Sofia Notes (not relevant to everyone!)

Inspiring and delicious modern West African food. Currently closed and opening a new site but Joké is doing a pop up series so definitely book into that.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrQle58I0-V/?hl=en

Recc from Ixta: CLOSED but pop up in May/June at Glober Tavern, Borough Market

Incredible Thai food in Leyton in no frills family restaurant. BYO

593 High Rd Leytonstone, London E11 4PA, United Kingdom

https://www.instagram.com/singburi_e11

A proper London boozer with unbelievable food and seriously fun vibe

52 St Thomas's Rd, Finsbury Park, London N4 2QQ, United Kingdom

https://theplimsoll.com/

Incredible Israeli restaurant. The Jerusalem mixed grill there is one of my all time favourite London dishes

89 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EB, United Kingdom

http://www.orenlondon.com/

cafe that serves amazing tacos, burgers, soft serve. Very much worth the queue on the week ends. Get the Makhani burger, the fish cutter and the creme brulee cookie

58 Evering Rd, Lower Clapton, London N16 7SR, United Kingdom

https://instagram.com/bakestreetldn

Tsiakkos and Charcoal

Delicious family run Greek restaurant

5 Marylands Rd, London W9 2DU, United Kingdom

http://tsiakkos.co.uk/

Tiny restaurant serving 4-5 dishes, absolutely delicious has been there 30 odd years

35 Islington Grn, London N1 8DU, United Kingdom

https://www.instagram.com/afghankitchenldn/?hl=en

Great Thai food cooked over coals using British ingredients. V good cocktails and records payed as you eat

58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL, United Kingdom

http://www.kilnsoho.com/

Recc from Ixta & Shelton (Sit at bar. These guys also have Smoking Goat in Shoreditch, which is a less interesting space but still great food.)

Incredible, no frills Xi’an food opposite Arsenal stadium. It’s BYO, chefs like to go there and bring a bottle

117 Benwell Rd, London N7 7BW, United Kingdom

http://xianimpression.co.uk/

Recc from Ixta: looks great but no better than at home

all handmade dumplings, best prawn and chive dumplings, amazing xiao long bao and roast duck.

124 King's Cross Rd, London WC1X 9DS, United Kingdom

https://dimsum-duck.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

Recc from Ixta: seems great! Quick dumplings/dim sum in small/cute space

Ararat Bread - makhdoom

Naan hot out of oven from hole-in-wall

Dalston, 132 Ridley Rd, London E8 2NR, United Kingdom

Berneliu Uzeiga - Shepherds Inn, Leytonstone

Classic pub that has been converted by a Lithuanian chain and is now a hub for the nation's culture.

485 High Rd Leytonstone, London E11 4PG, United Kingdom

https://www.berneliaiuk.co.uk/

5A Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3EP, United Kingdom

https://www.cecconis.co.uk/

Glam, champagne buttons on table, French-inspired & modern British fare in lush art deco surrounds.

1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom

https://www.bobbobricard.com/

Fergus Henderson's baby (lunch, Supper or Bar at Smithfield, Marylebone for walk-ins)

26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY, United

https://stjohnrestaurant.com/

Wine bar & restaurant (three of them across London). Make a ripper magazine, too.

https://noblerot.co.uk/

Institution, glam interior, all-day

160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB, United Kingdom

https://thewolseley.com/

All-day restaurant and wine bar in Spitalfields, seasonal plates, lo-fi wines

Pavilion on The Corner, White's Row, London E1 7NF

https://www.crispinlondon.com/

Looks like a worse version of great Melbourne spots

Refined space in 18th century old courthouse with a high-end menu showcasing international fare, plus art & performances.

24 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0NA

https://sessionsartsclub.com/

Bookings on the first of the month for the next 30 days ahead (someone reliable said: "A really great space with food that’s not quite as interesting as it thinks it is")

Camden live music venue

5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG

https://thejazzcafelondon.com/

New in 2021 in Hackney from Max Rocha (The River Cafe, St John Bread & Wine) overlooking Regent's Canal. All day restaurant and cafe.

32 Andrews Rd, London E8 4FX

https://www.cafececilia.com/

The oldest restaurant in London, established in 1798 (classic British food and game) in Edwardian space.

34-35 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LB

https://rules.co.uk/

Grand French art deco restaurant with classic brasserie dishes and choucroutes in 1930s building.

20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED

https://brasseriezedel.com/

Also cocktail bar and cabaret. 19.75 3-course prix-fix at Brasserie.

Classic Austrian fare, wine and coffee in a throwback space evocative of old-world Vienna, Marylebone,

50 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5HN

www.fischers.co.uk

Schnitzel, yes! Gröstls and Röstis for breakfast!

