and shiso, to fish and seafood tiraditos (a cross between Peruvian ceviche and Japanese sashimi). There’s also new dishes created using Ross’s new wood smoker – including chilli miso brisket and bath chap with butternut squash kimchi. Portions are generous. Korean-fried chicken wings come slathered in a fiery, tangy sauce while smoked pork ribs are two huge, succulent bronzed slabs glazed in aji amarillo honey. A ceviche of sea bass with cherry tomato, pickled kumquat and rocoto tiger’s milk (the citrussy curing marinade in a ceviche) is delicate and spicy all at once. fleshandbuns.com/restaurants/oxford-circus/ Words by Ellie Edwards, Alex Crossley, Charlotte Morgan, Laura Rowe, Jordan Kelly-Linden, Hannah Guinness, Nicki Smith Photographs by Patricia Niven and BAO Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Clerkenwell Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Check out our pick of the best pasta spots in London, from dedicated pasta bars such as Padella to Italian restaurants specialising in pasta
Looking for the best pasta in London? Pasta is having a moment. From Padella in Borough Market to Emilia’s Crafted Pasta in St Katherine Docks and Burro e Salvia in Shoreditch, the last five years has seen a crop of new openings that specialise in freshly made plates of the stuff – carb loading has never been so cool. Here's our pick of the best pasta restaurants in London... Now discover the best dining experiences in London. Marcella, Deptford Marcella is a restaurant for almost every occasion: introducing friends to the area, taking parents out for lunch or settling into a reliably good local date night. It always feels like the right choice. Sitting on Deptford High Street, the dining room is light, airy and simply decorated, with an easy neighbourhood feel. I usually aim for a window seat, perfect for watching the rhythm of the high street while lingering over a long lunch or dinner. The menu is short, seasonal and ever-changing, handwritten on a chalkboard (and shared on Instagram for those who like to plan ahead). Cooking here is classic Italian in spirit: unfussy, confident and driven by excellent produce. Think crisp puntarelle alla romana, bucatini alla gricia, casarecce with a sausage and saffron ragu – all rooted in familiar flavours but handled with finesse. The traditional Italian structure means pasta is a primo before a meat, fish or vegetarian secondi but you can also enjoy all of the pastas as a main too. The wines lean Italian, with a mixture of the classics: think montepulciano and barolo, and more fun orange and natural wines. The set lunch is also exceptional value: three courses for £29 on a Sunday. marcella.london Brutto, Farringdon Brutto in Farringdon has all the hallmarks of a trattoria in Bologna. The deep fried ‘dough ball cuddles’ with stracchino cheese and prosciutto are just about the perfect starter in my eyes. Tear open a steaming hot dough ball, fill with cheese and ham, then breathe a contented sigh. The antipasti section is perfect for picking on a few delicious morsels while sipping on Brutto’s famed £5 negroni or spritz. The mortadella with pickles was a perfect balance between fatty and briny – we were fighting over the last piece. The menu is seasonally changing but you’ll always get a great range of pastas. We visited in September and ate sublime rabbit and lemon pappardelle, and maltagliati with meat sauce that was rich and buttery. A salad on the side is always a good thing, and the cabbage in olive oil sounds humble but really lifted the cabbage to new heights. If you can manage it, Brutto does a great steak, served in the rare style of bistecca alla fiorentina but it’s not a make or break. Save room instead for another pasta, I reckon. Tiramisu for dessert is non-negotiable and Brutto makes a mean one. instagram.com/bru.tto Manteca, Shoreditch Fresh, hand-cut pasta and nose-to-tail sauces are the order of the day at this Shoreditch restaurant. Tender orange-scented olives of every colour and size are fine fodder for browsing the short menu, while warm and bouncy, rosemary-flecked focaccia, damp with oil and salt crystals, staves off hunger before the main event. There’s house-made mortadella, which we’ll be returning for, but are tempted in the direction of the fresh pasta. Rich and silky brown crab cacio e pepe clings onto tonnarelli – spaghetti’s squarer, rougher cousin – while fat, slippery ribbons of pappardelle hold the softest, well-seasoned ox cheek ragu and fresh, grassy parsley. The must-order, though, should you be lucky enough to still catch the season, is mushroom ravioli in a buttery sauce with crisp sage and shavings of marbled black truffle – they’re creamy, earthy, forest-floor-fantastic. Padella, Borough Market Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda, the duo behind Trullo in Highbury, opened their second restaurant, Padella, in Borough Market in March 2016. Padella’s menu is made up of eight pasta dishes taken from