LONDON
FABRIQUE
Each time I walked to class, I noticed the irresistible aroma wafting from the Swedish bakery, Fabrique, that beckoned me inside with its delicious baked goods. One day, my curiosity finally got the better of me and I was not disappointed as the pastries lived up to their heavenly scent and exceeded my expectations. I personally loved the Vanilla and Raspberry Bun, as the sweetness of the creamy filling perfectly juxtaposed the sourdough dough. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a pick me up treat or the traditional Swedish fika experience!
Recommended Dishes:
Cardamom Bun
Cinnamon Bun
Vanilla Bun
Vanilla and Raspberry Bun
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Raspberry Cookie
Tee Scale Rating: 5.4/10
MY OLD DUTCH PANCAKE HOUSE
I couldn't resist trying out a restaurant bearing the word "pancake" in its name, and I am so happy I did. The establishment has a warm and cozy interior that is brightly lit with cute sayings and decorations. They offer a diverse menu of savory and sweet goods that goes beyond their extensive selection of pancakes. I wholeheartedly suggest ordering the poffertjes, specifically the strawberries and cream option, as it was bite sized yet packed with flavor. No reservations needed, but come hungry.
Recommended Dishes:
My Butterscotch Pancakes with Bananas, Strawberries, and Chocolate Sauce
My Poffertjes with Strawberries and Cream
Tee Scale Rating: 6.7/10
CHILTERN FIREHOUSE
Chiltern Firehouse exudes a stunning ambiance that complements its contemporary cuisine seamlessly. You absolutely must try the Buttermilk Pancakes; they're flawlessly golden-brown, incredibly fluffy, and delightfully sweet. The toppings generously coat the airy interior, resulting in a heavenly bite. The Truffle Pizza is wonderfully crispy and divine, and the Truffle Fries come with a sumptuous cheese sauce that's rich and luxurious. Make sure to secure your reservations well in advance, as this trendy spot tends to fill up rapidly, especially on the weekends .
Recommended Dishes:
Buttermilk Pancakes Blueberries, Crème Fraîche & Maple Syrup
Black Truffle & Cheese Fries
Black Truffle and Pancetta Pizza
Tee Scale Rating: 8.1/10
ABENO
Abeno is a charming and intimate eatery, pioneering the introduction of Okonomi-yaki, also known as Japanese pancakes, to Europe. Each table features a stove where you can witness the captivating preparation of your okonomi-yaki with your chosen toppings. While okonomi-yaki takes center stage in terms of tableside preparation, you also have the option to order teppan-yaki and other delectable dishes to be made in front of you. The service is prompt and the flavors are incredible. It's advisable to call ahead and make reservations or arrive earlier than your desired dining time, as Abeno tends to fill up quickly with hungry customers.
Recommended Dishes:
Miso Soup
Sunomono
Tempura Kakiage
Tofu & Kimchi Okonomi-yaki
Shinshu Okonomi-yaki
Sapporo Mix Okonomi-yaki
Tofu Teppan-Yaki
Tee Scale Rating: 7.5/10
IVY BRASSERIE, SOHO
The Ivy, boasting a range of restaurants, is a true delight. Its expansive interior exudes an elegant ambiance, adorned with soothing and delightful color schemes. To kickstart this chic dining experience, the truffle burrata with honey serves as the perfect appetizer. While every item on the menu is a great choice, the chargrilled halloumi stands out as a particularly intriguing and unique option to elevate your lunch. The drinks also impress with their stunning and aesthetically pleasing presentation. While walk-ins are welcome, it's advisable to make reservations, especially on weekends.
Recommended Dishes:
Truffle and Parmesan chips
Truffle Burrata with Honey
Chargrilled Halloumi with Spiced Fregola, Tomato and Red Pepper Salsa, Crispy Onions and Herb Mayonnaise
Truffle Chicken Milanese
Tee Scale Rating: 6.8/10
BARRAFINA
During my stay in London, Barrafina was one of my favorite restaurants primarily for its consistently delectable tapas options. This Spanish tapas joint not only provides delicious food but also invites you to witness the culinary action in the kitchen. The open kitchen layout allows for you to have the option to sit front row at the bar to witness the craftsmanship of the fresh ingredients, which is a refreshing change of pace from traditional dining experiences. For me, the classic tortilla was a personal favorite. The combination of the spices, potatoes, and eggs with the perfectly round size made this dish truly a show stopper. The patatas bravísimas have a flawlessly crisp exterior that is beautifully complemented by the sauce, while the buñuelos de bacalao exhibited an amazing consistency between the cod and the potatoes. I cannot praise Barrafina enough and highly recommend you pay it a visit. Please note that some locations operate on a walk in basis, so make sure to check it out in advance, otherwise it is advisable to make a reservation.
