A lot of friends ask me for suggestions on where to go out, so I thought it would be easier just to write it down so that its always available. Always keeping in mind you need to consider 3 factors: cuisine, budget and company. This list will continue to grow so remember to come back and check it again soon. I hope this helps! And why not leave a comment below if you have any suggestions to add on to the list.
Italian
Rotorino (Dalston/Haggerston) booking recommended, great ambiance and delicious southern Italian inspired food. Follow them on @Rotorino
Canto Corvino (Spitafields) great bar, lots of great antipasti and small pasta dishes. Make sure to leave room for dessert. Follow them on @CantoCorvinoE1
Indian
Dishoom (Shoreditch, Kings X, Covent Garden) any of their 3 locations are great. They bill themselves as a Bombay Style Cafe - great for those who aren't sure if they can handle too much spice. Make sure you order the Black House Daal and Okra fries at least! Follow them on @DishoomSushi
Sticks n sushi (Covent Garden) make sure to make a booking or be prepared to wait by the bar. Great cocktails. Originally a Danish chain and not your traditional sushi dishes, like the Hell's Kitchen Roll. Follow them on @sticksnsushi_UKGastro Pub
Smokehouse (Islington) not your typical pub grub. If you have just one thing it has to be the brisket roll, but don't stop there. Follow them on @smokehouseN1
Chinese
Duck and Rice (Soho) High End Chinese, good if you are looking to impress and don't want to go down to Chinatown. Follow them on@theduckandriceDim Sum
Royal China (Bayswater) a little higher in price than any of the Chinatown restaurants, but the quality and flavour are excellent. Check them out on@RoyalChinaGroupChicken
Clutch (Columbia Road) finger lickin chicken wings, 'nuff said. Follow them on @ClutchChickenChick'n'sours (Haggerston) the guest fry here changes every couple of months, but you can't go wrong ordering the bun. And make sure to taste as many of their sours as you can, you won't regret it. Catch them on @ChicknSours
Burgers
Meat Liquor (Oxford Street) go here at the end of your night, you will reak, but the burgers are outstanding. Particularly the Double Bubble. Don't miss them on @MEATLiquorBleeker Street (Spitafields/Street Feast) go for the Bleeker Black - nuff said. They're at @bleeckerburger
Thai
Rosa's (Angel) - They have other locations, but these guys make a mean Tom Ka Ghai and Beef Massaman. They're at @RosasThaiCafeBusaba Eathai (various) - there always seems to be a queue at the one in Soho, but by Old Street and Shoreditch you're sure to find a spot. Make sure to try out the Thai Calamari and the Pandang Chicken. Follow them on@busabaeathai
Smoking Goat (Soho) And now for something a little bit different. The menu changes frequently but you're sure to find something new and BBQd. Check them out on@SmokingGoatSoho
Vietnamese
The Little Viet Kitchen (Islington) Thuy and her husband are bringing lovingly home cooked style dishes to Islington in a beautiful setting. They are also starting to host monthly Supper Clubs so make sure to follow then on @LVK_ISLINGTON and sign up to their newsletter.Michelin Star
FERA (Mayfair) Considered one of London's very best. Make sure to try the tasting menu with the paired wines. You can find them @FeraAtClaridges or check out my pics on InstagramFine Dining
Typing Room (Bethnal Green) these guys know how to do innovative fine dining, I hope they get their star soon. Don't be scared of Bethnal Green, its changing day by day, but this is still one of the highlight. Make sure to check out Peg and Patriot next door for a quick drink. Follow them on @TypingRoom or check out my postBritish
Tredwells (Covent Garden) I would highly recommend a booking as you don't want to miss out. Menu has changed since I was there last, but its excellent quality and value. Follow them on @Tredwells
Pizza
Voodoo Rays (Dalston/Shoreditch) always reliable to have a slice. This will fill in any midnight craving. Follow them @Voodoo_RaysFranco Manca (Brixton/Chiswick/Broadway Market) some of the best tomato sauce. I prefer the classic but make sure to check out as many of their variations. They're on @FrancoMancaPizz
BBQ
Hot Box (Spitafields) Discovered these guys at Street Feast and delighted that they now have a home. Make sure you go with an empty stomach. Check them out on @HotBoxLDN
Mediterranean
Ottolenghi (Islington) I tend to go here when I need to recharge and get some veggies inside me. They only take bookings for dinner so make sure you get there early. And don't leave before you check out the dessert counter. Follow the master himself on @ottolenghiStreet Food
Hawker House (changes) Usually only open in the winter time. Last time set over 3 floors in Haggerston, a combination of great street food traders and brilliant bars. Keep an eye out soon for their new location.Street Feast (Dalston) can also be found in Lewisham if you're down south. Now in its 3rd year at Dalston Yard, you have some solid usuals like @smokestakUK and where I discovered @theribman. Make sure you follow @StreetFeastLDN
Dinerama (Shoreditch) Will be back up soon after a fire :( But a great selection of traders, open Thu-Sun. Brought to you by the same guys behind @StreetFeastLDN or you can check out my post
Korean
Jin Juu (Soho) Set over two floors, just off Kingly Court, this is a great place for some late night snacking, or drinks with friends. Follow them on @JinjuuLDNSeafood
Galley London (Islington) new upscale addition to Upper Street in Islington. Lots of sharing small plates and very long cocktail list - especially the various Gin and Tonics. Check them out on @GalleyLondon
Steakhouse
Flat Iron (Soho/Covent Garden) its very easy here, there's just one thing on the menu - flat iron steak for GBP 10. They have specials and also some great sides. Recommend Covent Garden to avoid queues. Follow them on @flatironsteak
Last updated: February 2016
This post is really Good! Thanks for the tips and keep doing this! Lu x
ReplyDeleteYou need a French section! I strongly recommend Les 110 de Taillevent where the food and service are divine plus they serve 110 different wines by the glass.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephanie - you're right! And thank you for the recommendation, I have heard good things about Les 110 - it's on my bucket list and I will try and make it this year.
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