Well, after doing this blogging thing all over London for the last five years, I figured it was time for me and my blog to commit to my top 10 London restaurant recommendations. 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 any London restaurant recommendations 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. 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.
3. Ottolenghi. Islington.
Although I really hate the crowds in this place at times, I love the food. In February 2009, I ate at Ottolenghi four times in one week, so hooked was I on their aubergine salad. Remember lunch is cheaper than dinner, and despite it seeming like a cafe, they are always fully booked for dinner so you should call ahead!
4. 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. This is the restaurant that inspired me to start my London restaurant blog; it was my very first London restaurant review ever.
5. 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. A friend of mine took me here almost immediately after I moved to London in 2004...I had no idea!
6. 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.
7. The Raclette Guy at Borough Market.
The most delicious cheese sandwich in the world. Period.
8. 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. I think it's fair to say that most London bloggers love this place.
9. Ishbilia. Knightsbridge.
Who
knew raw meat could taste this good? This was a recommendation from my
buddies on the London board of Chowhound who gave it rave reviews and boy were they right on. Love the fresh bread.
Lebanese.
10. Pham. City Borders.
Dig the crunchy tuna roll big time. Short on atmosphere. Low on prices. Probably not really Japanese. (I think they're Vietnamese.) But they're doing something right. Another one of those places in London that I just randomly popped into one day and have been going back to repeatedly ever since.
List last updated 21 February 2009. Image via badrobot on Morguefile.
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