As I’m London-based, the majority of the restaurants that I review are in London. I’m always torn between spending money on eating out in London, which can be expensive, and saving up to go on ‘traveleating‘ trips abroad. As I can’t travel all the time, I eat out occasionally while waiting for the next trip!
I stopped rating restaurants in September 2009, so you will see the rating system on older reviews, but not on any future ones. I’ve found ratings very subjective and hope that I can describe my experiences to you clearly enough so that you can decide whether or not a restaurant is worth visiting.
The reviews have been grouped under the following categories:
- Current Favourites
- Great Restaurants To Revisit
- Restaurants I Won’t Be Revisiting
- Chinese Restaurants
- Japanese Restaurants
These posts may also be useful:
CURRENT FAVOURITES: restaurants that I truly love, get all excited about revisiting and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to friends. Not in any particular order & regularly updated.
- Barrafina (Spanish tapas) – Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4SL
- Koba (Korean) – Rathbone Street, W1T 1NA
- Roka (Japanese) – Charlotte Street, W1T 1RR
- Yauatcha (Chinese) – Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 0DL
- Pearl Liang (Chinese) – Paddington, W2 6EZ
- Fernandez & Wells - Lexington Street, W1F 9AL
- Le Caf̩ Anglais (Anglo-French) РQueensway, W2 4DB
- Golden Hind (fish & chips) – Marylebone Lane, W1U 2PN
- Mangal Ocakbasi (Turkish) – Stoke Newington, E8 2DJ
- Vrisaki (Greek) – Palmers Green, N22 8LZ
GREAT RESTAURANTS TO REVISIT: restaurants where I’ve had one or more wonderful meals, but which haven’t quite made the favourites list yet. I would happily revisit the majority of these and recommend them to friends. Listed in order of date visited & regularly updated.
- Polpo (Italian) – 41 Beak Street, W1F 9SB
- Sedap (Straits) – 102 Old Street, EC1V 9AY
- Garufa (Argentinian) – 104 Highbury Park, N5 2XE
- Bocca di Lupo (Italian) – Archer Street, Soho, W1D 7BB
- Naru (Korean) – Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EG
- Dinings (Japanese) – Harcourt Street, W1H 4HH
- L’Anima (Italian) – Snowden Street, EC2A 2DQ
- Yalla Yalla (Lebanese) – Soho, W1F 0HA
- Launceston Place (British) – Launceston Place, W8 5RL
- Salt Yard (tapas) – Goodge St, W1T 4NA
- Rasa Sayang (Straits) – Chinatown, W1D 6AY
- 202 Caf̩ РWestbourne Grove, W11 2RH
- Franco Manca (pizzeria) – Brixton Market, SW9 8LD
- Fox & Anchor (gastropub) – Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6AA
- Hawksmoor (steakhouse) – Commercial Street, E1 6BJ
- New Tayyabs (Pakistani) - Fieldgate Street, E1 1JU
- Providores & Tapa Room – Marylebone High St, W1U 4RX
- Hix Oyster & Chop House (British) – Cowcross Street, EC1
- The Butcher’s Block, Malmaison – Charterhouse Square
- Hereford Road (British) – Hereford Road, W2 4AB
- Goodman (steakhouse) – Maddox Street, W1S 1QH
- St John (British) – St John Street, EC1M 4AY
- Arang (Korean) – Golden Square, W1F 9HZ
- The Giaconda Dining Room (French) – Denmark St, Soho
- Kazan (Turkish) – Wilton Road, Pimlico
- Lantana (Australian) – Charlotte Place, W1T 1SN
- Princi (Italian) – Wardour Street, W1F 0UT
- Milk Bar (coffee shop) – Bateman Street, Soho, W1D 4AG
- Cay Tre (Vietnamese) – Old Street, EC1V 9LA
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Covent Garden, WC2H 9NE
- Mandalay (Burmese) – Edgware Road, W2 1EG
- Konstam (British) – Acton Street, WC1X 9NA
- Rodizio Rico (Brazilian churrascaria) – Upper Street, N1 0NU
- Wild Honey (Modern European) – St George St, W1S 2FB
- The Wolseley (Modern European) – Piccadilly, W1J 9EB
- Galvin Bistrot de Luxe (French) – Baker Street, W1U 7DJ
- Kiasu (Straits) – Queensway, W2 3RY
- Nordic Bakery – Golden Square, Soho, W1F 9JF
- Molo (Greek) – Hampden Square, Southgate, N14 5JR
RESTAURANTS I WON’T BE REVISITING: restaurants that I won’t be visiting again. This doesn’t mean that others haven’t had and won’t have great meals. It’s just me. Please read individual reviews for more details. Listed in order of date visited & regularly updated.
