London’s bustling culinary landscape is a haven for food and drink enthusiasts. With restaurants reopening on May 17, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make your reservation now, as spots are likely to fill up quickly.
A Taste of the World
Craving Indian flavors? Dishoom on Kingsley Street is the perfect destination. Their signature black daal and cocktails crafted with Indian sodas are a must-try. Savor the atmosphere with old Bollywood movie posters and rustic seating that transports you to 1960s Indian cafés.
If comfort food with a twist is your thing, head to Chick ‘n’ Sours for their classic fried chicken and a sour cocktail. The Chick ‘n’ Club #3, made with gin, crème de mure, raspberry shrub, and black currant leaf, is a delicious pairing. The venue also offers a range of beers, including local favorites like Roadie IPA and Studio Lager.
Spice Up Your Life
For an upscale Sri-Lankan experience, Hoppers in Soho, Marylebone, and King’s Cross is the place to be. Their cocktails feature a spicy twist with ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, celebrating the rich flavors of Asia. As the weather warms up, try the Serendip Spritz, a refreshing blend of coconut-washed Campari, Belsazar pineapple vermouth, and soda.
Ikoyi, renowned by the Michelin Guide for its innovative West African cuisine, offers a unique culinary journey. Collaborating with Three Sheets Bar, their bar menu showcases flavors inspired by Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The Roasted Plantain Old Fashioned is a must-try, with its caramelized plantain, miso, and Plantation 5.
Tapas & More
Sabor, a lively two-story eatery and bar, is a great choice for tapas and countertop dining. Their bar menu boasts over 30 wines, cocktails, and small-production Spanish spirits. Don’t miss their expertly crafted Sangria.
Pasta Paradise
Padella, a pasta bar inspired by Italy, offers fresh, hand-rolled pasta with delicious sauces and fillings. Their cocktails put a unique spin on classics, like the Marmalade Negroni, made with Brokers Dry Gin, Marmalade Carpano Bitters, and their own house vermouth blend.
Italian Delights
Gloria’s, a 70s Capri-style Trattoria, is a vibrant and stylish spot in Shoreditch. Their menu is a celebration of old Italian classics with ingredients sourced directly from Italy. For cocktails, try the Colada Me Later, a unique twist on the classic pina colada, topped with truffle foam.
Smoked Meats & Cocktails
Smokestak, a stylish and rustic restaurant, is a local favorite for its wood-smoked meats and cocktails. Pair their delicious smoked briskets with the Rum Punch, a combination of rum, lime, falernum, and bitters.
Instagrammable Spots
Nac Mayfair, with its pastel pink walls, marble tabletops, and brass accents, is an Instagrammer’s dream. Their French-leaning menu features nibbles like halloumi fries and popcorn chicken. Their wood-paneled bar offers a fantastic selection of cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
The Jones Family Project
The Jones Family Project is a sleek basement restaurant known for its international meats, steaks, and Sunday roasts. Their funky upstairs bar features a wide range of wines from around the globe. For cocktails, try the Yu Wild One, a unique blend of Wild Turkey 81, orange, caramel, yuzu, and lemon. They also have a selection of no and low-alcohol cocktails.
Global Flavors
Leicester Square Kitchen showcases contemporary Mexican and Peruvian cuisine, with small plates, entrees, and specialties. Their signature cocktails include the Habanero and Guava Margarita, a punchy mix of Tapatio Blanco tequila, guava, and habanero shrub. They also offer a vegan menu.
Interactive Dining Experience
Inamo, a chain of Pan-Asian restaurants, offers interactive dining experiences. Their tables feature projections that allow you to set the mood, discover the local neighborhood, and play retro games. For a refreshing start, try the Tropical Tornado, a mix of rum, passion fruit, lime, and guava juice with cinnamon.
Latin American Charm
Cubana offers delicious home-cooked food, tapas, Cuban and Latin-American dishes, lush salads, vegan options, and plenty of cocktails. The Caipirinha Pasion, made with fresh passion fruit, limes, organic raw cane sugar, and Velho Barreiro cachaça, is a must-try. Enjoy happy hour deals between 4 pm to 7 pm.
New York Style
Madison is a contemporary grill inspired by New York’s lively dining scene. Their playful take on American classics is influenced by the city’s diverse communities. Their bar features classic cocktails, like the Pornstar Martini, Margarita, and Mai Tai. Enjoy a sunset at their rooftop bar with a St. Paul’s Sunset, made with vodka, Ratafia black cherry, red wine liqueur, pineapple tepache, vanilla, lemon, and egg white.
A Refined Setting
Offering the best food and drink in a refined but relaxed setting, The Shard’s 31st floor is a three-floor contemporary space. Enjoy breathtaking views of Piccadilly while indulging in breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their wine list curated by Hedonism Wines is incomparable. For cocktails, try the Playing Pool With the Moon, a unique blend of Sacred peated whisky, Lapsang tea-infused honey, lemon juice, Sacred Rosehip, and Angostura bitters.
With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your taste buds and experience London’s vibrant culinary scene.
