The Leading London Restaurants Recommended By 9 Tastemakers
In a city known for its rich, vibrant and ever-expanding food scene, where do those in the know go to eat in London? Here, nine tastemakers share their most-loved eateries in the city – from world-famous restaurants to low-key seasonal openings. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Alexia Karides, designer
“I love small restaurants that really hone in on the experience. Caia on Golborne Road is a favorite – and has amazing music. Upstairs has high stools and tables and is livelier, which I love; whereas downstairs is a more traditional dining experience – and you’ll find the DJ facing the library (his back to the diners) and spinning vinyls. The menu changes seasonally, with a focus on sharing, so the whole experience is fun – because each dish is totally novel and you’ll find unexpected combinations. The Iberico ribs are phenomenal.” Alexia Karides is the founder of jewelry brand YSSO
Sophie Howard, designer
“Sushi Murasaki in Maida Vale is my go-to neighborhood sushi spot – nothing too flashy, just insanely fresh sashimi without the Nobu price tag. It’s not the chicest place, but that’s part of its charm. The atmosphere is warm, unpretentious and effortlessly cool – you might even spot Noel Gallagher there on a Tuesday night. I always sit at the sushi counter; I love the casualness of it and watching the chefs at work. I start with the yellowtail carpaccio, drizzled in a ponzu truffle dressing, followed by melt-in-your-mouth medium fatty tuna nigiri and perfectly crisp prawn tempura. And, if I’m feeling indulgent, the spicy pork ribs with their heavenly miso soy honey glaze are an absolute must. Unexpectedly, they also have a delicious selection of red wines, which I love pairing with my sushi – niche, I know, but it works.” Sophie Howard is the founder of jewelry brand By Pariah
Hikari Yokoyama, art consultant and entrepreneur
“Two of my favorites are The River Café and Petersham Nurseries, but for something less obvious, I also love Brat on Redchurch Street for butch, unpretentious, unassailable food that is impeccably cooked on an open fire. Everything is presented simply without fanfare, but a bite of anything belies the confident, reassured hand, eye and nose of a person manipulating the most delectable ingredients. Smoke billows out into the dining room, which is enveloped in dark wood paneling that used to belong to the former pub that was there.”
Otegha Uwagba, writer and consultant
“I love Café Deco in Bloomsbury – it’s been open for a while now, but I discovered it only last year, when a friend suggested we grab a drink there. One drink turned into several, accompanied by lovely little bites – calamari, pan con tomate and the like. You can also sit at the bar, which I always love doing. It gets quite busy at times, so try to go earlier in the week to guarantee a table… You won’t be disappointed.”
Laura Jackson, entrepreneur and broadcaster
“I love Quo Vadis – especially for [chef] Jeremy Lee’s ‘pie of the day’. I’m always secretly hoping it’s chicken, with a side of chips and aïoli. Such a treat, but it’s a classic Soho delicacy.”
Anna Jewsbury, designer
“Briciole on Homer Street in Marylebone is a lovely Italian trattoria and deli just a few minutes’ walk from my Completedworks studio. Happily cozy and low key, I could spend hours there feasting on an endless stream of impeccable little dishes: think arancini con zafferano, calamari fritti and little balls of burrata. It’s always bustling with locals, so I like to take one of the outdoor tables and people-watch in between dishes.” Anna Jewsbury is the founder of Completedworks
Rachel Ama, chef
“Pachamama East does a fabulous five-course vegan tasting menu. I once had the charred, caramelized aubergine and it was cooked in the most delicious, silky, scrumptious way – sticky and spicy. I’ve also had the smoked-mushroom ceviche, which is one of my favorite things to eat. It’s a really exciting place and so great that it has a whole plant-based menu with lots of flavor.” Rachel Ama is the author of One Pot: Three Ways.
Roksanda Ilinčić, designer
“Towpath is opposite my Roksanda design studio, on the canal in east London. It closes through winter but reopens for spring – and I will be so delighted to have it back. I have lunch there whenever I can. Everything on the menu is beautifully considered; I often order the monk’s beard and mozzarella.”
Phoebe Collings-James, artist
“Brunswick House does deeply imaginative food, made with love. You can sense that the chefs are excited by what grows seasonally, and the sensual and aromatic relationship of food. Chef Jackson Boxer is also a dear friend, so there are plenty of wonderful memories of gathering here over the years.
“Meanwhile, Uchi is my local spot and combines the intuitions of two of my favorite places – with a Jamaican chef cooking an exacting menu of truly delicious Japanese food. My favorite things are the miso eggplant and ginger sake cocktails. This is the perfect place to eat alone or with someone special for a gossip.”
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