Simpson's in the Savoy

Roast meat on silver-domed trolleys, carved at table in 1828 oak-panelled dining room.

100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

https://www.simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk/

All-day brasserie in elegant grand cafe surrounds in Covent Garden, serving modern and classic European menu.

55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB

https://www.thedelaunay.com/

Sunday Cafe & Restaurant

Mismatched tables line this bright eatery with outdoor seating for modern British brunch and dinner.

169 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1DA

https://www.facebook.com/sundaybarnsbury

Natural wine and wood-fired pizza, Farm-to-table, blah blah.

Borough Market & Hackney

https://www.elliots.london/

Simple no-frills Chinese and Malaysian restaurant and takeaway "hidden" away in a basement.

Euston, 40 Doric Way, London NW1 1LH

https://www.rotiking.com/

Looks adequate, prefer somewhere less known.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub

Historic gathering place doling out carefully sourced pub grub, wine & draught beer. Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire.

145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BP

https://ye-olde-cheshire-cheese.co.uk/

Oldest and first doesn't mean best, probably too many tour groups here.

Beaufort Bar at the Savoy

Luxurious, golden hotel bar with creative mixologists and a large selection of champagne.

Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

https://www.thesavoylondon.com/restaurant/beaufort-bar/

General recommendation, more from TimeOut here: https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/brick-lane-restaurants

Dave: "Don't bother, it's for the tourist. My fave curry house is The Empress +44 20 7265 0745 https://maps.google.com/?cid=14391611623490926500&entry=gps"

Udon in Hackney, smaller than Soho and City venues.

10 Broadway Market Mews, London E8 4TS

https://www.instagram.com/koyako_london/

Bakery and cafe that helps at-risk youth take forward steps in their lives through on-the-job training and mentorship.

Abbot St, London E8 3DP

https://www.thedustyknuckle.com/

Waterside cafe for coffee and a range of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

42 De Beauvoir Cres, London N1 5RY

https://www.towpathlondon.com/

Small, bright neighbourhood coffeehouse with espresso drinks & cakes, plus seasonal cafe fare.

55 Kynaston Rd, London N16 0EB

http://www.estersn16.com/

Looks cute enough but average for Melbourne standards.

Vintage Art Deco workers' cafe offering the full English breakfast and Italian classics since 1900.

332 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AG

https://epellicci.co.uk/

Great history and interior, wouldn't go for the food, a la Pelligrini's.

Bright, Scandinavian-style artisanal cafe-bakery for sourdough, flavoured pastries & coffee.

Islington, London Fields and Victoria Park

https://www.pophamsbakery.com/

Their pasta restaurant in London Fields actually looks pretty good!

Contemporary bakery & cafe in a roomy, industrial-chic space, serving refined comfort fare.

21 Newington Grn, Mayville Estate, London N16 9PU, United Kingdom

http://jolenen16.com/

Low-lit, inidustrial. Bakery & restaurant near accom

Artisan bakery & cafe beneath railway arches with a community focus serving sourdough bread, organic lunches & cakes.

396 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PH

http://e5bakehouse.com/

Multi-location all-day Indian Chin Chin on steroids.

https://www.dishoom.com/

Impressive business but prob not for me, unless for breakfast.

Brighton Open Market

Proudly situated at a historic site in the heart of the London Road community in Brighton. The market includes independent retail units, artists’ studios and plaza traders.

Marshalls Row, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JU

https://brightonopenmarket.co.uk/

BBQ with eclectic influences, served with wine and cocktails in casual digs under railway arches.

338 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA

https://www.berberandq.com/

Cool setting but reckon the food wouldn't thrill a Melburnian. Their more casual Shawarma Bar looks better, or brunch at their other one, Carmel.

Paradox Design & Coffee

13 - 23 Westgate street Unit A Netil Market, London E8 3RL

https://www.welcometotheparadox.com/

Specialty coffee, breakfast, baked goods and a toastie menu

London Fields and Shoreditch

https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/

Spacious cafe offering house roasted coffee and a range of light, snacky meals.

67 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH

https://climpsonandsons.com/

Retailer, wholesaler, great looking cafe

Borough Market, 2 Park St, London SE1 9AD

https://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk/

Boutique coffee chain across SouthEast Asia, light wood interior details, & Japanese-style design.

