My Favourite London Restaurants...So Far

I goddamn love food. And London is goddamn great at food. There's always some sexy new restaurant opening, bizarre high concept food popup or super hip(ster) street food thing happening in this mad, glorious city. Over the last year, I've cultivated a few favourites. Keep reading after the jump to witness me wax lyrical over these tasty treats.

A post shared by Brasserie Zédel (@brasseriezedel) on Feb 22, 2017 at 3:30am PST

Brasserie Zedel

For delicious French bistro food in Central London at decidedly un-Central London prices, you have to check out Brasserie Zedel. The drinks list can get a little pricey but the food is ridiculously cheap (God truly doesn’t give with both hands). Get the Steak Hache and follow it up with Ile Flottante for dessert.

20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED
brasseriezedel.com

A photo posted by Duck & Waffle (@duckandwaffle) on May 25, 2016 at 3:33am PDT

The Duck & Waffle

If you find yourself tripping down Bishopsgate after a night out and want something to soak up the booze that doesn't come sliced off a revolving tower of flesh, head over to the Heron Tower for a decidedly posh late night snack. Yes, it's expensive but it's so good! Crispy Pig's Ears, Ox Cheek Doughnuts, Tomato Consommé Bloody Marys and the namesake Confit Duck & Waffle… get it all (if your bank balance extends that far!).

110 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
duckandwaffle.com

A photo posted by MIKA🕊 (@foodfashionista) on Jul 27, 2016 at 3:06am PDT

The Botanist

Both branches of The Botanist (Broadgate Circle and Sloane Square) are prime people watching real estate. Not to mention the fact that the food at both restaurants is utterly perfect. They do a lot of seafood and they do it well. Soft shell crab benedict for brunch, a dressed Dorset crab starter at dinner and moule frites any time of day… so good!

Broadgate Circle, Broadgate Cir, London EC2M 2QS
broadgate.thebotanistlondon.com

7 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EE
sloanesquare.thebotanistlondon.com

A photo posted by VietGrill London (@vietgrill_ldn) on Jun 14, 2016 at 5:55am PDT

Viet Grill

Wandering along Kingsland Road, you might find yourself wondering which Vietnamese restaurant to try. Search no further - go to Viet Grill. Come here for massive bowls of pho and bun cha. Try the spicy pork and aubergine starter too! That being said, they do have an exorbitant corkage charge on weekends (£20 a bottle!) so keep an eye out for that! 

58 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DP
vietnamesekitchen.co.uk/viet-grill

A photo posted by London Foodgram (@ldnfoodgram) on Apr 15, 2015 at 11:53pm PDT

Tayyabs

Keeping on that BYOB flex, we have Whitechapel institution Tayyabs. 40 odd years of churning out perfectly charred masala lamb chops, fluffy naan breads and tasty curries means these guys know what's good. Make a booking and turn up early otherwise be prepared to queue and salivate over the sizzling platters of grilled meats passing you by.

83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU
www.tayyabs.co.uk

A photo posted by Flat Iron (@flatironsteak) on Nov 30, 2015 at 3:48am PST

Flat Iron

If you're after a decent steak in Central London and your finances don’t quite extend to Hawksmoor, nip over to this little spot for a delicious strip of meat for a tenner. Go with a mate, split a couple of sides and walk out for less than £15 a head. The staff are even nice enough to give out complimentary popcorn (cooked in beef dripping!). They've got a couple of venues in Soho, one in Covent Garden and a newly opened one in Shoreditch.

Various Locations

flatironsteak.co.uk

A photo posted by Shoryu Ramen (@shoryulondon) on Jul 18, 2016 at 5:32am PDT

Shoryu Ramen

There are a stupid number of ramen joints in London. Bone Daddies, Tonkotsu, Kanada-Ya… they're all good. I personally really like Shoryu Ramen. A tenner and change will net you a huge bowl of steaming ramen which I guarantee you'll struggle to get to the bottom of. Try the Curry Ramen if you like spice!

Various Locations
shoryuramen.com

A photo posted by C.J.D (@the_bespokelife) on Jul 18, 2016 at 1:20am PDT

The Ham Yard Hotel

I straight up love this place. Tucked away just behind the craziness that is Piccadilly Circus, you'll find this charming hotel bar and restaurant. Great for people watching anytime of the week, the small plates  are delicious (make sure you try the Roast Octopus with Herb Mayo!) and the cocktails are truly excellent. The afternoon tea isn't to be sniffed at either.

1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/ham-yard-hotel

A photo posted by Padella (@padella_pasta) on Apr 7, 2016 at 6:56am PDT

Padella

Just around the corner from Borough Market, you'll find Padella. Prices are very modest for this part of town and while the portions are sized accordingly, the quality of the dishes aren't. Start off with the burrata (sweet, dairy heaven!) and then gobble up the pappardelle with beef shin ragu as you watch the chefs hand make all the pasta in house. 

6 Southwark St SE1 1TQ
padella.co