Recommended Dishes:
Classic Tortilla
Patatas Bravísimas
Chicken Thigh and Romesco
Ham Croquetas
Buñuelos de Bacalao
Tee Scale Rating: 8.5/10
CHUTNEY MARYS
London's Indian culinary landscape is renowned, with my personal top choice being Chutney Marys. What sets this restaurant apart is not only its delectable cuisine, but also its unparalleled elegance. The experience is as sumptuous as the food itself, with its chic interior and lighting. The spiced corn ribs offered a fascinating take on the definition of ribs and a gorgeous blend of flavors. The butter chicken and Afghani chicken tikka are not to be skipped over, and pair excellently with the kachumber raita, basmati rice, and irresistible garlic and butter naan. Make reservations in advance and enjoy this delectable cuisine.
Recommended Dishes:
Butter Chicken
Silver Crescent
Garlic and Butter Naan
Kachumber Raita
Aged Basmati Rice
Afghani Chicken Tikka
Marwari Veg Samosa
Spiced Corn Ribs
Tee Scale Rating: 8.4/10
CIRCULO POPOLARE
Circulo Polpolare, an esteemed member of the Big Mamma Group, consistently redefines the art of Italian dining. At the heart of this culinary marvel lies a dish that epitomizes perfection – their truffle pasta, which is similar to the dish served at their French counterpart, Pink Mamma. This pasta unveils an impeccable balance of textures and an outstanding aroma. Every bite is an indulgent journey, a sensation that quite literally melts in your mouth. The artisanal bread, fresh and warm, serves as a delightful prelude to the main act. Pair it with the velvety burrata, and you'll find yourself in a state of sheer bliss. It tends to get crowded, so reserving a table in advance is a wise choice. It is an ideal destination for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a night out with a circle of close friends.
Recommended Dishes:
Boom Boom Buratta
Pizzetta della Nonna
Mafaldine Al Tartufo
La Gran Carbonara
Tee Scale Rating: 7.8/10
ZUMA LONDON
Zuma London effortlessly combines chic sophistication with an inviting warmth that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or that special someone, Zuma London sets the vibe for an unforgettable meal. Zuma's grill is nothing short of delicious, with the tender spicy beef tenderloin and the succulent chicken skewers being a must. The beef tenderloin, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, is a carnivore's dream come true. And for dessert, the chocolate Zuma cake steals the spotlight. It's a decadent delight that defies description – a sinfully rich creation that oozes indulgence and practically begs you to lick the plate clean. Make reservations well in advance.
Recommended Dishes:
Spicy Beef Tenderloin
Chicken Skewers with Baby Leeks
Lobster Tempura with Avocado and Black Truffle
Spicy Yellowtail with Avocado and Wasabi Mayo
Chocolate Zuma Cake
Tee Scale Rating: 8.2/10
TITU
Titu is a great option for those moments when you crave a light yet satisfying meal. I absolutely loved grabbing a quick bite to eat here before starting the rest of my night. The service was quick, efficient, and the food came out piping hot. Dive into the delectable tuna tacos and savor the tantalizing crunch of the gyoza dream, you won't be disappointed. The bao buns are the perfect side, with the fluffy buns perfectly enveloping the spices of the meat inside. The best part? No reservations needed; it's your spontaneous foodie escape.
Recommended Dishes:
Tuna Tacos
Chicken Popcorn
Gyoza Dream and Truffle Paste
Pork Bao Bun
Tee Scale Rating: 5/10
TATTU
Tattu presents an exquisite oasis of delicious food and drinks if you are looking for an urban escape. Your journey begins as you enter the restaurant through a welcoming reception area where you will be directed to an elevator that whisks you up to the top floor. Here you will await for your table at an elegant bar that showcases the breathtaking cityscapes of London while having the choice to look over a beautifully illustrated drink menu that holds artful combinations of flavors. Personal favorites include the Hidden Dragon and the Skull Candy, which were gorgeously executed both in terms of flavors and presentation. Once your table is prepared, you will be escorted to a grand dining room that is adorned with stunning decor and the aroma of the freshly prepared dishes. While we did not order as much as anticipated due to our modest appetites, the seven spice of seared tuna and the szechuan rock shrimp left us extremely satisfied. If you are in search of a chic venue to celebrate with a large group, Tattu is a great spot to leave both your camera and your tastes buds delighted. Make reservations in advance, as this is a place that fills up rather quickly.
