Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, City of London
If you thought that Gordon Ramsay had, like Marco Pierre White and a host of other household name chefs, traded former glories for opening a slew of okay-ish chain establishments and hands-off hotel restaurants, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High marks a welcome return to form. One of five Gordon Ramsay restaurants opening at 22 Bishopsgate this year, this one is housed on the 60th floor of London’s tallest office building, meaning the food comes with a side order of exquisite views. Happily, the food is every bit as stellar, his signature British produce-showcasing modern European cuisine delivered by the same team behind Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, the chef’s three-Michelin star spot in Chelsea. Book it.
Dove, Notting Hill
Old location, new concept: chef Jackson Boxer has taken the unorthodox but brilliant decision to transform his former seafood-centric Orasay into Dove, a more affordable comfort-centric neighbourhood establishment. An instant hit, the deep-fried truffle lasagne has quickly become a standout dish, drawing both locals and food enthusiasts to this Notting Hill hotspot, while other insanely good choices include ricotta dumplings with lobster cream and lime leaf, and fried potato pizzette, bonito, burrata and mortadella. Warm ambiance and an inventive menu – we could not want for more. Book it.
Gallery at The Savoy
Ahhh the iconic Savoy Hotel, perhaps the most glamorous of all the London stalwarts. (It is impossible not to imagine a cast of Bright Young Things sweeping through its doors as you step into its reassuringly splendid foyer.) Gallery, a warmly lit all-day dining concept, replaces The Thames Foyer, which closed in summer last year, the space having been beautifully reimagined by London-based design studio BradyWilliams. Expect the delicate and delicious likes of grilled Cornish tuna tataki with Isle of Wight tomato and yuzu soy, and homemade linguine topped with Devon crab and Mylor prawns – all served up amid the hotel’s famous Art Deco elegance. Book it.
Agora
Primarily a walk-in establishment, Agora in Borough Market has fast garnered a lot of hype since it flung open its doors, its punters drawn like moths to flames to its Greek inspired menu and buzzy atmosphere. The brainchild of David Carter, the man behind Smokestak and Manteca, expect the best hummus (which comes topped with hot crisps) this side of the Greek islands, as well as spicy feta, roasted peppers, pickled red chilli, an offering of sensational meat and fish skewers and a small but perfectly formed selection of salads. The vibrant atmosphere and communal dining style encourage sharing and exploration, making it an ideal spot for gatherings with friends and family. Fun. Book it.
Canteen
Another Notting Hill destination, another instant hot spot. From the team behind The Pelican, The Hero and The Bull in Charlbury comes the walk-in only Canteen, an ode to casual Italian food on Portobello Road cooked up by two River Café alumni, Jessica Filbey and Harry Hills. Buzzy, bustling and fun, the atmosphere of a high-end deli pervades, with glass cabinets filled with cured meats and preserves, while winning dishes include the likes of pumpkin, sage and parmesan risotto and sobrasada and mascarpone pizza. No reservations—just head to 310 Portobello Road.
Don't Tell Dad, Queen's Park
Don't Tell Dad, on the pretty cobbled Lonsdale Road, joins a throng of burgeoning excellent and deeply charming neighbourhood eateries (Milk Beach and Carmel are well worth the pilgrimage – and now even more so that they’ve been joined by this latest hotspot). Creating an instant buzz, it operates as a bakery by day under the auspices of head baker Keren Sternberg and a restaurant by night. The latter is thanks to Daniel Land, founder of Coco di Mama, and head chef Luke Frankie, formerly of Noble Rot and the Drapers Arm. An evangelical Jay Rayner eulogised, ‘Anywhere which braises oxtail down until it is a sticky mess of uber-gravy-slicked meaty threads, tops a heap of it with dripping-fried breadcrumbs, and then puts all of that on a small crumpet and calls it a snack, is fine by me.’ Other highlights include a crab tart with crab oil mayo, and seabass on a bed of Jerusalem artichoke, while the made-to-order madeleines provide a sweet conclusion to the meal for which you must leave time and space. An absolute joy. Book it.
Fantomas
Fantomas on the King’s Road in Chelsea promises an avant-garde experimental dining experience that challenges culinary norms. Under the eye of former 108 Garage and Fiend chef Chris Denney in partnership with restaurateur duo George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev (Wild, Lita, The Belvedere), the ever-evolving menu is a fusion of global influences, presented with artistic flair and featuring the likes of Wax Tip Pear, Grumolo Salad, Crème de Pecorino, Verjus, and John Dory, Kaffir Lime, Leek, Koji Hollandaise. The intimate setting and theatrical presentation make dining here an adventure for the senses. Book it.
Daquise, South Kensington
A stalwart of London's dining scene since 1947, Daquise, London’s oldest Polish restaurant, has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The menu remains faithful to its Polish roots, while t3he retro ambiance – all white tiled walls and white table – evokes a deep nostalgia, and a welcome retreat into the comfort of perfect decades-perfected dumplings and borscht. Book it.
