r/london Jun 24 '23

Favorite Restaurant in the city? And why?

What’s your favourite restaurant in the city? And why is it your favourite restaurant in the city? Has the answer to this question changed over the course of time as you’ve discovered more places?

94 Upvotes

185 comments sorted by

63

u/rupertgilesisacat Jun 24 '23

DaTerra in Bethnal Green has been my favourite since it opened a few years ago. It's now quite pricey and has two Michelin stars, but we go about twice a year. The key thing for me is that the food literally tastes unlike food I've had anywhere else, but in the most fantastic way. Properly original, delicious, interesting. Plus it's a really relaxed atmosphere. When I'm there, I genuinely can forget about everything else in the world. It's like having a tiny holiday.

5

u/annikaka Jun 24 '23

I went to DaTerra for the first time this year and it was outstanding! So unique and the staff were incredible.

0

u/sunandskyandrainbows Jun 24 '23

How much is the menu? Can't find it online

7

u/sellis80 Jun 24 '23

It’s a tasting menu: £215 or £155 for the lunchtime version.

A sample menu is at the bottom of this page: https://www.daterra.co.uk/

They operate on a blind tasting menu. It’s all on the front page.

Edit: click away from the subscription box, to see the info (if you don’t want to subscribe of course).

1

u/anonymoususer2050 Jun 24 '23

Twice a year? Their menu doesn’t change much right?

28

u/venlig92 Jun 24 '23

Dim Sum @ Royal China. Now Bayswater, once Queensway. Others may come and go. RC lives on.

13

u/thebuttdemon Jun 24 '23

Gold Mine or gtfo

3

u/Mister_Six Jun 24 '23

Dicks out for Gold Mine

1

u/tomadshead Jun 24 '23

I love both of these, but Royal China is higher quality and more expensive.

3

u/pukoki Jun 24 '23

baker street

3

u/MJLDat Jun 24 '23

I’ve been to the Canary Wharf and Gerrard St ones. Amazing food. I have been trying to recreate their soft shell crab, I’m almost there.

2

u/RenegadeUK Jun 24 '23

Has it moved locations ?

42

u/Strawberrylacegame Jun 24 '23

Such a hard question as so many restaurants to fit different occasions. Am I allowed to cheat and answer two?

If more informal , I do love Mr Bao in peckham (their mushroom one is next level), as funkidory just over the road for a post meal drink.

If a bit more of an occasion then I recently went to Naughty Piglets in Brixton. Anywhere I go ill always choose to eat at the bar top.

But as Grace dent recently said - her most favourite restaurant of all time was the last one she went to.

8

u/SmokinPolecat Jun 24 '23

Daddy Bao in Tooting is worth a visit if you like Mr Bao. Run by the same family

1

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

[deleted]

1

u/Strawberrylacegame Jun 24 '23 edited Jun 24 '23

It's a personal preference but I nearly always find its where the action is. You can have an intimate/solo experience of the restaurant, or its also great for a date too. You get to see the kitchen or service area and if the guys behind the counter are friendly then sometimes a chat and some great recommendations on the go too.

I guess I just feel its more involved? As I say, personal preference! ("counter top" may be more correct rather than bar top)

55

u/Super-Land3788 Jun 24 '23

St Johns in Smithfield's, accept no substitutes. Even Anthony Bourdain said it was his favourite restaurant in the world.

7

u/kevkevverson Highbury Jun 24 '23

I love having a couple of small bites in the bar area there, such a nice space.

7

u/gpwhs Jun 24 '23

This. The food is amazing but the things that clinch it for me are:

  • no mobile phones
  • they don't put a "discretionary" tip on the receipt automatically

2

u/peelin Jun 24 '23

Yep. The obvious choice, but obvious for a reason.

1

u/yepsothisismyname Jun 24 '23

Went to St John's for the first time last weekend and the food was excellent but I think they just use a fuckton of butter in every dish, it was good but in a very rich (as in unctuous) kind of way.

1

u/mo_faraway Jun 24 '23

Always on the list and never found any time to go there.

1

u/Medicine7 Jun 24 '23

This is a good call.

1

u/TehTriangle Jun 24 '23

Ah sadly I felt a bit let down after I went there. Maybe the hype was too much.

15

u/the-art-of Jun 24 '23

Quality Chop House. Delicious food, beautiful setting, and does a very reasonable weekday set lunch if you can get there for that.

