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43 Of The Coolest London Restaurants For A Culinary Tour Around The World
Get a taste of Japanese and Mexican food from the comfort of the capital.
London has some of the best restaurants for those wanting a taste of travel without the hefty price tag and backpack.
Now that the capital's restaurant scene has come back in full swing after lockdown closures during the Coronavirus pandemic, there’s plenty of opportunity to ‘travel’ the world, one dish at a time.
Why not sip a Negroni at New York-inspired Larry’s in Peckham, tuck into suckling pig at Michelin-starred Sabor or try a charcoal grilled kabab at Persian restaurant Berenjak? Deliciousness and hours of escapism, guaranteed.
Here is a list of the best London restaurants for those wanting to take their tastebuds on a journey:
Dear Jackie
At the end of 2023 a new restaurant launched in the heart of Soho that got the locals talking. Sat on the corner of Broadwick Street, inside the Broadwick Hotel, Italian Dear Jackie opened its doors and quickly became a must-visit to both Londoners and visitors - and not just because of it’s menu. Its red silk walls, seductive lighting, and private booths are the perfect environment for a big occasion (or just a Tuesday treat). And its food is just as impressive as the interiors. A celebration of modern Italian gastronomy, the menu features re-imagined classics such as Seared Yellowfin Tuna, and Prawn Baby Squid and Sicilian Lemon Risotto. We highly recommend having a drink in the hotel’s bar, 'The Nook’ before dinner. And if you’re not too full, head to the rooftop bar ‘The Flute’ for a night cap.
Location: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 9NE
Click here to find out more.
Sparrow
Down a quiet cobblestone street in Mayfair, you'll find Sparrow, a modern Italian restaurant that brings a Mediterranean twist to classic dishes. As you step inside, dimmed lighting, indoor trees, and modern decor create a chic and buzzy atmosphere.
To begin, we recommend ordering the yuzu hamachi (add caviar if you're feeling fancy) and the braised meatballs with whipped ricotta. For main courses, the signature dishes include lobster linguine and chicken Milanese al pomodoro. Round off your meal with a tiramisu, which ranks among the best we've had in London. Don't miss the chance to try a cocktail from the adventurous drinks menu, opt for the Molise with chili-infused tequila if you like a spicy kick, or the Basilicata with strawberry Aperol for something sweeter.
If you're in search of tasty Italian cooking at its finest, then Sparrow is the perfect restaurant for you.
Location: 1-3 Avery Row, London, W1K 4AJ
Click here to find out more.
INÉ
A short walk from Hampstead Station you’ll find INÉ, a new jewel in Japanese dining from the creators of Mayfair's Michelin star-awarded TAKU. You can choose to order from their à la carte menu, which features items such as grilled Iberico pork, octopus karaage, and sushi. Alternatively, you can experience their 17-course omakase—literally translating to 'I’ll leave it up to the chef'—where they serve you a variety of small plates curated by Chef Patron Takuya Watanabe based on what seasonal ingredients are available on the day.
We opted for the omakase and were seated at a counter where the chef prepared and presented each course in front of us. Although there were a few warm dishes, the meal consisted mostly of delicious sashimi, sushi, and hand rolls served at room temperature. Highlights included the luxurious otoro with caviar, the crispy tempura lobster, and the delicate scallop nigiri. Also, don’t forget to check out their impressive sake list.
INÉ gives you a memorable and authentic experience while also keeping a more casual and neighbourhood atmosphere, making it the perfect option for a date night or relaxed meal with friends.
Location: 16 Hampstead High Street, London, NW3 1PX
Click here to find out more.
The Mitre
In the UK there are pubs, and then there are pubs. The latter being those that are dimly lit by candles and open fires, have traditional cosy interiors and most importantly, have an excellent menu of delicious comfort food - the type where you want order every single thing on the menu. These pubs are few and far between but we’re here to tell you we’ve found one that needs adding to your must-visit list.
A short walk from Holland Park is The Mitre, an iconic West London gem. Set in a residential area, the historic spot is just as loved by locals as it is visitors and is the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon or a mid week evening. The menu ranges from much-loved pub classics such as fish and chips and venison burger, to robata, ‘fireside cooking’ in Japanese cuisine. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a true English pub if it didn’t offer roasts on Sundays. We recommend trying the grilled king scallops and braised rabbit & truffle pappardelle.
