Fitzrovia, a historic neighborhood in London’s West End, is not only a vibrant destination in its own right but also a sought-after culinary haven for residents, Londoners, and visitors alike.
With a rich history as a haven for world-renowned writers, artists, and political activists over the centuries, Fitzrovia’s charm lies in its period townhouse architecture and its thriving culinary scene. It’s home to some of London’s best chef-led independent restaurants alongside bars, pubs, and cafés, offering a diverse and delectable experience.
A Global Feast: Flavors from Around the World
Fitzrovia truly embodies the spirit of global cuisine, showcasing the culinary talents of chefs from across the world. A stroll down Charlotte Street is like taking a gastronomical adventure around the globe. Each restaurant boasts unique and culturally inspired flavorful offerings, transporting you to different corners of the world with every bite.
Charlotte Street has evolved into a foodie’s paradise, attracting discerning palates with its wide array of independent chef-led restaurants, bars, and cafés, making Fitzrovia a highly sought-after destination in the heart of London.
Exquisite Experiences: A Glimpse into Fitzrovia’s Culinary Delights
Here’s a taste of what awaits you in Fitzrovia’s diverse dining landscape:
- The Ninth by Jun Tanaka: This Michelin-starred contemporary neighborhood restaurant focuses on simple, refined Mediterranean-style cooking, using the finest seasonal ingredients to create vibrant and honest flavors. Their French classics are designed for sharing, elevated with Jun Tanaka’s signature twist and a focus on seasonal produce. Don’t miss their tasting menu paired with wine, and be sure to try the signature Pain Perdu.
- Carousel: Nestled across three converted Georgian townhouses on Charlotte Street, Carousel is an award-winning restaurant, neighborhood wine bar, and creative hub. It features an incredible lineup of guest chef residencies, workshops, talks, masterclasses, events, and a crowd-pleasing menu of seasonal snacks and small plates from their buzzing neighborhood wine bar.
- Norma: This Sicilian-Moorish influenced restaurant from the team behind The Stafford London Hotel, led by Chef Giovann Attard, embodies old-school hospitality and charm. Inspired by the grand café culture of Sicily, Norma is spread across three floors, with the first two dedicated to the restaurant and the top floor serving as a private dining space.
- Lima: Since 2012, Lima has been bringing innovative flavors from Peru to London, offering a unique dining experience. Their menus are vibrant with flavor and color, celebrating the best of Peru’s world-renowned Andean delicacies, fresh ceviches, healthy superfoods, and Nikkei flavors. Highlights include fresh wild sea bass ceviche, slow-cooked beef rib, Nikkei flavors such as wagyu beef, and their exceptionally well-made pisco sours.
- Bricco e Bacco: This restaurant brings Sicilian charm and world-class steaks to Charlotte Street. Hailing from a family of “carnezzieri” (butchers in the Palermitan dialect), the team uses exquisite cuts of beef from across the globe. Celebrate in style with incredible steak, fine wine, and old-school Italian hospitality.
- MealTime Malatang: This well-established favorite in mainland China brings fresh flavors from China’s Sichuan province to the heart of London. This unique and fun food concept lets you curate your own nutrient-rich bowl of food featuring all your favorite ingredients.
- Lisboeta: Housed within a three-story townhouse on Charlotte Street, this restaurant is a love letter to Nuno Mendes’ home city, carefully designed to evoke the rhythm of life in Lisbon.
Beyond the Plates: A Vibrant Drink Scene
Fitzrovia’s culinary scene isn’t just about food; its drink scene provides plenty of competition.
From The Newman Arms, a historic pub dating back to 1730 that has been frequented by famous figures like George Orwell and Dylan Thomas, to Rev JW Simpson, a quirky basement bar that acts as the perfect hideaway for expertly crafted cocktails, there’s a drink for every taste.
Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals, a cocktail bar for the adventurous, serves cocktails inspired by strange and exotic botanicals and plant life, while The Black Horse offers a perfect combination of tradition and contemporary, featuring a classic London pub downstairs and a sleek, speakeasy-style cocktail bar upstairs.
A Historical Gem: Fitzrovia’s Rich Past
Fitzrovia is entrenched in history, with its bohemian literary heritage featuring icons like George Orwell, Dylan Thomas, and Virginia Woolf. The English Heritage Blue Plaques that line the streets serve as a constant reminder of its illustrious past.
Charlotte Street, named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, plays a significant role in Fitzrovia’s story. It’s well-documented that Queen Charlotte, a German-born queen, brought international cuisine and the concept of sharing plates to Britain, expanding our culinary horizons. This style thrives in Fitzrovia today, with restaurants like Carousel, Norma, Lisboeta, and Barrica focusing on sharing plates, while Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals and Reverend JW Simpson reflect Queen Charlotte’s interest in botanicals.
More Than Just Food: Fitzrovia’s Allure
Beyond its culinary delights, Fitzrovia offers a vibrant mix of independent stores, green spaces, and historical gems, making it a charming and eclectic destination.
Independent specialist stores, such as the renowned Heal’s, sit alongside neighborhood florists and framers, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Fitzrovia Chapel, Charlotte Street, Charlotte Place, Crabtree Fields, Rathbone Square, and Fitzroy Place offer Instagrammable destinations and green escapes, while historical alleyways like Percy Passage, Colville Place, and Newman Passage invite exploration.
Local theatres like the Dominion Theatre, Shaftesbury Theatre, and Soho Place Theatre, and hotels like the Charlotte Street Hotel, The Mandrake, Rathbone Hotel, and Hotel Melia White House add to Fitzrovia’s appeal, all easily accessible thanks to its plentiful travel connectivity.
Fitzrovia is a captivating blend of history, culture, and cuisine, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of London.