- St. Alban (Modern European) – Lower Regent Street, SW1Y 4PE
- Sorabol (Korean) – New Malden, Surrey
- Nahm (Thai) – The Halkin Hotel, SW1X 7DJ
- Arbutus (Modern European) – Frith Street, Soho
- Rossopomodoro (Italian) – Covent Garden, WC2H 9EP
- Khoai Caf̩ (Vietnamese) РCrouch End, N8 8PR
- Pho (Vietnamese) – Great Titchfield Street, W1W 8AX
- Mulberry Street (pizzeria) – Westbourne Grove, W2 5RT
- Refuel (Modern European) – The Soho Hotel, Soho, W1D 3DH
- Langan’s Brasserie (Anglo-French) – Stratton Street, W1J 8LB
- Gaucho (steakhouse) – Swallow Street, Regent Street, W1B 4DJ
- Imli (Indian) – Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 8WR
- Le Pont de la Tour (French) – Tower Bridge, SE1 2YE
CHINESE RESTAURANTS:
This is supposed to be my area of expertise, but there are still so many restaurants I’ve yet to visit. Even though Hunan has been around for many years, I’ve only just discovered it. Luckily better late than never! I also love dim sum and have done a lot of research into where to eat it. Pearl Liang, Yauatcha, Yum Cha and now Leong’s Legend are my current dim sum recommendations. For good value one dish meals, try HK Diner, and for xiao chi or small eats (dumplings, noodles etc, I love Ba Shan. The work continues…
- Min Jiang – Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
- Leong’s Legend – 4 Macclesfield Street, W1D 6AX
- Hunan – Pimlico Road, SW1 8NE
- Ba Shan – Romilly Street, W1D 5AH
- Yum Cha – Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AG
- Chilli Cool – Leigh Street, WC1H 9EW
- Peninsula – Greenwich
- Golden Palace – Harrow
- Leong’s Legend – 4 Macclesfield Street, W1D 6AX
- Baozi Inn – Newport Court, Chinatown, WC2H 7JS
- Cha Cha Moon – Ganton Street, Carnaby Street, W1F 9BN
- Hakkasan – Hanway Place, Tottenham Court Road, W1T 1HD
- Royal China Club – Baker Street, W1U 7AJ
- Bar Shu – Frith Street, Soho, W1D 5LF
- HK Diner – Wardour Street, Chinatown, W1D 6QQ
- Gerrard’s Corner – Wardour Street, Chinatown, W1D 6QW
- Inn Noodle – Tottenham Court Road, near tube, W1D 2DW
- Shanghai Blues – High Holborn, WC1V 7BD
- Royal China – various branches in London
- Crispy Duck – Gerrard Street, Chinatown, W1D 5PH
- Haozhan – Gerrard Street, Chinatown, W1D 5PJ
- Snazz Sichuan – Chalton Street, Kings Cross, NW1 1JD
- Imperial China – Lisle Street, Chinatown, WC2H 7BA
JAPANESE RESTAURANTS:
London’s Japanese restaurant scene has changed considerably over the last 20 years. In the late 80s, eating katsu curry at the Japan Centre (then on Brewer Street) was an experience. Now, we’re spoiled for choice. I like Sushi-Hiro & Jinkichi very much, as well as Yoisho, because they serve simple delicious food at the right prices. Tomoe has interesting options on their ‘specials’ menu, but it’s only in Japanese. I quite liked Sake no Hana when it first opened, but it’s so expensive that I’ll probably go to Japan instead. And I won’t be going back to Nobu London again. There are a few Japanese restaurants I’m planning to visit though, so I’ll add them to this list as I make my way through them…
- Sushi-Hiro – Uxbridge Road, W5 3LD
- Tsuru – Canvey Street, SE1 9AN
- Tomoe – Marylebone Lane, W1U 2PB
- Soseki – next to the Gherkin, the City, EC3A 5AA
- Hazuki – Chandos Place, Covent Garden, WC2N 4HS