8 Newman St, London W1T 1FB

http://ooo-koffee.com/

1- 5 Rosina St, London E9 6JH

https://www.darkartscoffee.co.uk/

https://workshopcoffee.com/

https://www.rosslyncoffee.com/?utm_source=GMB-listing

https://www.origincoffee.co.uk/pages/london

Store Street Espresso

40 Store St, London WC1E 7DB

https://www.storestespresso.co.uk/

Minimalist, open, specialty coffee place

23-25 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7TE

https://prufrockcoffee.com/menu

Humble, old-fashioned venue offering an all-day menu of hearty breakfasts & sandwiches, plus coffee.

167 Junction Rd, Archway, London N19 5PZ

https://www.normanscafe.co.uk/

Purveyors of fine traditional punjabi cuisine since 1972

83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU

https://www.tayyabs.co.uk/

Modern bar/restaurant serving natural wines, cheese, charcuterie, steaks and classic French dishes.

12A Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RR

https://antidotewinebar.com/

Cute, simple, maybe good for aperitivo, all nat/bio though

Strong Basque influences on the menu of this rustic Spanish spot with open wood fire grill.

4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL

https://bratrestaurant.co.uk/

"Best modern European restaurant in London" / Mediterranean small plates menu with an 'all things pork' section in 2 simple but stylish rooms.

49 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

https://www.brawn.co/

Lofty, white-washed zero waste restaurant for environmentally sound food & set menu dinners.

CRATE Bar, Unit 7 Queen's Yard, London E9 5EN, United Kingdom

https://silolondon.com/

Good value shortlist menu (45pp) 6-7pm and Sat lunch

Cafe/restaurant in bike shed of school turned arts and media complex serving short, modern menu.

16 Playground Gardens, London E2 7FA

https://rochellecanteen.com/

Scully St James Restaurant

Hip, wood-hued eatery serving artfully plated seasonal flavors from Australia to India & Ireland.

4 St James's Mkt, St. James's, London SW1Y 4AH

https://www.scullyrestaurant.com/

Caribbean-inspired foor in Elephant & Castle

15b Sayer St, London SE17 1FY

https://www.tastyjerk.co.uk/

Lively, 2-story Spanish eatery offering tapas plates plus bar & countertop dining in casual digs.

35-37 Heddon St, London W1B 4BR

https://www.saborrestaurants.co.uk/

Local boozer turned gastropub, with a dining room serving an upscale British menu.

177 S Lambeth Rd, London SW8 1XP

https://www.cantonarms.com/

Frequently changing Modern British menu served in wooden-floored pub hung with colourful art.

https://docs.6 The Cut, London SE1 8LP,google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jLlXaYBoS-J9VC-Ahv_eUQwRQCHUKKmLthPk6ydndN8/edit#gid=0

https://www.anchorandhopepub.co.uk/

Speedboat Bar, located in London's Chinatown, is Luke Farrell's second Thai Restaurant that will transport you to the canteens of Bangkok.

30 Rupert St, London W1D 6DL

https://speedboatbar.co.uk/

Looks fun, atmospheric and tasty. Wonder if food has anything on Aussie Thai.

Huge casual, Turkish restaurant, all-rounder for a quick, affordable and tasty meal

25-27 Green Lanes, Newington Green, London N16 9BS, United Kingdom

https://01-adana-restaurant.business.site/

Food market, must-visit

Southwark, London SE1 9AL

https://boroughmarket.org.uk/

Oysters at Richard Haywards was reccomended. I want to try new Sri Lankan, Rambutan. Barrafina is here and Globe Tavern JOKE and friends pop-up.

Brook St, London W1K 4HR,

https://www.claridges.co.uk/

Relaxed, intimate setting for simple, modern bistro fare, cheese & charcuterie with wine pairings.

https://leroyshoreditch.com/

Looks like slightly worse version of something from home.

Modern bistro with a short list of housemade pasta dishes accompanied by wine & Italianate drinks.

Borough Market, 6 Southwark St, London

https://www.padella.co/#menu

Looks reliable and vibey, could be good one to take grandparents for lunch (my grandparents are cooler than yours)

Tiny former officers' mess with grenadier-themed decor and unique pewter bar, serving ales and food.

18 Wilton Row, London SW1X 7NR

https://www.grenadierbelgravia.com/

A 1920's Shanghai themed cocktail bar & dim sum restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, Soho

15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE

https://www.opiumchinatown.com/

https://flatironsteak.co.uk/

Islington seasonal-fared country pub: craft beers and seasonal meats butchered onsite casually presented at untreated wood tables.

80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD

https://thepigandbutcher.co.uk/

Middle Easternish. Husband-and-wife run cafe/dining room serving colourful salads, pastries, mezze and iced teas.

54 Lamb's Conduit St, London WC1N 3LW

https://honeyandco.co.uk/

Michelin/World's 50 Best, etc. Chic space with decor that reflects the cuisine: a modern twist on authentic West African flavours.