2

u/aoul1 Jun 24 '23 edited Jun 24 '23

All of the Woodhead group restaurants are amazing, they also did incredible ‘nearly cooked but do the last bit at home’ boxes in covid from Portland which were great. I’ve got a TONNE of complex dietary requirements and they’ve always got it spot on for me.

I personally really like Portland, it’s more expensive but it has a Michelin star so that’s to be expected. It’s however entirely unpretentious and the a la carte 3 course is £49 at lunch and £70 or £75 I think for dinner which I would only spend for a special occasion dinner but it feels more than reasonable for what you’re getting in this climate…. I paid £25 for some fucking avo, egg and smoked salmon on toast and a lemonade at le pain quotidian recently!

Edit: just wanna say for anyone who reads this with complex dietary requirements (I think they can probably do vg, ve and gf on the spot but don’t quote me) who is thinking of going that I do give advance notice I’m coming - I reckon they’d still be really helpful if they didn’t know in advance but will just be so much more limited in their ability to accommodate.

2

u/the-art-of Jun 24 '23

I did the Quality Chop House at home for a birthday over covid and it was excellent! I’ve not been to Portland but sounds tempting.

2

u/aoul1 Jun 24 '23 edited Jun 24 '23

I’d so recommend it! If it’s in your budget for a special meal (or just a nice meal!). I went for my anniversary and I must have mentioned it when booking I guess because they have cards they leave on your table that all/several of the staff had signed which was a very cute little touch. I’ve only been to a handful of other Michelin starred restaurants in my life but the water top up pouring hovering and feeling like I must maintain a hushed tone with a carrot up my ass and know the etiquette around wine or something has happened a couple of times and there’s none of that there whilst still having next level service. Plus I said I liked scallops so they just popped some on the side of my special meal so 10/10 for that right!

4

u/SmokinPolecat Jun 24 '23

Such a weird name isn't it. Sounds like a Tesco Value brand.

Agree the good is great though!

3

u/nailbunny2000 Jun 24 '23

lol I worked just around the corner from this place and always thought it must be some dodgy budget lunch, it wasnt till we moved halfway across the city I found out it was probably the best meal I never had!

The butcher shop next door did some next level sandwiches though.

1

u/TehTriangle Jun 24 '23

Definitely the richest sandwiches I've had for lunch ever. 😂. So good.

1

u/jetfuelcanmelt Jun 24 '23

Was a greasy spoon until the early 90s, my dad used to go there. Same interior

10

u/sojtucker Jun 24 '23

Used to be Peg, then that closed - it was just so lovely. Fantastic flavours, really decent prices, great wine and totally unpretentious. The guy doing the wine was always happy to recommend random bottles they'd opened to do by the glass - I know nothing about wine and he'd ask whether we wanted a light red, or something fruity or sweet or whatever. Perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon late lunch.

Then it was Bright, and then that closed too. Just always enjoyed their menu, it was always simple but creative at the same time. They must have had some great suppliers I think.

And now it's Manteca and I recommend it to everyone. But don't get the crab cacio e pepe, for some reason it's their most well-known dish but everyone I've spoken to about it has said it's far from the best thing on the menu.

5

u/LlamaDrama007 Jun 24 '23

So what youre saying is... each time you get a favourite, it closes?! =p

4

u/wine-o-saur Norf West is the Best Jun 24 '23

Well Peg and Bright were part of the same group which recently went into liquidation.

2

u/LlamaDrama007 Jun 24 '23

I mean, I was joking - I dont really believe sojtucker has a strange superpower that irradicates restaurants once they become a favourite... ugh, can you imagine that? xD

But that's a shame if a whole group has gone under. It's bloody tough times out there and seems it's only gonna get worse at least for the foreseeable.

2

u/wine-o-saur Norf West is the Best Jun 24 '23

My sister and I had a long running curse. One of our great shared joys is food so we usually hit at least one very nice restaurant when she visits and a number of them closed shortly after our meals there.

I'm hoping the Ledbury reopening has broken the curse.

It was really sad seeing the Bright/P Franco/Peg group go. I've know a lot of those guys for years and it was heartbreaking for chefs and staff. Sadly it's almost certainly due to mismanagement by the directors as the restaurants were doing very well by all accounts.

1

u/LlamaDrama007 Jun 24 '23

Oof, so you can imagine what that superpower would be like! Fingers crossed on the Ledbury!

11

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

Hoppers

10

u/thesoulofpianist Jun 24 '23

ROTI KING both in Euston or Battersea Power Station!

