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 Value for Money in Covent Garden |
40 Wellington Street London WC2E 7BD United Kingdom +44 20 7240 2992 http://www.boulevardbrasserie.com |
The two floors of this Covent Garden brasserie are usually full to the brim. Boulevard seems to have a universal appeal, if you can stand the crush that is. Tourists, local residents and business people all flock here for good value fresh cooking with a strong French influence. The menu is split into sections of salads, large sandwiches, snacks, pastas, meats, vegetarian and fish. Pre- and post-theater dinner menus are available, and there's also a set lunch menu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Very English |
35 Charles Street The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel London, London W1J 5EB United Kingdom +44 20 7491 2622 |
Butler's stands out among others in the neighbourhood of Mayfair. Located in the Chesterfield Hotel, the decor and menu send you into the bygone English Renaissance era. You can dig into prime ribs, mashed potatoes, caramelised shallots and bacon, done to perfection. The effervescent Chef Henderson is also a pro in vegetarian fare. Try the Spicy Vegetable Cake to agree. Accomodating wait staff, fine wine selections and pre-theatre dinners make Butler's a must-visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jamie's Kitchen |
Westland Place London, UK N1 7LP United Kingdom +44 871 330 1515 http://www.fifteenrestaurant.com fmbschools@jamieoliver.com |
Fifteen has retro styling. This is where the famed chef Jamie Oliver, who has his show on Channel Four does his thing. With a relaxed and friendly dining environment, this restaurant is very popular with Londoners. Long lines are not an uncommon sight here, so make sure you make reservations. The restaurant has booths and is perfect for a romantic evening with the one you love. Fifteen specializes in modern Mediterranean dishes with an Italian flavor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sven Charleer |
 Photo: Mark Radford |
 Photo: Olafur Kr. Olafsson |
 Photo: Ben Harris-Roxas  |
 Photo: Mark Radford |
 Photo: Mark Radford |
 Photo: Andreas Nebiker |
 Photo: vicky mak |
 Photo: Stanley C.H. Chung |
 Photo: Ben Sanderson |
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French perfection, courtesy of the Roux family |
43 Upper Brook Street London, London W1K 7QR United Kingdom +44 20 7408 0881 http://www.le-gavroche.co.uk bookings@le-gavroche.com |
For 30 years, Le Gavroche has been the epitome of luxury and exclusivity with its discreet, gentleman's-club-like ambiance and classic French menu. The combination of high style, culinary excellence and outstanding service makes it unequaled in London. In fact, the service is so good that the restaurant won an award for best service, and for general excellence in the Moet and Chandon London Restaurant awards. The menu comprises classic French dishes prepared to the highest standard. If plates like lobster mousse with caviar and a champagne butter sauce sound delightful, then you may have to consider selling your house and frequenting Le Gavroche more often. A jacket and tie are required. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: snapshotlondon.com |
 Photo: Alex Light |
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Traditional seafood restaurant |
2 Farmer Street Notting Hill London, London W8 7SN United Kingdom +44 20 7727 7528 |
First established in 1939, this is one of London's premier traditional chippies, making fish and chips the way they ought to be made. It has recently been taken over by Mike Graham (formerly of Bar Central and Le Midi) and has lost none of the ambience that has made it so popular over the last sixty years. The slightly shabby interior is still the perfect setting to enjoy Britain's national food. The emphasis is on fresh fish, so go for the fish and chips because they will be some of the best you've ever had. If you want more modern and refined renditions of fish, then why not try the fishcakes or grilled fish of the day? Everything is delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: parlance |
 Photo: betleguse |
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For the best steaks in town |
26 Bruton Place Off Berkeley Square London, London W1J 6NG United Kingdom +44 20 7629 5613 http://www.greigs.com |
Head to Greig's at Mayfair, for some of the best steaks in town. The food is stubbornly British with an ambiance that matches it perfectly. Other British favorites include Smoked Trout, Shepherd's Pie, English Lamb Cutlets and a wide array of delicious salads. Desserts include Raspberries with Cream, Bailey's Vanilla Ice-cream and traditional English puddings. End your meal with a hot cup of Caffe Latte or Earl Grey Tea. And while you're there, don't forget to sample a glass of rare wine from the exclusive list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Smart Casual Dining |
5 Abchurch Yard London EC4N 7BA United Kingdom +44 20 7623 2355 http://www.harrys.co.uk/ info@harrys.co.uk |
