From safety-pinned punks to polished socialites, the King’s Road has witnessed quite the transformation. This historic Chelsea thoroughfare, originally carved out as Charles II’s private route to Kew, has seen London’s cultural tides ebb and flow – from the swinging sixties and Vivienne Westwood’s anarchic spirit to today’s more polished incarnation, where aestheticians have replaced the aesthetes and, erm… Can’t think of any more snappy lines. That’s a shame.
Anyway, today’s King’s Road is a different beast from that of yesteryear, but it’s still an undeniably great place to hang out, and to eat. Between the gleaming shopfronts and beneath the striped awnings, you’ll find restaurants that may not break culinary boundaries, admittedly, but deliver exactly what their well-heeled clientele desires. And quite often, what us folk less of heel are craving, too…
Whether you’re in a contemporary Mexican mezcal joint or traditional Lyonnaise bouchons, the people-watching remains Olympic-grade, though these days you’re more likely to spot a clean-eating influencer than a punk icon. There were no good old days, and all that.
Anyway, we’re here to keep our eyes firmly on the plate, and all while strictly swerving any mention of that TV show; here’s our pick of the best restaurants on and around the King’s Road.
The Cadogan Arms
Ideal for when you want pub classics given a little extra sheen…
The Cadogan Arms embodies the ideal of a modern Chelsea pub – all gleaming wood panels, lovingly restored stained glass windows and plush velvet seating that make you fear for the bill when you’re only one pint in. But don’t let the polished appearance fool you; at its heart, this is still very much a genuine boozer, just one that happens to serve exceptional food.
When acclaimed, ubiquitous restaurant group JKS took over, they brought much-needed clarity and class to both the food program and the room here. The pub’s extensive 2021 renovation revealed original architectural treasures like the elaborate corniced ceiling and backlit stained-glass bar, while chef James Knappett (of two-Michelin-starred Kitchen Table) was enlisted to oversee the menu, the kitchen here delivering consistently outstanding pub classics without any efforts to ‘elevate’ or ‘refine’ them.
The Sunday roast is a big draw here – the sharing board for three (which could easily feed six) comes with a rich bone marrow sauce that could transform even a leathery old slab of roast beef into something truly memorable. And leathery old slab this roast beef ain’t. Equally impressive is their gold-standard beef Wellington, accompanied by a clotted cream mash so indulgent it’s worth having a heart attack for. Fortunately, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is just round the corner.
Ideal for pretending you’ve escaped Chelsea to a backstreet in Lyon…
One of increasingly prolific chef Claude Bosi’s more casual ventures, Joséphine feels like it’s been lifted straight from a charming backstreet in Lyon, self-identifying as a ‘bouchon’ – the name given to traditional Lyonnaise restaurants serving hearty, ingredient-focused cuisine. Burgundy leather banquettes, flickering taper candles and crisp white tablecloths create an atmosphere that’s a little pastiche, perhaps, but also transportive and refreshingly unpretentious.
There are no hushed, reverent tones here, that’s for sure – more guttural sighs of satisfaction at dishes rendered in all manner brown shades – but that’s not to say that the menu doesn’t deliver Lyon’s culinary heritage with remarkable finesse. A deeply savoury onion soup, silken calf’s sweetbreads with seasonal morels, and an intensely boozy rum baba that comes soaked enough to genuinely get you pissed, all hit the high notes. A big log of andouillette, served with mustard sauce, keeps things funky.
The house wine here follows the traditional ‘by the metre’ approach – you only pay for what you drink from the bottle, which feels refreshingly honest in this postcode. Or, predictably dangerous, depending on what kind of drinker you are.
The weekday lunch and early evening set menu (two/three courses for £24.50/£29.50) is notably good value.
Ideal for exclusive Catalan cooking close to Sloan Square…
Chelsea Barracks is a strange place for a restaurant. A 10-minute stroll from Kings Road’s eastern end at Sloane Square, it’s not the first place you’d expect to find soulful Catalan cooking.
The restaurant’s presence here is explained by a vast £959 million project (nothing should cost that much) that has repurposed the 150-year-old former military base. Representing one of the priciest real estate transactions in UK history, the 12.8-acre grounds have been turned into a fortress of unparalleled private luxury, comprising flats with multi-million-pound price tags. Within this gilded sanctuary, The Campaner now serves as the central dining destination.
Open all day, from 11am ‘till late at the weekends (and from midday through 10pm during the week), there’s a concern that The Campaner is essentially a canteen for the incredibly wealthy, but they’ve certainly chosen an attractive place to hang, you’ve got to concede.
The architectural stunner – designed by Ben Pentreath, who drew inspiration from Sir Christopher Wren’s stable buildings at the neighbouring Chelsea Hospital—features soaring vaulted brick ceilings and double-height windows that flood the space with natural light. The restaurant’s name (meaning ‘bell ringer’ in Catalan) is a fitting nod to both its proximity to the Grade II-listed Garrison Chapel and its ambition to become the beating heart of this reimagined neighbourhood.
The restaurant marks the first international venture for Barcelona restaurant royalty Los Reyes del Mango (‘The Mango Kings’), a group that has achieved near-cult status in the city. The menu aims to reflects Agreda’s philosophy of ‘honest and simple cuisine with a Catalan soul’, beautifully executed with seasonal British produce. Start with their pan con tomate – that deceivingly simple Spanish staple where quality ingredients have nowhere to hide. Here, it’s rendered with a correctly restrained application sweet, ripe tomatoes, a whisper of garlic, and exceptional olive oil.
Iberian ham croquettes deliver that perfect contrast between crisp and oozing, deeply savoury interior, while the charred endives with Olavidia cheese and beetroot cream offer a sublime study in bitter-sweet-creamy balance. Perhaps most interesting is the chargrilled aubergine paired with manchego cheese, sobrasada de Mallorca and black treacle – a dish of remarkable depth that demonstrates this kitchen’s deft hand with the seasoning. It’s salty, sure, but spicy and sweet too, with the aubergine’s smoky fudginess pulling it all together. It’s very good indeed.
Main courses are designed for sharing, with the grilled octopus deserving special attention – cooked in the restaurant’s Josper grill with the kind of precision that only comes from true understanding of heat and timing. We’ve had too many bullet-tough octopus tentacles in our time, but this one arrives tender and bouncy, its ‘come hither’ gesture well and truly merited.
The headliner is without doubt the Catalan socarrat with red prawns, the eponymous crust of caramelised rice supporting plump, sweet prawns that taste emphatically of the sea. It’s a flavour that feels just right as the sun pours in through those massive windows, and everyone around you sports absolutely perfect tans.
Intent on chasing the sun, we retire to the restaurant’s gorgeous wraparound terrace for dessert, a particularly cheesy Basque cheesecake and a rough and ready berry mille-feuille that eats much better than it looks. Out here, life feels worlds away from the city’s frenetic pace, despite being just minutes from Sloane Square. It’s pretty blissful.
Back inside, and for those seeking a more clandestine experience (deals that no one quite understands are definitely struck down here), head beneath the restaurant to The Clandesti, their speakeasy-style cocktail bar bathed in warm terracotta tones. Here, mixologists craft artistic concoctions inspired by Catalan masters like Dalí and Miró – the Dream Shell cocktail topped with a toasted marshmallow proves particularly Instagram-worthy (rather defeating the point of the clandestine part, admittedly). Like its parent restaurant above, the bar manages to transport a slice of Barcelona to SW1 without descending into caricature. You know what? We think we might just stay here a while…
Ideal for tasting the Sussex countryside without leaving SW3…
The Gladwin brothers bring their farm-to-fork philosophy to life at this rustic-chic spot, sourcing produce directly from their family’s Nutbourne vineyard and farm in Sussex, where youngest brother Gregory still works as a farmer.
The eclectic menu at Rabbit changes constantly to reflect what’s hyper (rather than quarterly) seasonal, with the small plates and keen pricing encouraging exploration – try the mushroom marmite eclairs and the beef heart skewers with port glaze. Both are excellent.
Rabbit’s ‘Farm To Fork’ set lunch (two courses for £22, three for £25) offers laughably good value in this part of town. It runs from Tuesday through Friday.
In a discreet corner just off the King’s Road, chef Anna Haugh’s elegant cooking has found a home here, bringing a taste of contemporary Ireland to Chelsea. The intimate dining room — with its gorgeous quilted armchairs, green-and-cream walls and statement mirrors — provides a splendid backdrop for sophisticated dishes that showcase the best of Irish produce while incorporating classical European techniques.
Menu highlights include Clonakilty black pudding wrapped in crispy potato, butter-poached turbot with Irish dulse seaweed, and sirloin of Irish beef with a beef stuffed boxty, something of a Haugh signature. Yep, that feels like a lot of beef, but when the product is this good, it’s worth celebrating, don’t you think?
Speaking of celebrating, Head Sommelier at Myrtle Katarzyna Kostrzewska has curated an impressive global winelist that perfectly complements Anna Haugh’s Irish-influenced cuisine. Beyond the expected French heavyweights, you’ll find gems from Greece, Hungary, and even Peru. Particularly noteworthy is Anna’s own signature wine range, created in partnership with Vino Hero from the South of France – each bottle featuring a QR code linking to recipes she’s designed specifically to pair with that wine.
Ideal for Indian seafood in tranquil townhouse surroundings…
Chef Rohit Ghai’s first solo venture occupies a beautiful townhouse just off the King’s Road, where mint-green walls and floral accents create an atmosphere that feels quite grand, even round these parts.
The kitchen displays remarkable prowess with its contemporary Indian seafood cooking, especially — a pleasingly light sea bass curry comes generously adorned with plump mussels, its sauce luxurious and sweet via freshly-pressed coconut cream. Or, stone bass is crowned with crispy squid, sitting atop well-seasoned squid ink rice. Yep, they love using seafood as a garnish here. We’re certainly not complaining…
That’s not to say that the vision is myopic here. Comprehensive dietary options include separate vegan, halal, gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free menus. The wine list features several interesting by-the-glass options that are designed to pair beautifully with spiced dishes.
For first-timers, the ‘Expedition’ tasting menus offer the most complete experience, though the set lunch menu provides a more accessible introduction to Ghai’s cooking.
Ideal for buoyant Mexican flavours and a boisterous dining room energy…
This recent arrival brings fresh energy to the King’s Road, named for the Mayan moon goddess and making an immediate impression with striking interiors, including a dramatic mural by Mexican artist Rafael Uriegas.
Here, chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez crafts dishes of genuine finesse here, from yellowfin tuna tostadas brought to life with whisper-thin Granny Smith apple (there are some sharp knives in this kitchen) to robata-grilled plates that showcase an admirable command of elemental cooking methods.
The bar, overseen by ex-Cavita bartender Manuel Lema, houses one of Europe’s most extensive collections of agave spirits, featuring rare mezcals and tequilas seldom seen in London. Monday night live music sessions have swiftly become a neighbourhood favourite, drawing a fashionable crowd that keeps the place buzzing well into the evening.
Ideal for garden dining whatever the British weather throws at you…
You could easily miss this place, tucked away as it is just behind Chelsea Green (no, the celebrated wrestler isn’t a permanent fixture here – we mean the park). But to pass over Stanley’s would be to miss its unique brand of countryside enchantment, with its covered, heated courtyard that somehow manages to feel magical regardless of London’s meteorological mood swings. Proper ‘secret garden’ territory, this one…
On the plate, head chef Tomas Kolkus eschews culinary gymnastics in favour of a concise, seasonally shifting menu that lets quality British produce speak for itself. We’re all about the beef tartare crumpet with oyster emulsion and horseradish, which sounds like it could go awry in the wrong hands, but here, it’s wonderfully indulgent and perfectly balanced. Doubts assuaged, order the onglet steak with Jerusalem artichoke next, another dish that needs careful cooking to realise its potential. Rest assured; chef Kolkus knows what he’s doing.
Wine lovers will appreciate the unexpectedly reasonable glass pours (several at £6.50 – practically happy hour prices for this postcode), while their spicy margaritas pack a proper punch. The locals have caught on – the restaurant has developed a fiercely loyal Chelsea following who return as much for the boozing as for the food.
Ideal for experiencing a Michelin star without the stuffiness…
Often referred to as ‘the chef’s chef’, Phil Howard has achieved something surprisingly rare (and that’s not just the quail, served pink) at Elystan Street – creating a restaurant that feels both special occasion-worthy and comfortably unpretentious. The dining room, with its considered lighting and deep Chesterfield booths, is a peaceful place to settle into, while the front-of-house team navigates that elusive sweet spot between warmth and professionalism impeccably.
Howard’s cooking demonstrates an almost musical understanding of flavour and a poet’s knack for menu writing – calf’s sweetbreads arrive beneath a shower of toasted almonds and poppy seeds, pig’s head terrine is bolstered by a pitch-perfect sauce gribiche, while his seasonal game dishes reveal why he’s considered one of Britain’s most accomplished chefs. The kitchen doesn’t chase trends or Instagram moments; it simply delivers technically flawless food. And sometimes (all the time), that’s exactly what you want from your dinner.
Or your lunch, as there’s a set lunch (and early evening) menu here that’s pitched generously at three courses for £45; this is fine value for food of this calibre and relaxed precision. That the restaurant earned its Michelin star within a year of opening surprises precisely no one who’s eaten here, and the fact that the brigade is referred to as the ‘E Street Band’ on the socials keeps us coming back, we can’t lie.
Ideal for seafood obsessives who appreciate proper technique…
Half retail fishmonger, half dining destination, this Pavilion Road gem brings something genuinely distinctive to Chelsea’s restaurant landscape. Tucked down a charming mews off Sloane Square, the space undergoes a nightly metamorphosis – premium fish counter by day transforms into an intimate 12-seat chef’s table experience as dusk falls.
Executive chef Leandro Carreira approaches seafood with the reverence of a true believer. Some fish arrive at table fresh from the morning’s catch, while others undergo a dutiful dry-aging process that concentrates flavor – particularly fascinating with fatty specimens like sea bass or tuna. The daily-changing menu responds to whatever the tides have delivered, though the focus primarily falls on raw preparations – salmon is served as sashimi, dry-aged sea bream simply sliced and garnished with blood orange, a tiger prawn gently unfolds over vinegared rice, nigiri-style.