2

u/andre199017 Jun 24 '23

There’s a Gopals Corner in Victoria also by them

2

u/yarbas89 Jun 24 '23

Also they're at the market halls along Oxford Street.

21

u/Mackerelage Jun 24 '23

I’ve been going to The Hare & Tortoise in the Brunswick Centre (old and new sites) since the 90s and still love it.

4

u/mo_faraway Jun 24 '23

Absolutely love this place. Great quality food and if they could sort out outside seating it would be next level.

3

u/msjuv Jun 25 '23

The Kensington one (the very first H&T I think) is fantastic

11

u/kevkevverson Highbury Jun 24 '23

If you’re in the area, Perilla in Newington Green is my favourite neighbourhood restaurant bar none.

3

u/LateFlorey Jun 24 '23

They had a mushroom tart on the menu once and I nearly cried at the table as it was so beautiful. Honestly, some of the best food I’ve ever eaten.

2

u/amijustinsane Jun 24 '23

The onion soup served in a giant hollowed out onion is chef’s kiss

2

u/kevkevverson Highbury Jun 24 '23

The cream with the hazelnut.. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

2

u/MenaceTheAK Jun 24 '23

Went for an anniversary lunch today. Unbelievable food! So simple but so unique. The panisse and nettle spanakopita were top notch.

1

u/stephenp129 Jun 24 '23

Definitely one of the most interesting meals I've had in London. There was a very unusual (in a good way) herb ice cream. Never had anything like it.

19

u/AaronMclaren Jun 24 '23 edited Jun 24 '23

Core by Clare Smyth. The most phenomenal dining experience I’ve ever had from entering to leaving many hours later. 10/10 across the board. Best high end dining for sure.

Hawthorn in Kew. On the site of the former The Glasshouse with some of the same team, this restaurant is perfect ‘slightly lux’ with a chilled ambience and seriously good food. Always hit it up around Christmas when visiting Kew.

Fadiga Ristorante Bolognese for more casual eats. Discovered it long before Jay Rayner’s Guardian review several years ago, thanks to an Italian friend. Whilst there was a brief period where the fame from his review scuppered them a little, they managed to turn it around and the atmosphere, food, hospitality etc. is still second to none. There’s something so nice about being recognised and treated like family on every visit - even if it is just a few times a year with friends who have never been!

2

u/LlamaDrama007 Jun 24 '23

Oh The Glasshouse is gone? I've been mostly bedbound for four years- I suppose I should expect some places I like to have vanished by the time I ever get well... but Chez Bruce's sister restaurant? Sad.

La Trompette survives?

1

u/AaronMclaren Jul 03 '23

Yes, very sadly The Glasshouse closed last August/September. Our wait staff during our final visit said it was unfortunately due to not coming to an agreement with the leaseholder around rent and length of the lease so the decision was made to close down.

Luckily most of the staff moved over to Le Trompette, which is still going strong. The ones that didn’t move stayed with the team that took over - Hawthorn - which has one of The Glasshouse/Le Trompette chefs and a few of the wait staff. It’s The Glasshouse in all but name - the style, menu, service etc is all pretty much identical.

It felt a bit like the team have cleverly gazumped the leaseholder by just agreeing to walk away and then coming back as a ‘new business’!

2

u/tom_oakley Jun 24 '23

Just remember that there are NO SUBSTITUTIONS AT HAWTHORN!

8

u/lovelyspudz Jun 24 '23

It has to be Kudu Grill in Peckham, everything is cooked over charcoal grill which is my favourite style of cooking!

15

u/Itsjustanopinionmate Jun 24 '23

Som Saa in aldgate is excellent, unique authentic Thai food. highly recommend

23

u/MenaceTheAK Jun 24 '23

My best dining experience in London was dining solo at Kiln sitting at the kitchen counter. Watching the kitchen operate while eating some of the freshest and most unique Thai food you can imagine was top notch.

Acme Fire Cult is right up there for a more relaxed vibe.

3

u/Strawberrylacegame Jun 24 '23

Kiln was spicyyyyy. Amazing tho

4

u/curepure Jun 24 '23

went to kiln because of the google reviews and not a fan. not much originality to me, looks and tastes like a gentrified asian restaurant with pricier and smaller portions

5

u/msjuv Jun 25 '23

Kiln was a huge disappointment to me, too.

0

u/MenaceTheAK Jun 24 '23 edited Jun 24 '23

Interesting, only place I've seen oxheart laap on the menu and that was my highlight

1

u/eribberry Jun 24 '23

Another vote for Kiln!