Harry's Bar is a comfortable and sophisticated restaurant located in the financial district. The menu offers a wide array of contemporary British and European cuisine and there is a lengthy wine list as well. For starters, try the Smoked Salmon with tomatoes and capers, served on toasted granary bread. Then progress to the Braised Rabbit in a mustard, spring onion and creamy white wine sauce with potatoes. Finish things off with the Raspberry Bavarois served with fruit forest coulis, and don't forget to treat yourself to a bottle of the Chevalier de Rauzan Gassies. Harry's prides itself on great food and service so take full advantage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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London's premier restaurant |
1-5 West Street London, London WC2H 9NQ United Kingdom +44 20 7836 4751 http://www.caprice-holdings.co... |
The Ivy is certainly a contender for London's premier restaurant title. The oak-paneled, v-shaped room has stained-glass windows and a superb atmosphere. Diners are some of the most photographed stars of film, theater and society, but absolutely everyone is treated equally. From Corned Beef Hash to caviar, everything is beautifully prepared and well presented. Surprisingly, prices are not sky high: excellent value-set lunches are available on the weekend. Because of its popularity, you must book at least a month in advance; although if you avoid peak hours, you may get a table on short notice. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: martinshuck |
 Photo: snapshotlondon.com |
 The finest in Thai cuisine |
46 Grosvenor Place London, London SW1X 7EQ United Kingdom +44 20 7823 1888 http://www.mangotree.org.uk/ |
Located near the famous Buckingham Palace, this restaurant boasts of having the best Thai food in London. The ambiance is calm and intimate, making it a favorite with those who prefer a quiet lunch or dinner. The freshest ingredients are used, which bring out the traditional flavors in every dish you order. Try the authentic appetizers, soups and stir fry, served with rice or noodles. To make your meal even tastier, take a pick from the variety of sauces on offer. Traditional desserts include Honey Mango served with Coconut Milk and Tropical Ice-creams. And an exclusive list of wine and cocktail will make your visit more worthwhile than you would have imagined. So, get a taste of the tropics in an ambiance that truly reflects the cuisine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ben9125 |
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Flavors from the land of the rising sun |
15 Bury Street London, UK SW1Y 6AL United Kingdom +44 20 7839 1101 http://www.matsuri-restaurant.com dine@matsuri-restaurant.com |
This restaurant is described as one of the best Japanese restaurants in London. The menu is an interesting mix of the traditional and modern but with all the flavors intact. Don't forget to try the fresh Sushi served with Teppan-yaki. Let Japanese Beer and other interesting cocktails accompany your meal. The staff is very friendly and will attend to every need of yours. A private room is also available. This is an ideal place to experience the simplicity of Japanese cuisine coupled with warm Japanese hospitality. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rare steak and hot salsa |
60 Battersea Rise London, London SW11 1EG United Kingdom +44 20 7924 4774 |
Argentina is proud of its beef, which is reared on the enormous Pampa by tough gauchos. The steak is a matter of national pride, so where better to sink your carnivorous incisors into a succulent steak! Vegetarians should sample the melt-in-your-mouth aubergine dish, but sadly that is about the only veggie option available. The grilling is so good here that in the last two years La Pampa has been awarded the title of Best Steakhouse by both Time Out and The Times. The outstanding wine list also demonstrates another Argentine strong point. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Urbane Bar & Restaurant |
Grosvenor Square London W1A 3AN United Kingdom +44 20 7629 9400 http://www.millenniumhotels.com/ |
The Pine Bar at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair offers a place for hotel guests to enjoy drinks and a light repast at any time of the day. The decor is all light wood - pine, in fact - and well but subtly lit. As bright and friendly as it seems, this bar may have been the scene of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko's poisoning with radioactive polonium, an incident that could have come straight out of Cold War-era Ian Fleming. Don't worry, though; the radiation won't stick around, and the bar still serves the same excellent food and drinks as before. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Value for money tapas in unlikely Mayfair |
5-6 Down Street Mayfair London W1Y 7DR United Kingdom +44 20 7491 3810 http://www.elpirata.co.uk/ E.info@elpirata.co.uk |
El Pirata is smart, friendly and excellent value in Mayfair - an unlikely location for something so populist as a tapas bar. An extensive tapas menu has a little of something for everyone - in fact, it often has a generous amount of something for everyone. Expect the usual dishes, such as Chorizo, Squid and Patatas Bravas. The wine menu is comprehensive - from house wines to a 1970 Vega Sicilia Unico. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of Conran's best, and most pricey, restaurants |
36d Shad Thames The Butlers Wharf Building London, London SE1 2YE United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7403 8403 http://www.conran-restaurants.... |