Images via @The-Sea-The-Sea
Timing matters here – early evening visits coincide with the venue’s transition, allowing you to witness its evolution while taking advantage of rather excellent oyster happy hour prices. The cocktail list leans appropriately toward the maritime, with several options featuring seaweed-infused spirits.
Ideal for suave food at the ‘unfashionable’ end of King’s Road…
There’s something deeply satisfying about Medlar’s location at the far reaches of the King’s Road – as if to say that true quality need not cluster in the fashionable heart of things. This independent restaurant delivers sophisticated cooking without unnecessary theatrics in a dining room where white tablecloths and large windows (thrown open during summer) create an atmosphere of calm refinement.
The partnership between chef Joe Mercer Nairne and front-of-house David O’Connor produces that rare restaurant alchemy – flawless food matched with intuitive service. Their signature crab raviolo with brown shrimps and leek fondue has resisted removal from the menu for good reason, inspiring near-revolt when they once attempted to retire it. The kitchen has a wicked way with offal, too; on a recent visit, a dish of chargrilled calf’s liver with sherry vinegar caramel was exceptional. Ditto a beautiful roast grouse served in that heady, hazy late summer period, accompanied by a parfait of its liver and game chips. Phwoar.
The cheeseboard is one of London’s most notable. From the winelist, look beyond the obvious bottles to discover genuine bargains lurking among lesser-known regions.
Last year, the team opened Cornus in Belgravia to rave reviews. It’s already won a Michelin star.
Ideal for a culinary journey through Portuguese-influenced cuisines…
This intimate venue offers something genuinely distinctive in terms of London’s restaurant scene – an exploration of the diverse flavours found across Portuguese-speaking regions worldwide. Husband-wife team Simon Mullins (Salt Yard founder) and Isabel Almeida Da Silva draw inspiration from multiple continents, so Goan curry might appear alongside Mozambican piri piri chicken or Brazilian moqueca with Macanese specialities.
Image via voltadomar.co.uk/David Robson
Since relocating from Covent Garden to Draycott Avenue, they’ve added a private dining room and heated terrace. Their exclusively Portuguese wine list emphasises small producers and low-intervention approaches – a refreshing departure from typical London offerings.
First-time visitors should consider the weekday set menus, while regulars return for signature dishes like grilled prawns ‘Laurentina’ and Iberico pork bafassa with turmeric potatoes – perfect expressions of the diverse culinary connections across Portuguese-speaking regions.
Ideal for authentic New York slices with The Sopranos on the wall…
Following the runaway success of their Marylebone original, this King’s Road outpost continues Alley Cats’ unapologetic embrace of NYC pizza culture. Checkered tablecloths and Sopranos episodes projected onto exposed brick create the perfect backdrop for what might be London’s most convincing New York-style pizza.
Head chef Francesco Macri approaches dough with the correct devotion, and his 14-inch pies emerge with textbook char, crispness and distinctive chew. The deceptively simple marinara proves that restraint often trumps complexity, while the halal pepperoni has rapidly developed its own Chelsea following.
Securing one of the wooden booths requires strategic timing – weekday evenings offer better odds. The bar programme focuses on quality essentials – craft beer, natural wines, and precise spicy margaritas. Don’t overlook their house chilli sauce, which elevates even basic slices to memorable heights.
Ideal for thin-crust Roman pizza worth staying up late for…
While London’s pizza scene worships at either the Neapolitan or New York altar, Marta celebrates Rome’s distinct pizza tradition. From L’Artigiano’s former Fulham Road premises, the kitchen follows strict Roman methodology – each pizza hand-rolled with a traditional Mattarello pin, creating characteristically thin, crispy bases that emerge perfectly blistered from their Valoriani oven.
The standout Focaccio di Marta sandwiches Stracchino cheese and truffle honey between whisper-thin crispy layers, while the Crostino Cotto achieves perfect harmony between tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto cotto and basil. Don’t be shy to ask for any extras on your pizza to make it ‘just right’ for you; the chefs here will happily oblige.
images via @marta.chelsea
Night owls take note: their late weekend hours (open until midnight Friday and Saturday) make Marta a rare post-theatre option in a neighbourhood not known for burning the midnight, chilli-infused oil.
To some, London’s West End is the pulsating heart of the UK’s theatre scene, a hub of kinetic energy that receives 200 million annual visitors. Indeed, 24% of all visitors to London will attend a show here. To the other 76%, it can sometimes be a part of London that feels curiously busy but also barren, a wasteland of subpar steakhouses and American candy stores…
Either way, when alighting hungry in this most bustling of Central London locations, you needn’t settle on a flabby fillet or contribute to money washing with a round of Milk Duds. There are plenty of great places to eat in the West End, both budget and blowout, that will satisfy just about every visitor.
We’ve already written extensively about the best places to eat in Soho, so we’ll most park those recommendations and instead focus on the more central parts of the West End, where the magic (sometimes) happens.
With that in mind, and in no particular order, here are the best restaurants in London’s West End.
J. Sheeky
Ideal for spanking fresh seafood in a prestigious setting with over a century of history…
Serving up spanking, squeaky fresh seafood for over a century, J. Sheekey is one of the most prestigious purveyors of the good stuff in the city. It’s also one of the best restaurants close in the West End.
Established in 1896, J. Sheekey owes its inception to a unique historical event. The then Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, granted permission to a local stallholder named Josef Sheekey to serve oysters in St Martin’s Court. The only condition was that he catered for Salisbury’s post-theatre supper parties. Thus, the beloved Sheekey’s was born.
Today, J. Sheekey continues to uphold its reputation as one of the best restaurants near Leicester Square. Though there is a vegetarian and vegan menu and a couple of cursory meat dishes on the a la carte, Sheekey’s is still all about the seafood, offering the freshest fish, shellfish and oysters in London.
The restaurant’s central crustacean bar is a highlight, and the walls adorned with framed photographs of famous faces add to its timeless charm. And though those celebrity endorsements and general sense of prestige do certainly lend themselves to a hefty bill, the J. Sheekey set menu is great value for Central London – here, it’s three courses for £39, running Sunday to Friday, midday to 4pm.
Ideal for Eastern Mediterranean cuisine served with swagger in a stunning Grade II listed building…
There’s a certain swagger about Claro that only comes with serious capital, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant standing proud in a handsome Grade II listed building on Waterloo Place in the kind of power stance that The Saj would be proud of.
You feel it as you first put your hands on the high, heavy doors. In fact, you hear it the moment you manage to pry those doors open; the low thud-thud-thud of an Ibiza Chill playlist pitched just a little louder than is necessary, and the reassuring click-clack of expensive stone beneath your heels.
Stride on in; you deserve to be here. Big smiles and handshakes greet you as the room opens up, revealing striking checkerboard flagstone floors below and soaring ceilings above. Thoughtfully preserved wrought iron details nod to the building’s heritage, whilst expensively appointed lighting casts a flattering glow over the marble-topped tables and plush velvet banquettes. Disarmed and dare we say a little dazed, you’re hoping those banquettes will take you in for the evening and cradle you, because suddenly it feels like you might be required to do some networking, for some reason. It’s quite the entrance.
This place once housed both a bank and was part of the legendary Athenaeum Club, where Victorian luminaries like Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens gathered, but the refit is thoroughly modern, banishing the ghosts of the past to the bins out back.
Bringing you back to the here and now, the large, airy open kitchen serves as the beating heart of Claro, the chefs going about their work all jovial and jolly, collaborative in their cooking and plating, which lightens the mood and banishes any fears that this meal might be hard work. The menu is all about seasonal British produce delivered with distinctive Eastern Mediterranean flair, and we’re pleased to report that it does indeed deliver.
Start with the Masterpiece Martini, which is nothing short of spectacular (as you’d hope, for £16). Here, rosemary infused Ketel One Vodka, Tio Pepe sherry and clarified tomato bring a savoury twist on a classic that’s genuinely lip-smacking and utterly moreish. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a round of snacks; the Frena bread, which sighs almost as satisfyingly as you do when pierced. Served with both matbucha and a labneh and harissa number, it’s a punchy introduction to proceedings.
The chilli tasting plate – four different expressions of the ingredient that showcase its versatility beyond mere heat – and the Claro market salad with feta cheese and za’atar spice that tastes like sunshine on a plate, follow, both singing with freshness and the former a heat that starts up warm and round and then builds to something where you can feel your hair follicles starting to perspire.
The cured sardine bruschetta with pickled chilli and sour cream is next, balancing acidity and richness with remarkable precision, and a lamb cigar is pastoral enough to linger just a little funkily until the mains hit the table.
A monkfish shawarma is perhaps the only dud of the evening, a little over-marinated and ungenerous, its dusty turmeric finish calling to mind a Vietnamese cha ca or Coronation Chicken more than a shawarma, strangely. The dish’s tangle of fresh herbs, picked, we’re told, from the restaurant’s rooftop garden, is absolutely remarkable though, invigorating and complex, peppery, astringent and assertive, it’s what all other ‘herb salads’ want to be when they grow up. The waiter tells us no one ever eats it, which is a real shame.
The grilled butterflied seabass with vegetable skewer and charred tomato salsa brings things right back on form, the fish cooked to that perfect point where it’s just firm but still yielding, the skin blistered and burnished from the grill. The skewer is populated by red peppers and fennel, the latter having caramelised beautifully and bringing a suave energy to the plate. A truly great dish.
Everything’s been so light and invigorating that we surrender to our sweet tooth, finding maximum pleasure in the Paris Brest with sour cream chantilly, raspberry coulis and berries – a featherlight concoction that manages to be indulgent without being too heavy. For something more substantial, the chocolate and sesame fondant with chocolate fudge, sesame anglaise and sesame ice cream delivers a sophisticated interplay of sweet and nutty notes, and finishes us off, quite frankly, in every sense of the word.
To go alongside those sweet treats, the Eiswein from Schloss Gobelsburg in Austria’s Burgenland region (£30 a glass) is sublime. Yes, it’s steep, but this 2022 vintage offers a honeyed nectar that forms the perfect full stop to a meal of commendable vision and clarity.
Ideal for an intimate Michelin-starred chef’s table experience hidden beneath a Soho pub…
Though the immediate surrounds of Leicester Square are visibly dominated by the stark white lights of a dozen chain restaurants, tightly nestled beneath street level is one of Soho’s most exciting independent dining destinations; Evelyn’s Table.
This Michelin-starred chef’s table experience is a genuine hidden gem. Tucked away in the basement of The Blue Posts pub on the edge of London’s Chinatown, Evelyn’s table has been through several iterations in its six year life. It was first opened in 2017 by the team behind popular hotspots The Palomar and The Barbary. After a brief closure, it reopened in 2020 with a brand new team, featuring Luke Selby as head chef, with his two brothers Nat and Theo also on the stoves, which, incidentally, are on full display to the 12-person counter seater restaurant.
The intimate, family affair vibes quickly earned plaudits, with the team picking up a Michelin star in 2022. Though the Selby brothers have now moved on, Evelyn’s Table continues to fire on all cylinders, with chef Seamus Sam (formerly of Muse by Tom Aitkens) now heading up the kitchen.
There’s a real elegance to the dishes on show on the 5-dishes plus, £135-a-head tasting menu here, with Sam’s precise, Scandinavian and Japanese inspired technique bringing out the best in hand-dived Orkney scallops, venison at the height of its season and winter’s finest black truffle. It’s a very special place, indeed, and one of the best fine dining experiences in all of the West End.
Ideal for Istanbul-inspired cuisine six floors above the West End…
Six floors above the West End’s braying streets, Yasmin offers a sophisticated escape complete with panoramic views of the city. Talk about dinner and a show, hey? This Istanbul-inspired restaurant and bar, housed in the elegant 1 Warwick building member’s club, shares its home with sister restaurant Nessa on the ground floor. but aims to take things up several notches (erm, floors?) in terms of delivery.
The two restaurants share an executive chef too, Tom Cenci, and we amused ourselves over our Grand Bazaar (Yasmin’s Turkish twist on an Old Fashioned), imagining the chef darting between venues, running up the stairs spilling salted pistachios all over the place, and generally cursing the chaos of it all.
Hmmm, maybe we should get out more.
In reality, Yasmin is a supremely soothing spot to sink into, all sage green walls and warm wooden accents, highlighted by a spectacular marble-topped bar lined orbited by velvet stools seating gently boisterous custom. Trailing plants cascade from the ceiling, while banquette seating and rattan chairs create distinct zones for dining and lounging, in true member’s club style. Confusingly, you don’t actually need to be a card-carrying member to dine here, though for the gym and lounges below, you do.
The terrace, furnished with plush seating and draped with cosy throws, provides a sheltered spot for alfresco dining among the rooftops, though you’d be mad to be out there now, with temperatures hovering around zero. One for summer, perhaps…
Anyway, back in the warm, and Cenci has crafted a menu that pays homage to Turkish traditions whilst adding just the right amount of venue-appropriate sheen to proceedings. The sharing plates showcase bold flavours via Instagram-ready presentation – standouts include the whipped sheep’s cheese with hot honey and Isot Biber, piped and pretty, and the Muhammara aubergine, which arrives splayed out into three, panko’d and golden, its centre that lovely side of fudgy that aubergine gets through slow cooking. Alongside, a walnut and red pepper dip boasts chives sliced so finely we’re surprised @ratemychives hasn’t come calling. The flatbreads, made daily and grilled to order, are gold-standard, and show that the kitchen cares about the basics, which is always a good sign.
…All of this feels ready for the warmer months, when the wrap-around terrace seats 64 and offers atmospheric dining under the stars. We can’t wait.
Shoryu is owned by noodz-entrepreneur (and CEO of the Japan Centre) Tak Tokumine, a native of Fukuoka city who is dedicated to promoting his hometown’s cherished local speciality, ramen, across the globe.