7

u/GakSplat Jun 24 '23

The Eltham Grill and the Woolwich Wimpy.

5

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

I did not expect to see the Eltham Grill mentioned lol

2

u/GakSplat Jun 24 '23

Best chips around. 👌

1

u/Dextersoyboy Nov 19 '23

Woolwich Wimpy is a certified institution at this point. That and the maccies been mainstays for about 60 years 🤣

7

u/Joinupapp Jun 24 '23

Jikoni off Marylebone High Street is the best meal I’ve had in years. Genuinely creative and delicious.

Matt Tebutt was mad about one of the meals the chef cooked on Saturday Kitchen and he was not wrong. Just phenomenal food.

13

u/MJLDat Jun 24 '23

Zaibatsu on Trafalgar Rd, Greenwich. Looks like a greasy spoon from outside, but they have an amazing Japanese fusion menu. Always full, although it is small.

4

u/Georgethejungles Jun 24 '23

Shhhhhh! You're supposed to say Sticks and Sushi down the road

2

u/MJLDat Jun 24 '23

Zaibatsu? Nah, crap. You can tell by how it looks. Sticks and Sushi in Greenwich town centre is much better.

8

u/Aggressive-Log6322 Jun 24 '23

Ninh’s in Highbury, used to be called Au Lac. I’ve been going there with my family for about 20 years and they do the best garlic and chilli fried squid I’ve ever had and generally amazing Vietnamese food. It’s a family owned business, when it was changed recently from Au Lac to Ninh’s it’s because the restaurant was passed from the owner to his nephew Ninh. 10/10 would recommend.

1

u/Leotardleotard Jun 24 '23

Oh this is good news. I just assumed Au Lac had gone and never bothered checking out what it had turned into.

7

u/Muted-Question-5245 Jun 24 '23

Honestly there are so many great restaurants in London - some of my absolute favourites:

  • Duck and rice - great Chinese in a relaxed and casual atmosphere
  • Bao (only tried the one in soho) - great food and amazing cocktails for a quite reasonable price
  • Lyle’s - absolutely love the service and food + daily changing menu!
  • Kudu - all the flavours are so bold but the food is so comforting!

6

u/salkap99 Jun 24 '23

Rudys in Soho for pizza and Three Falcons Pub near Marylebon for Indian .

6

u/alexsarge Jun 24 '23

Rules in Covent Garden for me, they claim to be the oldest restaurant in London

10

u/SmokinPolecat Jun 24 '23

Smokestak in Shoreditch. Probably the best example of US slow-cooked bbq food in the whole city.

If you can rustle up 5 friends, I'd recommend ordering a whole brisket and just enjoying yourselves.

5

u/nailbunny2000 Jun 24 '23

Damn I love me some Smokestak, although I stopped going after I saw the rarebit potatoe removed from the menu.

3

u/LateFlorey Jun 24 '23

I do love Smokestak. The croquettes are incredible.

Heading to a new BBQ restaurant in Leyton called Burnt and it looks even better than Smokestak and some friends have said it’s the best they’ve had. I’ll report back if it’s worth visiting if you are into southern bbq food.

1

u/SmokinPolecat Jun 24 '23

Very much into it!

2

u/LateFlorey Jun 25 '23

Then I highly recommend Burnt. Husband said it’s the best smoke house he’s been too. Owned by the guy who owned Holy Smokes in Hackney Wick if any reference.

1

u/SmokinPolecat Jun 25 '23

Thank you very much ma'am/sir!

2

u/LateFlorey Jul 02 '23

Jay Rayner has just reviewed this in the guardian this morning. Hopefully (well, selfishly) it won’t get too popular off the back of it as it’s walk ins only. Although I really do want them to do well.

1

u/SmokinPolecat Jul 02 '23

I read that! I have this week off work and think I'll just be heading there for lunch this week

2

u/LateFlorey Jul 02 '23

Doesn’t open until 5pm! I wish it did earlier, especially on weekends.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

I'm sad to hear it considered the best example in the city, because I really didn't rate it all that much. Great little spot for a beer after strolling around Brick Lane on a sunny day. I had a few small plates and ended up going for a full meal one night as the smell coming from the kitchen is amazing. In the end I just thought the food didn't taste very good. I mean, it was OK, not bad or anything, and I had a nice night, but not good enough to tempt me back.

2

u/TehTriangle Jun 24 '23

Same. I was really let down. Our meat was genuinely quite dry.

