Jae/Untitled

Untitled in Dalston is one of our favourite cocktail bars in London, one we discovered as part of London Cocktail Week. They have a secret garden at the rear that really is magical in the evening. The permanent residency is called Jae by Chef Jay Morjaria, showcasing Korean Anju (drinking food).  We are by no means experts on Korean food but we know Jay is, having lived, worked and trained in Korea. The food goes swimmingly well with the drinks and vice versa. This is one thoughtful and clever food and drink collaboration. Expect a new menu when they re-open but guaranteed you will love it!

Nearest Station : Dalston Junction

Barrafina

We are big fans of the modern Spanish tapas restaurant Barrafina, especially their fresh seafood dishes. We have queued outside their many Central London branches countless times. I especially love the bright interior space of their Coal Drops Yard branch, which is bigger and easier to get in. Their Gambas Rojas al Ajillo is a must order. The Dean Street branch is the first to reopen with a heated and covered terrace and outside tables. Not surprising they are mostly booked for April but they still save some space for walk-ins.

Nearest Station : Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road

Hoppers

You can’t call yourself a Sri Lankan food lover until you have been to Hoppers. Part of the JKS group of restaurants, they helped put Sri Lankan cuisine on the culinary food map of London. Regulars swear by their signature egg hopper, kothu and kari but we are also big fans of their short eats and bites. All three of their restaurants are opening from April.

Locations : Soho/Marylebone/Kings Cross

Bar Douro

Readers of my blog would know we are huge fans of the Portuguese offering in Bar Douro. We have been to both their London Bridge and City branches. Alongside their perfect Portuguese gastronomic experience, they also have a well curated range of Portuguese craft beers and wines. Their London Bridge branch opens in April.

Nearest Station : London Bridge

LINA STORES

Lina Stores is a 75 year old Soho institution which also has a fabulous Kings Cross branch. Its newly created outdoor terrace, Lina in Piazza, will be open from April 12th. The menu has a range of their signature antipasti as well as new and exclusive pasta and SecondI dishes.

Nearest Station : Kings Cross

Santo Remedio

Santo Remedio is highly rated as one of the best Mexican restaurants in London! Expectations were high when we dined here pre-lockdown and I can happily report that the entire experience lived up to it and some more. They have a small outdoor space outside their London Bridge branch, with the main restaurant opening in May. Rest assured you will be in for a treat.

Nearest Station : London Bridge

Aqua Nueva

When it comes to London rooftop restaurants that also serve outstanding food, Aqua Nueva have pretty much got it nailed. Judging by its prime Central London location in a heavily touristy area and the glamorous interiors, I thought dining here would be all style and no substance, but I was proven wrong! We were genuinely charmed by the food as well as the service here. Pretty much everything was faultless – the seafood croquettes, the bacalau and the beef short rib – all ace. The sharing menu of Spanish staples (tapas, croquettes, churros) along with enticing cocktails, bookended with warm and down-to-earth members of staff makes for a truly heart warming experience.

Nearest Station : Oxford Circus

Padella

No London restaurant list will be complete without the mention of Padella.  I don’t need to tell you how good the pasta is here! The food is well priced and with a short menu you can try almost everything in one sitting. Their drinks are very well made and reasonable priced too… that Negroni is a must order. 

Locations : London Bridge/ Shoreditch

Fiume

Fiume (Italian for river) is located in the shiny development of Battersea Power Station’s Circus West Village. I think for us what summed up Fiume well was their hearty Italian comfort food amidst a stylish setting, to be enjoyed with those close to you.

Nearest Station : Battersea Park

Goodman

Goodman are well known for their steaks but as we discovered, during our visit that they also do a mighty fine Sunday Roast in their Canary Wharf branch. Their dishes were well executed and service was pretty spot-on too. Their Canary Wharf branch has a fabulous riverside terrace that completes the alfresco experience.

Nearest Station : Canary Wharf