London is home to world class cuisine; did you know the capital is home to over 60 Michelin starred restaurants? If you’re planning a visit to London, check out my insider’s guide on the best places to eat.
Best for Romance
Andrew Edmunds is a restaurant only true Londoners know about; it’s famed for it’s low key, almost blink-and-you’ll-miss-it exterior many a love affair and marriage proposal has happened here. Brilliant wine and pocket friendly prices, you’ll need to make a dinner reservation at least one week in advance. During the week it’s usually full of media types as the area, Soho, is home to the majority of London’s film and TV companies but evenings and weekends are quiet enough that you might spot the odd celebrity.
46 Lexington Street
London
W1F 0LP
Best Kids Restaurant
At last count Jamie Oliver had six children and it’s his experience as a parent that makes his Jamie’s Italian the most kid friendly restaurant in London. The children’s menu is available in two sizes – little kids from £6.50 and big kids from £6.95 and each meal comes with a fresh shake-me salad and unlimited cups of fruity water, juice or milk. On arrival kids are given an activity pack along with a badge that said ‘I ate all my greens at Jamie’s Italian’. Even if they don’t! It’s pocket friendly and there are branches dotted around London so there’s sure to be one near wherever you’re staying.
https://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/
Best for Vegetarians + Vegans
If you have any kind of intolerance or allergy, eating out can be difficult which is why you need to visit somewhere that has given forethought and consideration to your dietary needs. Ethos Foods is a meat free restaurant and all dishes are listed with their potential allergen so whether you’re nut/soya/egg or dairy free, there are plenty of filling and delicious dishes for you to choose from. Make a reservation if you’re n a group of more than six otherwise feel free to walk in. Lunchtimes can be busy so try an early lunch (12pm) or a later one (2 pm) to guarantee yourself a table.
Ethos Foods
48 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8DX
Best Afternoon Tea
The clichés are true, if you want a truly quaint and delightful English experience, you can’t beat Afternoon Tea at The Ritz. The Hotel is breath taking in its beauty and Afternoon Tea here includes live classical music between 11.30am and 9.00pm. Enjoy 18 different kinds of loose-leaf tea, finely cut sandwiches and the world famous scones with jam and cream.
Afternoon Tea is served daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, and 7.30pm.
The Ritz Hotel (London) Ltd
150 Piccadilly,
London
W1J 9BR
Best Curry
Brit’s love their curry and London is home to some of the best curry houses this side of the Indian Ocean. When deciding where to go – see if the restaurant passes what I call ‘the window test’. If the place is full of tourists, give it a miss. If the restaurant is full of locals – or better yet there’s an Indian wedding party taking place inside – rush inside for a seat and enjoy some deliciously authentic Indian food. My favourite is Tayyab’s in Whitechapel. Another insider’s secret, Tayyab’s is nothing to look at outside and the inside is pretty basic but the food is out of this world. There’s almost always some kind of celebration going on so the atmosphere is great but be prepared for a long queue outside, they don’t take reservations.
Tayyab’s
83-89 Fieldgate Street
London E1 1JU
http://www.tayyabs.co.uk/
Mads Panchoo is the founder of The London Mother http://www.thelondonmother.net/- an essential guide to everything London has to offer parents and children, whether residents or visitors.