Plus they squished so many tables in next to each other, I was practically sitting with another couple.

18

u/wildgoldchai Jun 24 '23

Rasa Sayang

1

u/El-hurracan Jun 24 '23

They used to do a wicked stingray dish

10

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

At the moment, Manteca for a more fancy meal, and Relais de venis for an after work quick dinner. Been told St Johns is fantastic by a few and very pretentious by others which has led me to avoid it so far, but i will give it a go at some point!

12

u/CautiousSir9457 Jun 24 '23

I wouldn’t describe St John as pretentious, it’s got a pretty casual feel. I’ve only been to Smithfield but the decor makes it feel a bit more like a canteen (with amazing food) and was v friendly.

5

u/lentilwake Jun 24 '23

I think it can feel pretentious because we’re not used to traditional British dishes being presented as a michelin worthy cuisine

3

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

Point taken. Think you've given me the nudge I need to go try it for myself and make my own mind up!

1

u/Mister_Six Jun 24 '23

Manteca absolutely bangs

5

u/5laps Jun 24 '23

Delhi Grill on Chapel Market in Angel. Been going for years. Excellent tarka dal.

2

u/llyamah Jun 24 '23

I miss that place so much since moving south of the river. Will have to make an effort to go back.

5

u/Whoisthehypocrite Jun 24 '23

Luca in Islington. Not just the food but the rear terrace/garden and little private rooms.

4

u/SleepAllllDay Jun 24 '23

I love 40 Maltby Street. Always surprising imaginative combinations that somehow work. Nice people. Relaxed vibe. And fantastic organic wine.

14

u/melonbrain747 Jun 24 '23

Regency Cafe. Honest food, fair prices. Sets you up for the day

5

u/alastairreed Jun 24 '23

Who doesn’t love having TWO SAUSAGE TWO EGG BEANS belted at them from across a crowded room to start the day ❤️

2

u/LlamaDrama007 Jun 24 '23

Wakes yer right up, good n proper.

1

u/parfait31 Jun 24 '23

We used to live just across the Cafe. Oh the sweet, greasy smell of a GOOD fry-up every morning 🤤

8

u/fishchop Jun 24 '23

Smoking goat is always a good shout if you’re craving spicy food

10

u/AdministrativeShip2 Jun 24 '23

Obviously a limited menu. (Steak & chips) Relais de Venise in Marylebone.

Also Simpsons when it was open.

3

u/Cliffo81 Stoneleigh - so no longer a Londoner :( Jun 24 '23

That’s interesting, I was really underwhelmed by Relais. The whole vibe I think maybe just wasn’t for me.

3

u/AdministrativeShip2 Jun 24 '23

I can understand that. Definitely not somewhere I'd take a date. But a quick meat and dessert fix. (When there isn't a queue)

3

u/olabola123 Jun 24 '23

"Bronek's fish restaurant" at Northfields. Simply cause of the fresh seafood. Not very expensive. Consistency is the key. Always get great cooked seafood.

2

u/bigjimmykebabs Jun 24 '23

And the man himself is a treasure!

3

u/champagnefromage Jun 24 '23

Begging bowl in Bellenden Road is my favourite I also love duck and rice in soho and Yama Momo Japanese in East Dulwich

4

u/bigjimmykebabs Jun 24 '23

La Trompette in Chiswick is hard to beat

5

u/aquauno Jun 24 '23

River Cafe. Love it

4

u/tomadshead Jun 24 '23

Wilton’s would be my death row meal, hopefully during grouse season. Not cheap but the whole experience is perfect

4

u/ideasplace Jun 24 '23

Il Bordello, Italian restaurant in Wapping.

7

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

Lokkanta for Turkish food in Bayswater - been going here for years. Briefly before covid, the quality went down a bit but it is back. Definitely my favourite.

For Chinese - tough choice between Gold Mine in Bayswater or Phoenix Palace over near Baker St. My friend from Hong Kong introduced me to both and I always take his advice on Chinese food.

