My top 10 London restaurant discoveries in 2022
Some new additions for your wining and dining bucket listIt’s been another fun year of exploring London restaurants, one of my favourite pastimes. The running list of restaurants to visit on my Notes app is constantly growing, and I’m that friend who always makes restaurant reservations way ahead of time. Since I am often asked for restaurant recommendations, I thought I’d collate some top finds in 2022 in one place for you to refer back to!
Scallops, burrata, tenderstem broccoli and halloumi sticks on the rooftop of the Ned.
Before we get into it, a few words on where I find restaurant recommendations, and how I decide which restaurants to visit:
I often read restaurant reviews in papers like the Guardian, FT Weekend, and The Times, which offer in-depth evaluations of hotly anticipated openings
Following foodie TikTok and Instagram accounts is a great way to stay abreast of new spots cropping up around the city, and to get an idea of whether or not a restaurant is one I think I’d enjoy
The best recommendations often come from those who know an area well, so if I come across a place I want to visit and have a friend who lives nearby, I’ll make sure to ask if they’ve eaten there before / if they recommend it
Reviewing menus online is fun, but I try not to decide what to have ahead of time: it’s always good to see dishes in person and peek over your shoulder at what the next table has ordered, and ask the waiter for recommendations
Dining alfresco on the secluded balcony at Bantof, Soho (PR invite)
After sampling more than a dozen new restaurants in the capital this year, here’s a round up of my ten favourites (in no particular order). Let’s dive in:
The Ned
One of my favourite haunts in the City, The Ned is an institution filled with incredible restaurants and bars. Head to Cecconi’s for your Italian fix, Kaia for delicious sushi and Japanese food, or the Parlour downstairs for live entertainment and cabaret shows. Ned Members can also enjoy Millie’s Lounge and the gorgeous rooftop restaurant!
Toklas
After seeing Toklas on the Instagram feeds of magazine editors and influencers in-the-know, I booked a Saturday night meal there and it did not disappoint. The space feels a bit unconventional and random, but the food (and the fries) was otherworldly. High-quality ingredients take centre stage on a rotating menu, and I particularly enjoyed my spiced pumpkin and cauliflower stew with almonds and coriander. A great wine list too!
Bantof
I received a press invitation to sample Bantof’s new menu, a cocktail bar, restaurant, and art space tucked away on a quiet street in Soho. The sea bream tartare with avocado, yuzu and smoked almonds was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I highly recommend this chic spot for date night drinks surrounded by lovely art, and a gorgeous menu of elevated classics by a Michelin Starred chef (at Soho prices!).
La Famiglia
A beloved SW10 institution, La Famiglia always feels like a special occasion: the Italian waiters are delightful and always on hand to recommend wines or accommodate requests for off-menu dishes. The interiors here haven’t changed in years! My truffle capellini was incredibly indulgent (if a tad oily), and it’s definitely worth saving room for dessert here.
Fifty Cheyne
I didn’t manage to get any high quality pictures of the delicious Sunday Roast we enjoyed, but this was an incredible meal: and that’s coming from someone who rarely eats red meat! Fifty Cheyne was filled with well-dressed Chelsea regulars, and the service was very good. It’s definitely on the fancier side, so a gorgeous spot on a quiet street to bring parents or for special occasions.
Sucre
Sucre is a majestic spot nestled in the heart of Soho serving Latin American fusion food. Think juicy charred meats, grilled fish and flavourful vegetable dishes. Its clientele? Tired shoppers and their dozens of shopping bags, ready for an indulgent meal. We didn’t get to explore the downstairs bar, Abajo, but it looked fabulous and worth a return visit.
Cocotte
This is one of London’s best neighbourhood restaurants, self-described as a “farm to table rotisserie.” Cocotte serves delicious food at great prices; it’s much nicer than your average chain, with lovely service and a cosy, dog-friendly atmosphere. A great mid-week date night spot, or a place to come when you haven’t made any reservations or plans.
Kiln
We made a reservation three months in advance at Kiln, a highly sought after Soho spot, and it lived up to the hype: you really cannot go wrong here, particularly with the glass noodles and skewered meats. Downsides: the chock-a-block crowds pushing to get in, tiny serving sizes for starters, and being promptly evacuated after 90 minutes for the next seating.
The Barbary
Inspired by the Barbary Coast in North Africa, The Barbary is the place to be for unforgettable flavours and truly delicious small plates. I still think about the Jerusalem bagel, labneh, grilled halloumi, fattoush salad and salmon dukkah. Be warned, though: the Barbary Next Door is very compact bar seating only, so best to come in parties of two and bring minimal bags, because it’s a squish!
Bubala
Last but not least, one of my all-time favourite restaurants in London, Bubala. With two locations in Shoreditch and Soho, this spot is guaranteed to have you rolling out the door filled with phenomenal food. I love the no-fuss set menu which saves the faff of deciding what to get. It’s the kind of food that is so flavourful and varied, you just forget it’s vegetarian / vegan. Go here immediately!
Hope you enjoy these recommendations and they inspire you to make some restaurant bookings to kick off the new year! Let me know if you’ve tried any of these places before, and what your favourite spots for dinner and drinks are in London!
Xo,
Veena