This is a terribly slick venue where things should be perfect - and they nearly are at Conran's most expensive and most grown-up venue. At lunchtime there is a prix fixe option and dinner offers an extensive a la carte menu with mostly French/Modern European and atypically (for a Conran establishment) non-trendy options. The wine list is impressively extensive. The bar and grill is an excellent, cheaper option, offering caviar and oysters as well as the usual steaks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Where the money is |
147 Leadenhall Street London EC3V 4QT United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7256 3875 http://www.harveynichols.com/o... |
Prism knows its market: it's a stone's throw away from some of the biggest-budget business clientele and the restaurant is tailor-made to suit their requirements. Situated in the banking hall of the former Bank of New York building at the heart of the City, this elegant eatery features long tables interspersed with stone columns. Neither does the food fail to impress: the menu features modern British cuisine but it is interpreted very well indeed. The fish dishes are excellent, but some more exotic alternatives include spicy Moroccan chicken livers. The location and service justify the high prices, but Prism is best visited on the company's account. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fusion Food from Around the Globe |
109 Marylebone High Street Marylebone London, London W1U 4RX United Kingdom +44 20 7935 6175 http://www.theprovidores.co.uk anyone@theprovidores.co.uk |
An award-winning restaurant, The Providores serves fusion food from around the globe, specifically drawing influences and inspiration from the Middle East and Mediterranean into Asia and the Pacific. Examples of past entrees include Truffled Sake Soy Risotto, Roast Suffolk Cross Lamb, and Roast Organic Exmoor Duck Breast. The Providores also provides a wide selection of wines, several from New Zealand. Located on the ground floor, the Tapa Room includes an extensive wine bar, Tapas, meals throughout the day and a large breakfast bar. Start your day at the Tapa Room with French Toast stuffed with cinnamon ricotta or Sweetcorn and Blueberry Fritters. Stay for lunch and dinner and enjoy an entree such as the Grilled Scottish Scallop or Pan-fried Cod. Expect to find a unique dish or new ingredient as the menu changes every two to four weeks at both The Providores and the Tapa Room. Check website for current menus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Lameen Abdul-Malik |
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Pure foodie bliss |
Wilton Place, Berkeley Knightsbridge London, UK SW1X 7RL United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7235 1200 http://www.petrus-restaurant.com |
One of London's top restaurants, Pétrus offers a formal yet friendly atmosphere. Indeed, owner Marcus Wareing has Gordon Ramsays' seal of approval, and his restaurant is sure to provide hours of gastronomic veneration. The tables are well spaced making it an ideal place for business dinners or just large party gatherings, and prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a top-notch restaurant. The fine French cuisine has a decidedly modern twist. Entrees such as the classic pan-fried foie gras served with scallop, grilled salmon and risotto are designed to make you return. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wonderful veggie Indian fare |
6 Dering Street London, London W1R 9AB United Kingdom +44 20 7629 1346 http://www.rasarestaurants.com/ info@rasarestaurants.com |
If the idea of a vegetarian restaurant conjures up images of dry mungbean burgers, nut cutlets and tables without cloths – then you obviously haven't been to Rasa. The menu features only authentic cuisine from Kerala on India's spice-rich Malabar Coast, and all dishes are served on huge, fresh banana leaves. If you have an adventurous spirit, try the Kerala Feast, an exquisite mix of flavors and textures from across the menu - and the chefs are happy to include any dishes that you fancy. A favorite from the a la carte menu is Moru Kachiathu - sweet mangoes and green bananas cooked in yogurt with green chillies, ginger, and fresh curry leaves. The pickles and chutneys alone are worth the trip. There is also a wide-ranging wine list, and the plush surroundings and welcoming service add to the pleasures of the meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Shochu Cocktail Bar |
37 Charlotte Street London, London W1T 1RR United Kingdom +44 20 7580 6464 http://www.rokarestaurant.com/ info@rokarestaurant.com |
This is not your typical Japanese restaurant. The 80 seat Roka is centered around a Robata cooking grill and even has a Shochu cocktail bar. Robata means "with open flames" and that's what most of the menu focuses on. Dishes such as Tempura, Sashimi, Maki, Kushiage, and Robata Niku are what you'll get. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristin Breivik |
 Photo: Kristin Breivik |
 Photo: Kristin Breivik |
 Photo: Raphael Grignani |
 Photo: snapshotlondon.com |
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Pimlico's best-kept secret |
16 St Barnabas Street Pimlico London, London SW1W 8PE United Kingdom +44 20 7730 5550 http://www.roussillon.co.uk/ Michael@roussillon.co.uk |