We’re so glad that he’s made it his noble mission, as the restaurant’s signature dish – shoryu ganso tonkotsu, a rich and meaty ramen that boasts a 12-hour simmered broth, homemade Cotswold flour hosomen noodles, succulent char siu barbecue pork, Burford Brown nitamago egg, and an army’s arsenal-worth of vegetable toppings, from pickles to freshly shredded stuff – is as good as it gets.
The kotteri hakata tonkotsu, a heavy, fatty, meaty noodle broth, is another popular choice among patrons and, to us, is one of London’s finest hangover cures. The fact that it pairs so beautifully with a super frothy Kirin Nama draft certainly does no harm in dusting off last night’s excesses.
Finally, you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to be enamoured with their plant-based spicy goma tan tan. It comes with an umami rich tonyu soy milk, sesame and miso broth, and is topped with soya mince marinated in garlic and chiu chow chilli oil, crunchy beansprouts, pak choi, and extra chilli oil for a decent kick. Woof.
Ideal for traditional Vietnamese pho and bao burgers stamped with lotus flowers…
A Shaftesbury Avenue stalwart that sits equidistant between Chinatown and Soho, one of the best restaurants in the West End is Pho & Bun, which offers a taste of Vietnam in the heart of London, all via the mind of chef Andy Le.
The star of the show at Pho & Bun is undoubtedly their traditional Vietnamese pho, a dish that, at its best, can be both transformative and transportative – quite the blessing after negotiating Leicester Square in the pissing rain.
The pho is light and nourishing, boasting a clear, flavoursome broth that carries the pleasant richness of beef bones. It’s served following traditional Vietnamese etiquette, which dictates that it should be eaten using only chopsticks and a simple metal spoon (not that absurdly sized ladle from a certain highstreet pho slinger).
In addition to the glorious national dish, the restaurant also serves a range of bun dishes, the slimmer, gently fermented noodle that is almost as popular on the streets of Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and beyond as pho. Go for the spicy, funky bun bo Hue, umami rich from shrimp paste and given succour and savour by bone marrow. If that doesn’t lift you out of your sense of Central London-spawned malaised, then you probably can’t be saved.
Finally, a firm favourite on the menu at Pho & Bun is are their signature steamed bao burgers stamped with a lotus flower, Vietnam’s national flower which symbolises purity. ‘Authentic’ these bao/burger hybrids ain’t; authentically delicious they most certainly are. Indeed, they are quite simply addictive and something you’ll come to crave long after trying.
Ideal for fresh pasta that stands apart in a city of uninspiring Italian joints…
Bancone Covent Garden, founded in 2018 by Will Ellner and his business partner David Ramsay (no relation to…), is one of the best fresh pasta joints in this part of town. In fact, in a city where that particular type of restaurant has become increasingly ubiquitous and uninspiring, Bacone stands out as being, well, actually good at pasta.
Here, it’s handmade every day, and that springy, sprightly essence is perhaps best realised in the least adorned pastas, like the insanely comforting silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and a confit egg yolk, or the spaghetti alla chittara (a slightly squared off version of your usual strands hailing from the Abruzzo region) which is dressed in nothing more than a little chilli, garlic and parsley. It’s fucking fabulous. For something a little more fulsome and equally as comforting, Bancone’s tortellini in brodo never misses the mark.
The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming walk-ins with open arms. However, they do not guarantee specific tables or times, adding to the spontaneous/frustrating nature of the dining experience. If you do need to wait a while, then there’s plenty of streetside entertainment and shopping options in Covent Garden to keep you occupied.
Bancone Covent Garden has been recognised in the so-called Little Red Book for its light, fresh food, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2023. There are now two more outposts, in Soho’s Golden Square and Borough Yards, just off Borough Market.
Ideal for grand Parisian dining at obscenely reasonable prices…
Sometimes, the question of where to eat in the West End that won’t break the bank is answered with a single word; Zedel.
Brasserie Zedel, located in the heart of Piccadilly, is a grand Parisian brasserie that brings with it authentic Art Deco interiors and obscenely reasonable, humble French fare.
Hidden beneath the laid back Parisian-style ZL Café, providing a sense of discovery and exclusivity to its patrons, the establishment has a rich history, originally serving as the basement of the Regent Palace Hotel, and in the 1980s and 90s, it was known as the Atlantic Bar and Grill. The art deco and beaux arts fittings have been meticulously refurbished, with details recreated according to archived original drawings, preserving the historical charm of the place.
The restaurant serves traditional French food at exceptional value, with an expansive, inclusive space to match, making it a hugely popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
The menu is almost as expansive as the space, but most are here for the prix-fixe option which, at £19.75 for three thoroughly generous courses, has got to be the best value meal in Central London. Currently on, a leek and potato vichyssoise soup, a brasserie-ever-present steak haché with fries and peppercorn sauce, and a chocolate and caramel tart, is a trio of satisfying dishes that simply shouldn’t be giving you change from a 20 pound note. Throw in a large glass of house red for £7 and you really are laughing here.
Ideal for innovative Indian small plates that marry British ingredients with subcontinental flavours…
Kricket was founded in 2015 by university friends Will Bowlby and Rik Campbell, with the duo starting their culinary journey in a basic 20-seater shipping container at Pop Brixton. Today, Kricket has expanded to three permanent locations in Brixton, Soho, and White City, with plans to grow further in London and internationally.
The Soho branch is particularly convenient for those visiting the West End, as it’s just a 200 metre walk away from Leicester Square.
Almost ten years ago, Kricket’s proposition felt kinda unique; a combination of British ingredients with the flavours, aromas and cooking tekkers of India. Now, it’s an idea that permeates the menu of just about every non-European restaurant that is – or could be – on the JKS roster, but back then it felt quite novel.
The restaurant features a theatre kitchen, counter seating, and long sharing tables, making it an ideal spot for group dining in Central London. Bowlby, who once cooked European food for the locals in Mumbai, returned to the UK to cook Indian food for Londoners, and his innovative approach to Indian cuisine, combined with Rik Campbell’s business acumen, has made Kricket a major hit.
We’re addicted to their crispy and salty samphire pakoras, which are topped with a sticky date and tamarind chutney and served with a heady chilli garlic mayonnaise for dunking. Perhaps even better is the cuttlefish and Goan sausage ragu, boasting serious depth and funk, with both dishes exemplifying the kind of East-meets-West stylings that have lent such success to Kricket.
Do not miss out, either, on the predictably dubbed but undeniably delicious KFC (Keralan fried chicken), whose curry leaf mayonnaise and deep fried curry leaf garnish really does take things up several notches. This is beer food, make no mistake, and the Harbour Brewing Co’s Session IPA is always on the taps. Well, it would be rude not to, don’t you think?
Ideal for authentic Taiwanese-style fried chicken with customisable powders in the heart of Chinatown…
Good Friend Chicken is not your typical fried chicken joint. This Chinatown chicken shop prides itself on serving Taiwanese-style fried chicken, with their commitment to authenticity evident in every aspect of its operation. In fact, Good Friend even shipped their oven all the way from Taiwan to ensure the food is prepared as it would be in the night markets of Taipei.
Their menu, though concise, is packed with golden, crispy delights. The chicken breast is skillfully sliced thin and marinated masterfully before being tossed in three different flours to create an unforgettable crispness. Their popcorn chicken, another must-try item on the menu, disappears so fast that it’s wise to order several bags.
But it’s the options for customisation that keeps the customers being reeled in. Once served, you have the option to douse your chicken with any one (or all) of seven different powders, adding the risk of flavour overload, admittedly, but also a real sense of jeopardy that makes every bite all the more exciting. The plum powder, in particular, comes highly recommended.
…Actually, we did think they could top those lofty standards, owing to the relentless boundary pushing of the restless duo, perfectionism seemingly already reached but also just another insanely complex emulsion away.
At the new 180 Strand-housed Ikoyi, the space is larger and more sumptuous, all clean curves and tasteful mustard tones, the vibe gently refined; a little slicker, perhaps. Prices have increased in tandem. The tasting menu now is one of the most enthusiastically priced in London, at £350.
But what a procession of plates it is, of around 14 on our visit, with premium ingredients gracing just about every bite. Yep, that spice-based cuisine built around British hyper-seasonality remains. The iconic jollof rice with crab or lobster custard is still here, but leading up to the big, smoky reveal, luxury and innovation abounds; an aged lobster with one of Chan’s famously vital sauces, this one an agrodolce of sorts, was particularly special. Another course of lobster claw, sweetbreads and pine nut was as opulent and awe-inspiring as it sounds.
Yep, this is a restaurant firing on all cylinders, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Ikoyi somehow managed to find another gear; the sense of focus on improvement here feels totally implacable. In the best possible way of course…
Ideal for convivial counter-dining with exceptional Spanish tapas and seafood specials…
Images via Barrafina
Speaking of counter-dining, perhaps London’s most beloved bar seating set-up is found at the various outposts of acclaimed tapas group Barrafina.
Those in the West End and looking for the best dining options in Covent Garden will be pleased to hear that this famous corner of London boasts not one but two Barrafinas. We’re particularly enamoured with the Drury Lane iteration, which is compact, cosy and convivial, and leans a little more into the seafood side of the Spanish repertoire, often to glorious effect.
The specials are usually dictated by what’s fresh from the sea, so keep an keen eye for the miniature, roaming chalkboard for details of what’s good today; on our last visit, an enthusiastically brined piece of hake with punchy aioli and red peppers so caramelised they were collapsing was as good as it sounds.
Ideal for proper Sichuan Chinese cuisine that promises plenty of brow-mopping…
Though the Real Beijing Food House feels like a Chinatown institution, with dusty carpets, dimly lit booths and properly brilliant, spice-centric regional Chinese dishes, the broadly Sichuan (confusingly, when you consider the name) restaurant hasn’t actually been standing proudly on this Gerard Street spot for as long as you’d think. Previously found on Charing Cross Road, Food House moved more into the heart of Chinatown during the area’s recent redevelopment, and has quickly become the must-eat restaurant here and without doubt one of the best places to eat close in the West End. It recently further entered the wider public consciousness after being positively reviewed in the Observer last year.
It was a review that was very much deserved, the restaurant’s chilli oil slicked noodle dishes and whole fish dishes – again, dappled with rust coloured droplets that promise plenty of brow mopping – delivering big on flavour and a sense of satisfaction felt deep in your stomach.
For a quick, efficient lunch, the chilli oil (there it is again) lamb noodles is the type of one-bowl-wonder that knocks your socks off and leaves you regretting every single Sainos meal deal that came before it.
Ideal for honest Italian food cooked with respect and just a touch of refinement…
The younger, more affordable sibling of Angela Hartnett’s brilliant fine dining restaurant Murano, Café Murano offers fresh pasta, seasonal vegetables prepared with precision, immaculate shellfish, and the odd hearty af ragu, just as you’d expect from a chef this devoted to the food of Italy.
True to the soul of the place, the pedigree of the produce is the main draw, with the restaurant’s plates arriving with little frippery or adornment. Instead, Cafe Murano strives for simple, honest food, cooked with respect and just a little refinement. It more than delivers, which is a surprisingly rare find in this part of the West End.
Ideal for rainy afternoons whiled away eating and drinking through a variety of street food stalls…
Brought to Covent Garden by KERB, a group known for nurturing London’s street food scene, Seven Dials is one of the most exciting eating destinations in London.
In the 19th Century, Seven Dials Market, then Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, was used to store cucumbers and bananas. Now transformed into a foodcourt, to honour the past of the structure the market has been divided into two areas: Banana Warehouse and Cucumber Alley.
Banana Warehouse is billed as ‘The Belly of the Beast’ and has plenty of seating and communal tables. Here, you’ll find a number of street food kitchens and counter-top cafes serving an impressive lineup of street food from around the world. There is also a downstairs bar creating creative cocktail concoctions made with spirits from the East London Liquor Co. Banana Warehouse is the ideal place to come and while away a rainy afternoon in central London, eating and drinking your way through to the night.
If you need a pitstop while shopping your way through Covent Garden and are feeling peckish, Cucumber Alley is the place to go. Inside are seven independent food traders, seven days a week selling some of the best snacks and desserts in the Big Smoke.
On our last visit, we had a slice or two from Bad Boy Pizza Society and a gorgeous batata hara from the Syrian street food joint Arnabeet. Lovely stuff.
Ideal for a enormous 20-inch pizzas and inventive toppings…
Not one for the pizza purists, this, but definitely a place for a sharin’, tearin’ good time, the pizzas here are huge 20-inch numbers, perfect for some group fun. Indeed, the name Homeslice in bro parlance means friend, and the buddying up concept lends itself to conviviality and good cheer.
Some of the topping combos are inventive, some downright weird; cauliflower cheese and harissa anyone? But, when they get things right, it’s brilliant.
The Petersham *as of February 2025, now sadly closed*
Ideal for a soothing, produce-driven Italian meal in refined, quasi-spiritual surroundings…
*Sadly, it was announced earlier this year that the Covent Garden outpost of Petersham Nurseries would close with immediate effect.*
Sitting slap bang in the middle of Covent Garden, The Petersham promises to soothe and replenish with its organic, produce-driven Italian menu and refined, quasi-spiritual surrounds.
Run by the Boglione Family, the restaurant’s ethos is deeply rooted in the slow food movement, celebrating traditional methods of growing quality ingredients. It sources its organic and sustainably-grown produce from Haye Farm in Devon, ensuring the highest quality inputs for its dishes.
Rather than just another strapline, that commitment to sustainability is the real deal; the sister restaurant, Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond, is one of only three in London to hold a Michelin Green Star. The other two, if you’re asking? Mayfair’s Apricity, and the trailblazing Silo over in Hackney Wick.
The menu at The Petersham is a testament to the beauty of seasonal food, featuring dishes that highlight the peak of British produce, complemented by speciality ingredients sourced from Italy. So, that’s summer vegetables from the farm (courgette, squash, fennel and kohlrabi) served crudités style with the classic Piedmontese sauce bagna càuda, followed by a wild mushroom risotto that’s a little sharp and funky via taleggio. Heaven.