Location: 40 Holland Park Ave, London W11 3QY
Click here to find out more.
Cafe Kitty
The team behind Kitty Fisher’s in Mayfair and Cora Pearl in Covent Garden have brought us our new favourite haunt in the heart of Soho, Cafe Kitty. Located above Berwick Street in Underbelly Boulevard, the new Soho theatre, it’s got buzz and lot of character thanks to it’s dusty pink walls, intimate lighting and velvet seating.
Head Chef Charles Shaw and the Head Chef from Cora Pearl, Fabrizio Pusceddu, have created a menu of sharing plates that can be enjoyed as a quick bite pre-show or savoured over an evening with friends and your favourite wine pairing. Signature dishes include the cheeseburger tartare, Hannan’s Salt-Aged Sirloin to share and Stavordale Cheese Salad. One thing you have to try is their crispy potatoes - you won’t have tasted anything like them.
Location: 6 Walker’s Court, London, W1F 0BT
Click here to find out more.
8 at The Londoner
Situated on the rooftop of The Londoner Hotel, escaping the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square, you’ll find 8 at The Londoner. It’s an izakaya lounge serving modern Japanese cuisine alongside innovative cocktails and spirits. Ever since it opened in September 2021, 8 at The Londoner has become the place to enjoy some of the best Japanese inspired small plates in the capital. You can choose to dine on the inner terrace, which offers stunning views of London's skyline, or outside in the Shima Garden, where thoughtfully-placed heaters ensure comfort during the colder months.
To start, we suggest ordering the lychee rosé or sakura royale from the cocktail menu, although if you’re a fan of whisky, the barrel-aged Old Fashioned is a must. As for the food, they have a small sharing style menu which has options for vegetarians, pescatarians and meat lovers, alike. Despite being an unusual dish to be served in a Japanese restaurant, the standout plate is the sea bass carpaccio with Fuji apple, citrus and black sea salt (we could easily be tempted to order seconds or thirds), closely followed by the the king crab with butter, pepper and garlic. As desserts are not on the menu, we recommend finishing your meal with another cocktail (or two).
8 at The Londoner stays open until 1am Thursday to Saturday, making it an experience perfect for a date night or relaxed late-evening meet up with friends.
Location: 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX
Click here to find out more.
Bistro Bleu
For those looking for an evening getaway to Paris but don't have the time, or the funds, we have found the next best thing. Nestled above the Rugby Tavern pub, a short walk from King Cross in the neighbourhood of Bloomsbury, Bistro Bleu is equal parts cosy as it is chic thanks to its understated art deco interiors. The French bistro offers comfort food as its finest, from duck and chicken liver parfait to braised leg of rabbit. The tenderstem and cauliflowers tempura and the bavette steak are a must.
Location: The Rugby Tavern, 19 Great James Street, London, WC1N 3ES
Click here for more information.
Paradise Soho
If, like us, you regularly struggle to find a restaurant in Soho – let alone London – that ticks all the boxes, then we’re here to solve all your problems. Or, better yet, Paradise Soho is.
Located in the heart of the capital, the restaurant is the perfect blend of rich Sri Lankan cuisine and cool London interiors. Inspired by the cuisine and energy of Colombo, as well as the coastal delights of Galle, the restaurant tantalises guests with modern takes on curries, hoppers, and dahls, with a focus on original produce and classic cocktail infusions through a 21st century lens (wait until you try the alcohol-free Nuwara-Eliya style peach and almond iced-tea...).
Beloved by veggies and meat eaters alike, the menu is a journey east, through ulundu-vadai dahl doughnuts, served with a hat of whipped sheep’s ricotta, and Kimbula-banis, paired with a green chilli custard, kithul glaze, date and lime chutney, and Neils Yard’s Corra Linn. If you want to kick of proceedings with some hearty veggie dishes, we suggest ordering a bit of everything, from the Southern-style turmeric and saffron dahl and fried long aubergine, to the heart-wrenchingly good seared whey-brined Leicestershire paneer.