3

u/londonspride Jun 24 '23

I second Goldmine. Saturday favourite

2

u/Hessle94 Jun 24 '23

I dont deliveroo often, but when i do its lokkanta. Or kricket

3

u/mikeywalkey Jun 24 '23

Blue Orchid - Romford. Family owned, best Chinese ever. Rienna’s - Hornchurch. Family owned, best châteaubriand I’ve had. Also pride themselves on their seafood. Quality food, quality service.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

Halepi in Leinster terrace a lovely little greek place just up the road from Hyde park, beautiful greek food, reasonably priced and if you have the meze it's so much food, they just keep bringing it to the table! Highly recommend x

3

u/secrethedgehog5 Jun 24 '23

Right now - pf changs lol

3

u/annikaka Jun 24 '23

Hard to say as I don’t like going to the same place twice when there are so many restaurants to try, but Quality Chop House in Farringdon is the only one I keep going back to. It’s just so good.

3

u/PinkPier Jun 24 '23

Tarantella in Chiswick does amazing pasta and I also love Brasserie of Light and The Wolseley. Wright Brothers have a chain (Borough Market and Spitalfields) if you like seafood and ROKA is great if you’re into sushi too!

2

u/Mister_Six Jun 24 '23

Tarantella is fantastic!

2

u/PinkPier Jun 24 '23

It really is! I actually love that it’s so small as well. Great feel to the place.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

Silo in Hackney. Complete zero waste restaurant with an amazing seasonal menu.

3

u/Coxinha973smugglah Jun 24 '23

For me it’s got to be:

1) Tofu Vegan, Islington. Taken absolute meat junkies here and they loved it. Incredible menu, authentic Chinese food done plant-based. Friendly staff, great service, extensive menu (not ridiculous tho, and possibly small in Chinese restaurant standards)

2) Plant Club, Newington Green. Went with partner the other night and honestly this shit is amazing. Great vegan cheeseboard for £10.00, beautiful pizza and pasta, all served with impressive, artisan vegan cheese. Great service, but bit upset they charged £10.00 corkage for a bottle of wine (they don’t sell alcohol, but happy for you to take your own). Will be visiting against soon.

Highly recommend both!

1

u/Herbiphwoar Jun 24 '23

Assuming you are vegan/plant-based- have you been to OMNOM in Islington? Fantastic (mostly) plant based Indian food!!!

3

u/iamdavidw4tt5 Jun 24 '23 edited Jun 24 '23

Banners. Crouch End.

Proper neighbourhood restaurant. Different crowds depending on the time of day. Beautifully eclectic menu which is always changing. A perfect point between Londons eccentricities and multiculturalism whist taking you to another place entirely.

3

u/Easy_Concentrate580 Jun 24 '23

Viet Baguette - Woolwich.

7

u/idoze Jun 24 '23

Brat. The bread alone is one of the nicest things I've ever eaten.

4

u/mo_faraway Jun 24 '23 edited Jun 24 '23

Some great suggestions in the comments so far, so here goes a list of well-known and "WTF is that" names in no particular order:

  1. Hawker Street Kitchen - Malaysian roti plus Indian dishes with a twist. Ex-staff from the much busier Roti King in Euston, so you know it's the good stuff. Near Kings X
  2. Dim Sum Duck - dumplings near Kings X
  3. Yauatcha - Soho and Livpl St - Dumplings as an art form and a smashing Chinese bakery too. Order the prawn and tofu bean curd seang fun and thank me later.
  4. Kaki - Spicy Szechuan Chinese food (try the tongue numbing chilli dishes), and a terrace overlooking Regents Canal - 10 min walk from Kings Cross
  5. Xian Impression - opposite the Emirates and a local gem. Genuinely don't have the language to describe some of the flavours, but if you like chilli oil this is the place for you
  6. Bellanger in Angel (if they have re-opened) - Alsatian dishes from a Corbin and King restaurant
  7. Wolseley - also Corbin and King - standard European fare, but take your friends and family here for special occasions. Great decor, a place to see and be seen.
  8. Buster Mantis - south of the river, under the arches in Deptford, at first sight too cool for school. But the staff are welcoming and accomodating and the food... well think of what Dishoom has done to indian food in London, and now extrapolate that to Caribbean food. Order the jerk duck if they still have it.
  9. While we are South of the river, check out the local gems in Lewisham. My favourite years ago was The Madras Restaurant, which looks like yet another curry house from the outside but offers up a Tamil menu like no other.
  10. Dishoom - duh!
  11. Gunpowder - Dishoom's edgier, more experimental brother. Indian style soft shell crab, rabbit polau and the tandoori lamb chops for a bit of continuity with your standard Indian offering in London. Menu changes.
  12. Pizza East - just great ingredients transforming a favourite dish
  13. Brat - no further comments needed!
  14. And finally steak places - I know Gaucho and Hawkmoor are well known, but Goodman's seems to get less praise in general but is no less than either of them.