Recommended Dishes:
Skull Candy (Vodka with Bubblegum syrup)
Hidden Dragon (Espresso Martini)
Chicken Truffle Shumai
Szechuan Rock Shrimp
Seven Spice of Seared Tuna
Tee Scale Rating: 7/10
ZUAYA
Zuaya's culinary concept is positioned as an exotic Latin American experience, drawing inspiration mainly from Peru and Brazil. Each creation is gorgeously executed in both terms of taste and plating. The guacamole is simply addicting and the creamy burrata on top of the Peruvian corn cake is a captivating combination that marries the sweetness of the corn with the lusciousness of the buratta for a magical bite. Personally, I found it impossible to resist the allure of the chicken empanadas which left me contemplating ordering a second serving. Each dish was the perfect size for sharing, making it an ideal destination for a memorable evening with a large group.
Recommended Dishes:
Mexican HomeMade Guacamole
Creamy Burrata on Peruvian Corn Cake
Tuna Avocado Taco
Chicken Empanada with Red Pepper Sauce
Galician Grilled Octopus with Baked Sweet Potatoes
Fried Calamari with Peruvian Lime Mayo
Patatas Bravas
Grilled Spanish Milk-Fed Lamb Chops
Tee Scale Rating: 6.7/10
CLOS MAGGIORE
Clos Maggiore, a TikTok favorite, piqued my interest with its visually appealing dishes, glowing reviews, and charming floral decor. Despite its unassuming exterior, the restaurant boasts multiple floors of a meticulously decorated interior. While the dishes offered robust flavors and excellent seasoning, they were notably petite in portion size, with appetizers being the same size as the mains. To fully savor the experience, I recommend ordering multiple dishes, especially if you will be sharing. The highlight was undoubtedly the caramelia chocolate, banana, and malibu sorbet dessert, a fresh and unique delight. For a memorable date night, make advance reservations.
Recommended Dishes:
Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Wasabi Avocado Puree, Sesame, Yuzu Ponzu Dressing
Hereford Beef Fillet, Wye Valley Asparagus, Black Garlic & Peppercorn Sauce
Caramelia Chocolate, Banana, Malibu Sorbet
Manjari Chocolate Cremeux, Wye Valley Cherries, Morello Cherry Sorbet
Tee Scale Rating: 6.9/10
J SHEEKEY
J Sheekey is a restaurant that my mom adores, so I made it a personal mission to dine there while in town. I was absolutely thrilled with the experience, thanks to the vibrant ambiance and the attentive staff that made the meal truly memorable. The octopus was exquisitely seasoned, and the aioli complemented it beautifully, adding a delightful kick to the dish. The grilled dover sole was incredibly succulent and sweet, making the tangy béarnaise sauce an essential accompaniment for every bite. You also must make sure to get the chips, as they pair incredibly with every aspect of this meal. Finally, the frozen berries and cream dessert was a refreshing conclusion to the meal, with its perfect balance of hot and cold elements.
Recommended Dishes:
Galician Octopus with Roasted Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Piquillo Aioli
Grilled Dover Sole with Béarnaise Sauce
Tenderstem Broccoli with Gremolata
Chargrilled Bannockburn Rib Steak with Chips & Bearnaise Sauce
Frozen Berries and Cream
Tee Scale Rating: 7.4/10
CHINA TANG
Situated within the Dorchester, China Tang is a contemporary Cantonese fine dining venue renowned for its equally stunning cuisine and décor. Their meticulously handcrafted dumplings and spring rolls reflect the care put into each bite. The sauce for the sweet and sour chicken offered a delightful tangy flavor that doesn't overwhelm the chicken itself. Notably, China Tang stands out as the only place I order lotus roots at due to their rich and tender preparation. For an upscale dining experience, I recommend making advance reservations and indulging in this exceptional cuisine.
Recommended Dishes:
Lamb Dumplings
Prawn Dumplings
Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Sweet and Sour Chicken
BBQ Honey Spare Ribs
Lotus Roots
Chocolate Dumpling
Tee Scale Rating: 7.5/10
JACUZZI
Jacuzzi, another establishment from the Big Mamma Group, draws inspiration from a Venetian villa and boasts a spacious layout across three exquisitely adorned floors. The staircase ascending from the main floor, beautifully lit and adjacent to the grand central tree, adds to the overall charm. With attentive and exceptionally welcoming waitstaff, your dining experience promises to flow magically. The margherita pizza is a timeless classic not to be overlooked, featuring gooey burrata atop a crunchy and delicate crust. The spaghetti al tartufo, prepared in a parmesan wheel right before your eyes, is a must-try, guaranteed to make your mouth water as you witness its creation. Secure your reservation in advance, as you won't want to miss this Italian restaurant and its exquisite interior.
Recommended Dishes:
Margherita Con Bocconcini
Spaghetti Al Tartufo
Tee Scale Rating: 8.2/10