The Petersham also offers a variety of dining experiences to suit different occasions. Its pre-theatre menu, served between 5pm and 6pm every Monday to Friday, is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated meal before a show. For a more leisurely experience, the restaurant’s Afternoon Tea, available from Thursday to Sunday, offers a delightful twist on the classic British tradition.
The restaurant’s interior is a reflection of the Boglione family’s passion for contemporary art and understated grandeur. The walls are adorned with artworks from Francesco Boglione’s personal collection, adding a touch of artistic flair to the dining experience. With sweeping windows, Genoese chandeliers, and a private terrace, it provides an opulent setting for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to large weddings. The Petersham is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience, which feels mightily appropriate for visiting this most theatrical part of London.
Welcome to Soho, arguably the finest place to find yourself hungry in all of the UK. Boasting a diversity of cuisine, concept and price point pretty much unparalleled on these shores, this once (and still occasionally) risqué area of Central London is now home to some of the capital’s most cherished dining experiences.
But with such choice comes a well-worn paradox which sometimes leaves you catatonic in a Côte, spluttering something about their steak frites being ‘actually quite nice’.
Which it is. But anyway, if you’re looking for the creams of the crop, the jewels in the crown, the forces of the tour, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are our favourite restaurants in Soho; the IDEAL 22 places to eat in Soho.
Singapulah, Shaftesbury Avenue
Ideal for faithfully rendered Singaporean hawker flavours on the edge of Soho…
We start on the peripheries of Soho, where Singapulah proudly wears its mission statement on its sleeve – ‘Discover Singapore on Your Plate’.
And if you thought that all sounded a bit ‘tourist board-y’, then you won’t be surprised to learn that the restaurant is a collaboration between Enterprise Singapore (the government agency championing enterprise development) and the Singapore Tourism Board. The restaurant aims to showcase the city-state’s famed culinary culture, perhaps the most curious example of gastro-diplomacy we’ve encountered in Soho, but one that pulls off the assignment in some style.
You might approach Singapulah with the same trepidation as we did – the design of the menu looks a little corporate, and there were reports of teething problems with service. Lesson learned; you should never judge a book by it’s cover, nor a restaurant by the layout of its menu. Others hadn’t been so shallow, and by 6pm, there was a long queue forming round the corner down Wardour Street.
We’re also pleased to report that those teething problems were greatly exaggerated (that, or they’ve simply ironed out the kinks) as a recent meal here was tidily handled, with knowledgeable staff guiding us through the menu’s disparate elements with enthusiasm.
The space itself is airy and bright, with playful pastelled pendant lights hanging from the ceiling like layered kueh lapis. Terrazzo tabletops and patterned tile flooring add a distinctly retro-modern café feel of the kind cropping up all over South East Asia right now, while wooden dividers and booths create intimate dining zones; necessary in such a lively – and clearly popular – space. Shelves lined with bottled sauces and Singaporean products remind you that this is as much a showcase as it is a restaurant.
The clientele mirrors a true hawker centre in its range: Singaporean businessmen namedropping Goldman Sachs over laksa, curious day-trippers hesitantly approaching their first durian dessert, and groups of students drawn by the Instagram-friendly decor and relatively gentle prices of the small plates.
Just as Singapore thrives at the crossroads of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Indonesian and Peranakan traditions, the menu presents a complex — if initially overwhelming — culinary landscape. Our advice? Focus on the Malay and Indonesian-inspired offerings, where the kitchen demonstrates particular prowess. That said, you’d be missing out if you didn’t order some of their deep fried crab bao buns while you peruse the rest of the menu. So, do that.
For that order, the Singapore Loaded Rojak makes for an ideal starting point – a composed fruit salad featuring cucumber, green apple, green mango and pineapple chunks, tossed with tofu skin fritters and fermented shrimp and peanut paste. It’s sweet, salty, spicy and astringent all at once – a proper introduction to Singaporean flavour profiles and just the right idea to set the tone.
Alongside, you’ll want to open with the satay – here in Iberico pork (£14.50) or corn-fed chicken thigh (£12.95) – offering grilled skewers of gnarly, marinated meat served with ketupat rice cakes, fresh cucumber, pleasingly large and rough cut red onions and a rusty, dappled peanut sauce that whisks you straight to Lau Pa Sat.
We’re only just getting started: the Har Cheong Gai is a faithfully rendered version of a classic, with chicken mid-wings marinated in fermented shrimp paste and red beancurd, hard-fried until crisp and golden brown. Arriving looking fairly downbeat by modern standards (no luminous sauce cloyingly coating things, no ASMR-baiting crunch), these pungent, funky morsels deliver big on flavour.
For sharing mains, the Peranakan Assam Fish impresses in its rustic delivery. Sea bass and okra sit a sour-spicy soup performed with tamarind, lemongrass and makrut lime leaf; a perfectly balanced dish showcasing the complex, layered flavours that Peranakan cuisine is so celebrated for.
The Bone-In Beef Rib Rendang is worth asking about before you even sit down, as it’s a dish that the rest of your order should orbit around – fork-tender beef short ribs slow-cooked for six hours in a medley of aromatic herbs and spices that coax out serious depth of flavour. Both clock in at just above £20. End your meal with the durian ice cream (what else?) – a bold move for newcomers to Singaporean cuisine, but a necessary rite of passage.
Singapulah is a lively space, with a menu where dishes somewhat jostle for attention. But approach with focus and balance in mind and you’ll be rewarded with a dining experience that makes its mark, reminding us that while Singapore may be just a ‘little red dot’ on the world map, its cuisine demands attention. The country has a new London embassy, and it’s well worth the diplomatic visit.
Ideal for exciting regional Italian cuisine that changes with the seasons…
Our first pick in Soho’s IDEAL 22, and certainly one of our favourite restaurants in Soho if not all of London, Bocca Di Lupo is without doubt one of the city’s most fortifying restaurants to step into. Its long Carrara marble bar overlooking an open-plan kitchen is reliably abuzz with gentle chatter and the soundtrack of dish after dish of dexterous plating pretty much anytime you drop in (it’s open from midday to 11pm daily, without pause).
The food here is an ode to regional Italian cooking with a focus on sometimes obscure highlights from all twenty regions of Italy. Game and offal is an abiding presence here. The menu changes daily, showcasing a variety of Italian dishes with each item’s region of origin clearly labelled.
Recent highlights have included succulent, subtly-humming pork and foie gras sausages, as well as a unique sanguinaccio dolce – a chocolate pudding flavoured with pig’s blood. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends to its wine list, which features carefully sourced selections from across Italy. What’s not to love?
Ideal for invigorating Filipino food done with flair…
Kingly Court is a weird old place. Frantically busy at ground floor level and with a weird passive aggressive energy (the outpost of Nightjar here…just don’t), its USP feels aimed at offering some solace from the manic Soho streets outside, but does the exact opposite; it stresses you out.
Give the plastic pints and lurid neon colour scheme a swerve and make for the top floor, and you’ll find some seriously good restaurants however, with Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express and the brilliant Imad’s Syrian Kitchen both occupying the space. Best of all though, is the recent hit opening Donia, an exciting addition to a string of modern Filipino restaurants that have opened up across the capital in the last few years, and already the proud recipient of a Bib Gourmand award in this week’s Michelin Guide announcement.
Suddenly, Londoners are conversant in tugak and sisig, tinola and tapa, and we’re very much here for it. At Donia, from the team behind both Panadera Bakery and Mamasons ice cream parlour in Kentish Town, homegrown ingredients – yep, Flourish and Philip Warrens have no doubt had their wicked way here – are celebrated in a series of playful yet sophisticated dishes.
It’s a tight, keenly priced menu, with a gorgeous opening snack of chicken heart skewers clocking in at just £3.50 for five or six blushing bits of offal, glazed until burnished and sitting in a glossy pool of glaze. That is the way to start a meal.
Even better is the pretty-as-a-picture lamb caldereta. Traditionally a goat stew enriched and thickened with Pinoy liver spread (similar in texture and lowkey thrum to a country style French pâté), here the stew has made its home under a lacquered, mahogany-hued pastry dome that crackles as you cut into it. The accompanying sauce is rich and funky, but also aerated to lighten things up. It’s all pretty masterful, comfortingly familiar but with depth and intrigue. You’ll want to order a side of pandesal – Filipino milk loaf – to mop up the sauce. Its adjacent rocher of verdant, bracing chive butter is more than a bonus; it’s one of the highlights of the meal.
Of course, owing to the team’s pedigree in the pastry department, it would be rude not to end on a sweet note. The corn tart is a thing of beauty – sunflower yellow and with pastry that’s crisp but reassuring irregular, its filling straddles the sweet and the savoury in the best possible way. We’d have loved to try the much-hyped ube choux, winner of the Hot Dinners best dessert of the year, too, but by that stage, we were stuffed. Next time, next time…
One of Soho’s best restaurants first and foremost, Noble Rot is restaurant steeped in political intrigue, having once been the site of the legendary Hungarian restaurant Gay Hussar. A notorious haunt for left-wing politicians such as Clement Atlee, Gordon Brown, and Tony Blair, the dimly lit room here retains a few nooks, crannies and corners of intimacy, where deals could still be done and illicit affairs conducted.
At the helm of Noble Rot Soho’s kitchen is Head Chef Áron Stigmon alongside Executive Chef Stephen Harris of the Sportsman. Together, they have crafted a menu that pays homage to the French country cooking that Jackson is known for, while also incorporating subtle nods to the Hungarian culinary traditions of the Gay Hussar. Expect dishes like smoked eel Salade Lyonnaise, and a regularly changing goulash, on not just for posterity’s sake, but also for reasons of pleasure.
As a wine-focused restaurant, Noble Rot Soho boasts an extensive wine list that playfully dabbles in contemporary trends while remaining grounded in traditional winemaking regions and practices. Yep, you won’t find too many cloudy drops here.
Ideal for Scottish seafood served with Spanish panache…
There’s a glowing blue neon sign on Maresco’s back wall that reads, translated from Spanish, “Spain, Scotland and the sea.” It’s a simple mission statement that belies the gentle sophistication of what’s happening in this corner of Soho, where owner Stephen Lironi – a former record executive and member of new wave punk outfit Altered Images – has created something genuinely original.
The concept was sparked by a Guardian article Lironi read while producing records in the Hollywood Hills, detailing how Scotland’s finest seafood was being exported directly to Spain. Two decades later, after successful ventures in Crouch End (Bar Esteban) and Stoke Newington (Escocesa), he’s brought his vision central, intercepting those Scottish treasures before they cross the Bay of Biscay.
The restaurant’s name reveals this cultural marriage – ‘mar’ meaning sea, and ‘esco’, borrowed from ‘Escocia’, the Spanish word for Scotland – whilst the dining room strikes a perfect balance between fishmonger’s functionality and restaurant theatricality. High stools line the counters, offering front-row views of the open kitchen where head chef Pablo Rodriguez (formerly of Barcelona’s Michelin-starred Jean Luc Figueras) works his magic. The display of ice-packed seafood isn’t just for show – watch as live langoustines wave their pincers moments before being transformed into elegant but full-bodied plates that would feel at home in San Sebastian.
The menu changes daily based on what’s landed from the Scottish coast, but certain dishes have already achieved signature status (as in, there’s mild uproar when they’re not on the menu). Maresco’s take on txistorra reimagines the traditional Basque sausage with mackerel and monkfish, served on mini corn tortillas with spicy yoghurt. The bocadillo de calamar arrives as a noir masterpiece – squid ink-blackened bread stuffed with both grilled and fried squid, a clever textural play made bracing and sensual by generous (in every sense of the word) aioli. Their ‘Bomba Maresco’ offers another creative twist, replacing the traditional meat filling with Shetland mussels, served atop fennel sofrito, pureed and sweet. The bomba wears another round of that aioli like a jaunty little beret.
Two years on from opening, and the international clientele and constant buzz suggest that Maresco has already found its audience, but it’s the fundamentals that will ensure longevity – pristine ingredients treated with respect, backed by an excellent wine list that leans heavily on sherries and Spanish low-intervention wines. For a restaurant that essentially reimagines what could have been a simple tapas bar (of which, let’s face it, Soho – and this list – aren’t exactly short of), Maresco delivers something arguably more compelling.
If you’ve never enjoyed a stroll through Bangkok’s ever bustling Chinatown (aka Yaowarat), now’s your chance to do so without the hassle of flying to Thailand.
Speedboat Bar, a neon-lit gem in London’s Chinatown, is the brainchild of talented, Thai-food obsessed British chef Luke Farrell, who has been exploring the cuisine of the Kingdom for years while bouncing between Dorset, London and Thailand.
The restaurant takes its inspiration from the neon-fuelled party atmosphere of Bangkok’s Chinatown and the thrilling sport of speedboat racing along the canals (klongs) of the city. The menu leans on Thai drinking food, known as gap klaem, with the crispy chicken skins the first thing pretty much everyone orders here. Follow them with a collection of dishes reliably enjoyed on the streets of Yaowarat – clams stir fried in chill jam, and raw shrimp dressed in nahm jim seafood are particular highlights.
All of this is just foreplay before the main event. The Speedboat signature is a tribute to the iconic Jeh O Chula, a shophouse that sits on the outskirts of Bangkok’s Chinatown, and her legendary Tom Yam Mama Noodles – a once late-night special invented by her son which is ideal if you’ve had one too many Thai whisky sodas, and one of our IDEAL 22 street food places in Bangkok to boot.
Open until 1am on Friday and Saturdays and midnight most weeknights, you’ll certainly be having a few of them.
Ideal for gorging on croquettes, tortilla and other Michelin-starred Spanish small plates…
There are many reasons to head to Barrafina, not least because it’s arguably the best tapas restaurant in London, let alone Soho. But more than that, it’s for the vibe, which is exquisite whatever the weather, time of year, or other extraneous factors that would put lesser London restaurants off their stride…
Barrafina Soho, first opened on Frith Street before moving to Dean, has been around, and consistently packed, since 2007, and has held a Michelin star since 2014. Headed up by recently appointed Andalucia-born Antonio Gonzales Milla, the focus here is classic tapas dishes with an emphasis on seafood.
