Restaurants in London
A melting pot of cultures, eating out in London is an
international affair. Renowned for its curries, there are hundreds
of Indian restaurants to choose from, from upmarket Mayfair to the
trendy Brick Lane. Head to Chinatown in Soho for Chinese, or
Brixton for African or Caribbean.
A city synonymous with celebrity big name chefs like Jamie
Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, visitors to the city can also sample some
of the country's finest cuisine, but at a price. For a special
gourmet evening out head to Mayfair, Covent Garden, Soho or
Chelsea, but expect to pay. For the ultimate English experience,
traditional fish and chips are the order of the day. Get it wrapped
up for take away and head to the nearest park for a greasy snack.
If the weather is doing its usual thing then head to a cosy
gastropub instead and sample some heart-warming English fare.
Eating out in London is expensive but a lunchtime sandwich and
soft drink shouldn't cost more than £5 and an evening meal at
a standard restaurant, excluding drinks should amount to
£10.
For a comprehensive list of London restaurants check out
www.london-eating.co.uk
| Avenue |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
The Avenue Restaurant and Bar is a favourite with the
inhabitants of St James, and produces good modern British and
Mediterranean food. This minimalist restaurant is good value and
always packed, despite a sometimes patchy service. The best tables
are towards the back, on the mezzanine level. Set menus are usually
excellent, and competitively priced. For starters try the crayfish
salad, and for mains the roast Atlantic halibut (flounder) and the
White Park sirloin come highly recommended. Quality wines are
available by the glass. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 7-9 St James's Street
E-mail: avenue@egami.co.uk
Telephone: (0)20 7321 2111
| Star of India |
$$$$$ | Indian |
When in London, visitors should experience the English national
dish - Chicken Tikka Masala - and there is no better place to go
than the Star of India, in the heart of South Kensington. Situated
on the first floor of a Georgian house, this small restaurant has a
pseudo-classical interior and continues to be popular with locals,
despite the price. For years the Star of India has been at the
forefront of modern Indian cuisine and it continues to impress with
innovative and interesting menus, and specialities such as Sunehri
Khaste (stuffed coriander pancakes) and Malai Adraki Champen (lamb
cutlets marinated in cream cheese, black pepper and ginger).
Address: 154 Old Brompton Road (South Kensington)
Telephone: (0)20 7373 2901
| 1 Lombard Street |
$$$$$ | French |
Situated in the domed interior of an old banking hall, opposite
the Bank of England, 1 Lombard Street has become a city
institution. The brasserie is always bustling with investment
bankers and offers a full á la carte menu for both lunch and
dinner, featuring seasonal specialities and an extensive wine list.
The Michelin-starred restaurant, situated behind the brasserie, is
a better bet for discreet conversation and for enthusiasts of haute
cuisine. Menu favourites include roast monkfish, Angus beef
tournedos and the praliné 'Lombardo' with chocolate, whisky
and coffee. The formal dining environment provides a tranquil
setting for appreciating Herbert Berger's sophisticated cuisine.
Open weekdays only and the dress is smart casual.
Address: 1 Lombard Street (Bank)
E-mail: reception@1lombardstreet.com
Telephone: (0)20 7929 6611
| Montpeliano |
$$$$$ | Italian |
On a quiet side street just off Knightsbridge and a minutes walk
from Harrods, Montpeliano is a wonderfully old-fashioned Italian
restaurant, where the food is authentic and the service excellent.
The owner is always available, the staff are friendly and
welcoming, and the atmosphere has a feel of casual elegance. On
warm evenings it is possible to dine 'el fresco' on the outside
patio. The grilled chicken
diavola (devil's
style/butterflied) and the fillet stroganoff are delicious!
