Restaurant Reviews

78 Lower Clapton Road, Lower Clapton, London E5 0RN

After building up a devoted following at Peckham's Market, Abby Lee moved her Malaysian restaurant to a permanent space in East London, which cemented her as one of the city's best chefs. Here, it's all about modern Malaysian food and the place to be is up at the counter. If it's on, the Lor Bak (five-spice pork and prawn bean curd roll) is a must but you'll want to roam through as much of the menu as you can.

322-324 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA

Taking two railway arches in Haggerston, Planque is a wine bar, restaurant, members' club and store, with a key focus on natural and low-intervention wines. And most importantly it has Seb Myers (ex P Franco and Chiltern Firehouse) running the kitchen and serving up a modern take on French food. Small-medium plates are the order of the day, although there's a great set lunch deal here on Saturdays.

28th Floor, Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE

Taking over the iconic rooftop space once home to Galvin at Windows, Shanghai Me arrives in London after opening successful restaurants in Dubai and Doha. Expect a glamorous 1930s Shanghai-inspired setting with a luxe Pan-Asian menu—think Cantonese roast duck with foie gras and caviar, spicy bluefin oshizushi, and a “dim sum library”. The adjacent Bund lounge bar (28th floor) features zodiac-themed cocktails and sweeping Hyde Park views.

191 Portobello Road, London W11 2ED

The Electric is the second outpost of Luke Farrell’s fiery Thai hit Speedboat Bar. This West London version features interiors inspired by an engine room, complete with a real Thai speedboat engine. While the look’s a little slicker than the Soho original, the menu sticks to the winning formula: bold Thai curries, noodles, and cocktails that pack a punch.