If you live in London and have friends or relatives visiting (or maybe you’re doing the tourist thing yourself), it’s easy to feel the pressure when it comes to choosing a place to eat. Especially with all that choice.
Stress no more. Here are five London foodie venues that’ll deliver every time – whether it’s a top-notch brunch you’re after, an edgy lunch stop or a Michelin-starred dinner.
Best for…brunch with a view: Darwin at Sky Garden
For all-you-can-eat brunch with a view, head to Sky Garden – London’s sky-high tropical greenhouse in the iconic Walkie Talkie building. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with stunning views and a gourmet menu with something for everyone.
The unlimited brunch is held at Darwin Brasserie on level 36 and, for a mere £44.50, offers all-you-can-eat starters and desserts from the buffet, a hearty main and unlimited Bloody Marys.
The cocktails at Darwin are among the best in the city (the sort you’d find at the Savoy) and are worth paying extra for.
Don’t let the idea of a buffet put you off – this is filling your boots at its finest. Take your pick from posh starters like Bloody Mary prawn cocktail, heritage tomato and pesto salad, and platters of artisan meats and Italian-style bread.
The brunch includes your choice of main. The juicy homemade beef burger is one of the best options, but there are loads to choose from and plenty for little ones, too. We advise you to leave room for pudding.
The dessert buffet is, quite frankly, dangerous. Indulge in ooey gooey brownies, triple-layered sponge cakes, decadent cheesecakes, pastries oozing with fresh creme, an enormous cheese selection and so much more.
The perfect digestif? A wander around the three storeys of landscaped garden.
Best for…a shopping pit stop: Sakagura
Shopping on London’s Regent Street? Schedule in Sakagura as your lunch stop. This sushi, steak and sake bar launched early last year and offers Japanese fine dining with dishes that are best shared.
The authentic décor will take you away with Japanese artefacts, traditional crockery and hanging hessian curtains. Dark wood tables and dim lighting add a touch of modern sophistication.
The menu is large enough to scare indecisive foodies like me, but the friendly waiting staff are on hand to tell you all about the ‘washoku’ cuisine and how it works.
The ‘grill-your-own’ steak (available as Wagyu) is a highlight – served on a hot lava stone for you to sizzle away at your table. Handmade sushi and sashimi are exceptional and arrive like a work of art on a bed of foliage and crushed ice.
The deep-fried salted squid (Ika Karaage) deserves a special mention – served with fresh jalapenos and punchy chilli mayo.
Sakagura’s biggest draw is its hot and cold sake menu. There’s a specialist sommelier on hand if you’re looking to delve into the vast collection, boasting bottles rare and contemporary, as well as famous whiskeys and plenty of premium spirits.
Best for…laid-back luxe: Palatino
The recently opened, Roman-inspired Palatino is chef Stevie Parle’s latest venture. The restaurant is home to one of London’s most talked about pasta dishes (more on this later) and has received rave reviews from food critics. It’s an ideal dinner spot if you’re looking for somewhere edgy with food that’ll make an impression.
Palatino takes inspiration from its trendy Clerkenwell neighbourhood with exposed pipework, bare tables, vibrant yellow banquettes and a bustling open-air kitchen. The dining area is relaxed and easy-going, but the service is five-star.
The waiting staff are confident in the food, so thankfully, you won’t be interrupted every five minutes to report back on how it’s going
Menu highlights include anchovy toasts, perfectly chewy, pillowy chunks of bread slathered with stracciatella and tangy anchovies. The famous ‘Tonarelli cacio e pepe’ we spoke about earlier is a fresh pasta dish of just two ingredients: pecorino cheese and hand-harvested peppercorns.
It’s simply divine and has been drawing in crowds since it was first discovered by London’s foodies.
Homemade gelato is a must for dessert. Oh, and the tiramisu, with lashings of light cream and a coffee-soaked sponge that ooze together into the most wonderful mouthful.
The Italian wine list offers wine by the glass, carafe or bottle, ranging from modest to truly spectacular. Start with a cocktail, though – they’re delicious.
Best for…Michelin-starred dining: Pied à Terre
This prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant is one of London’s longest-standing and draws in foodies, well-known chefs and A-listers everywhere.
At just 27, the recently-appointed Head Chef, Asimakis Chaniotis, is bringing innovative techniques and flavours to the ever-popular restaurant.
The classic French menu features dishes inspired by his childhood in Athens. Our favourite dishes include the steak tartar, which is served on a bed of shells hand-picked by Asimakis when diving in Greece.
The feather-light Vichyssoise mousse is not to be missed, served in a laser-cut, hollowed egg. Room for dessert? The rich chocolate pave with a hint of ginger and chilli will hit the spot.
The restaurant’s excellent sommeliers give the restaurant an edge, making guests guess their wine pairings from an impressive global selection.
Best for…any time of day: 108 Brasserie
This modern British Marylebone brassiere has been going for years, though a new head chef has given foodies another reason to visit. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, it’s a great place to keep up your sleeve when relatives are in town.
Scarlet red seating, antique mirrors, parquet flooring and fresh blooms create a romantic dining space that oozes glamour.
The menu is simple and hearty and celebrates the best British dishes made with the finest ingredients. The extensive menu has something for everyone, with no-fuss options like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, as well as grilled steak and seafood, superfood salads and daily specials.
We started with some homemade Guinness bread, which was so tasty that we ordered seconds. Next came a Balmoral Estate venison carpaccio with dollops of creamy horseradish and fiery rocket.
The grilled Dover sole main didn’t disappoint, flaking away at the fork. For dessert, the homemade ice creams were seriously moreish, as was the lemon tart, with its light pastry and tangy lemon curd filling.
The well-stocked wine list includes over 40 bins and plenty of options by the glass. We kicked off with a G&T featuring the restaurant’s bespoke Marylebone Gin. This bittersweet gin is distilled in the Brasserie in a copper pot – it’s silky smooth, floral and far too easy to drink. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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