An Insider Shares His Little Black Book
Enzo Amato & Nick Wood
There are a few spots in London I always return to. I love everything about Kiln on Brewer Street. Everything is made from quality produce, there’s an excellent wine list, and the staff are great. It’s perfect for a quick solo dinner but I also love taking friends from out of town. It’s a unique menu and everyone I’ve brought has loved it. Another favourite is Toklas, tucked underneath the bottom of 180 The Strand with a huge terrace which comes to life in summer. It’s by the founders of Frieze, who have created a beautiful space, and the chef trained at The River Café so there’s a fresh Mediterranean menu which constantly changes. It’s delicious and fun for a group dinner.
In fact, for a special occasion you cannot beat The River Café. It’s an institution that delivers every time. I like to visit in the summer and sit on the terrace to try a few of the classic pastas and desserts. Rochelle Canteen is a close contender. There’s a reason it’s so hard to get a table. The Shoreditch restaurant is hidden in an old school yard and the food is always brilliant. Great for a long lunch.
For a fun date night, I’ll book a table at Rita’s in Soho. Grab a spot by the window, order the excellent martinis and settle in for a fun evening. Let the team decide what you eat – you’ll be in great hands. The Barbary in Covent Garden and its nearby sister spot The Barbary Next Door are also good date options. I always enjoy counter dining, and both are perfect for that. Then there’s Sessions Arts Club – you won’t find interiors like this anywhere in London. A mix of the surroundings and chef Florence’s food make it ideal for a romantic evening.
When I lived in Hackney, weekends were about Broadway Market and Victoria Park. Now I’m in north London, close to both Hampstead and Primrose Hill. At this time of year, that means plenty of great walks and pubs like the Bull & Last. If you’re after a hearty meal, The Baring in Islington is hard to beat.
The under-the-radar spot everyone should know about is The Jackalope pub in Marylebone. It has a Chongqing spicy noodle bar called LIU Xiaomian underneath. I’m also a regular at Paul Rothe & Son down the road, a family run deli (since 1900) that makes the best sandwiches in central London.
Toklas Bakery by Somerset House is on another level. It has a brilliant team of bakers and the sourdough is excellent. For a great coffee, I’ll walk to Hideaway Coffee in Soho, hidden in a courtyard just off Brewer Street.
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I’m originally from Sydney. It’s an exciting city for food and lots of new bars and restaurants have opened since lockdown. One of my favourites is Sean’s Panorama, right across from Bondi Beach. It’s where I always take visitors. Another go-to is Bar Vincent, a neighbourhood wine bar and Italian restaurant which always hits the spot. Then there’s the recently opened Shell House, a stunning restaurant set in a historic clocktower building.
That said, my favourite city in the world has to be Rome. I like to start with breakfast on the go at Forno Campo de’ Fiori – a slice of freshly baked pizza rossa. Then it’s lunch at Rocco Ristorante, where I had the best carbonara last time I visited, followed by an aperitivo and gelato at Ciampini Bar in Piazza di San Lorenzo. After all the walking I can always manage dinner at Roscioli, the perfect spot for people watching. Make sure to sit at the bar.
The last holiday I went on? Austin, Texas. My friends and I had wanted to visit for ages. We didn’t really know what to expect but we had the best time. The city has a great restaurant and bar scene – lots of the big names from LA and New York are opening second and third sites there.
My favourite hotel in the world is Masseria Moroseta in Puglia. It’s a modern white stone farmhouse in a field of olive trees near Ostuni. It’s so peaceful, with only a few bedrooms, and Giorgia the chef is beyond creative. Even if you can’t stay there, book one of her weekly dinners. I’ve visited Puglia several times over the years, and it continues to get better. There are so many amazing little towns and beaches to discover – it’s easy to get lost and away from the touristy bits.
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For wow factor it has to be Belmond Caruso, Amalfi Coast. I was lucky enough to stay there last year. It sits at the highest point of Ravello where you’re literally above the clouds looking across the Amalfi Coast. It’s kept that old Amalfi charm and character throughout.
My most memorable meal was at Central restaurant in Lima. It’s just won the title of World’s Best Restaurant and for good reason. I’ve never had a dining experience like it. The team showcases Peru’s biodiversity with a tasting menu inspired by the country’s 15 ecosystems. An unforgettable experience and a total must if you’re in that part of the world.
Closer to home, The Fife Arms in Scotland blew me away. I stayed there on a work trip last year and it’s unlike any hotel I’ve been to. It’s in Braemar near the royal Balmoral estate and Cairngorms National Park. The husband and wife behind Hauser & Wirth renovated it a few years ago, so it has an incredible art collection, and there are food options for everyone, from casual Scottish bites to serious fine dining.
I always order a negroni or Campari spritz. Anything with Campari in is a winner for me. For a special occasion, there’s nowhere better than The Connaught Bar. The team are world class, and you know you’ll be well looked after. The martinis are also ace.
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