My Top 10 London Restaurant Recommendations
Please note that this list has not been updated comprehensively since August of 2011. So this may be a little out of date. I think many of the places are true stalwarts though, so long may they continue. But while I very much believe that all my London restaurant recommendations are delicious, they might not necessarily be romantic or Michelin-esque or, well, to your tastes.
To each, his (or her) own.
1. Ottolenghi. Islington.
Although I really hate the crowds in this place at times, I love the food. In February 2009, I ate at Ottolenghi four times in one week, so hooked was I on their aubergine salad. Remember lunch is cheaper than dinner, and despite it seeming like a cafe, they are always fully booked for dinner so you should call ahead!
2. Fernandez & Wells. Soho.
If only there were a branch by my office. I would seriously eat their chorizo sandwiches every day. I would probably drink a lot of rioja too. That’s a bad idea. But I’d still do it.
3. Bob Bob Ricard, Soho.
Russian pleasure palace. Press the champagne button. Have the Veal Holstein. Wash it down with vodka.
4. L’Anima, Shoreditch.
Borage tortelli with “Famiglia Gottardi’ balsamic vinegar. That is all.
5. Vinoteca. St. John Street in Clerkenwell.
Every meal I’ve had here has been better than the last. My father insists on visiting every time he’s in town. The service is friendly, tap water is provided without a fuss and instantly refilled, the vibe is congenial. In short, they tick all the right boxes for me. I like the proletarianism of their no-bookings policy, but it means you must get there early.
6. The Providores. Marylebone High Street.
I love sitting in the window of The Providores, reading The Economist, enjoying a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir, and watching the world go by. (Do I sound like a snob or what?) This is my break from Oxford Street. They have a no bookings policy downstairs, so you may have to wait a bit. I love the food here as well…you’ll do well to steer clear of bar snacks and go for the more sophisticated nibbles. This is the restaurant that inspired me to start my London restaurant blog; it was my very first London restaurant review ever.
7. Tayyabs. Whitechapel.
Part of me doesn’t want to tell you about the deliciousness of the seekh kebabs here. Stay away. I also like the lentils and aubergine and I don’t want you to have any of that either. A friend of mine took me here almost immediately after I moved to London in 2004…I had no idea!
8. Crazy Homies. Westbourne Grove.
For my Tex-Mex fix in London. I love the kitschy decor and I can’t live without the chips and salsa and guac. They do a mean margarita, with nice big chunky chunks of ice. They seem to go back and forth on their no-bookings policy, so call ahead.
9. St. John. Clerkenwell.
Of course. I’ve never eaten in the restaurant. I’ve only eaten in the bar. Welsh rarebit for me, please. Go here if you want to eat pig’s ears and bone marrow salad. I think it’s fair to say that most London bloggers love this place.
10. Pham. City Borders.
Dig the crunchy tuna roll big time. Short on atmosphere. Low on prices. Probably not really Japanese. (I think they’re Vietnamese.) But they’re doing something right. Another one of those places in London that I just randomly popped into one day and have been going back to repeatedly ever since.
Dec 16, 2007
I’ve just added Tayyabs to my wishlist after my Pakistani friend recommended it. Can’t wait. Have you tried Koba? It’s my favourite Korean restaurant…
Jan 03, 2008
Hi Krista,
I’ve been reading your blog for some time and I enjoy it thoroughly. I have thought about starting my own blog about dining experiences in London, because with the exception of a few other blogs (yours included), I don’t have much faith in reviews (professional or otherwise). It seems like the professional reviewers don’t really get away with anonymous dining and postings on london-eating or other sites aren’t confidence inspiring either. If you had any advice whatsoever I would much appreciate it.
All the best and bon apetit!
best regards,
sam
Jan 06, 2008
Sam–thanks for your nice comments. Advice? Hmmm…well…blogging isn’t always easy. I have a personal rule where I never apologize for not posting in a long time–something you’ll see lots of bloggers do–because I want to post frequently. But keeping the momentum up is hard. So my advice would be to make sure you’re committed to some sort of posting schedule.
My other advice would be to take pictures. Write for online. (i.e., managable chunks.) Link to others. And be nice.
Good luck! And keep me posted.
Helen–have not tried Koba yet but will add it to the list! Thanks for the tip.