Tucked away in a Pimlico back street, Roussillon may not look like it can offer you a wonderful French dining experience, but once you've discovered this marvelous secret you won't want to share it! The imaginative cuisine, making use of the best seasonal (often organic) ingredients, comprises four set themed menus: The Sea, featuring delicious fish and shellfish; The Land, featuring beef, duck, pigeon and lamb; Spring, providing delightfully light dishes (like Boiled Freshwater Crayfish with Green Dandelion and Lemon Balm) and Garden, offering fresh vegetables in both British and French styles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The rhythm of the river |
Groveside Ct 2 Lombard Road London, UK SW11 3RQ United Kingdom +44 20 7924 6090 http://www.thaiontheriver.com info@thaiontheriver.com |
Sit back, pick up your glass of wine, look out across at London city over the Thames River and leisurely await your Thai meal. Welcome to Thai on the River, where the restaurant patio overlooks the Thames and the delicate eastern-flavored decor consisting of Thai lounge chairs continues indoors. It also has a wine bar, which is an ideal nook to have a drink with someone special. Book the restaurant for any occasion, come by for the Sunday lunch buffet or if you're in a whimsical mood, dine al fresco with a chilled bottle of champagne for company. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Tropical oasis |
22 Park Lane (Hilton Park Lane, Lower Ground Floor) London, UK W1Y 4BE United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7208 4113 http://www.tradervics.com tradervics.parklane@hilton.com |
Descend the stairs of the Hilton Park Lane hotel and you could be forgiven for thinking you've just been transported to the Caribbean. With warm Latin music and subdued lighting, Trader Vics is the perfect place either for a romantic rendezvous, or just to relax and unwind with friends in a refreshingly laid-back and civilised atmosphere. The bar food is reasonably priced with seafood and barbecue style snacks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bob walker |
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Wild Fish |
14-16 Bruton Place London, London W1J 6LX United Kingdom +44 20 7499 8881 |
If you're willing to experiment with Japanese food, this restaurant is a good choice. This stylish restaurant offers innovative cuisine; Umu is Japanese for 'born of nature' and that's reflected in the menu. Red Carrots and Kyoto Aubergines is what you'll get here. You can even savor wild fish flown in from three different oceans! Otherwise, head to the yummy Sushi bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: clkao |
 Photo: clkao |
 Photo: clkao |
 Photo: clkao |
 Photo: bob walker |
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Longstanding Soho Italian eatery |
15 Poland Street London, London W1F 8QE United Kingdom +44 20 7437 8774 http://www.vascosfood.com/ eat@vascosfood.com |
For over two decades, this family-run restaurant has been one of the best-kept secrets among the stars and media moguls. The design is intricate yet modern and and the ambiance is low-key, but it is the warm service and fabulous home cooking that brings customers back, time and again. Many of the fresh ingredients are sourced straight from the central province of Umbria, including many cured meats and truffles. Based on the philosophy of keeping dishes simple, all pasta is made on the premises and the menu is focused on bringing out the natural flavors in the dishes. Try the Grilled Polenta with Asparagus & Parmesan or the Grilled Steak of Lamb, Rosemary & Cannellini beans. Be sure to save room for one of their signature desserts, like the Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Best in British cuisine |
55 Jermyn Street London, London SW1Y 6LX United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7629 9955 http://www.wiltons.co.uk/ wiltons@wiltons.co.uk |
Tucked in amongst the gentlemen's tailors along Jermyn Street is Wiltons, extoller of traditional British cuisine where the service is utterly discreet and completely attentive. Although it gets busy, you can salvage a bit of privacy at one of the partitioned dining spaces rather than fighting it out at the oyster bar. The menu features lots of seafood, all of an impeccably high standard, fresh and perfectly cooked. There is also game and a few vegetarian dishes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: snapshotlondon.com |
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Traditional Pub |
114 Campden Hill Road Kensington London W8 7AR United Kingdom +44 20 7243 9551 http://www.windsorcastlepub.co.uk |
Welcome to the Windsor Castle, one of London's best-known and historic pubs. Steeped in history, the Windsor Castle is always popular with both locals and tourists come rain or shine. The chill of a cold winter's day is easily forgotten when sitting by one of our open fires with a glass of mulled wine. Hungry? Well, there's always plenty to eat here, including a full range of ciabattas, mains and snacks. In summer, our popular ivy-clad garden is always popular, serving Pimms & lemonade, fine wines or a cool pint available from the garden bar. Sundays are traditional with a full British roast on the menu including vegetarian options as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark C. Russell |
 Photo: LondonDave |
 Photo: Nik Calamvokis |