London's top 50 restaurants
-
By Time Out Food & Drink editors
Updated: Fri Oct 28 2011
British | Gastropubs | Indian | Oriental | French | Italian | Vegetarian | Modern European | Spanish | Best to impress | Best service | Best for grazing | Something different | Map
Best Gastropubs
Feature continues-
Bull & Last
168 Highgate Road, NW5 1QS
Locals are spoiled with this gastropub on their doorstep, though good luck to them on a weekend – the food is certainly worth travelling for, and people do. The attraction is a combination of chummy pub service (dog- and child-friendly), well-kept ales and a menu that keeps on giving. Own-made charcuterie is definitely a draw, while British produce is championed relentlessly – an impressive roster of local suppliers is clearly visible. Adventurous eaters can go for duck hearts sautéed with sherry, crispy pigs’ ears or trotter wontons. The menu is typically meaty, featuring great slabs of local beef and venison cooked with skill.
When to go: When you’re overdue a meat-up with friends.
What to have: The ‘boards’ (charcuterie or fish) are must-have for starters. Read more
-
Harwood Arms
Corner of Walham Grove and Farm Lane, SW6 1QP
This is the sort of place that would make one proud to be British. While a wee bit posh with its thick hessian napkins and bread in linen bags (and one Michelin star), its heart is still firmly set in the gastropub tradition. Owners Mike Robinson and Brett Graham (head chef of The Ledbury) have put in a lot of effort, heavily promoting the ethos of using seasonal, local and natural produce. The ‘pub’ part is not forgotten either, with the bar dispensing fashionably good British ales. Chef Stephen Williams, who has been leading the kitchen ever since its inception, will be moving on to pastures new, but we’re confident that the quality will be upheld.
When to go: When you’ve got a visitor who still remains sceptical about the concept of ‘great British food’.
What to have: You’ve got to be game for game. And what could be more English than earl grey baked custard? Read more
Advertisement
British | Gastropubs | Indian | Oriental | French | Italian | Vegetarian | Modern European | Spanish | Best to impress | Best service | Best for grazing | Something different | Map-
More ways to enjoy Time Out
-
Weekly London newsletter
The best of London in your inbox
-
Time Out Widgets
|
|
19 comments
Why is most of the best veggie restaurants not actually vegetarian!? If I wanted to limit my choices to just the 'veggie options' of a menu, I would go to any place on the high street. More actual vegetarian restaurant reviews would be nice
The Moti Mahal in the best Indian category? The food we had bland, uninspired and pretentious. Surroundings are pleasant enough and the staff are friendly but the food we had was dull and quite frankly, I have often had far better Indian food in my local High Street. £150 for two with wine made it vastly overpriced for what it was. Save your money and head for Brick Lane
I went to Hawksmoor in Spitalfields for lunch last year with great expectations. Was very disappointed. Firstly, was shown to the bar first instead of a table even though the restaurant was almost empty. Would have preferred having my drink at the table. I had a very expensive burger which was fatty and lacking flavour. This might have been a one-off but I doubt I will go back.
Your site offers a lot of unique insights and information. I have neverreally thought about it like that. Please keep updating your homepage.I will be stopping over every time you do .
I haven't any word to appreciate this post.Thanks a lot for sharing.... Looking forward to reading your next post.
Song Que ??!!!! One of the best oriental restaurants in London??!!!! My God... HOW??? That's it for me getting my recommendations from Time Out. Greasy, poor service, too salty and it goes on....
Who the hell are these reviewers!!!!!
I went to the Steak Exchange restaurant and bar on exchange square last week and its a little gem. I usually go to Hawksmoor when im craving a good feed but a friend recommended we try Steak Exchange and we are so glad we did the steak was just as good if not better than Hawksmoor. Great atmosphere on a busy friday night, the staff could not do enough for us and the pudding list was to die for. I Think this new steak restaurant is a real winner and should be featured as its definately one to visit in london.
Have been to Hawksmoor in Covent Garden several times and so pleased to see it high on the list. It is truly great, not only because of the amazing steak and other dishes (ohhhh the desert menu!!!) but for it's amazing cocktails, lovely, warm staff and beautiful venue.
Maybe it was an off night when I went to Veeraswamy but feel there are several better Indian restaurants in London (Cinnamon Club & Tamarind)
I'm surprised to see Magdalen in Tooley Street missed off this list !
Mien Tay is the worst Vietnamese restaurant I've been to, so I'm not surprised it is nowhere to be seen.
@Unashamed Human:
Ever heard of live and let live?... Just because you are unashamed, doesn't mean everyone feels the same. I'm not vegetarian, but if I was, I am sure I would like to know the best vegetarian restuarants in London. What does it hurt you if some feel like that?
Very tasty food in Basaba Eathai at Westfield but don't like the concept of serving starter and main at the same time which results in eating cold food. Strong sense that you are required to eat, pay and go. Small thick glasses containing small amount of whatever you are drinking. Also, something that is nowadays so common but to someone of my age incredibly rude, the waiting staff pass food etc in front of the client instead of from the side.
I agree with Ian. You need to get with the program re Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw food restaurants. What about SAF in Hoxton, Manna in Primrose Hill, The Gate in Hammersmith, Vita Organic and Zilli Green in Soho to mention a few.
For some reason I can't possibly fathom, Angels & Gypsies continues to be lauded by food critics. It's a lovely little restaurant, but the food is indifferent and very expensive for what it is. Don't bother braving a 30 minute bus ride down the Walworth road shit hole to eat there.