The restaurant boasts a no-booking policy and an unfussy, ingredients-led approach to dining. The chef’s expertise in Spanish coastal cuisine is found in every dish served at Barrafina, whether that’s in the deceptively simple pan con tomate, topped somewhat unconventionally with finely sliced chives, or on the imposing bomba, a classic croquette from the backstreets of Barcelona. The real joy, though, is found in the fresh fish hooked off the ice display opposite to order, kissed by the plancha within seconds and on your plate a few moments later.
With only 23 seats available around that cherished counter, the space is both intimate and bustling. You’ll never want to leave.
Ideal for haute cuisine that marries California’s abundance with Japanese precision…
Born in New York to a French-Spanish mother and American father, Victor Garvey’s culinary journey (you may have seen him on the latest season of Masterchef: The Professionals) has taken him through Barcelona, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Copenhagen. It’s this cosmopolitan background that informs SOLA, where California’s seasonal bounty meets exacting technique in one of Soho’s most accomplished dining rooms.
Following a major refurbishment in late 2023, the restaurant has expanded to include an intimate basement space and a chef’s table, but it’s the ground floor dining room that remains the jewel in the crown.
Here, amid perfectly spaced tables and thoughtful lighting, Garvey and his team deliver a tasting menu of remarkable precision. A sequence of elegant canapés sets the tone – a devilled egg arrives as a hollowed-out shell filled with smoked sturgeon mousse and sauce gribiche, further elevated with espelette pepper and toasted pumpkin seeds. Each course builds on the last, from vodka-cured wild salmon with fresh wasabi and red onion escabeche to the ‘Memories of Kyoto’ sashimi plate, where pristine fish meets roasted baby leeks, avocado sorbet and shimeji mushrooms dressed in kinako vinaigrette.
The highlight arrives midway – Scottish langoustines flambéed tableside, served alongside a bowl of profound dashi broth containing duck liver tortellini and an onsen quail egg. It’s this marriage of classical technique, premium produce and theatrical presentation that earned SOLA its Michelin star in 2021, as well as its current 39th place on the National Restaurant Awards list. At £159 for the tasting menu it’s firmly in special occasion territory, but Garvey’s cooking offers something genuinely distinct in London’s fine dining landscape – a cuisine untethered from geographical constraints yet precise in its execution.
Our latest addition to the IDEAL 22, if you’re looking for where to eat and drink in Soho, then this is the place. Sure, you’ll need to have scored a reservation actual months in advance. And yes, you run the risk of running into TopJaw hanging around outside clutching a microphone and an untouched Guinness. But the absurdly hyped Devonshire is worth those considerable hurdles to your patronage, with a dream team of consummate host Oisin Rogers, Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll and decorated chef Ashley Palmer Watts all bringing their unique expertise to this supremely confident pub/restaurant/bar-and-grill.
Standing proud on a street corner where Piccadilly becomes Soho, The Devonshire sprawls over four floors, with the pub on the ground floor walk-ins only and the dining rooms above very much needing to be booked. Once you’ve secured a table in the Grill Room section of the restaurant, you’ll want to order from the grill section of the menu, which makes up almost half of everything that leaves the kitchen here, sourced from a string of bespoke suppliers via the Devonshire’s dedicated butchery room, which boasts space for 4000 steaks.
Go for the ribeye (around 300 grams for £36), which gets chucked on the handsome wood fired grill until a gorgeous bark has formed but it’s still blushing in the centre, of course. It’s wonderful, and only elevated further by a gold standard Béarnaise sauce (yours for £2.50). Because this is a place of excess, pair your steak with the ‘pile of langoustines’, which are, well, just that; halved and grilled, a generous shower of rock salt and plenty of seasoning from a smoking stack of beechwood seemingly all they need.
If you’re going to make a cursory nod to health and vitality, then be warned; all sides come with a good dose of fat; buttered carrots, creamed leeks, duck fat potatoes…you get the picture. A rich, thick pint of the black stuff feels appropriate right now, and this is one that won’t be documented on any tedious ‘pints’ accounts on Instagram, that’s for sure.
Despite it’s seemingly unstoppable wave of popularity, things are kept humble with a reassuringly priced set menu that will set you back £29 for three generous courses. Currently, it’s prawn and langoustine cocktail, skirt steak, chips and Béarnaise, and an indulgent sticky toffee pudding to end on. And it’s ended us, too; we’re stuffed…
Ideal for a nourishing Japanese breakfast and the best udon noodles in Soho…
Shuko Oda’s Koya is one of London’s most straightforwardly enjoyable, soul-nourishing restaurants, Japanese or otherwise. The menu here focuses on two types of udon atsu-atsu (hot noodles in a hot broth) and hiya-atsu (a hot broth with cold noodles on the side), with plenty of extra treats and toppings to liven up proceedings.
The iconic traditional Japanese breakfast and steaming bowls of udon noodles with tempura prawn are the headliners, but there’s so much more to enjoy here, from the perfectly poised house pickles all the way to braised pork belly with cider, gelatinous and giving in all the right places. It’s an absolute joy.
Ideal for timeless British food in the most illustrious of settings…
Jeremy Lee has been at the helm of Quo Vadis since 2012. With the voice of a thespian and the culinary generosity of the old French masters, he represents everything that is good and great with cooking on this isle.
The food at Quo Vadis is a lesson in simple British fare with a flourish of French technique; be it in a whole mackerel served prosaically/poetically with just a wedge of lemon, or a wing of skate dressed with brown butter, capers and parsley. Or, simply, a plate of pate and pickles.
Mainstays of the menu include one of Lee’s signature dishes; the iconic smoked eel and pink pickled onion sandwich, which you’ll find in many a listicle of must try dishes in London. Then there’s always a pie – golden, pastry bottom intact, filled generously – on the menu. Just delicious and oh-so satisfying.
For us, desserts are one of the main draws here. Though not always on the menu, the profiteroles here are simply irresistible and are something we dream of, much like Lee himself.
Ideal for basement level barbecue with a difference…
Temper Soho is a one-of-a-kind barbecue restaurant nestled beneath Broadwick Street in a vast basement space, its grungy, below street-level surrounds feeling synergistic with the live fire cooking and nose-to-tail ethos of the place.
The restaurant’s centrepiece is a giant fire pit, where chefs expertly cook whole animals sourced from English farms. If you’re expecting an American style barbeque joint with brisket and burnt ends, you’ll be sadly disappointed – that, or pleasantly surprised.
Instead, the menu at Temper Soho comes with a pronounced Mexican inflection, with quirks from other countries, like their fantastic gochujang butter served with beef fat cornbread, keeping things interesting.
Made for sharing, their whole beast board blessed with a whole host lesser-used cuts of beef including house-made sausages, smoked ox cheek, liver and ox heart anticucho skewers, is one of the best things an omnivore with a particular penchant for grilled food can enjoy in London.
Ideal for a taste of Iran in the heart of the city…
Berenjak, Soho’s first Iranian restaurant, is another JKS Restaurants creation, with skilled chef Kian Samyani, formerly of Gymkhana and Brigadiers, at the helm.
Inspired by Tehran’s hole-in-the-wall kabab houses, the menu features succulent charcoal grilled kababs and khoresht (stews), as well as superb mazeh-style small plates and, perhaps most famously, an incredible baklava ice cream sandwich.
The name itself is inspired by the brightly coloured, toasted rice snacks enjoyed at Persian funfairs, setting the tone for a playful, nostalgic dining experience, as well as the dining room itself; all beautifully intricate Iranian tiles and rich leather banquette seating.
What truly sets Berenjak apart, however, is the sense of family, community and conviviality that permeates the entire dining experience. Samyani’s long-standing relationships with his team members, some of whom he has known for over a decade, ensure that the restaurant operates with a genuine warmth. And that’s not just coming from the charcoal grill!
Ideal for ravishing bowls of Filipino flavoured Japanese ramen…
A good few years ago there was a ramen revolution in London, thanks in part to Momofuku’s David Chang, whose Japanese-Korean fusion bowls are often credited with the rise of ramen across the pond.
Today, you can get a good bowl of ramen just about anywhere in the city, especially Soho. But through its unique fusion of Filipino and Japanese flavours and their unorthodox riffs on ramen, Ramo Ramen has given us a whole new reason to bite into a bowl of toothsome noodles and slurp away.
So, what to order here? With a 16-hour fish and tamarind broth, their heady and intoxicating Sinigang Ramen is a standout dish for us.
Whatever you take a punt on, Ramo Ramen has quickly become one of the most interesting Soho restaurants, and a fine purveyor of ramen to boot. Not only are they proving that ramen is so much more than a sum of its parts, but the chefs behind the restaurant are also helping change perceptions of Filipino food in the city. And we’re very much here for that.
Ideal for a 100% plant-based high-end fine dining experience in London…
This much loved and lauded vegan-only fine dining restaurant subverts the traditions of your classical French fine-dining experience, focusing instead on vegetables and plant-based cuisine
Unlike some British culinary institutions that tend to treat vegetables as an afterthought or distraction, at Gauthier they are everything – the main focus – paired with herbs and spices to create decadent combinations.
And in true indulgent, fine-dining style, the food here is delivered as a tasting menu. In fact, Gauthier Soho claims to be the first classical French fine-dining vegan restaurant in the world. It also claims to be the world’s first primary sustainable gastronomic restaurant – in other words, their carbon footprint is relatively low because of the ingredients they choose not to use. And that’s something we can all throw our support behind, don’t you think?
Some of the highest praise we can offer is that this isn’t simply one of the best places to eat vegan food in Soho, but simply one of the best places to eat in Soho, full stop.
Ideal for Argentine fire and flair in a former concert hall…
Fire-cooking aficionados, prepare to be smitten. Sucre brings Argentine-inspired flame-focused cooking to Soho in what might be the area’s most jaw-dropping dining room. Housed in a 310-year-old building that once served as the London College of Music’s concert hall,the restaurant marries spectacular design with impressive cooking.The acoustics aren’t half bad, either…
We’re not sure what hit us first; the smell of wood smoke coming off the parrilla, seasoning the dining room with something suave and intoxicating, or the chandeliers fashioned from over 1,000 cut glass decanters shimmering above the dining room.Let us have both.
These statement pieces and scents, coupled with soaring ceilings inherited from the venue’s concert hall days, create a grand entrance, make no mistake. Now all we need is our theme song playing as we saunter in, and the welcome would be complete. You know what? We wouldn’t be surprised if that service was actually offered to some patrons; Sucre is perennially popular with celeb diners, or so we’re told.
Chef Fernando Trocca, who established the original Sucre in Buenos Aires back in 2001 (the original has been featured on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list), has created a menu that subtly challenges preconceptions about Argentine cuisine.Yes, there’s brilliant, blushing, beautifully barked beef, but Trocca’s approach – what he calls ‘Fire Dining’ – is more nuanced, drawing on his Spanish-Italian heritageand the traditional Latin American technique of cooking with embers rather than direct flame.
The result? Dishes with depth, complexity and that addictive cloak of smokiness that only proper fire-cooking can deliver.Begin with a cheddar and onion empanada with pleasingly chalky pastry or the excellent (though slightly obscene looking) bread course, before moving on to a raw plate or two. The sea bream ceviche is pretty as a picture (if you can take your eyes off the handsome dining room for more than a moment), with dots of charred blood orange and jalapeño delivering that perfect citrusy punch, but the beef tartare, showered in parmesan and dotted with parmesan cream, is perhaps even punchier.
It would be rude not to order some bits off the grill (it would be insanity not to, in a place like this), and the king prawn skewers and grilled whole tale of monkfish compete for attention on a table getting increasingly crowded with delicious bits. A steak feels almost perfunctory at this stage, but delivers on that all-important contrast between caramelised crust and blushing pink centre.
Desserts maintain the South American connection, but play a little faster and looser with the brief, and the dulce de leche fondant steals the show, packing in more oozing centre than it appears physically possible to possess. Pair it all with Sucre’s excellent, aesthetically on-point cocktails – they do particularly brilliant things with tequila and mezcal – and totter out of that handsome dining room a little unsteadier, but so much more satisfied than when you arrived.
Ideal for modern Jerusalem cuisine and a raucous, arak-soaked session…
The Palomar is a cornerstone of Soho’s vibrant dining scene, a place where shots of arak are taken down with almost as much vigour as you’ll find in the ever-present, za’atar spiked labneh, perfect for pulling through with the just grilled house pita.
Founded by siblings Zoë and Layo Paskin, it’s a thrilling whirl through modern Jerusalem cuisine, which draws inspiration from the rich cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. While the bread and dip section of the mnu is a wonderful way to start (and punctuate a meal), it’s the stuff cooked over coals at The Palomar that really gets us going. Think impossibly succulent lamb rump given vivacity via a pert salsa verde, and oh-so crispy metugan bream served alongside Israeli kimchi and green harrisa – the latter tasting as striking as it looks.
Yep, this is a place where you’ll leave feeling full but flighty, satisfied but sprightly, and that’s a tough balancing act to pull off.
Ideal for superbly seasoned steak tartare and other French bistro favourites…
The French House holds a special place in our hearts for more than one reason. Firstly, it satisfies the need to have a quick pint before a dinner date, while also providing a moment to truly acknowledge and appreciate Soho’s history and just how great its pubs are. But more importantly, it’s also one of our favourite places to eat in the capital.
While it’s known as an iconic London pub by many, the French House also has a small, exquisite dining room upstairs serving immensely satisfying French fare. It’s our go to place whenever we have a hankering for nimbly seasoned steak tartare, or when a craving for steak frites suddenly strikes. Which, we’re shy to admit, is rather often…
The dining room at The French House has a storied past, having been opened by Fergus and Margot Henderson in 1992. Today it is headed up by the talented chef Neil Borthwick who has worked at prestigious establishments such as The Connaught (where he met his wife, chef and national treasure Angela Hartnett) and Merchants Tavern, which he co-founded with Hartnett. Borthwick’s culinary prowess is evident in the hearty, fuss-free French cuisine served at The French House, and long may it continue.