Trullo’s ‘greatest hits’, using fresh pasta rolled in the window of the restaurant just before service. A small, no-bookings restaurant where queues are a given, Padella was born of a desire to make fresh handmade pasta accessible to everybody. The open kitchen combines traditional Italian techniques and quality British produce to make dishes like pappardelle and eight-hour beef shin ragu, tagliarini with brown shrimps, green and yellow courgette, and its now famous pici cacio e pepe. Jordan says: “We wanted to create a restaurant that was true to the principles we admired in the great British restaurants – rigorous seasonality with a focus on using British producers wherever possible. We make everything in-house – rolling pasta, baking our bread, churning our ice cream – every day, and do it at a price that isn’t exclusive.” River Café Café, Hammersmith Pasta dishes are a highlight at the River Café’s neighbouring offshoot. Tuck into green beans and vibrant basil pesto tossed through trofie twists, Datterini tomatoes and Buffalo ricotta creating puddles in orrecchiete and prosciutto di Parma and garlicky yellow Roman courgettes folded between vesuvio spirals. It's a vibrant spot – pops of neon pink, bold Damien Hurst artwork and signature blue floors, and a shiny bar doubles up as a prep station for twists on classic Italian cocktails – negroni invecchiato, cynar spritz, bergamot margaritas and telefonico. Enjoy aperitif-style with a selection of focaccia, pecorino and fennel grissini and bruschetta. There's antipasti in abundance to try before your pasta – punchy Sicilian aubergine caponata, pieces of mozzarella with flash-fried frigitelli peppers and fresh, beefy tomatoes. For dessert, this is your opportunity to try River Café classics in a more casual setting – mousse-like Valrohna chocolate nemesis and bright, creamy signature lemon tart – best shared between two. If the weather’s fine, enjoy on the handful of tables scattered out beside River Cafe's iconic riverside lawn. rivercafe.co.uk/river-cafe-cafe Bancone, various locations The tagline for the Italian restaurant, with four locations in Covent Garden, Soho, Borough Yards and Kensington, might be “pasta, prosecco, espresso” – but it’s those first little mouthfuls of arancini from the antipasti that you’ll be raving about, come home time. Fresh pasta, which is made and rolled upstairs, is flash-boiled before being tossed with any of the 10 sauces on offer. Chitarra – guitar-string like spaghetti – is slicked with cacio e pepe and topped with a crisp, peppered cheese wafer. Oxtail ragu (best ever ragu recipes here), slow cooked for 10 hours until sticky and sweet, clings to bouncy folds of pappardelle. A golden egg yolk adorns the top of the limited edition silk handkerchiefs 'carbonara', where ribbons of pasta sit in a decadent, cheese sauce with crisp shards of pancetta. Simple, quality ingredients – the bedrock of good Italian cookery – are shown proper respect. Click here for our dinner party menu from Bancone here Lina Stores, Soho Lina Stores is a much-anticipated pasta, antipasti and aperitivi bar from Soho institution Lina Stores, an Italian deli that’s been the go-to for authentic produce since opening in 1944. The white and mint striped awning makes the new restaurant easily identifiable to regulars at Lina Stores’ original green-tiled corner shop a few streets away. Head chef Masha Rener has kept the menu simple and seemingly authentic, with every ingredient hailing directly from Italy – from bright and buttery Cerignola olives right down to the sugar used in exemplary Italian desserts and cakes. Fresh pasta, handmade an hour before service, is given pride of place at Lina Stores, served as the main event rather than traditional pre-main primi. Bright yellow strands of pappardelle soak up light, gamey rabbit ragu, perfectly formed gnocchi is brightened up with popping peas, and a vibrant mint and courgette mixture is stuffed into little tortellini parcels. Pici alla norcina is the highlight, though – springy worms of pasta in a creamy, nutty sauce of porcini mushroom and Norcia sausage (often celebrated as the best in Italy). Here’s our review of Lina Stores’ original shop, too Trullo, Higbury Older sister to Borough Market’s Padella, Trullo serves perfect pasta, antipasti and larger charcoal grill dishes in a romantic yet relaxed environment. Upstairs, wooden tables – simply laid with white paper tablecloths and flickering tea lights – are huddled together, while downstairs, dark booths are perfect for a longer, laid-back dinner. The menu changes twice daily, depending on seasonal produce, but if there’s two of you we’d recommend a couple of antipasti, a couple of plates of pasta and one larger oven dish. Baskets of bread are served alongside a pot of olive oil, and you can keep asking for more but it’s better to save yourself for the pasta. Rich beef shin ragu coats slippery ribbons of pappardelle, while sweet squash ravioli gets a richness