- Sushi-Say – Walm Lane, Willesden, NW2 5SH
- Toku – Japan Centre, Piccadilly, W1J 9HX
- Sake no Hana – St James’ Street, Piccadilly, SW1A 1HA
- Nobu London – Metropolitan Hotel, Hyde Park, W1K 1LB
- Jinkichi – Heath Street, Hampstead, NW3 6UG
- Yoisho – Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road, W1T 2PS
I have to agree with your poor ratings, both of Langan’s brasserie and Pont de La Tour. Unfortunately the latter – which used to be very good – has disappointed each visit in the past few years. I keep going back for the same reason. City business types like to take their overseas guests (me) there as it is convenient, and offers a nice view of the river. Unfortunately that type of clientele just keep coming back regardless of the poor food/value equation.
Alan – I thought I was the only one! My husband’s Canadian business friends just love it at Langan’s for some reason. I refuse to go back. And our wine friend from Brazil loves it at Le Pont de la Tour. Yes, there’s a lovely view of the river, but what about the other things that are important? Perhaps the recession will force restaurants like these to improve…
Helen Yuet Ling
Make sure you check out Dinings for a really good Nobu-style (ex Nobu chef opened it so no surprises there) feed for 1/3 of the price…in kind of a strange spot in Marylebone but worth the effort finding it.
Hi,
Just thought I should mention a chinese restaurant that you might find interesting – Gourmet San on Bethnal Green Road. I believe that the owner and or chef is from somewhere close to Mongolia, hence the menu features lamb and little pork. Quite a few dishes are extremely spicy and there is a lot of BBQ as well so Sichuan influenced. There are so many things on the menu that I think that it would take a long time to sample everything! Prices are ridiculously cheap.
Aengus
Aengus – thanks for the Gourmet San rec. I’ve read fellow blogger reviews of it, but haven’t got round to visiting yet. Sounds rather nice from the way you describe it!
Helen Yuet Ling
Have you ever tried Hunan in Pimlico Road.
I would be really interested in your view.
Have been going there for over 10 years and adore the food. The Peng’s are Taiwanese .
Will not say anymore !
Gastro1 – I’m going to Hunan next month with a Taiwanese friend, who is a regular there. She talks about it all the time, so I’m looking forward to finally going with her! My surname is also Peng in Mandarin, though I’m not Taiwanese…
Helen Yuet Ling
Have you tried Kikuchi?
Jennifer Liang – no I haven’t, though I’ve read reviews of it. Should I go?
Helen Yuet Ling
Not sure what you base your “Revisit” or “not-revisit” on…
Arbutus and Wild Honey are on different lists even though they both practically serve the same food… I’m sure you have your reason..
Great site by the way…
Luke – as I have said, the lists are very personal. Arbutus is on the won’t revisit list because I did revisit it recently and didn’t like it. Wild Honey is on the revisit list because it was good the only time I went and haven’t had the chance to revisit it again. And even though they might serve similar dishes, the ambience and service are completely different. I don’t just go to a restaurant for the food alone…But thanks for visiting.