Then settle yourselves in for the 'hero dishes', in our opinion – a grilled arrack and soy dry-aged sirloin steak, seared hand-dived Orkney scallops, and a dry-fried minced chicken, served with dark roasted spices, and parsley sambol, that’s so delicious, we could’ve cried. But what’s a Sri Lankan meal without an egg rice-flour hopper and layers upon layers of lamb-fat infused paratha rotis (suggestion: order two and take the second plate home for a midnight snack)?
Finish your tastebud journey to Sri Lanka with the restaurant’s take on a mini Magnum (it’s made of coconut, Earl Grey infused white chocolate, and topped with a coconut biscuit crumb), and you’ll officially have found your new favourite dining spot in Soho.
Location: 61 Rupert Street, London, W1D 7PW
Click here for more information.
Brazil - Bossa
Set behind the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus sits the zen concrete swerves and curves of London’s newest addition to the Brazilian food scene, Bossa. Understated but no less luxe, the latest restaurant from multi-award-winning, globally-renowned chef, Alberto Landgraf, of two Michelin-starred, Oteque, in Rio de Janeiro, is as delicious as it is chic.
Discover previously unknown traditional Brazilian ingredients blended harmoniously with classic French recipes in dishes such as Roasted Scallops, Leeks, Buckwheat & Tucupi' and 'Yellowtail, Bottarga, Dried Berries, and Kombu. Or try our particular favourite, the ‘Rump of Lamb with Aubergine and Creamy Borlotti Beans’. Everything tastes almost like a comforting, soul-warming meal you’ve eaten before but with an exciting new twist.
Lean into the theme with an ice cold Caipirinha or call on Bossa’s in-house sommelier who can suggest South American wines that meet the sweet spot of totally moreish and something a little different.
Our top tip? Nab a seat at the chef’s table bar to get a peak behind the scenes and hear the team singing along to Aerosmith while they plate perfectly cooked langoustines and the most delicate display of foi gras we’ve ever seen.
Location: 4 Vere St, London W1G 0DH
Click here for more information.
Japan - Roketsu
Forget the flashy interiors, fancy sushi rolls and caviar-topped-everything of London’s luxury Japanese dining scene… If you’re after a real Japanese experience, head to Roketsu: the recently opened restaurant in Marylebone bringing the lesser-known culinary style of kaiseki to London for the first time.
A multi-course meal of small, super-intricate dishes originally served to Buddhist monks at tea ceremonies, kaiseki is a real celebration of Japanese tradition, technique and creativity – and few do it better than Roketsu’s Head Chef Daisuke Hayashi, one of just a handful of masters of this style of dining in the world. From behind the intimate 10-seat counter, guests watch in awe as the Chef and his team get to work on the ten-course menu, slicing local day-boat fish, searing meat on the charcoal grill, and transforming vegetables into veritable works of art.
The menu changes monthly and the Chef likes to keep it a secret until the very last second, so we won’t spoil the fun by giving much more away… But we will say that when it comes to Japanese dining, it doesn’t get much more authentic than this. Think soothingly pared-back interiors, unusual ingredients, one of the most impressive sake cellars in town and even hi-tech heated Japanese toilets. Just make sure you book well in advance to secure your spot – and prepare for the culinary journey of a lifetime.
Location: 12 New Quebec Street, London W1H 7RW
Click here for more information
Mexico - Cavita
Cavita might be one of the most exciting London restaurant openings of 2022, and here’s why. Chef and owner Adriana Cavita was always intent on creating a traditional Mexican restaurant inspired by dishes from across Mexico, from Oaxaca to the Yucatan. Now, with an open fire kitchen in the Marylebone Village-based site, the restaurant is a true celebration of Cavita’s Mexican heritage with a menu consisting of a ‘raw bar’ (think Mooli and Pomegranate Ceviche and Aguachile Rojo), tantalising appetizers like heart-warming Bonemarrow Esquites, ‘from the street’ dishes (our favourites, thank you for asking) like Smoked Beef Shin Quesabirria and Baja Fish Tacos, as well as sharing plates like Pulpo a las Brasas (charred grilled octopus) and Mole Verde. If you’re got room for dessert (of course you have), we suggest ordering a bowl of Ensalada de Manzana (apple salad, sour cream, pecan nuts) and cocktails like the house Cavita Margarita and the Green Lagoon if you’re a mescal fan.