from the olive oil. If it’s on the menu, order Padella’s iconic pici cacio e pepe for a cheesy hit. Meat and fish are simply cooked over coals, served with the likes of soft polenta and salsa verde or baby beetroot. trullorestaurant.com Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, St Katherines Dock “Many people have said the view from our restaurant resembles the coast of southern Italy,” says Andrew Macleod, owner of Emilia’s in St Katharine Docks. After developing the concept, Andrew joined forces with pasta chef Simone Stagnitto to create the menus for this rustic pasta bar. The pasta is made daily on site and the concise menu features just seven pasta dishes. Recipes include a northern Italian-style carbonara and four-hour slow-cooked béchamel bolognese. Noci, Battersea Power Station Modern pasta restaurant Noci has opened its second site deep inside Battersea Power Station, joining the original Islington location. Despite the industrial surroundings of Battersea Power Station, once you’re inside Noci it manages to still feel warm and cosy – suitable for both special occasion dinners and quick lunches whilst shopping. A range of modern spritzes on the cocktail menu is a new addition to the Noci offering that's exclusive to Battersea and not to be missed: the lemon and elderflower spritz on tap is a refreshing easy-drinker, whilst the sherbety yuzu and rhubarb spritz is our new favourite summer drink. Kick a meal off with a selection of the snacks: salty house focaccia topped with red onions, or triangular parcels of mortadella, ricotta and fior de latte torte fritter that ooze with cheese. Crisp, buttery nduja arancini are accompanied by a cloud of rich pecorino and parmesan mousse. The pasta menu combines Noci classics with changing seasonal twists. The signature veal and pork Genovese ragu (pictured) remains the standout dish and is a must-order, with deep caramelised onion flavour, meat that falls apart and melting Monk’s Head cheese delivered with style. The brown butter cacio e pepe is chewy and indulgent, whilst the crab and ricotta raviolo is generously filled and the richness balanced by plenty of deeply toasted pine nuts. There’s a short dessert menu, but you’re here for the savoury. Go for three pastas between two and a couple of the fried snacks and you’re sure to leave happy. nocirestaurant.co.uk Officina 00, Old Street Officina 00 is a cool pasta spot bringing a warm taste of the Med to Old Street roundabout, in East London. Italian classics from each region are given a modern twist, be it crumbled tarallo (a southern Italian savoury breadstick) atop burrata or cacio e pepe-filled deep-fried ravioli. All dishes are designed for sharing, and between two it’s best to order a couple of snacks, a small plate and two bowls of pasta (leaving room for tiramisu). Start with gooey aubergine croquettes, spiked with ‘nduja and topped with a sheet of ricotta salata, a final drizzle of honey giving a floral sweetness. Pasta comes al dente (although some might find it a little on the thick side), so if you like things lighter order gnocchi. Gooey dollops of melted gorgonzola cling onto pillows of soft pumpkin, all soaking up a nutty sage brown butter. It’s a comforting cuddle in a bowl. Corzetti (a thinly rolled, round pasta shape, stamped with a decorative design) traditional of north-west Italy is topped with an umami kick of bouncy wild mushrooms and crumbled fennel sausage. Pastaio, Soho Chef Stevie Parle’s casual venture brings handmade pasta and affordable wines to Soho. From the pasta section, malloreddus (tiny, ridged Sardinian gnocchi) come dressed with a slow-cooked sausage sauce that's elegantly light and flavourful, while agnoli stuffed with grouse, pork and rabbit in a seriously moreish sage-butter sauce is a deceptively simple dish that makes good use of prime autumn produce. Bocca di Lupo, Soho Bocca di Lupo showcases regional Italian cooking in tapas-sized portions. Jacob and Victor travelled extensively around Italy to research the restaurant’s menu and wine lists. There's a dedicated pasta section featuring the likes of pappardelle with wild boar ragu, spaghetti with squid cooked in it’s ink to turn black, and “pinched” little parcels of agnolotti del plin filled with veal and pork. boccadilupo.com Want to create homemade pasta from London's best pasta restaurants? Try these recipes... Padella's pici cacio e pepe Three of the most comforting words you'll read: pasta, butter, cheese. This classic Tuscan recipe for pici cacio e pepe comes from Borough Market's Padella. Bancone's lamb ragu pappardelle Check out chef Louis Korovilas's melt-in-the-mouth pappardelle with indulgent lamb ragu. This easy yet impressive recipe comes from Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden. Cantino Corvino's cauliflower and fontina cannelloni This recipe for cauliflower and fontina cannelloni comes from the chefs at Cantino Corvino, London. It's a delicious, comforting pasta dish.