My Top 10 Restaurants in London

Well, after doing this blogging thing all over London for the last four years, I figured it was time to commit to a list of my favorite restaurants in London. This list is subject to change as I review additional London restaurants, and you must remember that I am a "food for the people" kind of gal. So while I very much believe that all my London restaurant recommendations are delicious, they might not necessarily be romantic or Michelin-esque or, well, to your tastes. If you need further suggestions, you can drop me a line at kristainlondon AT gmail.com. But please--give me some parameters to work with (price, location, cuisine, event). (And likewise, if you have restaurant suggestions for ME, please share.)

To each, his (or her) own.

1. Vinoteca. St. John Street in Clerkenwell.
Every meal I've had here has been better than the last. My father insists on visiting every time he's in town. The service is friendly, tap water is provided without a fuss and instantly refilled, the vibe is congenial. In short, they tick all the right boxes for me. I like the proletarianism of their no-bookings policy, but it means you must get there early.

2. The Providores. Marylebone High Street.
I love sitting in the window of The Providores, reading The Economist, enjoying a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir, and watching the world go by. (Do I sound like a snob or what?) This is my break from Oxford Street. They have a no bookings policy downstairs, so you may have to wait a bit. I love the food here as well...you'll do well to steer clear of bar snacks and go for the more sophisticated nibbles.

3. Crazy Homies. Westbourne Grove.
For my Tex-Mex fix in London. I love the kitschy decor and I can't live without the chips and salsa and guac. They do a mean margarita, with nice big chunky chunks of ice. They seem to go back and forth on their no-bookings policy, so call ahead.

4. Fernandez & Wells. Soho.
If only there were a branch by my office. I would seriously eat their chorizo sandwiches every day. I would probably drink a lot of rioja too. That's a bad idea. But I'd still do it.

5. The Raclette Guy at Borough Market.
The most delicious cheese sandwich in the world. Period.

6. Polo. Centre Point.
I love Korean food, and I love Polo. It is small, charming, and convivial. All the cold barley tea you can drink. Patient and educational service. Great for taking a break from the madness of Oxford Street.

7. Crystal Kebab. Holloway Road.
No London list would be complete without a kebab shop. The kebabs at Crystal are a religious experience. Oh, and they're open 22 hours a day.

8. Tayyabs. Whitechapel.
Part of me doesn't want to tell you about the deliciousness of the seekh kebabs here. Stay away. I also like the lentils and aubergine and I don't want you to have any of that either.

9. Ishbilia. Knightsbridge.
Who knew raw meat could taste this good? This was a recommendation from my buddies on Chowhound and boy were they right on. Love the fresh bread. Lebanese.

10. St. John. Clerkenwell.
Of course. I've never eaten in the restaurant. I've only eaten in the bar. Welsh rarebit for me, please. Go here if you want to eat pig's ears and bone marrow salad.

List last updated 18 June 2008. Image via badrobot on Morguefile.

Comments

[Jeanne]

We were at Lalibela for the first time on Saturday and I would go back for the coffee alone - the whole ceremony as well as that little cup of brew, redolent with cardamom and cinnamon.... Mmmmmmmm!

[Krista]

Colleen, I've fixed the drop-down so you'll see "British, Very" in there...sorry about that!

[Colleen]

I couldn't find the "Very British" category that you recommended to Kurt. Can you tell me how to find it? It sounds very interesting. Thanks

[Krista]

Kurt--
You should try St. John in Clerkenwell for very "British" food. Nose to tail eating!

The Fox & Anchor, also in Clerkenwell, is also quite nice for British food. (Review going up on Friday.)

I would take a look at my Gastro and Very British categories...they might point you in the right direction. But remember...everyone's taste is different!

Krista

[Kurt]

Thank you very much for this article.
I will be in London in two weeks and am looking for a place one can get real good English food. I have not really had any yet, but there seems to be a resurgence of some sort.
Any suggestions?
Thank you
kbender2008@gmail.com
www.ptownpatio.com

[Anna]

how can you pick just 10?!!! oh how i miss my old london haunts.

[Krista]

Slonik--yes, please let's compare top 10s! I'm in need of some new places to visit.

[slonik]

Weird - even though judging from your blog our London stomping ground's pretty similar, I've only been to 3 of your top 10. Of them, I wholeheartedly agree about Vinoteca and like Tayyab's, but have utterly failed to be charmed by the Eagle. Will have to think of my own top 10 soon...

[Krista]

Sam--thanks for your nice comments. Advice? Hmmm...well...blogging isn't always easy. I have a personal rule where I never apologize for not posting in a long time--something you'll see lots of bloggers do--because I want to post frequently. But keeping the momentum up is hard. So my advice would be to make sure you're committed to some sort of posting schedule.

My other advice would be to take pictures. Write for online. (i.e., managable chunks.) Link to others. And be nice. :) Good luck! And keep me posted.

Helen--have not tried Koba yet but will add it to the list! Thanks for the tip.

[sam]

Hi Krista,

I've been reading your blog for some time and I enjoy it thoroughly. I have thought about starting my own blog about dining experiences in London, because with the exception of a few other blogs (yours included), I don't have much faith in reviews (professional or otherwise). It seems like the professional reviewers don't really get away with anonymous dining and postings on london-eating or other sites aren't confidence inspiring either. If you had any advice whatsoever I would much appreciate it.

All the best and bon apetit!
best regards,
sam

[Helen Yuet Ling Pang]

I've just added Tayyabs to my wishlist after my Pakistani friend recommended it. Can't wait. Have you tried Koba? It's my favourite Korean restaurant...