Location: 60 Wigmore Street, Marylebone Village, London, W1U 2RZ
Click here for more information.
Italy - Al Mare
Al Mare might be a relatively new addition to London’s Italian food scene, but it already feels like a classic. From the Knightsbridge garden square location to the chic furnishings, smooth service, elegant crowd and lively open kitchen, every aspect of Al Mare oozes signature Italian style – and the glorious food is just the cherry on top.
Specialising in the finest and freshest seafood available this side of the Amalfi Coast, the menu is brimming with classics including calamari fritti, lobster linguine and Cacciucco (rich fisherman’s stew) alongside more modern creations such as oysters with green apple, chilli and ponzu and an unmissable seared tuna with truffle.
All are executed impeccably, making the most of seasonal ingredients and home-made pasta as well as decades of chef know-how. Leave room for the most flavoursome saffron risotto you’ll ever sample, and keep an eye on the weather too – as soon as it starts to get warm, the restaurant spills out onto the street and becomes one of the buzziest al fresco spots around.
Location: 1 Cadogan Place, Carlton Tower Jumeirah, SW1X 9PY
Click here for more information.
Israel - Shuk
If you've longed to visit Tel Aviv, but haven't had the chance to book off the annual leave yet this year, we have a temporary solution for you.
We encourage those with a love of all things pita, shawarma and market food to head on down to the buzziest place in London post 5pm - Covent Garden's Seven Dials Market.
Following its success in Borough Market, Shuk's new digs in Seven Dials sees them serving everything from Killer Falafel Pita, Chicken Shnitzel Sando (wait until you taste the smoky mayonnaise and toasted challah!), Beef Brisket Pita and Chocolate Hazelnut and Cookie Crumble Babka, all washed down with an Iced Coffee Babka Latte. Need we say more?
Location: Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LD
Click here for more information.
International - Riding House
If there’s one place we can rely on for modern European cuisine in a chilled environment with some of the most relaxing interiors in dining, then it’s Riding House. So you can imagine our excitement when we learnt that the restaurant chain had opened up another site in Bloomsbury in 2022.
A hop, skip and a jump away from Russell Square, diners will be treated to Riding House favourites, starting with the sourdough rolls, served with white miso or black tahini butter, before tucking into the ultimate indulgence – the salt cod fritters with citrus mayonnaise. For the main course, we suggest either choosing a light bite with the restaurant’s signature bowls (our favourite is the spinach, wild rice, quinoa and asparagus mix, served with an octopus, ‘nduja and lime yoghurt skewer on top), or jumping straight to the Herons Farm chicken, (served with arracacha purée and confit savoy cabbage) and lobster lasagne, crab claw, garlic sourdough and a mixed leaf salad. Oh, and did we mention the cavolo nero, anchovies, bacon and parmesan side might be one of the best small dishes we’ve tasted this year? Finish the meal with a serving of hot brioche doughnuts with milk jam or the dulce de leche banana cheesecake, and roll rather than Uber home.
Location: 1 Brunswick Centre, Bloomsbury
London WC1N 1AF
Click here to find out more.
Japan - RAI
For those interested in discovering the wonders of modern Japanese cuisine beyond the usual sushi, there’s no better place to start than Fitzrovia’s hottest new restaurant, RAI. With charismatic and highly acclaimed chef Padam Raj Rai at the helm, guests are taken on a multi-sensory journey through the finest seasonal ingredients that Japan and Britain have to offer, from fresh wasabi and high-grade Kobe beef to English truffle.
The concept is a multi-course omakase tasting menu, which literally translates as ‘I leave it up to you’ and puts the chef in charge of what to showcase on any given day–be that just-caught Orkney scallops or the freshest hand-picked Maldon oysters, all of which are sustainably sourced. The ingredients are, rightfully, the stars of the show, elevated further by unexpected flavour combinations, technical skill and oodles of chef Rai’s signature showman’s panache. Any further detail is best left a surprise.
Location: 3 Windmill St, London, W1T 2HY
Click here for more information.
