Fern Ross, Chief sub-editor
Santore on Exmouth Market
This is a great local Italian that I've been going to for years. The pizzas are to-die-for as well as the freshly- made pasta. The waiters have all been there since it opened and are ridiculously friendly. It used to be my post-press Friday hangout of choice, followed by a walk home along the canal to burn off all the dough.
59 - 61 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QL, 020 7812 1488, santorerestaurant.co.uk
Georgia Collins, Deputy Beauty Editor
Trullo, Islington
I love the way this tiny restaurant, on a very unassuming road in Islington, manages to fuse the feeling of a local Italian trattoria with inventive and authentic southern Italian food. Its small, constantly- changing menu is seasonal, perfectly judged and always delicious. The fact that its always packed out on a Tuesday evening at 6.30pm, is, I think, a great sign. Co-owned by one of the original Jamie Oliver 15 members, Tim Siadatan, and hairdresser John Frieda's son, Jordan, it really is a little gem.
300-302 St Paul's Rd, London N1 2LH, 020 7226 2733, trullorestaurant.com
Diana Gavrilina, Digital Photo Intern
Chez Bruce, Wandsworth
This Michelin star French restaurant, opposite Wandsworth Common, has an impeccable seasonal menu, and does the best ever dish : foie gras and chicken liver parfait with muscat jelly, served with home-made brioche. The restaurant is intimate and unpretentious, with brilliant service: they offer tasty parmesan biscuits on arrival and shortbread at the end of the meal. I love it so much that my husband and I decided to celebrate our wedding day there, so it holds very fond memories for me and has never disappointed. Three courses at a Michelin star restaurant for £45.00 is not bad at all.
2 Bellevue Rd, Wandsworth Common SW17 7EG, 020 8672 0114, chezbruce.co.uk
Rosie Bendandi, Bookings Editor
Bouchon Fourchette, Hackney
A French oasis in the midst of Hackney, Bouchon Fourchette serves delicious classics at very reasonable prices. The friendly staff, lovely owner and excellent food means I don't have to bother with cooking. A local hot spot for good reason.
171 Mare Street, London E8 3RH, 0208 986 2702, bouchonfourchette.co.uk
Hannah Swerling, Commissioning Editor
Jin Kichi, Hampstead
I don't really like telling anyone about Japanese restaurant Jin Kichi in Hampstead. Seating is limited, so you have to book, and despite the loveliness of Hampstead village, it's one of the few really great restaurants. I've been going since I moved to London 8 years ago and I've never had an off meal. Sit upstairs at the U-shaped counter and watch the chef grill Yakitori skewers chicken skin, shitake mushroom, chicken liver, quail eggs they're all incredible. Or retreat downstairs to the more intimate, Ryokan-style room. The sashimi and sushi are always amazingly fresh and melt- in- the -mouth delicious the chopped fatty tuna with spring onion is a personal favourite. There are always Japanese customers, which I take as ultimate validation of its authenticity. Who goes? Ed Balls and Giles Coren !
73 Heath St London, NW3 6UG, 020 7794 6158, jinkichi.com
Claire Sibbick, Junior Sub-Editor
The Marquis Cornwallis
It's more of a pub than a restaurant, but I love my local, The Marquis Cornwallis. It's got cosy booths and sofas, so is really relaxed and the food is delicious! It's great for a Sunday roast, a brilliant seasonal menu, and decadent desserts too (guilty pleasure).
31 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AP, 020 7278 8355, themarquiscornwalliswc1.co.uk
Lucy Johnston, Digital Picture Assistant
Viet Hoa
I first came here with my sister when I was 17years old - I met her for lunch, when I was in the sixth form andmy love affair with this gastronomic gem began then. I've been going here regularly for the past 14 years, most often sticking to my usual choice of Tofu Summer Rolls (the best in London) and Tofu Bun Xa (I'm vegetarian but trust me you won't get cold soggy tofu here no sir!). Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love this place (and its summer rolls!). The décor has changed massively since I first started going (long gone are the plastic gingham tablecloths and bare white walls replaced with beautiful wood panelling and trendy dropdown lighting) but the food is the same incredible Vietnamese fare. I love this place.
70-72 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DP, 020 7729 8293, viethoarestaurant.co.uk
Sophie Beresiner, Beauty Director
Babur
We totally stumbled on this restaurant when we moved to Honor Oak Park last year. Little did we know how lucky we were to have the no 1 Zagat- rated Indian restaurant in London on our doorstep. It is THE BEST Indian food I have ever eaten. Fresh, slightly fancy as in interesting, not pretentious and without fail delicious. In fact we have been so often, and taken everyone we know, that we can practically order 'the usual' by now, except they change the menu seasonally, so you don't get bored. To put this into context, forget Zagat. My husband is Indian, my mum was brought up in Calcutta, and it is the best indian food they have eaten. My recommendation is the Lamb Dum Biryani: out-of-this-world amazing. And the spiced apple mulled wine around Christmas time... See? So thoughtful
119 Brockley Rise, London SE23 1JP, 020 8291 2400, babur.info
Natalie Wansborough-Jones, Senior Fashion Editor
The Dock Kitchen
I love this place because it has a totally unique vibe, is in a quirky location, and has a mish-mash décor and off-beat menu. They just cook great and adventurous dishes with seasonal food so the menu choice is small but utterly delicious. Also the make a mean Dirty Martini with black olives.
342344 Ladbroke Grove, Kensal Road W10 5BU, 020 8962 1610, dockkitchen.co.uk
Georgia Collins, Deputy Beauty Editor
Le Mercury, Islington
A great French restaurant in the heart of Islington, this is a proper local's find and is usually packed out on evey night. What makes it so special isn't the tasty bistro food but the brilliant value for money every starter is £4.45 and every main £9.95. On a street that charges premium prices often based solely on location alone, it's pretty unusual, and refreshing.
140A Upper Street, London, N1 1QY, 020 7354 4088, lemercury.co.uk
Miette Johnson, Art Director
Parlour, Kensal Rise
I love this easy local as much for the atmosphere as for the food. It's laid-back vibe makes it an easy choice for lazy weekends, and the fresh menu is consistently good. Simple, creative and a little bit bonkers, it's modern British at its best.
5 Regent Street, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 5LG, parlourkensal.com
Nahema Puget, Fashion Coordinator
E&O Restaurant, Notting HIll
I love E&O for the very good ambience, beautiful interior, and a good mix of Asia/European food .
14 Blenheim Crescent Notting Hill W11 1NN, 020 7229 5454, rickerrestaurants.com/e-and-o/
Georgia Simmonds, Features Assistant
The Begging Bowl, Peckham
Specialising in tasty Thai street food served in hand-painted dishes, The Begging Bowl has lots of flavour-packed plates for sharing. Oder lots - you will want to try everything, and dont miss out on the steaming soups and ginger sea bass.
168 Bellenden Rd, London, Peckham, London SE15 4BW, 020 7635 2627, thebeggingbowl.co.uk/