Address: 13 Montpelier Street (Knightsbridge)
Telephone: (0)20 7589 0032
| The Abingdon |
$$$$$ | Gastropubs |
The bar at this small but atmospheric pub is always buzzing with
locals, while the restaurant often draws visitors from further
afield. Set on a side street a few blocks from High Street
Kensington the eating area is awkwardly narrow but makes a good
spot for a private and romantic evening
á deux, or
with a small group of friends. The crumbed camembert comes with a
chicory, red wine and vanilla reduction, and is beautifully
followed by the organic salmon with Jerusalem artichokes. Open
daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 54 Abingdon Road (Kensington)
Post code: SW1
Telephone: (0)20 7937 3339
| Restaurant Gordon Ramsay |
$$$$$ | French |
One of London's finest eateries, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay opened
in 1998 as the chef's first independently owned venture. Today it
has three Michelin stars - an honour held by only one other British
restaurant. With 14 tables seating 44 guests, this exclusive venue
has become a must for connoisseurs of fine contemporary cuisine
from around the world. Feast on butter poached Scottish lobster
tail, roasted Barbary duck and Gianduja chocolate soufflé.
Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, book well in
advance.
Address: 68 Royal Hospital Road (Chelsea)
Telephone: (0)20 7352 4441
| Fire and Stone |
$$$$$ | Pizzeria |
A cosy atmosphere with contemporary trimmings and the smell of
fresh oven-baked pizza in the air, the trendy Fire and Stone pizza
joint in Covent Garden is ideal for a family outing, a casual meal
with friends or a romantic dinner. Boasting the largest wood-fired
oven in the northern hemisphere, Fire and Stone produces a large
variety of pizzas, themed on the different flavours of the
continents and made with only the freshest ingredients. Compliment
your meal with some of their quality red wines, or try an exotic
smoothie. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 31/32 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
Telephone: 0844 371 2550
| Carnaby Restaurant |
$$$$$ | British |
Carnaby Restaurant is a decadently decorated establishment ideal
for a light snack, afternoon tea or a full bodied evening meal.
This restaurant's fine food is served by friendly and attentive
staff, so sit back and enjoy the view of attractive Carnaby Street
through the tall glass windows, the plush red furnishings and the
'olde worlde' atmosphere. There are a variety of sophisticated
meals on the menu, including salmon steak with crab and potato
salad, and a sticky toffee pudding with crème fraîche.
Open for lunch and supper, Monday to Saturday.
Address: Courthouse Hotel, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street
Telephone: 020 7297 5555
| 54 Farringdon |
$$$$$ | Oriental |
A stylish but understated restaurant, serving modern European
and Malaysian cuisine, 54 is the ideal place for a romantic evening
or dinner with a group of friends. Serving only free range, organic
and local produce, 54 tries to ensure that their cuisine is
environmentally responsible and retains the utmost flavour. Try the
squid with black pepper and roast garlic for starters, nicely
complimented by a prawn and coconut curry main course. Open for
lunch and dinner Monday to Friday and dinner on Saturday.
Address: 54 Farringdon Road
Telephone: 020 7336 0603
A highly creative contemporary Indian restaurant, Zaika offers
sensational Indian cuisine in a cool and vibrant setting. Situated
in trendy Kensington, Zaika has won Best Indian Restaurant in the
London Restaurant Awards and holds three AA rosettes. Try the
tasting menu to get a fuller understanding of the extensive Indian
flavours. The Indian home-smoked salmon and Masala duck breast are
also favourites. With great service, plush interiors and excellent
cuisine, Zaika is a fail-proof night out. Open for lunch from
Tuesday to Sunday, and every evening for dinner.
Address: 1 Kensington High Street, Kensington
Telephone: 020 7795 6533
| Blue Elephant |
$$$$$ | Oriental |
A full throttle Thai experience, eating at the Blue Elephant is
a must. Greeted with welcoming smiles at the door, guests will love
the Thai décor, lush indoor garden of tropical plants and
the flowing carp pond. The Blue Bar's counter was carved out of a
single piece of teak and layered with 50,000 sheets of goldleaf,
adding to the restaurant's exotic and luxurious feel. The starter
menu offers familiar fare such as satay sticks, dumplings and
spring rolls, with the main menu displaying a broad range of
dishes, from herb-marinated sea bass grilled inside a bamboo wrap
to Massaman, a typical Thai dish of braised lamb in a medium spicy
sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 3-6 Fulham Broadway
Telephone: 020 7385 6595
