70 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QX
Zapote is a modern Mexican restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch with an ex-Aqua Nueva chef in the kitchen. All their tortillas are made in-house daily and the menu features a mix of the traditional and modern, with tacos and quesadillas sitting alongside dishes like their coal-roasted sweet potato. There is a big bar here too, so it's very handy for some of their cocktails and snacks.
4 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XN
This family-run Dalston ocakbasi was transformed into one of London's most exciting restaurants when ownership passed to the original owners' sons. Now you can expect thrilling modern Turkish food through an East London lens.
Unit 3, 1 Finsbury Ave, London EC2M 2PF
Travel to Portugal and perch at the counter by the open kitchen of the City outlet of Bar Douro, enjoying petiscos, such as salt-cod fritters and smoked sausage croquetas, while admiring the azulejos that adorn the walls.
4 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
For maximalists rather than minimalists this Italian restaurant took over a former bank just off Pall Mall, so expect acres of marble and gilt. In addition to the restaurant and bar, there’s also a walk-in wine cellar, whisky room and private dining room - it’s definitely a dress-up place for a special occasion.
1 Norris St, London SW1Y 4RJ
Finding well-priced restaurant options in St James can be a bit tricky but this Italian pizzeria is always a good bet. The USP here is that they use Mediterranean seawater in the pizza dough - that may sound gimmicky but the proof is in the eating and the pizzas are really good.
1 Dover St, London W1S 4LD
Sheesh became a huge hit in Essex, attracting all manner of celebs from D-listers to A-listers like Russell Crowe. This sees them in much more prime territory - almost directly opposite The Ritz. Expect something of a party affair, a touch of Essex in London and a menu that does indeed feature "Sheesh" kebabs, but wagyu steaks and lobster rolls too. Don't expect it to be subtle.
176 Blackstock Rd, London N5 1HA
Giacco's comes from a team with a strong background in hospitality and wine and this is their Italian-accented wine bar in Highbury. Expect Italian charcuterie, fresh pasta, their own small-batch gelato and a focus on Italian wines.
Unit 4, Sonny Heights, Swains Lane, London N6 6AG
Previously best known for their canal-based restaurants, this sees London Shell Co open their first land-based restaurant and fishmonger. So either pick up some seafood for your own kitchen or simply grab a table and order some of the specials, along with a well-chosen wine list.
17 Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9DP
Story Cellar is a spin-off from Tom Sellers' Story restaurant. It's a smaller-scale affair, billed as a "Parisienne-influenced" restaurant. Food-wise, the rotisserie chicken is a centrepiece alongside plenty of riffs on French cuisine (like snail bolognese) and a strong wine list.
97 St. John’s Road Battersea Rise, London SW11 1QY
Ploussard comes from the same team behind Other Side Fried but this is a very different affair. It's a neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant in Battersea with a seasonal small plates menu and a focus on natural wines. Tables are also kept back for walk-ins at the bar if you fancy popping in for wine and snacks.
5 Trebeck St, Shepherd Market, London W1J 7LT
This is the third restaurant from the Noble Rot team (again teaming up with The Sportsman's Stephen Harris). A bigger space than their Soho restaurant, this boasts two bars which are very handy for popping for snacks and a glass or two of wine. The restaurant sees them bring a menu of "indulgence" and this also boasts one of their most extensive wine lists.
43 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U 6LS
Mayha's original opening was in Beirut, a somewhat surprising way for a Japanese omakase restaurant to arrive in London. Here it's a two floored affair with the ground floor serving a long omakase menu. Downstairs, you'll find the bar which has its own omakase experience - smaller snacks, each paired with a cocktail.
Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN
Control Room B comes from the people behind the Mr Fogg's group of bars. This bar is inside Battersea Power Station and, as the name suggests, has taken over one of the former control rooms. Look out for many of the original features in the bar, and more than a few electric-themed cocktails.
547 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 3BL
Kapihan in Battersea saw the popular Filipino bakery return in a new location. On the menu are their popular Filipino pastries and bakery goods like the classic bibingka rice cake alongside ensaymada, leche flan and sourdough pandesal along with weekend specials.
