My Favourite Restaurants
Dec 9th, 2007 by admin
Here are my favourite restaurants in London and around the world. They might be ones I visit regularly, or those I’ve only been to once or twice but haven’t stopped thinking about. And despite London being rated the most expensive city in the world for dining out, I still manage to eat very well here without overspending (most of the time!)
Yauatcha is currently my favourite Chinese restaurant and I eat here regularly. The dim sum is extraordinary, with unusual ingredients that I haven’t come across anywhere else. It’s one of only two Chinese restaurants in the UK with Michelin stars (the other being sister Hakkasan). Not that this makes any difference to me, as I was eating at Yauatcha before it received its star. Unmissable.
Barrafina is a fantastic Spanish tapas bar in Soho. I went again recently and the food is still constantly on my mind. The food is simple but incredibly fresh. You must try the specials, particularly the razor clams and the suckling pig.
Close to my office is Roka, which serves excellent modern Japanese cuisine. I’ve been here a few times, and the food is consistently amazing. It can be expensive, so order carefully unless your company’s paying. Next time I want to try the tasting menu!
A restaurant that I’ve only been to twice and yet plan to revisit again and again is The Wolseley. Wonderful food in an elegant setting, with great service – what more could one ask for? It’s also perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea and just as popular with locals as it is with visitors to London.
Globally, one of my favourites has to be Churrascaria Porcao in Rio, Brazil. It’s carnivore heaven and once in a while, I’ll daydream about being there, having endless succulent cuts of meat served to me.
When I get a xiao long bao (Shanghai dumplings) craving, then I’ll think about Din Tai Fung in Taipei, Taiwan. The dumplings are truly excellent, and they’re supposed to be the best in the world (although of course there are those who disagree!)
Gloria in Tallinn, Estonia is another favourite. Voted one of the top 100 restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveller, the oldest restaurant in Tallinn houses one of the top wine cellars in the Baltic region and serves French cuisine in a stunning Art Deco setting.
You might also be interested in a more recent post – My 8 Favourite London Restaurants
I really, really like Yauatcha too
I’m quite picky about dim sum and I love how they keep it authentic but with a slight twist that’s still delicious.
I’m definitely going to go to Barrafina soon… I love tapas and the suckling pig and clams sounds SO GOOD.
I’m quite excited because I’m going to a Din Tai Fung banquet tomorrow night… one of my favourite restaurants as well!
Lucky you! A Din Tai Fung banquet…in London?! That must be some special event. Can’t wait to hear about it and see the photos. And yes, Barrafina is a must! Helen Yuet Ling…
I need to try yauatcha! Me and cousin were thinking of going hakkasan before but I’ve seen too many foodie perferring yauatcha I might have to change our plans =)
But recently I’m sorta having a love for wing tai, cricklewood. The dim sum there is nice and not too expensive, shame public transport is just a hassle there!
Gosh, i Love dim sum!
Happy chinese new year!
Sun tay gin hong! (understand my crappy phoentics?)
vivi – this is such an old post! Favourites change all the time, so I probably need to update this. I’ve written another favourites post since, and that needs updating too. Gong Hei Fat Choi!
Helen Yuet Ling