Jan 31, 2008
Weird – even though judging from your blog our London stomping ground’s pretty similar, I’ve only been to 3 of your top 10. Of them, I wholeheartedly agree about Vinoteca and like Tayyab’s, but have utterly failed to be charmed by the Eagle. Will have to think of my own top 10 soon…
Feb 09, 2008
Slonik–yes, please let’s compare top 10s! I’m in need of some new places to visit.
Feb 27, 2008
how can you pick just 10?!!! oh how i miss my old london haunts.
Mar 26, 2008
Thank you very much for this article.
I will be in London in two weeks and am looking for a place one can get real good English food. I have not really had any yet, but there seems to be a resurgence of some sort.
Any suggestions?
Thank you
kbender2008@gmail.com
http://www.ptownpatio.com
Mar 26, 2008
Kurt–
You should try St. John in Clerkenwell for very “British” food. Nose to tail eating!
The Fox & Anchor, also in Clerkenwell, is also quite nice for British food. (Review going up on Friday.)
I would take a look at my Gastro and Very British categories…they might point you in the right direction. But remember…everyone’s taste is different!
Krista
Apr 04, 2008
I couldn’t find the “Very British” category that you recommended to Kurt. Can you tell me how to find it? It sounds very interesting. Thanks
Apr 05, 2008
Colleen, I’ve fixed the drop-down so you’ll see “British, Very” in there…sorry about that!
Apr 29, 2008
We were at Lalibela for the first time on Saturday and I would go back for the coffee alone – the whole ceremony as well as that little cup of brew, redolent with cardamom and cinnamon…. Mmmmmmmm!
Sep 17, 2008
Tried Canteen on the East End? I thought they were just great, and I loved the veggie hand pies they made at the Taste of London festival last year. (I’m an American who has also lived in the UK. It’s nice to see your list.)
I heard good things about The Providores. Jamie Oliver did a show with one of the owners, on “Oliver’s Twist” a few year’s back. It’s hard not to find good food in Marylebone. I love the La Fromagerie store Patricia Michelson set up.
Oct 16, 2008
Hey thnks for the information, I have to tell that I’ll be in London pretty soon but I don’t know nothing about the city…so u know, I’m looking for all information that help me with this.
I’ll really keep this restaurants in mind…
. Bye.
Feb 05, 2009
we have some similar tastes (http://kitchensunk.blogspot.com/2009/01/and-winner-is.html sorry, my blog is in Portuguese so you won’t get most of it…), and i’m curious try to some of your suggestions!
Aug 20, 2009
Hi, nice blog!
I think you are totally right. In terms of ‘for the people’ dining Vinoteca is absolutely superb and I recommend to everyone. Is only a shame you can’t book…but then I guess propping the bar for 30 mins with some nice wine in hand is not exactly a hardship!
Keep up the good work.
FatBanker
Aug 20, 2009
Thanks! Yes, definitely love Vinoteca and most times, I don’t mind the wait!
Dec 07, 2009
Love your suggestions – will definitely have to try some of these! If you have time, take a look at http://thehappinessprojectlondon.wordpress.com/ – Yalla Yalla and Upstairs are particular favourites…
Jan 27, 2010
Hey Krista, loving the blog. I live with a Californian so we’ve got a bit of the transatlantic thing going on too. Just wanted to shamelessy post a link to my own new blog http://thirtyoneseventyfive.com. If you have time maybe take a look at let me know what you think. I’m looking for the best and worst Italian restaurants for starters. Anyway, keep up the good work with Londonelicious!
Feb 02, 2010
Have added you to my feed reader! Remind me when you're about 3 months old and I will add a link to you. (Sorry, I gotta do it. Too many new blogs these days and not all of them stick around…)
Jul 07, 2010
Brilliant recommendations. Thanks. Must try some of these.
By the way I can vouch for Tayyabs in East London (tube: Whitechapel). I have never got there and didn’t have to queue. Informal dinning but great food.
Dec 22, 2010
I’m living in DC now and desperately miss London. Will be back for Christmas and have to visit La Trompette. They won a Michelin star a couple of yrs ago but have kept their prices very reasonable considering! Every time I go the meal is better, their timinng is impeccable and it feels like a proper grown-up restaurant. Spectacular winelist too.
Oh and also Alounak in Bayswater – how do they make chicken that tender? Fantastic fresh baked flatbreads and dips to die for! Not sure how it compares to your Hashem experience but it’s my fav middle eastern in London.
Great blog! Thank you!
Jun 04, 2011
another bookmark for me to add to my London file