Helen Yuet Ling
Love your site, keep it up! I’ve recently been to a couple of French restaurants that you might be interested in hearing about. The first is called “Terroirs” which is an informal French bistro close to Charing Cross road. The menu is simple, and everything we ordered was great. They have this phenomenal charcuterie selection, and I had this melt in your mouth Vêntreche. Also been to Morgan M. It is a French fine dining restaurant between Angel and Highbury & Islington. This place has a more classic feel, however it is not stuffy. The service is impeccable (you can tell that the wait staff are all professionally trained) and the food was just amazing: very intricately designed. To start I had pan fried foie gras on brioche with a home made beetroot pickle, and for a main beautifully cooked venison accompanied by a pear stewed in red wine, vegetables and a home made biscuit with spinach.
Dee – thank you. I’m visiting Terroirs in a couple of weeks, as my food blogger colleagues are in love with the place. And have just read a review of Morgan M by LondonEater who liked it very much. Your meal there sounds delicious! Thank you for the recs…!
Helen Yuet Ling
Hi there – I only just discovered your fanstastic website. As a fellow foodie I can’t wait to start adding my comments to yours, and share fnew finds as well as disappointments. I am considering Pearl Liang tonight and if I go will let you know what I think (I lived in HK for 13 years…and am partial to the Royal China branch in Docklands). Just a quickie — Gourmet Sen on Bethnal Green. I suppose it’s authentic, but more like a student canteen in China. Very fatty, industrial-sized portions but very cheap, rather retro-mainland; packed with mainland Chinese who probably are pining away for cheap eats. Been a couple of times but won’t be going back. Also, it fear that Snazz near Kings X has changed ownership, definately gone downhill on recent visits.
Mike – thanks for visiting! I’ve heard mixed reports about Gourmet San. It’s not on my list at the moment. And I’ve only been to Snazz once, a long time ago. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on Pearl Liang…
Helen Yuet Ling
Never made it to Pearl Liang, went instead to the restaurant, run by Searcy’s St Pancras Station. Not recommended. Might hit Pearl Liang tonight — or maybe instead to newish Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown. Are you aware that the chefs behind Nonya in Notting Hill set up their own restaurant on Old Street called Sedap? Been once, it’s not too bad.
If you like Le Cafe Anglais I’d highly recommend Magdalen in London Bridge. Fantastic
Mike – yes, I know of Sedap. It’s been recommended by a couple of foodie friends, and is high on my list. If you’re referring to Rasa Sayang, my review will be up in a week or two.
Patrick – thanks for the rec, will read up on it ASAP!
Helen Yuet Ling
Hi again, just a few comments
Tonight I am off to Frizzante, in the Hackney Farm. Have you ever heard of it? During the day a rather ok-ish caffe. but on Thursday nights it opens as a real home-style Italian restaurant with small menu. BYO, except one Thursday a month they do an Agrotourism night where they have a license. Food is 1000% authentic, fresh ingredients, fab location and cheap! you’ve got to try it if you ever go East.
Your DimSum list.. Royal China in Docklands… I’ve been to 3 of the Royal Chinas and by far the dimsum in docklands is the most superior. I guess it depends on the chef… but it’s always packed with Chinese on the weekends. I never sit outside by the river (dimsum and fresh air dont mix!?) You should give it another try.
Japanese — I don’t see Sakana Tei on Maddox Street off Regent Street on your list. No question, freshest fish/sushi in town and amazing home-made dishes. It’s been around for about 10+ years but very very low key; owner told me he’s not interested in advertising, loyal Japanese clientele. It specialises in “little eats” (Japanese dimsum?) and the exhaustive dinner menu on blackboard is only in Japanese but they will make suggestions. Tiny place. A real gem.
One last (I cant resist offering comments!) My new fave for fish is Appleby’s in Borough Market – do you know it? The fish stall last year opened a restaurant. Most of the chefs are Italian, and the seafood soup is to die for. They also have a branch in farflng east London but it’s too suburban for my liking.
Enjoy!