London is blessed with some superb Sichuan restaurants, but if you’re seeking faithful, fearsome, f’ing delicious renditions of the region’s staples, then Barshu (an apt name considering the ol’ Scoville Heat Units) in Soho will see you right. Unlike many similar spots in the city, the food here is not watered down for the Great British palate, and is all the better for it..
Whilst capsaicin-philes will find plenty on the menu at Bar Shu to tantalise and titillate, perhaps the straight up spiciest dish on the menu is the boiled sea bass with sizzling chilli oil (Shuizhu Yu). We recommend ordering some cooling dishes to help temper its rougher edges.
Elsewhere on the menu, we adore the dumplings doused in a smoky chilli oil and a vinegar sauce that’s so delicious you can slurp the liquid just by itself. We have. Or, head here for perhaps the finest bowl of dan dan noodles in the city. Yep, there’s a lot to love about the food here.
Ideal for Thai barbecue with a sense of both fun and theatre…
Kiln is quite the sensory spectacle, with bar seating overlooking flames, smouldering coals, clattering clay pots and burning woks. The vibe transports you right out of central London and to somewhere altogether hotter and more rustic.
And that’s before you’ve even had a bite here. When you do, you’ll find Thai plates that are downright delicious and frequently fiery.
With a focus on high quality ingredients, the menu changes seasonally. Our favourite time to visit is during game season, where the menu comes alive with jungle curries of wood pigeon or wild mallard and minced laab salads of raw venison.
A mainstay and must order on the menu is Kiln’s grilled cull yaw skewers sprinkled in cumin; so damn delicious and an unforgettable snack. Follow with the clay pot baked glass noodles (a standout dish that’s never been taken off the menu) and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous little meal.
Ideal for some of the most exciting bánh mì outside of Vietnam…
The bánh mì, a sandwich sold throughout the streets of Vietnam which beautifully melds French and Vietnamese ingredients, is one of the world’s greatest sandwiches. And some of the best Vietnamese sandwiches in London can be found at Keu where they are fresh, crisp and astonishingly delicious.
With thirteen fillings to choose from, Keu’s stellar bánh mì making operation sees hundreds of baguettes made each day. From classic fillings of pate and pickles to less traditional takes like slow braised mackerel in caramelised fish sauce, all the way to their kimchi-filled bánh mì that comes with honey glazed pork, there’s something for everyone here.
We end, exhausted and inebriated, at Ganton Street’s Dehesa. In fact, we might be full to finish this one. Why not check out our write-up of the restaurant here, rather than eating a single bite more today? The IDEAL 22 restaurants can have that effect on your waistline, we think.
And when our appetites both resume, we’ll see you over in Marylebone; whoever arrives first gets the Welsh rarebit croquettes in? Deal.
Wedged between the gleaming, steaming towers of the City and the ever-evolving cliches of Shoreditch like some kind of glorious refuge from bullshit, Whitechapel occupies a unique position on the London landscape. This hard-to-define (we will now attempt to) East End enclave has long been an area shaped by generations of cultural exchange and preservation, with the Bengali community in particular leaving an indelible, edible mark on the area’s culinary scene.
While parts of East London may have succumbed to the relentless march of what might euphemistically be termed ‘urban renewal’, Whitechapel moves at its own pace, its curry houses, family-run takeaways and centuries old bakeries seemingly untroubled by what’s going on up the road.
It’s a confidence earned and honed over the last 50 years, and Whitechapel’s culinary identity is inseparable from its immigrant history. Brick Lane earned its nickname ‘Banglatown’ in the 1970s as Bengali immigrants, particularly from the Sylhet region, arrived following Bangladesh’s independence and established restaurants and businesses that transformed the street. Before this, the area welcomed successive waves of Huguenots, Irish, and Jewish communities. The establishment of the East London Mosque in 1985 (now one of Europe’s largest) further anchored the community.
Though it’s a little hard to define where Whitechapel definitively begins, it’s easy to know where it ends; with a bowl of gajar ka halwa and a cup of cardamom chai. It’s a sweet conclusion that tells you something essential about the neighbourhood— a story of diversity, distinct regional specialities, and family recipes passed – sometimes lovingly, sometimes reluctantly – through generations until they reach your plate.
With all that in mind and still no closer to defining the place, here’s our rundown of the best restaurants in Whitechapel.
Tayyabs
Ideal for legendary lamb chops with a half-century history….
On an unassuming Whitechapel backstreet, the electric blue neon sign and heady miasma of burnt cumin seeds and grill smoke has been a clarion call for hungry Londoners long before Eating With Tod, Top Jaw and the rest first unearthed this ‘hidden gem’. Several times.
Tayyabs, established in 1972, is perhaps the most famous Punjabi restaurant in the capital, and for good reason. The décor is a heady mix of opulent and wipe-able, the service cheery but efficient, and the food simple and satisfying in a way that allows the kitchen to churn, churn, churn relentlessly.
The sizzling lamb chops are the undisputed stars, arriving at your table still spitting and crackling, marinated in a proprietary blend of spices that’s remained unchanged (and still, somehow, a secret) for decades. The chops’ protruding, crudely French-trimmed rib handle presents the perfect opportunity to ditch the cutlery and go full Flinstone. Indeed, any tedious chuntering about ‘fall off the bone’ flesh should be avoided here; a bit of chew and resistance brings out the flavour, we think.
Don’t stop at the chops though, as it would be mental to come here, order one dish and leave. Tayyabs’ signature karahi chicken tikka masala delivers a complexity and nuance far beyond the usual assumptions about the national dish, and the peshwari naan is a Grade A version of a sometimes divisive side. Boasting the kind of proof that exhales when pierced, it comes anointed with butter that pools pleasingly across its surface.
Long-time patrons will remember the infamous queues that once snaked around the block (no bookings were taken for decades), but these days you can book ahead. Remarkably, despite its capacity for 500 diners spread across several floors, Tayyabs still boasts those queues. It should be said that the reservation system feels chaotic at best – we’ve occasionally waited longer for our reserved table than it took for the queue to be seen to in its entirety.
Open every day from noon until late evening, Tayyabs is BYOB. There’s a Tesco Express on the same street with a decent selection of cold beers. Back in the restaurant, non-boozers are well catered for with a good selection of yoghurt based refreshment.
Whether you’re on the lager or the lassi, Tayyabs is reliably raucous, and certainly isn’t the place for an intimate tête-à-tête. But, for a full-on feast with friends, it’s unbeatable. Whitechapel’s finest? We certainly think so.
Ideal for no-frills Pakistani feasting that won’t break the bank…
In the unofficial battle of the Whitechapel lamb chop, Lahore Kebab House has long been Tayyabs’ greatest rival. This canteen-style Pakistani restaurant five minutes south along Pargett and around the corner onto Umberston Street offers a decidedly more laid back atmosphere than its famous counterpart.
Established in 1972 (coincidentally the same year as Tayyabs – something in the Whitechapel water that year, clearly), this Pakistani powerhouse has maintained its no-nonsense approach for over five decades. The interior could generously be described as ‘functional’ – brown utilitarian furniture against plain white walls that wouldn’t look out of place in a school canteen – but you’re not here for the décor. The cricket matches and Bollywood epics playing on massive screens provide more than enough visual stimulation anyway, as does the bustling semi-open kitchen (there’s two panels of glass and what looks to be a mattress obscuring one of the panes that separates dining room and chefs) where you can witness pan dexterity on a whole different level.
The mixed grill is why you’re here and is exactly what you’d hope for, featuring those skinny lamb chops, expertly spiced and grilled to pink but gnarly perfection. While the lamb chops rightfully get top billing – using higher quality meat than many competitors and spiced with such liberal enthusiasm they practically vibrate on the plate – the menu rewards even the vaguely curious.
The chicken tikka brings unexpected heat dimensions that will recalibrate your understanding of the national dish, but you’d do better with the house specials, particularly the nihari and dry lamb curry, served in karahi bowls that always seem to add another dimension to a dish, even if it’s the taste of brass seasoning. Do save room for dessert – their selection of traditional sweets, including kulfis, ras malai and gajar ka halwa, provides the perfect sweet send-off.
For a restaurant that can host a staggering 350 diners across two floors, the service is remarkably acute – waiters performing gravity-defying feats as they carry multiple dishes at once, uncorking your BYO bottles with practiced ease (and no corkage fee). City workers rub shoulders with East End locals here, united in their appreciation for unfussy, delicious food served in generous portions. What more could you want?
Ideal for hearty Punjabi cuisine with Bollywood tunes as your soundtrack…
Opened in 2009 by a former Tayyabs manager, Needoo might not luxuriate (or, suffer from, depending how you want to look at it) queues of its more famous neighbour, but the food is every bit as good.
Inside, the vibe is bright, garish even. Those bold crimson walls, matching leather chairs and blue LED lighting call to mind somewhere that’s part curry house, part nightclub – the sort of place where every meal feels like a celebration, all accompanied by a Bollywood playlist that adds to the general sense of convivial cheer.
Their house speciality, karahi lamb chops masala, features lamb chops marinated in Needoo’s signature karahi masala and then grilled to its natural conclusion – a dish that rivals any in Whitechapel for its fragrant complexity. Beyond the celebrated lamb chops, the menu offers other stunners, including the karahi butter chicken masala which delivers that ideal balance of richness and spice, and could cure (and cause, quite frankly) many an ill.
The palak-paneer is top notch too, the cottage cheese simmered in a smooth and creamy spinach gravy without it disintegrating, all executed with careful, cautious finesse. The palak chicken applies the same luscious spinach treatment to tender chicken pieces – proper comfort food, this.
Sunday visitors should not miss the nihari, a popular Pakistani dish of slow-cooked lamb shank with a kind of throbbing pastoral undertone – a weekend speciality worth planning your life around. For those in search of something more simple, the half chicken with chips, marinated with rich masala and grilled, offers a perfect East-meets-West option that feels like the sort of dish you’d request for a final meal.
Service is swift and friendly, and the BYO policy makes this a highly affordable night out. Needoo might live somewhat in the shadow of its more famous New Road neighbours, but those in the know recognise it as a worthy contender for Whitechapel’s curry crown.
Ideal for inventive, plant-based Middle Eastern cuisine…
For something different at the tail end of Whitechapel, Bubala has rapidly gained a reputation as one of East London’s most exciting dining destinations for Middle Eastern food.
The moment you slip inside, the carnage of the busy road behind melts away. It’s a mellow, nourishing space that is very Blank Street in its aesthetic but ultimately, probably, designed not to distract you from what really matters: the food.
Bubala delivers dishes of remarkable depth and flavour. The menu features small plates designed for sharing and tearing, with standouts including their fried aubergine with zhoug and date syrup – crispy at the edges but meltingly soft inside, topped with that vibrant green coriander-spiked sauce that gives vibrancy and value to everything it touches. Don’t miss the halloumi with black seed honey – a slab of milky cheese fried to golden-brown perfection and drizzled with a sweet, spiced syrup that’ll have you fighting over the last piece.
Other must-orders include their silky-smooth hummus arriving with burnt butter, pine nuts and a generous dribble of olive oil, the oyster mushroom skewers delivering that perfect umami hit. The confit potato latkes come with toum (Lebanese garlic sauce), which is a sentence that sounds really weird if you read it too fast and get your consonants mixed up. It tastes damn good though.
The place has a good buzz but is laid back, and the staff are genuinely passionate about the food they’re serving. Speaking of sweet spots, the tahini, date and tangerine ice cream is as good as it sounds and then some; a really intriguing mix of savoury and sharp, sparkling flavours, and the perfect end to a meal for all those who say they’re not into dessert, but actually are.
With most plates between £5-£11, and the option to feast for about £30 a head, Bubala represents excellent value. While reservations can be hard to come by (book well in advance), it’s worth the effort. Oh, and did we mention it’s all vegetarian? We tried not to, as this is gorgeous food, meat-free or otherwise.
Ideal for a taste of history at London’s oldest Indian restaurant…
Among Whitechapel’s dining institutions, few can claim the longevity or, indeed, the naming prescience of Halal Restaurant. The name is SEO genius, though it’d be even better if they added ‘near me’ to the end. Though, since this place was established in 1939, they might have had other things on their mind than Google dark arts.
Indeed, Halal Restaurant stakes a claim as East London’s oldest Indian establishment. Originally founded to serve South Asian sailors working the docks, this venerable institution has been in the same family for four generations and maintains a loyal following that spans just as long.
Unlike the more casual curry houses nearby, Halal Restaurant offers a slightly more formal dining experience, with white tablecloths (daredevil stuff with this much turmeric in the curries) and food served in lidded pots – the big reveal is pure theatre, especially on the nose. The menu features classic Indian dishes executed with time-honoured precision – the rogan josh, shish kebabs and mutton mince biryani are particular highlights.
After over 80 years in business, Halal Restaurant offers something increasingly rare in London’s ever-changing dining landscape – a genuine taste of history.
Ideal for faithfully rendered regional Thai cuisine that doesn’t hold back…
We can’t be arsed with the pedants, so we’ll say this again; we’re not sure where Whitechapel begins and ends. Commercial Street might be part of it.
We’re more confident that some of London’s best Thai food is still served at Som Saa, a relative old warhorse of the city’s restaurant scene as it approaches its second decade here in Whitechapel/Shoreditch/Spitalfields/let’s not worry too much about pin drops.
Here, dishes showcase the complex, multi-layered, high wire balancing act of the very best Thai cooking. Their nahm dtok pla thort – a whole deep-fried sea bass with North Eastern herbs and roasted rice powder – is the headliner, no doubt, and never off the menu for good reason; it demonstrates the kitchen’s love of the country’s Isaan region and its reliably bold palette.
This is reflected too in the daily changing som tam salad, that reliably delivers the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy notes (a bit of a tired summary by now, admittedly) that defines Thai cooking. Just to cast your eyes up to the blackboard to see what’s in store for the day.
