9 Cool Men Share Their Favourite London Restaurant
TOBIAS CLARKE
Lucas Oakley
Mob Kitchen
“The Quality Chop House in Farrington excels at just about everything. The service is excellent, the hefty steaks are always perfectly timed, and the ambience never fails to be on the right side of bustling. So, when I say that the restaurant next door is better than The Quality Chop House, you know I’m making a very serious statement. Quality Wines might be compact in terms of its size but it’s an absolute giant in terms of ambition. The head chef, Nick Bramham, is a talented pan shaker who regularly turns out plates of fresh pasta as well a host of energetic dishes that take influence from all over the Med. Don’t be surprised to find a short rib with pomme purée getting cosy next to risotto al funghi on the always-changing chalkboard menu. Even sifting through the wine list is a joy.”
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John Bright
founder of The Good Neighbour
“Luckily my favourite restaurant is pretty local to where I live. Whenever I get a chance, I’ll go to Lyons Seafood Restaurant in Crouch End. I’ve tried and loved most items on the menu, but always return for the unbelievably good monkfish – served on the bone for either two or four people to share. If I take someone new, they’re usually blown away. I love that it’s an independent, family run, neighbourhood restaurant with a great buzz, great selection of wines and a menu that keeps me coming back for more.”
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@LYONSSEAFOOD
Chris Fynes
photographer
“Silo is the world’s first zero waste restaurant and it really needs to be experienced first hand to be believed. Crockery is made from recycled wine bottles, the dining counters are all upcycled plastic and recycled yoghurt pots, and the lampshades are made from mushrooms. Highlights from the ever-changing menu include smoked mackerel with sea buckthorn, smoked potatoes with brown butter hollandaise – and the most delicious pumpkin seed ice-cream sandwich created with the by-products of their cheese production!”
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CHRIS FYNES PHOTOGRAPHY
@WETHEFOODSNOBS
Yele King
model
“Bottega Prelibato is a great Italian tucked away on a side street in Shoreditch. Portions are generous and served at candlelit tables as if you’re at grandma’s house in old Italy. There’s crusty bread with olive oil by the basket and huge dishes of dessert spooned onto your plate. The menu changes frequently, but there’s always a delicious stuffed pasta and meat ragu. The seabass is also outstanding, as is the homemade tiramisu – washed down with an extra strong espresso.”
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Ivan Tisdall-Downes
chef & co-founder of Native at Browns
“Perilla is the spot that springs to mind whenever anyone asks me for a recommendation. I don’t get to visit as much as I’d like, but it never disappoints when I do. The dining room transports you to warmer climes and you leave feeling so well looked after by Matt and the stellar front-of-house team, and full of exquisite food from the chef Ben. If I can, I like to go all out with the chef's choice menu with wine pairings – because Ben and his team definitely know what's best.”
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Mike Begg
food blogger
“My favourite has to be Gunpowder, a modern Indian that started out in Spitalfields but has expanded with branches in Tower Bridge and, very recently, Soho. It has a whole bunch of creative cocktails to choose from, though I’m a big fan of the Lychee Gulab Tippler, or a ginger and cucumber spritz if I’m not in the mood for alcohol. From the small plates, I recommend the spicy venison and vermicelli doughnut – it’s different to anything I’ve had before. I also have to mention the rightfully famous lamb chops which are incredibly tender and packed with flavour, as well as the desserts – the Old Monk rum pudding and the dark chocolate, cinnamon and passion fruit shrikhand are both to die for.”
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Bradley Simmonds
personal trainer
“La Famiglia just off the King’s Road in Chelsea is one of the nicest Italians you can go to. It’s just like stepping into Italy – the vibe is great whether you go on a date or book a large table with friends and family. My favourite dish is the spaghetti alla scogliera, which is a medley of delicious seafood – think mussels, squid, king prawns and clams with a garlic tomato sauce. I always ask for a little extra garlic followed by the gelati Italiani for dessert.”
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Ed Tan
food & travel blogger
“I'm a huge fan of Fallow. It’s one of the few restaurants I've returned to again and again over the years. I've spent a few birthdays there, and a lot of late nights... I don't think I've spoken to anyone who's ever had a bad word to say about the place! It’s now near Piccadilly Circus, and it's amazing to see the team in this fantastic space with new dishes but the same old quality I love. The set lunch menu always delivers – expect dishes like mussels with smoked bacon; cod’s head with sriracha butter sauce; and fennel, beetroot and blue cheese salad.”
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STEVEN JOYCE
James Ryan
co-founder of Quantus Gallery
“My favourite restaurant is Sergio’s in Fitzrovia on Great Titchfield Street. It attracts an eclectic bunch of people from celebrities and theatre folk to artists and bohemians. I love the atmosphere – staff are in perpetual motion but somehow remain calm and welcoming. The chefs make the most delicious seafood spaghetti and there are enough low-carb options – like fillet steak and veal in lemon sauce – to keep all the keto lovers in my life happy too. It’s also a great place to entertain clients.”
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