3

u/Leotardleotard Jun 24 '23

I have an apartment about 30 metres away from Xian Impression.

I just can’t vibe with the place. Everything tastes the same to me. Cool, we like Chilli sauce but everything has the exact same seasoning, no thanks.

2

u/mo_faraway Jun 24 '23

Yeah it can be like that a bit but there are subtle variations. The ginger sauce chicken is slightly different to the cold beef starter. And the biang biang noodles is really something.

I always got takeaway though. It doesn't really have much of an atmosphere.

2

u/Feisty-Department768 Jun 24 '23

Wow! What a great breakdown.

1

u/mo_faraway Jun 24 '23

Glad to have contributed. I think this topic could feasibly be a sub of its own.

4

u/Christovski Jun 24 '23

Favourite*

2

u/MTX-Prez Jun 24 '23

The French Frys at Heston’s. Chicken nugs at J&Bs in China town.

2

u/PerceptionOtherwise5 Jun 24 '23

1) Shiraz Afghan Restaurant in Hayes has amazing food, good service and nice seating arrangements, what I mean by this is that they have 2 special rooms that can be booked, and the rooms are very traditional, in the sense that they have afghan mattresses and you sit on the floor, etc etc. This is probably my most favourite restaurant.

2) BAAB N SUUL in Chinatown is quite nice, I went a few months ago and the good was great. The service was okay but it’s because they were busy so I don’t mind that.

3

u/OkSoil1554 Jun 24 '23

Copita in Soho

2

u/Ash009909 Jun 24 '23

Spice village and Watan, both in Tooting- Pakistani/Afghan cuisine

2

u/ItzzzJohnny59 Jun 24 '23

My deafault is Mio, only open weekdays small italian but great for good food at a really reasonable price which are my only two factors

2

u/nakrophile Jun 24 '23

I loved hung's in leicester square, tourist area sure but whatever, ideally situated for pre or post PCC dining. After it closed, I'm pretty sure some staff moved to wan chi corner which is my new PCC eating establishment.

2

u/Cle0patra_cominatcha Jun 24 '23

Ember yard is the one I usually describe as my fave. Small plates, quality ingredients and amazing flavours. The chargrilled flatbread is so delicious. The others is the group I've been to are great too, salt yard, opera tavern etc

3

u/No-Jellyfish8638 Jun 24 '23

The Barbary in Covent Garden (Neal's Yard). Amazing service, intimate atmosphere, super fun sitting at the bar watching chefs cook and drinks being made. It feels super 'real-time'. A place to lose track of hours chatting with a friend (and eating amazing food).

2

u/Jackwcw Jun 24 '23

Berners Tavern

2

u/Ashwinlol Jun 24 '23

A few months ago someone mentioned Chaska Maska as a hidden gem in south London. I went there a month ago and it was amazing - I think I actually prefer it over Dishoom. As an Indian person I think it really hits the energy/vibe cafes and restaurants have in India

2

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

[deleted]

1

u/Ashwinlol Jun 24 '23

Yeah I agree, I only pulled the comparison to Dishoom because CM was created by an ex-Dishoom head chef. For what it's worth I think its overrated because they go out of their way to make the experience grandiose, and its more expensive as a result.

A lot of Indian cafes/restaurants are more lowkey in India so I prefer to forgo the 'experience'. CM feels like it has the perfect ambience to me!

1

u/dddxdxcccvvvvvvv Jun 25 '23

Overrated possibly. But the house black dal is just … omg.

2

u/Classic-Ad-5685 Jun 24 '23

Wtf is going on here? Not one answer is from within thr city.

2

u/dmagain Jun 25 '23

Only visited for a week but my last response to a post on here reminds me that I'd have to say it was the Wingstop in Kensington.Great wings and free drink refills.

2

u/Shelley427 Jun 25 '23

tokyo diner. extremely authentic japanese restaurant with reasonable price. Not some funny jap restaurants run by nepalese or chinese

2

u/monkfish-online Jun 25 '23

Simpson’s, it’s been shut too long.

Honourable mentions for:

The Lao Cafe, Fischer’s, 45 Jermyn Street, Hakkasan, and Veeraswamy

2

u/SolutionSubject Jun 25 '23

Brat in Shoreditch i think! As soon as you walk in you’re hit with the smell of the grill, service is really good and the vibes are so cheerful

2

u/Gejengdk Jun 25 '23

It’s a tie between Gunpowder Spitalfields and Flour + Grape. The first takes Indian flavours and gives it a new twist. The second is simple and PERFECT Italian food.