There are coconut curries from further south in Thailand, too. The restaurant is one of the only places in the capital to freshly squeeze their coconut milk every single day, a process and dedication reflected in the suave finish to their curries and unparalleled, superior flavour compared to the canned stuff. Ditto the hand-pounded curry pastes; you really can taste the difference here.
Be sure to save room for their exquisite salted palm sugar ice cream served with grilled turmeric banana and sesame seeds – on since day dot and as good as ever.
After eight successful years, the team has expanded with a sibling restaurant, Kolae, in Borough Market, but the original location remains a must-visit for anyone who loves the food of The Kingdom as much as we do.
*Unfortunately, after a fire at the restaurant in early May, Som Saa is currently (but temporarily) closed. We’ll update this piece when more news is announced of the reopening date.*
A sister restaurant to Xi’an Impression up in Highbury, and taking its name from the Shaanxi provincial capital and the onomatopoeic ‘biang biang’ (supposedly mimicking the sound of dough slapping against the countertop), this stark, brightly-lit space may look more corporate canteen than place of crosstown culinary pilgrimage, but appearances can be deliciously deceiving. Actually, we’re not sure that’s quite true; if this place looked fancy, you’d rightly suspect it might be a bit shit. Hmmm, we’ve tied ourselves in knots here…
…not like the noodles, which are perfectly separate strands, but also boast the requisite level of homogeneity. Their hand-pulled BiangBiang noodles in ‘special sauce’ are the ideal showcase for the eponymous speciality, with a perfect chew and rich sauce clinging to every strand. Variations on a theme include the glorious hand-pulled Belt noodles with cumin lamb, the fragrant, dusty, musty spice cutting through the richness of the lamb and anchoring the whole thing in something that hums and undulates rather than slaps and tickles.
Beyond the signature wide belt noodles, the boneless chicken in special sauce delivers a genuine surprise – thin slices of tender poultry soaking up a house special concoction that’s vinegary, sweet and gently spiced. It’s a perfect counterpoint to the more robust flavours elsewhere on the menu.
The handmade traditional pork burger (‘rou jia mo’ – one of the world’s oldest sandwich-type foods) represents another regional speciality from the streets of Xi’an – succulent, slow-cooked pork belly with aromatic spices, chopped and stuffed into a distinctive wheat flatbread pocket. It’s street food with thousands of years of history behind it, and light years away from the Western concept of a burger.
The restaurant’s no-reservation policy and wipe-clean utilitarian aesthetic speak to its roots – this is a place where solo diners feel comfortable tucking in with a book and a beer, where eating with your fingers is not just accepted but encouraged, and where the nine-napkin approach to dining (you’ll need them for the splashes of chilli oil) is considered perfectly sensible. Or, you could just buy a T-shirt from the nearby charity shop and wear it as a massive bib.
Anyway, at these remarkably reasonable prices, with most dishes between £7-£11, you’ll hardly mind the extra cost.
Ideal for succulent Somali lamb at absurdly good value…
Al Kahf means ‘the cave’ in Arabic – fitting for this Somali restaurant tucked away off Whitechapel Road. Since opening in 2010, it has built a devoted following among those in the know. A recent renovation has transformed the once-hidden entrance into a proper street-level dining space, though the restaurant still thankfully maintains its understated charm.
The menu showcases the distinctive cuisine of the Horn of Africa, where geographic position and history have created a fascinating culinary crossroads. Their celebrated lamb shank (the xaniid) steals the show – slow-cooked to such tenderness that just a spoon is required to eat it, with undulating layers of aromatics and meltingly soft fat helping that gorgeous spicing last long in the mouth. Each main arrives on a generous platter of aromatic bariis iskukaris, a beautifully spiced rice adorned with sweet raisins and topped with caramelised onions and peppers.
Al Kahf really know how to guide your hand in seasoning your bowl, as each meal also comes with the essential companions: basbaas, a vibrant green chili sauce that brings a powerful kick of heat and fresh coriander, and sabaayad, a buttery Somali flatbread perfect for scooping up every morsel. You will genuinely want to do so.
The service is refreshingly unfussy and reassuringly unhurried, a place where it would be criminal not to take your time. At around £14 for a lamb dish substantial enough to satisfy two hungry diners, Al Kahf offers remarkable value, too.
No alcohol is served here, so round off your meal with a bottle of Shani, an intensely sweet Arabic soft drink that Jimi Famurewa rightly observed was pretty reminiscent of Vimto, and discover why this modest establishment has earned its reputation for serving some of the most memorable East African food in London.
Ideal for traditional village-style Bangladeshi cooking that showcases the flavours of Sylhet…
Among Brick Lane’s curry houses, Graam Bangla offers something genuinely different. First opened in 1997 (then spelled ‘Gram Bangla’), it closed in 2016 before reopening under new ownership in 2019, bringing its distinctive Sylheti cooking back to East London.
Unlike the anglicised curry houses that dominate the area, Graam Bangla focuses on regional specialties from Sylhet in Bangladesh’s northeast—the ancestral home of many British Bangladeshis. The restaurant gained unexpected royal recognition in February 2023 when King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited during a tour highlighting the cultural contributions of the Bangladeshi community to the East End.
The food here diverges sharply from standard British curry house fare that you’ll find elsewhere on Brick Lane. Fish plays a central role in the menu, reflecting the cuisine of river-rich Sylhet. You might encounter keski (tiny sprats from the Ganges), elish (a buttery river fish requiring patient deboning), or for the less adventurous, perfectly seasoned catfish curry. The restaurant is also known for its selection of bhortha—intensely flavoured mashed preparations of vegetables, lentils, or fish that add vibrant accent notes to the meal.
There’s no paper menu here—instead, staff guide you through the dishes displayed in glass counters, explaining unfamiliar ingredients with patience. Once primarily a gathering spot for Bangladeshi men to engage in adda (a form of politically-tinged socialisation), the restaurant now welcomes a diverse crowd of diners who aren’t required to share their views on Sheikh Hasina or Sir Starmer before ordering.
Ideal for perhaps the best chicken tikka in Whitechapel…
While the big-name curry houses get all the glory, this modest Pakistani eatery on the corner of New Road delivers food that deserves far more recognition. Shalamar operates with quiet confidence just minutes from its more TikTok’d neighbours, offering a bright, fuss-free dining space where the focus is squarely on the food. And which, come to think of it, is the perfect lighting for those reels…
The menu here doesn’t try to please all parties with its length (matron) but rather with its execution. The chicken tikka here is worth crossing town for – plump cubes of breast meat marinated in yoghurt, garam masala and turmeric that remain wonderfully juicy while developing a distinctive rusty-orange exterior. At just £5.50 for a tikka roll, it represents one of Whitechapel’s – no, London’s – best food bargains.
Don’t overlook their meat biryani either – a generous heap of aromatic rice tumbled with quite-tender strings of braised beef. The whole dish carries gentle notes of cardamom and green chilli that perfume each forkful and linger until nighttime. You’ll get change from a tenner ordering it, which is wild in this economy.
What makes Shalamar special is its everyday dependability. This is restorative food served without ceremony – the kind of place locals return to weekly for a reliable, satisfying meal that brightens the day without emptying the wallet.
Ideal for fiery, numbing Sichuan cuisine with plenty of theatre…
Just a few streets away from the confusion of Brick Lane sits Sichuan Folk, a compact restaurant that’s become a destination for those seeking the cocaine-like face numbing quality of southwestern Chinese cuisine. And the high, too…
That would be the liberal use of chillies and the distinctive numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns. Sichuan Folk’s signature dumplings exemplify this perfectly – delicate parcels bathed in a sauce that begins with warmth before developing into that characteristic ma la tingling sensation on the lips and tongue.
Beyond the dumplings, standout dishes include the whole sea bass, which arrives dramatically curled and crispy, yet remains surprisingly tender – flaky, even – beneath its coating. Don’t miss the fire-exploded kidney flowers, either – a dish where thinly sliced pork kidneys are delicately cross-hatched, marinated briefly, then flash-fried in scalding oil. The rapid cooking makes each piece curl and bloom open (hence the name), creating crisp, remarkably elegant and addictive little bites.
Photos by Sichuan Folk
The tightly packed tables are actually an asset here, where excited diners often point to neighbours’ dishes with an envious curiosity that’s quickly satisfied with an order of the same.
Ideal for London’s best Lebanese and Palestinian food not on Edgware Road…
Established circa 2008, Bon Appetit maintains its identity as a family-owned restaurant. It proudly declares on the menu that it uses mum’s homemade recipes – and the food here does taste homemade and, for lack of a better word, authentic. What strikes you first is how friendly the owners are. Sometimes they give you tea while you wait, sometimes a big hug. Never both, for some reason…
The ambiance is decidedly casual – a place you feel immediately comfortable in. A Palestinian flag casually drapes over a room divider and above a wooden counter there’s a huge menu board displaying all their dishes—making it nearly impossible to decide what to order because everything looks delicious. Everything looks a little dated, too, stone wall accents and hanging plastic plants, worn black leather dining chairs and the overall sense of a place well dined in.
Of course, Palestinian and Lebanese cuisines share many similarities due to their shared Levantine heritage and geographical proximity. Bon Appetit serves a mix of beloved Lebanese and Palestinian classics (though more firmly anchored in the former), including hummus, tabbouleh, and of course, grilled chicken.
Let’s talk about that grilled chicken. It arrives charcoal-burnished with a golden, fire-freckled crust and stays beautifully juicy, despite its time on the grill. It’s served with rice or chips, pickles, and plenty of garlic sauce.
A must-order is the lentil soup, which seems to be one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Glossy red lentils laced with cumin and olive oil, this delicious, wholesome Lebanese lentil soup wins us over every time – it’s comforting and nutritious, and a real sin-settler.
Both Palestinian and Lebanese traditions emphasise small shared plates as appetizers or as part of a larger meal, so come back another time with people who love to share. You could make a whole meal of their precisely rendered mezze options and you should, but fill it out with the generously sized grill platter which arrives exactly as you’d imagine: grilled, charred, and irresistible.
Wash it al down with a bottle of Mezza – a pomegranate flavoured nonalcoholic malt beverage and finish with some syrup-soaked knafeh. You could say we ‘we can’t get knafeh of it.’
Ideal for bagels and pastries from century East End institution…
Like many great East London establishments, Rinkoff’s is steeped in history and tradition. This Jewish bakery first opened its doors in 1911 and has been making exceptional challah, pastries, and of course bagels, ever since. The century-old business is still in the family, passed down through generations, and remains a treasured Whitechapel favourite.
Their smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel is a masterclass in the form – the kind of food that transcends trends and fashions. The sweet offerings are equally impressive, with the signature ‘crodough’ (their take on the cronut) developing something of a cult following among East London’s diabetes-baiting denizens. The lotus biscoff and white chocolate crodough was the flavour of the month last time we dropped by – a creation that has earned its place on many Instagram feeds but still delivers on actually tasting good.
What makes Rinkoff’s special is not just its longevity but its appetite to evolve. While still honouring traditional Jewish bakery items like cheesecake (sold by weight and made to Hyman’s original recipe) and challah bread, the fourth generation of the family, including Ray and his daughters Jen and Debs, have expanded the selection to include vegan options and contemporary treats like the recent viral Dubai cookie.
The bakery has adapted remarkably to Whitechapel’s changing population. While it began serving the area’s Jewish residents (even keeping ovens warm on Fridays for families to cook their Shabbat meals), Rinkoff’s now proudly serves a customer base that’s mostly from the local Muslim community (80% of the base, according to Vittles).
This transition extends to their kitchen too, where many staff members have been part of the team for years, creating their own chapter in the bakery’s continuing story.
Disembark at London’s Liverpool Street Station and the bright and bustle of the big city can at first overwhelm. People jostle and shimmy, police vans congregate, and all the buses come at once, defying both attempts to cross the road casually and a certain London saying. It’s bedlam out here, make no mistake.
Sure, you could retreat back into a station once known as the Dark Cathedral, taking refuge under its atrium vaulting, the golden arches of McDonalds or in a box of Krispy Kremes, but to do so would be to miss out on all the fantastic restaurants just a short stroll from Liverpool Street.
So, pull yourself together, engage your appetite, shoulders back and smash it; here’s where to eat near Liverpool Street Station, our favourite restaurants in Bishopgate and Liverpool Street.
Three Uncles, Devonshire Row
The ideal place to enjoy traditional roast Cantonese meats over rice…
After that flustered introduction, who’s going to firmly but fairly tell us to get a grip? Not one, not two, but three of our favourite uncles, that’s who.
So, it’s to Three Uncles we’re heading first (leave the station, cross Bishopsgate, pass the Bull and Last on your left, and you’re pretty much there) which celebrates traditional roast Cantonese meats over rice.
Just the ticket after a train journey, whether you’ve come from Cambridge or Tottenham Court Road, you’ll see slabs of crispy pork and whole roast ducks hanging over the counter at this modest shop, making it hard not to order both. Fortunately, the ‘any two meats over rice’ (complete with iron-rich, steamed pak choi) offer is as generous as you like, and a steal in the City for just £11.75.
Grab a stool at one of the two outside tables and watch the world go by, or head back to Liverpool Street Station for your departing train; you’ll be the envy of the whole carriage.
Needing little in the way of introduction, Fergus Henderson’s St. John Bread & Wine is arguably even better than the Smithfield mothership, with the stark, ascetic interiors, stark, ascetic plates, warm hospitality, and yes, plenty of offal, all present and correct here.
Whilst you won’t always find the bone marrow and parsley salad on the menu at Bread and Wine (grilled sardines often stand in), there’s plenty of nourishing, generous dishes to get very excited about. We’re often found stalking Commercial Street, waiting for the doors to swing open at noon; a Bread & Wine kedgeree, a chilled glass of St. John Blanc, and a big ol’ plateful of warm madelines… Could it be the best ‘brunch’ in all of London? We certainly think so.
Stay for lunch, for a dish of upmost simplicity; a whole roast quail with a little jelly, or grilled red mullet with a fennel salad. Upfront, straightforward, and all the more delicious for it.
