London's top 50 restaurants
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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 Spanish restaurantsFeature continues-
Fino
33 Charlotte Street, entrance on Rathbone Street, W1T 1RR
Sam and Eddie Hart have pioneered a wave of top-class Spanish eateries in Fitzrovia, first with Fino, then with Barrafina. Over the last year or two we’ve noticed Fino edging ahead of the more casual Barrafina for service and food – the menu’s far more extensive at Fino, and the prices appreciably higher too.Main courses change twice daily, although you’ll find that signature dishes such as pork belly are a fixture. Fino offers a modern take on classic Spanish flavours – morcilla iberica with quail eggs, seared tuna on a piquillo pepper salad. Fino’s the smartest option of the Hart brothers empire, in every sense (they also own Quo Vadis,which is not Spanish).
When to go: For a smart night out; book well ahead.
What to have: A glass of sherry or two, some jamón, the day’s specials. Read more
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Lola Rojo
78 Northcote Road, SW11 6QL
This Battersea tapas bar also has a branch in Fulham, but the original remains the better. Okay, so it can be cramped and service rushed, but this isn’t your average tapas bar: there’s a strong Catalan influence on the remarkably contemporary creations. Favourite dishes include little gem with herbs and own-made tuna pickle; chorizo lollipops with quince aïoli; spinach and goat's cheese rice (rice dishes tend to be excellent); and the signature white chocolate soup with thyme toffee and mango ice cream. Touches of nueva cucina are apparent, especially in the immaculate presentation of dishes, echoed in the clean, modernist decor.
When to go: On a warm, sunny weekend when market-browsing.
What to have: Any of the tapas that sound inventive. Read more
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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.
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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.