International - Miro Mayfair
Autumn in London might not boast summer’s endless Aperol Spritzes and pretty alfresco terraces, but it does go big when it comes to fabulous new restaurants to offer an evening’s respite from the cold.
The latest opening that’s got the city talking is Miro Mayfair, a buzzy global cuisine concept from the incredibly well-travelled chef Toby Burrowes. Think dark, moody lighting strewn with LED installations, epic cocktails, DJ sets and some serious party vibes that go on late into the night. The menu fuses failsafe dishes such as maki rolls, truffle ponzu sashimi and Jasper-grilled hunks of wagyu with some highly Instagrammable inventions including the signature ‘Fish and Chips’ – all served with a side of theatrics, and usually, caviar. It’s more super-luxurious pre-club snacks than haute cuisine, but all the better for it – just make sure to load up before you attack that lethal cocktail list.
Location: 15 Old Burlington St, London W1S 2JR
Click here for more information.
Australia - Milk Beach Soho
If you're in need of some sunshine but don't have the funds right now to travel half way across the globe, we suggest you get a taste of Down Under by visiting Milk Beach Soho. Founded by Elliot Milne in Queen’s Park in 2019, the original Milk Beach has become one of London's best-loved neighbourhood restaurants and has now found a new home in a beautiful glass-fronted building in Soho Estates.
Milk Beach Soho is a celebration of all things Australian, from the beach-inspired decor (we love the David Shrigley artwork in the loos!) to the laidback staff, and includes a menu devised by Australian Executive Chef Darren Leadbeater which includes everything from grilled oyster mushrooms, with a fermented mushroom glaze and macadamia hummus, and grilled prawns with tantalising fermented chilli butter, to a whole deep-fried seabass and nam jim jaew, and the sweetest of deserts - the Milk Beach 'Golden Gaytime', served with a toffee and buttermilk parfait, dark chocolate, malt and honeycomb crumb.
Location: Milk Beach, Ilona Rose House, Manette Street, W1D 4AL
Click here for more information.
France - Maison François
If you like your oeufs done a certain way and your pâté to pack a punch, then this new all-day brasserie in St James’s is the place for you and your dashed holiday dreams.
Inspired by the dining scene in Paris, Lyon and Alsace, you can expect hearty terrines, perfectly cooked beef steak with peppercorn sauce and of course, ratatouille. Save room for the dessert trolley, which features classics including crème caramel and chocolate eclairs.
There’s also an in-house bakery serving up crusty French loaves and downstairs you’ll find Frank’s, a separate wine bar with a 250-strong list and some serious charcuterie.
You might recognise head chef, Matthew Ryle too: he was a finalist on MasterChef a couple of years ago. Ooh la la!
Location: 34 Duke Street, St James’s SW1Y 6DF
Click here for more information.
North Africa - The Barbary Next Door
Newly opened The Barbary Next Door (‘little sister’ to The Barbary) is the intimate restaurant and wine bar in Covent Garden taking its cues from the spices and smoky flavours of Moorish Spain and North African.
Seating just 10 people around the zinc bar, you’ll be up-close-and-personal with the chefs and waiters, which is a blessing as they’re utterly delightful. Expect expert help as they take you through the small plate menu which features standouts lamb sweetbread, a Tunisian pumpkin salad and oxtail tagine.
Location: 16a Neal's Yard Covent Garden WC2H 9DP
Click here for more information.
Malaysian - Mambow
A hot new addition to Peckham’s Market Place, Mambow’s vibe is ‘Malaysian heat and juicy wines’ - and we’re into it.
Malaysian-born chef Abby Lee, who grew up working in her family’s bakeries in Singapore, works her magic in the open kitchen that looks out onto an informal dining space.
The short menu packs a punch with dishes including Lor Bak (5 spice pork & bean curd roll) and Kerabu glass noodles. But don’t leave without trying one of the curries, from black pepper chicken to the Ikan Assam Pedas (seasonal fish curry).
And if you’re going for lunch, get your chops around the Hainanese Chicken Sando (poached and shredded chicken breast, Kewpie mayo, chicken fat chili vinegar, crispy fried onions and fresh cucumber). It is a towering wonder.
Location: 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Click here for more information.
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