Where should you eat in London?

I’m a food blogger so I should know the best places to eat right? Then how come when people ask me where to eat in London I always find myself stuck for words. I encounter the same mind blank when trying to decide what restaurant to book for #datenight each week. It’s not that the knowledge isn’t there – I spend hours a week researching the latest food trends, looking at menus and reading other blogs – but the vast choice in eateries in the capital is so over whelming my brain turns to mush.

People’s question to me about where to eat is usually met with the same response “What type of dining experience are you after”. Their reply is usually along the lines of “somewhere nice to take my other half”. I’ve been to plenty of “nice” London restaurants such as Clos Maggiore, Four O Nine, Maze, Grain Store (click on the links for our reviews), but none have stood out enough to be that one place I instantly recommend.

I do have a small notebook full of places to eat and drink in London which I add to every time I read a good review, hear a positive recommendation or see a tasty sounding menu. Unfortunately this book has become so large that choosing from it proves just as overwhelming. To help me decide on the destination of future #datenights and help Sam keep his sanity (by not having me talk non-stop about where to go) I’ve decided to compile a list of places I would like to visit before the year is up.

The below London eateries are places I have repeatedly heard/read good things about and I hope to visit by 2014. Once visited, I’ll update this list to include a review to help answer that all important question: “where should I eat”.

Restaurants

1. Five Fields, Chelsea
   The hype may have died down since it’s opening but the positive reviews have continued for this profoundly British Restaurant. Definitely one for a special occasion (my birthday/anniversary is coming up *hint hint*!)
2. Lima, Fitzrovia
   The majority of people I know don’t share my love for beautifully-presented minute portions so I’m making Sam come with me for #datenight next week and in return will foot the bill. Recently receiving their first Michelin Star, will Lima live up to expectations?
3. Poplo, Soho
   This popular restaurant chain incorporates my love of sharing plates and fine Italian food. I’ve heard good things, I’m sure you have too.
4. The Dairy, Clapham
   On my list since opening last summer, the menu sounds wonderful with a focus on fresh country produce and just down the road from me too!
5. Pitt Cue, Soho 
   A new found love of red meat has put Pitt Cue on my list to check out the apparent “best ribs in town”. Are they? We’ll have to see!

Brunch

1. Lantana Cafe, Fitzrovia
   Known as “a little bit of Australia in Fitzrovia” – why wouldn’t you want to visit!
2. The Attendant, Central London
   I’ve always wanted to dine in a loo! Coffee by Caravan, cakes by Bittersweet Bakers, this former toilet certainly offers something different.
3. Brickwood Coffee & Bread, Clapham
   Newly opened by the people behind Entrée, this looks like the perfect brunch spot. Rumour has it they do TimTam muffins too!  
4. Caravan, Kings Cross
   The coffee sounds awesome, as does the coconut bread, with lemon curd cream cheese and rhubarb!
5. Bistro Union, Clapham
   From the guys behind Trinity, Bistro Union offers non-fuss British brunch. The cakes look pretty good too!

Treats

1. Comboco, Soho
   These guys seem to have disappeared off the radar in recent months after announcing their new breakfast gelato. With flavours such as Pancakes & Maple Syrup I can’t understand why!
2. Nordic Bakery/Bageriet, Central London 
   Both traditional Swedish bakeries and both are meant to have incredible cinnamon buns. Something I’m yet to get my hands on!
3. You Doughnut
   Delicious looking doughnuts found at various food markets and festivals across London. Hot doughnut bites – yes please!
4. Snowflake Gelato
   Recently opened their second London brand in Soho, Snowflake offer huge hearty looking sundaes alongside traditional scoops.
5. Kahalia Cafe, Shoreditch
   This trendy east end coffee shop is in fact a charity. The cakes are meant to be exceptionally tasty and I’d be helping the community too!

Events

1. Kerb, Various
   I’m always stuck in the office during lunch time trading but hip-hip-hurrah they are opening on Saturday’s as of this week!
2. A Supperclub
   Most require a heavy wallet but a visit to a Supperclub is a must for all Londoners. Let me know if you hear of any particularly good one!
3. Diners Union, Shoreditch
   £15 set menu every one eats the same at one long table. Cheap as chips although I have a feeling I’d be cold due to it’s unusual location.
4. Venn Street Market, Clapham
   I’ve been before but not since Global Fusion started trading – the BEST banana bread you’ll ever taste.
5. Eating London, East London
   New food tour exploring the culinary delights of London’s food scene.

If time and money would allow:

1. Pollen Street Social, Savile Row
   Part of Jason Atherton’s restaurant empire, highly regarded by critics and the holder of awards aplenty.
2. Restaurant Story, London Bridge 
   Innovative and experimental menu from Tom Story. My kind of cooking.
3. Hawksmoor, Covent Garden
   Still new to the steak scene, I need to experience some of Hawksmoor’s meat. Just to see what the fuss is about.
4. The Shard, London Bridge
   I have to go up, and what better excuse than to dine at one of the restaurants. I just haven’t chosen which one yet!
5. Meat&Wine Co, Various
   £59 for a 350 day grass fed, pampered, bed sleeping, non-fatty, steak (sides cost extra) – it must be good surely?

Now I could go on forever, I even have a B list of those who didn’t quite make the cut but I’ll leave that for the new year. If you need any recommendations then feel free to get in contact. I have a whole host of knowledge just waiting to get out! If you need more information on London restaurants, I find Square Meal a good site to visit. If you’re planning a trip to London (or anywhere in Europe!), we’re offering our readers an exclusive 25%  discount on  accommodation at Millennium Hotels this December and January. Click here to get your discount code!  

Living life, loving London,

H x