10 - 11 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ
Two Columbian sisters are behind this all day Latin-American spot in Eccleston Yards. Brunch is big business with corn pancake stacks and cassava waffles on offer. At dinner time on weekends, the offering switches up to cocktails and a small plates menu.
13 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ
This diminutive wine shop and bar is devoted to vegan wine brand Amie. There’s a focus on rose, although they do a boutique range of their own-brand French wines. Sit and sip inside or outside on the terrace. There’s also a popular space for booking out for parties.
The Rubens at The Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS
Billed as serving English dishes with a twist, this hotel restaurant celebrates the art of tableside dining with all manner of treats. Smoked salmon is carved beside you and both mains and desserts include flambe options for a bit of theatrics.
Unit 17, 77 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0AJ
Right next to Victoria station, this convenient location of the Vagabond bar chain is the place to wait for your train while sipping on one of the 100 wines by the glass. Or you could try something new, with help from its unique wine-matching machines.
15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
A truly luxurious experience, The Goring’s cocktail bar showcases British spirits along with herbs from the hotel’s garden in an opulent setting, while a live pianist plinks quietly in the background. You can drink ‘The Madness of King George’, a cocktail featuring King George III’s favourite whisky, and nibble at lobster scampi with chilli and pepper jam from the bar menu.
43 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PP
If you like plants with your cocktails, Bbar lays claim to having London’s largest ‘living wall’. It’s also directly located across from Buckingham Palace, so keep your eyes peeled for royalty from the terrace while enjoying live DJ sets through the week.
3-4 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ
Particularly popular for its seasonal sharing plates, Wild by Tart in Belgravia’s Eccleston Yards development offers somewhere you can dine with large groups on feasting tables or watch the open kitchen prepare dishes from the wood-fired oven at the counter.
116 Ebury Street, London SW1W 9QQ
You may recognise the fairy-tale exterior from Instagram, but the (original) Belgravia outlet of Peggy Porschen still bowls visitors over with its pretty pinkness. You’ll have a wonderful afternoon tea here, as they’re renowned for their creative cakes, but there’s also an all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch.
37 Monck St, London SW1P 2BL
This is the place for modern Sichuan cuisine and dim sum. Expect lots of sizzle and spicy flavours in a relatively minimalist and sleek space with service that errs on the formal side. There are two set menus as well as à la carte; it’s particularly good for groups.
68 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6AQ
This two-level stylish Victoria branch of the Ibérica restaurant chain from two-Michelin-starred executive chef Nacho Manzano showcases some of the best Spanish produce in London. You can expect Juan Pedro Domecq jamón, croquetas from Manzano’s grandmother’s recipe and classic desserts such as caramelised rice pudding and churros.
This bakery has a team of international chefs producing everything you need in the form of bread and patisserie in an upmarket café. Name a variety of loaf from anywhere in the world and it’s probably on offer here. There are also freshly baked flatbreads from the clay oven to enjoy for savoury brunches at sharing tables out the back.
Westminster Kingsway College, 76 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PD
Play your part in supporting the chefs of the future at this smart brasserie that offers high-standard, contemporary, seasonal food at great-value prices, thanks to the role it plays as a teaching kitchen. You’ll be served by students (both chefs and front of house staff) from the college.
17-19 Regency St, London SW1P 4BY
A classic English café, this opened in 1946 and is so quintessential-looking that it’s been used as a filming location for its art deco style. This is where to get a proper ‘greasy spoon’ breakfast fry-up and two-Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr has also declared it his favourite (there’s a framed photo on the wall with his statement to prove it).
23 Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9NF
This outlet of a popular pizza chain is just as much about the 72-hour-fermented Neapolitan pizza doughs as it is the music. Expect a next-level sound system with your traditional pizza toppings, as well as gelato, beer and cocktails.
18 Greencoat Row, London SW1P 1PG
This Nepalese restaurant serves up food with an emphasis on spicy flavour rather than excessive heat. It’s a place for homestyle cooking, whether you fancy a hearty dal, a mutton curry, or a quick momo. Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered for.
1F Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PN
Run by the team that was once Hot 4 U, Papi sees chef Matthew Scott team up with Charlie Carr from Wingnut Wines. While also having a big focus on sustainability and zero-waste, it's key to point out that 'fun' is a big part of the vibe of the restaurant. Expect a regularly changing menu, great wines and a small bar downstairs too.
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