Mike – no I haven’t heard of Frizzante. How interesting and thanks for letting me know about it. I’m not sure about Royal China anymore. I used to go to the Docklands and Baker Street a lot and got a bit fed up with not being able to make reservations (which meant eating way too early) and the abrupt service. And of course the dim sum, which isn’t as good as it used to be. Sakana Tei was on my wishlist until recently, when it dropped off it. My Japanese friend said they look after their favourite regular guests more than others. I don’t think I like the sound of that! And thanks for the Appleby’s rec too…
The drawback with Frizzante is that menu is so small they sell out of bestsellers. Last Thursday was wonderful as you can sit al fresco in a woods…produce couldn’t be fresher. Royal China – yes, it’s a drag about no resesrvations – I try to go about 12-ish on a Sunday- anything later you have to wait and wait. Generally dimsum quality is pretty good, though — at least as good as most of what is served in HK these days.Sakana Tei, it is true there is a bit of a language problem given that the lengthy evening specials are all in Japanese (daily changing lunch special menu is bilingual). But I’ve found the lady managers extremely helpful — the guy who owns it is rather ghoulish. Definately worth a try. I do read Chinese, particularly menus, so I have that benefit while going to a Chinese restaurant. (I freqently get complimented that I construct a meal like a Chinese person).
Oh, and another Chinese restaurant suggestion: Kam Fung, near High Holburn. Run by HK Chinese guy, pretty authentic hearty simple fare. Big problem is that English menu pales in comparison to Chinese one — in this day-and-age you’d think they’d get it translated!
Finally, a plea — if you know of any non-farang Thai restaurants, I’m forever hopeful…
Mike – thanks for the updates and feedback. Maybe I will add Sakana Tei back to my list if you think it’s worth a try. Not heard of Kam Fung, as I don’t go to that area so much. As for Thai restaurants, I haven’t been yet, but have you tried Rosa’s? I’ve heard good things about it.
I am particularly fussy about my Thai food as while living in HK (for 13 years) I had a Thai amah who was a fantastic cook – real “home-style” thai food — and I cook it very well as a result. I went to Rosa’s about a year ago and was sadly disappointed considering the reports I had heard. Not a single Asian diner in the place… I live in East london near to where there is a “Vietnam town” (not the one on Kingsland Road, but there is another on Mare Street in Hackney) where you get very authentic Vietnamese food. The Green Papaya, in particular, is my favorite because the owner makes both dishes his mother taught him (Mama’s pork is delicious!) and tries to experiment using herbs and veggies not usually seen on menus. And when he makes it, his durian ice cream is sublime!
Well, you clearly know more about Thai food than I do! I’ve heard good things about Green Papaya but haven’t been to either Rosa’s or GP. You should read my post on Nahm…
@admin,
I wanted to like Jin kichi but was sorely dissapointed. this is my fav. japanese resto in london besides only going once to swanky expensive nobu and stylish roka.
Jennifer – what a shame. I’ve always liked it but perhaps it’s changed since I was last there. Will try again and report back. I didn’t think much of Nobu the last time, but I do like Roka very much (it depends what you order).
Helen Yuet Ling
Thank you for this website and reviews…
This is by far my favourite website regarding restaurant reviews and I often visit your website for new ideas of where to dine in London! And your reviews have been very helpful!
Thanks again!
Andrew
Andrew – thank you, you’re very kind to say so! Very glad to have you as a regular reader too…
Helen Yuet Ling
Hi there
Have you heard anything/been to Keelung, a Taiwanese restaurant, on Lisle Street?
Mike – I went to Keelung a couple of months ago for lunch. It wasn’t as good as I expected it would be, but I will go back as I lost the photos I took there, hence no post yet. My Taiwanese friend ordered street food. Some dishes were nice, others so-so.
I thought the restaurant was very good (relative to other London Chinese restaurants). Five of us went, I comandeered the ordering, and most of the dishes were to be recommended — we did try quite a few. I just posted a note on an American in London blog on Keelung, so you can see my comments there. If you do head back, please ask on my behalf where the chefs come from; I am curious!
I would strongly recommend ChiSou – small Japanese restaurant right next to Oxford Circus. One of the most authentic Japanese food places I’ve been in.
Enjoy!
Michael Todds – thank you for your recommendation! I’m sure others will also appreciate your tip.
Helen Yuet Ling