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CITY. Arched windows, high ceilings, and colorful, decorative painting set the scene for this well-received establishment. Chef Cyrus Todiwala entrances folks with his creative, carefully prepared fare. Homemade chutneys and fresh breads hint at the cuisine's earthy flavors, as evidenced in classic tikka masala, pork vindaloo, and fragrant curries. While chicken, lamb and vegetable-based dishes are common, more unusual options are available, including ostrich gizzard kebabs, venison and boar. An outdoor, heated patio is a delight in warm weather. TUBE: Tower Hill
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Canteen
Belvedere Rd, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre Square, London, UK - England SE1 · 0845 6861122
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Hailed as one of the millennium's most enterprising restaurants, Canteen put British fare back on the map. Everything here is made from scratch, from the devilled kidneys to the Hollandaise sauce and tomato ketchup. Seating is – yep, you guessed it – canteen style. While this new branch sits beautifully on London's South Bank, the original Spitalfields outpost also does a sterling trade. Follow potted duck, piccalilli and toast with a succulent British pie and textbook roast. TUBE: Waterloo
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Galvin
66 Baker St, London, UK - England W1 · 020 7935 4007
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Founded in 2005, this eatery brought the bistrots modernes philosophy to London, where it's now quite hip. Chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, one of whom held a Michelin-star, crafted a menu both affordable and sublime. Many dishes run in a traditional Gallic vein, such as soft-boiled gull eggs with celery salt and mustard cress, grilled blue-fin tuna with piperade and roasted artichokes, and a sweet soufflé of Gariguette strawberries. A refined, though friendly, crowd and pleasant, understated ambience further add to the appeal. TUBE: Baker Street
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Leon
12 Ludgate Circus, London, UK - England EC4 · 020 7489 1580
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This eating-on-the-go concept had a healthy influence on the capital's culinary preferences. Dishes range from pea and mint soup served with organic basmati rice and open sesame slaw to roasted sweet potato falafel and homemade aioli Tuk Tuk salad. This branch is a vast affair with jolly idiosyncrasies – paint-pot seats, bookish decor and the headlights from Ludgate Circus illuminate the evening. Branches in Carnaby Street and Knightsbridge round out the hat trick. TUBE: Blackfriars
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Moro
34-36 Exmouth Mkt, London, UK - England EC1 R4QE · 20-7833-8336
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CLERKENWELL. After perusing Exmouth Market's antique bookshops, sweetshops and boutiques, you may find yourself in need of nourishment. This sleek Moorish restaurant is just what the doctor ordered. The waitstaff, known for its professionalism and solid work ethic, gets high marks, as does the creative wine list. The menu, however, reigns supreme, thanks to well-prepared dishes such as wood-roasted skate with peas, clams and salsa verde, pulled from deepest southern Spain and the Mediterranean. Sidewalk seating is available during warmer months. TUBE: Farringdon or Angel
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Scott's
20 Mount St, London, UK - England W1 K2HE · 020 7495 7309
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MAYFAIR. One of London's oldest restaurants received a stylish revamp – not so much breathing life into an ailing institution, as a whole new look and personality. The seafood menu is superior and the esteemed crowd difficult to match. The upscale maritime-themed interiors welcome guests at the ground floor tables or the buzzy, central Oyster Bar. The dishes are simple and superb. Standouts include seared scallops with celeriac and garlic, rock oysters with all the trimmings, or silver-tiered fruits de mer. TUBE: Bond Street
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St. John
26 St. John St, London, UK - England EC1M 4AY · 20-7251-0848
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SMITHFIELD. Set in what was once a smokehouse / townhouse, this intriguing restaurant has met with much praise. Its specialty is curious cuts of meat, especially those that modern diners eschew in favor of sanitized supermarket fare. St. John gives them new prestige, often credited with completely rethinking British food thanks to impeccable culinary attention and an original approach. Consider, for example, venison liver and lentils, chitterlings and dandelion greens, mutton and turnips, roast suckling pig, or pigeon and trotter pie. Before you judge, sample the kitchen's skill, and your tastes may just change for good. Other diners' already have. TUBE: Farringdon
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The Ivy
1 West St, Covent Garden, London, UK - England WC2H 9NQ · +44 20 7836 4751
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SOHO. This London landmark is popular with pre-theater crowds, thanks to a location in the West End, a varied menu, and easy elegance. The Art Deco-inspired room features light wood and often fills up early. The array of modern dishes includes risotto nero, ribeye steak bearnaise, shepherd's pie, and Thai baked sea bass. The dessert menu includes puddings and iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce. Reservations are necessary months in advance to get a table among the starlets and power brokers. TUBE: Leicester Square
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The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, London, UK - England W1J 9EB · 020 7499 6996
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The Wolseley's Viennese theme, classic interiors, consistent cooking and esteemed clientele make it an establishment, even though it's relatively new, compared with its neighbor The Ritz. Those in the know come here for breakfast – Omelette Arnold Bennett never fails to please (the eggs are sublime). Baked whole seabass with tomato and tarragon and wiener schnitzel from the rotisserie provide reliable meal options. A genuine occasion venue, this grande dame has unbeatable people-watching potential to boot. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus
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Yauatcha
15 Broadwick St, London, UK - England W1 · 0870 780 8265
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Hailed as one of the capital's finest restaurants, and sister to the famous Hakkasan, Yauatcha was among the forerunners adding dim sum on the London menu. The selection is outstanding, from ocean-fresh hargau to plump seabass dumplings and a mesmeric silver cod. Choose carefully and an evening here could be close to affordable, too. The stylish, metropolitan interiors embrace giant fish tanks. Yauatcha also makes for an attractive afternoon tea destination, complete with its delectable pastries and cakes.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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