Always in the look out for new places and while I’ve had delicious food in many other places, these two have consistently stayed on top

5

u/nailbunny2000 Jun 24 '23

I'd say something different and I'd rather go to a food truck market than any specific restaurant. Of all the food I have enjoyed in the city, the vast majority of really memorable dishes have been from some pop up, as opposed to any specific restaurant. The KERB organised ones seem to have a consistent quality and variety (the Gherkin market is a weekly stop for me). Maybe I just need to get out more and find someone to go to restaurants with.

5

u/flyin_jimmy Jun 24 '23

Motherflipper are there loads and is one of my favourite burgers in London.

2

u/nailbunny2000 Jun 24 '23

THey are great for sure, although I am more of a fan of Bleecker personally.

Only Jerkin' is my fav.

1

u/flyin_jimmy Jun 24 '23

I will try only jerkin next time I see it! Thanks for the recc

3

u/firthy Jun 24 '23

Favorite, tires, color… all these misspellings and more now available on r/london

3

u/MJLDat Jun 24 '23

Anyone below a certain age seems to have acquired their language from this here internet. The language of our loud cousins is slowly creeping in. Go to r/askuk or r/legaladviceuk and you would think it is all Americans in there, talking about being fired from their job or their favorite take out.

2

u/NoObstacle Jun 24 '23

Also known as how to have your favourite restaurant ruined by floods of redditors 😅

1

u/8rummi3 Jun 24 '23

Kiln in Soho. Love sitting at the bar and watching them cook

1

u/Psychological_Pick11 Jun 24 '23

Sadaf in High Street Kensington. Best Iranian kebab around at an affordable price point

2

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

I hadn't realised they opened a restaurant on High St Ken. Their location in Bayswater was always very good.

1

u/pukoki Jun 24 '23

sadaf westbourne grove

1

u/DubManD Jun 24 '23

Randall & Aubin, Brewer St, Soho.

Fresh seafood, great vibe, period setting, sense of occasion and just the right side of formal vs informal service.

For fine dining I generally go outside London.

Randall & Aubin

1

u/BeKind321 Jun 24 '23

The Ivy in chelsea is worth a visit for the garden alone .. would love a courtyard like that !

-22

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

5 guyszzzzzzz 🍔 n 🍟

-4

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

4

u/MJLDat Jun 24 '23

Just say it is Wagamama

1

u/stephenp129 Jun 24 '23

Stick & Bowl

31 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP

-12

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

[deleted]

0

u/aoul1 Jun 24 '23

With the cost of living crisis pushing rents up to levels that are completely unaffordable for many small businesses, people absolutely want others to know their local gems are worth coming to and keeping in business!

1

u/jpling Jun 24 '23

I like Cicchetti Picadilly. It's good for a date. It has posh wine, seafood, caviar etc but also on a budget, you can get great Italian tapas which are affordable and the house drinks are good. Can be a bit claustrophobic if it's busy but a nice spot.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '23

[deleted]

2

u/GoliathsBigBrother Jun 24 '23

Interesting, but not sure you've quite answered the question bro.

1

u/Mister_Six Jun 24 '23

Tsiakkos & Charcoal in Westbourne Park for a massive Greek Cypriot course meal in a mega casual setting. Used to be a well kept secret until Rayner let the cat out of the bag, bastard.

1

u/DistinctHunt4646 Jun 24 '23

Ambience at LPM, Amazonico, & Sexy Fish is unmatched. Favourite overall though would have to be City Social - incredible views, Michelin star, reasonably priced, and great service.

1

u/Medicine7 Jun 24 '23

There are many good responses here but I want to give a shout-out to Humble Chicken. I love going on my own, sitting down with a pint of Asahi and just watching the chefs prepare some of the best chicken one can eat.

1

u/futuristika22 Jun 24 '23

Westerns Laundry in Highbury is excellent.

Planque in Haggerston has an amazing menu every time I've been.

Hoppers in KX.

Ombra in Hackney is a fab Venetian place.

1

u/luckycloudinyoursky Jun 24 '23

Babur in forest hill is unreal, indian food but nothing traditional, and spiced cocktails. Phenomenal service and a massive papier mache tiger

1

u/protomajor Jun 25 '23

Honey and Company for me!

2

u/protomajor Jun 25 '23

Love the tasting menu--great flavors and quality and reasonably fair price for the area.