Pig’s ear with sour pancakes, Shotgun
Here’s the next roundup in my Best of 2016 series: London restaurants.
The London Dining scene of 2016 seemed markedly better that that of the past couple of years before it. But maybe that’s more reflective of me and my reasons and opportunities to eat out.
For a look at my favourite restaurants beyond the M25, check out my last post in this series. And keep an eye out for more ‘ best of’ lists to come.
Please note, this list merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
Best London Restaurants
The Balcon
Sofitel St James Hotel, 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG
All the right points were hit seemingly with prescient knowledge of my palate during my dinner at the Sofitel St James Hotel’s Balcon.
Harry’s Bar
26 South Audley Street, W1K 2PD
Old school stodge with a dress code didn’t get in the way of me having a delicious lunch at this Mayfair private members’ club of most elevated status. If a member ever invites you to dine at Harry’s, respond with an emphatic yes. Explore as much of the wine list as a budget would allow (and if that’s not much then at least take the time to admire the list with a wistful perusal). While you’re there, don’t refuse an offer for a drink at the bar.
Hoppers
49 Frith Street, W1D 4SG
Is it worth the (sometimes hours long) wait to eat at this extremely popular Sri Lankan eatery in Soho? I thought so … and more than once! Flavours are bold and beguiling.
Jikoni
19-21 Blandford Street, W1U 3DH
Chef Ravinder Bhogal’s equal appreciation of the modern London palate and traditional food preparation from South India and East Africa that makes her homey Marylebone restaurant such a surprisingly delightful place to eat.
One-O-One
The Park Tower Knightsbridge, 101 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RN
Pascal Proyart’s Breton sensibilities shine at his Knightsbridge shrine to seafood lovers. Fish lovers should go, just for the halibut.
Ormer Mayfair
Flemings Mayfair Hotel, 7-12 Half Moon Street, W1J 7BH
Michelin starred chef Shaun Rankin’s upscale restaurant attractively set downstairs at Flemings Mayfair Hotel – Ormer Mayfair – brings a refined and rich taste of Jersey to London. Seafood lovers and fans of dining with formal flair take note!
Shotgun
26 Kingly Street, W1B 5QD
Mississippi comes to Carnaby. And in the hands of Chef Brad McDonald that’s a good thing. And if you like properly smoked BBQ and fixings from the American Deep South – and don’t mind whisky – that’s a very fine thing indeed.
Theo Randall at the InterContinental
InterContinental London Park Lane, at One Hamilton Place, W1J 7QY
Theo Randall’s Park Lane outpost remains a top choice for an upscale dinner of authentic and seasonal Italian dishes coupled with one of London’s smartest selections of wines.
2016 is the third year in a row that Theo Randall has made the ‘best of’ list.
Honourable Mentions
- Antico, 214 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
- Ceru, 7-9 Bute Street, SW7 3EY
- Cinnamon Kitchen, 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
- Gökyüzü, 26-27 Grand Parade, N4 1LG
- Michael Nadra Primrose Hill, 42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JD
- Radio Alice, 16 Hoxton Square, N1 6NT
- Roast, The Floral Hall, Stoney Street SE1 1TL
- Theo’s Simple Italian, 4-44 Barkston Gardens, SW5 0EW
More of the Best of 2016 to follow!