180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA, United Kingdom

http://ikoyilondon.com/

If I have one splurge (£300 tasting menu, shorter lunch menu for £180 on Wednesdays and Thursdays)

Simple, seasonal European cuisine and natural wines in a narrow, minimalist space with a long bar, blah blah.

41 Dean St, London W1D 4PY

https://www.ducksoupsoho.co.uk/

Looks fine but perhaps not fine enough for a Melburnian

Popular 18th-century pub with balcony and original features, selling cask ales and pub meals.

Covent Garden, 40 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8RF

https://www.coventgarden.com/listings/punch-judy/

Dave: "again, for the tourist, don't bother. A much better option would be The Harp, Covent Garden +44 20 7836 0291 https://maps.app.goo.gl/9RjooBXUcXBkwVg99 in between Covent Garden and Charing Cross."

Cosy spot with street-side tables serving familiar fare like eggs & porridge for breakfast & lunch.

1 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9AW, United Kingdom

https://www.26grains.com/

Really like the look of this for brekkie. Simple, fresh, nice setting.

Modern European menu served at candlelit tables in a snug 18th-century townhouse.

46 Lexington St, London W1F 0LP, United Kingdom

https://andrewedmunds.com/

Quirky, 18th-century townhouse tea room that transforms into a cocktail lounge every evening.

9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom

https://sketch.london/

Very OTT, but in perhaps a fun way when visiting

Menu changes every six weeks

41 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RR

https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/

Nah, would rather eat food by someone who specialises and doesn't have multiple menus and venues

Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley

French patisserie from Paris

Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL

https://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/restaurants-bars/cedric-grolet-at-the-berkeley/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=local_gmb

Cool, laid-back restaurant serving quirky dishes & drinks inspired by Bangkok’s late-night canteens.

64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom

https://www.smokinggoatbar.com/

A bit too "Thai for white, natural-wine-drinking people"

US-style burgers, chicken wings and cocktails at trendy diner with graffiti decor and loud music.

https://meatliquor.com/

Would only go if craving an American burger, which is almsot never.

All-day bar-bistro for hip fare with a Kiwi twist in a shabby-chic former Edwardian laundry.

374 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PL, United Kingdom

https://thelaundrybrixton.com/

Not crossing the world to eat NZ, though looks crowd-pleasing. Grandparents?

Eco-aware, tasting menu, British ingredients sourced locally and foraged, etc.

81 Southbourne Grove, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 3QX, United Kingdom

https://terroirtapas.com/

Michelin 2023. Great philosophy but wouldn't travel to eat here, food looks simply like good places in Melbourne.

Outside London, genuine farm-to-table

St Mellion, Saltash PL12 6RL, United Kingdom

https://www.crocadon.farm/

Looks properly clever and beautiful. Would go if closer.

Polish-Mex with French name! Wine lodge and vodka bar.

5B Shepherd St, London W1J 7HP, United Kingdom

https://www.lautrerestaurant.co.uk/

I'm confused and I love it. Looks hearty and stodgy. My people.

Relaxed, modern Turkish restaurant offering a refined Anatolian menu & natural wines.

4 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XN, United Kingdom

https://www.mangal2.com/

Looks pretty good, don't think we have anything quite similar at home.

Lyle's is a modern British restaurant in Shoreditch, London from James Lowe.

Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6GY, United Kingdom

https://www.lyleslondon.com/

Chiltern Firehouse celebrates contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking, with an underlying American accent.

1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA, United Kingdom

http://www.chilternfirehouse.com/

"It’s very very worth it. The people watching alone is great. (You have to put up with the wank that comes with that scene, but it’s fun with the right attitude)"

"Conscious gastronomy" serving innovative cuisine using carefully sourced ingredients.

52 Haymarket, St. James's, London SW1Y 4RP, United Kingdom

https://fallowrestaurant.com/

Sri Lankan & South Indian cuisine & exotic cocktails served against a hip, vibrant backdrop.

https://www.hopperslondon.com/

Vibe looks good, almost like a Sri Lankan diner

Italian fare in an elevated dining room with a marble bar, mirrored ceiling, & rich, eclectic decor.

54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR, United Kingdom

https://www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/gloria

Gymkhana is inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, and play sport. Gymkhana has held a Michelin star since 2014 for its classic and contemporary Indian cuisine.

42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH, United Kingdom

https://gymkhanalondon.com/

Looks really great (Mischa Tropp approved)

Quality Chop House Peckham on top of carpark for sunset drinks

19th-century working man's 'eating house' revamped as a Modern British dining room and wine bar.

92-94 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA, United Kingdom

https://thequalitychophouse.com/#menus