And if you can’t wait ‘till midday, the restaurant’s iconic bacon sarnie is available for takeaway only between 9am and 11am. Be prepared to queue.
Ideal for some seriously sensational Sri Lankan food…
In the new, long-teased development of Norton Folgate, on pretty, cobbled Blossom Street, recently opened Kolamba East is positioned as the sophisticated, slightly more premium sibling of the acclaimed Soho restaurant Kolamba. Whilst it’s only been open for a little under a year, the restaurant is already on form, and is a great option for a spicy, invigorating feast close to Liverpool Street.
Introduced to the London dining scene by husband and wife duo Eroshan and Aushi Meewella in 2019, Kolamba was conceived from their memories of growing up in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo and the incredible food of the city.
Kolamba settled into Soho fast, earning several rave reviews in the national press. The announcement of a second act with loftier ambitions, then, piqued our interest something substantial, so we’re alighting at Liverpool Street once again, and heading five minutes down the road to the second outpost.
What first strikes you is the design here. Kolamba East is one handsome building, its 90-cover dining room a homogenous, harmonious single entity. Designed in partnership with Annie Harrison of FARE INC, it’s all plush booth seating, an attractive central bar, and some truly gorgeous lanterns, the latter of which cast a blanket of warming sepia over the whole space. It’s a beautifully designed room and one that really feels like you’re travelling on a private jet, for some reason.
Roasted Pineapple
When you come back down to earth, fold yourself into plates of Sri Lankan ‘homecooking’ with a few flashes of finesse from executive chef Imran Mansuri and team, perfectly exemplified in the string hopper king prawn biryani, which comes with a small jug of intensely flavoured, delicately spiced shellfish stock. Pour that jug over the tangle of thread like noodles, squeeze the prawn brains into the mix, and muddle; inside, it’s heady, oceanic alchemy. Alongside, and whatever you do, order the roasted pineapple; it’s one of the best things we’ve eaten this year.
Idealfor regional Thai dishes and fruity cocktails that still both pack a punch…
The boozy and brilliant Som Saa has been such a foodie fixture since its Shoreditch opening back in the heady days of 2016 that it’s easy to forget how groundbreaking the restaurant felt at the time.
A wildly successful pop-up that became a crowd-funded bricks and mortar restaurant, Som Saa’s introduction to the world was one of regional Thai food that wasn’t only liberal with the chilli, but also didn’t hold back on the cuisine’s funkier elements. Shrimp paste, fermented fish sauce and entrails, fresh durian and more all made an appearance on the big sharing tables that defined Som Saa’s convivial, cacophonous vibe.
Fast forward to 2025 and the whole of London suddenly feels conversant in the difference between Isaan’s pla raa and Sai Buru’s nahm bu du, with the city’s capsaicin tolerance at an all time high, and some of Som Saa’s more unfamiliar dishes now very much part of the fabric of food culture here.
Much recent focus has been placed on Som Saa founders Andy Oliver and Mark Dobbie’s new Southern Thai joint Kolae over in Borough Market, but back at the mothership on Commercial Street, the whole deep-fried seabass is still as crisp and herbal as ever, the rotating cast of som tam still pounded to order each and every time, and the coconut cream for the restaurant’s excellent curries is still getting freshly pressed daily.
It’s a labour of love that bears delicious fruit in a current red curry of crispy tofu and Thai basil, a thick, fresh and fragrant affair that undulates gently with the smoky background note of a complex dried red chilli paste. Equally good is the menu stalwart of stir-fried to order seasonal greens, with black cabbage, asparagus and mushrooms boasting huge amounts of wok hei.
This is a place where you’ll want to come for a full sharing spread. Indeed, each dish’s interplay with its neighbour feels just as important as its flavour profile when standing alone. Som Saa’s ‘tem toh’ menu is designed with this interaction and balance in mind; a spread of 5 or 6 complementary dishes, plus rice and dessert, is priced for £40 per person.
A couple of the restaurant’s signature cocktails (mine’s the Siam Sling – a long, floral number flavoured with Thai basil and makrut lime – if you’re asking) sees that sharing menu on its way beautifully.
*Unfortunately, after a fire at the restaurant in early May, Som Saa is currently (but temporarily) closed. We’ll update this piece when more news is announced of the reopening date.*
If you prefer your conversations to be conducted in hushed, reverent tones, you might be better off seeking shelter elsewhere. But if you’re looking for one of the best restaurants close to Liverpool Street Station, however, you’ve found it here.
Because Manteca, the ‘Britalian’ restaurant from chefs Chris Leach and David Carter, is a brimming, boisterous affair, and impossibly hard to book since moving to its permanent location in Shoreditch last year.
Named by Time Out London as the second best restaurant in the city, and receiving a slew of fawning national reviews, the nose-to-tail small plates here are as satisfying as they come, the energy both in the dining room and on the plate totally irresistible.
Whilst the brown crab caico e pepe is arguably the restaurant’s most talked about dish, it’s the pig head fritti that truly had us cooing. Or should that be ‘oinking’? Served alongside a burnt apple purée, Sunday lunch this ain’t. Rather, it’s a refined, deeply savoury bite, offset perfectly by the purée.
Equally fine when it’s on the menu is the tortellini in brudo, the pasta parcels filled with a mortadella mixture that’s both light and umami-heavy. The broth glistens, the tortellini bounces, and everything feels right with the world.
Speaking of Sunday lunches, incidentally, Manteca observes the lord’s day in true Bolognese fashion, with a celebratory lasagna verde (here, using belted galloway beef and rarebreed saddleback pork), all finished in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Only available on the Sabbath, it’s a worthy match to a more traditional Sunday roast in the city.
Anyway, Manteca truly is a class act, and somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again (and that’s coming through a writer who has now made their way through the entire menu here!).
By some estimates, there are around 50’000 Portuguese nationals living in London, with the majority living in South Lambeth, the city’s so-called ‘Little Portugal’, and, more specifically, Stockwell, which is home to the biggest concentration of Portuguese outside of the Motherland.
Unsurprisingly, then, that to eat great Portuguese food in London, it’s wise to head into SW9. That said, north of the river, in the rather bromidic surrounds of Finsbury Avenue Square, some of the best Portuguese food we’ve ever had – Lisbon, London or anywhere – is being served at Bar Douro City.
In a dining room that might better be described as a particularly well-appointed corridor, with intricate blue-and-white azulejos-tiles lining one wall, and a bar and open kitchen on the other. From here, a procession of generous, gutsy Portuguese small plates are served with the kind of flourish that whisks you far away from the soulless City and to somewhere altogether more sincere.
Start with the croquetes de alheira – circular croquettes filled with a sharp, spicy smoked sausage and topped with a dab of aioli that hit all the right notes with your first crisp glass of Super Bock, the only beer you need here. An exemplary bacalhau à brás pulls off that delicate balancing act that only the best versions do, of being both crunchy and creamy, its top end seasoning moreish rather than parching, as long as you’ve another Super Bock to hand.
From the larger ‘land’ based dishes, the secretos de porco preto alentejano (grilled black pig) is a highlight, the highly prized cut from around the pig’s shoulder served blushing pink and beautifully marbled. The accompanying Montanheira salad features segments of orange that lift and cleanse. This has got to be one of the best dishes you’ll eat close to Liverpool Street Station, and well worth delaying your train for.
Round things off, naturally, with a pastel de nata. Bar Douro’s is served with a cinnamon ice cream which at first feels superfluous, but is so well made – smooth and rich rather than dusty – that you have to remove your purist hat and succumb.
Bar Douro is also one of the best places in London for large groups, its dining room able to accommodate 16 people with a sharing menu that clocks in at just £40. Woof.
A Yiddish term of endearment akin to ‘sweetheart’, this vegetarian restaurant on the peripheries of Spitalfields takes inspiration from the cafe and casual dining scene in Tel Aviv. Put simply, Bubala is as charming as they come.
Whilst at lunch the menu is a la carte, at dinnertime it’s a set menu only affair, which at £38 per person isn’t necessarily cheap, until you see just how much you get for that figure; with over ten courses, this certainly isn’t a meal for watching yours.
Whether you’re here for lunch or dinner, the brown butter hummus is essential (and all present and correct on the Bubala Knows Best evening set). But the headlining act for us is the fennel with saffron caramel and rose harissa, whose impossibly heady top notes are smoothed and sedated by a piquant yet cooling yoghurt. Just superb.
Ideal for cinnamon, spice and all food ridiculously nice…
Fittingly located in the historic East India Company spice warehouse and just a two minute walk from Liverpool Street, Cinnamon Kitchen is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the City.
With Chef Vivek Singh at the helm, the restaurant and all-weather covered terrace serves his signature modern Indian cuisine with the best of British ingredients for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also does one of London’s spiciest dishes – the perfect way to dust yourself down after a long day, we think.
Ideal for sophisticated all-day dining in the heart of The City…
Nestled in the heart of London’s historic/soulless Square Mile, this European restaurant pays homage to its much-loved forefather, The Wolseley, by retaining the ‘all-day’ offering intrinsic to its DNA, with food served in one way or another from 7am to 11pm, daily (except Sundays, which ends at 5pm) – pretty useful if you’ve missed your train and need somewhere to pitch up for a while, we think.
The ‘City’ version of this much cherished restaurant is a place where British (and London) heritage meets contemporary broadly-French cuisine, creating a dining experience that’s both casual and elegant, glamorous but grounded.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the graceful design details of the interior, which was once a bank and later a department store before being transformed into the capacious dining room you’re just about to settle into. Of course, twinkling, meandering jazz plays at just the right volume…
With the scene set, it’s time to tuck in, and the menu at The Wolseley City is a continent-spanning rundown of European classics. The snails done in the Bourguignonne-style, as in, swimming in plenty of garlic and herb butter, with a lick of pastis to liven them, are particularly good. Pack chewing gum for that onward train journey.
Even better – the highlight, in fact – is a tranche of turbot ‘Grenobloise’. Here, the pearlescent, expertly cooked fish arrives positively bathed in a lemon-spiked brown butter, capers dotted across its surface. You’ll want a side of frites with this one. Sure, £44.50 for a fairly small piece of fish – king of the sea or otherwise – might feel pretty extortionate, but the place is heaving with boorish bankers who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at the price tag, so fair fucks. Veal sweetbreads, all crisp exteriors and buttery centres, are served with a pleasingly light soubise sauce and pleasingly rich veal bone reduction, creating a ying and yang effect that complements those butch yet delicate offaly bits perfectly.
Desserts are decent, too, the apple strudel with a strident calvados chantilly cream hitting all the markers you want from your sweet course – caramelised sugar, giving fruit, and a soothing but boozy cream. Lovely stuff.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Monument Station, The Wolseley City is an accessible place to dine, making it the ideal choice for those looking for a grand dining experience without venturing too far from Liverpool Street.
Extremaduran chef and London legend José Pizarro’s Broadgate Circle iteration of his string of beloved tapas bars is perhaps our favourite of the lot. In a bright and bustling room (or, even better if the weather allows, the open terrace), defined by swinging legs of jamón ibérico, the small plates come thick and fast, with an emphasis on the latter.
Yep, the pace here may feel a little frantic – perhaps due to the restaurant’s location in the heart of London’s business district and the pressing necessity for a speedy lunch – but there’s no denying the quality of the food, with Pizarro’s (not sure we’re quite on first name terms yet) signature daily changing croquettes here as voluptuous and umami-laden as ever.
The mini-burgers, exclusive to this branch of the chef and restaurateur’s empire, are exquisite, too. They’ve gone fully gordito here, with a gossamer-thin slice of acclaimed 5J presa jamón replacing bacon, and a generous wedge of gently melted manchego the cheese element. Of course, an almost-aggressive aioli has muscled in between the buns. It’s great.
Perhaps best of all, though, is the restaurant’s bottomless brunch, with freeflow cava, croquettes and a fair few slices of 5J presa thrown in for good measure. Ending late in typically Spanish style (can it be called brunch at 5pm? Who cares?), we’ll catch you there next Saturday if you dare.
A fair amount of scepticism existed about the opening of the juggernaut Italian ‘marketplace’ Eataly just moments from Liverpool Street Station, and the first to land here in the UK.
Did we really need a sprawling food court and Italian deli in London, when affordable pasta joints were proliferating faster than the time it takes to boil some freshly rolled angel hair? Would the self-proclaimed premium ingredients appeal to a British market often more concerned with convenience than quality? Was a whopping 42’000 square feet of eating, shopping and learning strictly necessary?
Turns out we did and it was. With over 5’000 food products and 2’000 wines – the largest collection in London – all under one roof, including some seriously good charcuterie, cheeses, and sweet stuff (the cannoli here is ace), Eataly has thus far been a massive success.
It’s also a great place to spend an afternoon, with samples, tastings and trials all available at the various retailers. Just make sure you bring a large bag and a larger credit limit; it’s impossible to leave this place empty handed!
There’s also decent pasta and pizza in Eataly’s three dedicated restaurants, for those looking to take a load off for a while.
The ideal destination for some of the best hand-pulled noodles in the Capital…
If you prefer your noodz hand-pulled rather than pasta machine rolled, then over on Commercial Street you’ll find one of the very best restaurants near Liverpool Street Station; Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles.
A sister restaurant to the much celebrated Xi’an Impression, one of our favourite places to eat in Highbury and Islington, the food is equally as good here. Visually akin to a canteen, all white walls and clinical lighting, and with straightforward service to match, the food is anything but impersonal; noodles have just the right amount of bite and spring, sauces (and subsequently, shirts) are slicked with chilli oil, and garlic lingers for days after dining here.
For those looking for somewhere to eat near Covent Garden, some good news; Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles will open their second branch here later in the year.
Spitalfields Market has a slicker, smoother feel than some of the more cobbled together markets in the city, but that’s not to its detriment at all. It’s large, covered (great for sheltering from the ever present London rain) and has a great variety of the good stuff, both in stall and fully-realised- restaurant form.
Indeed, there are plenty of Spitalfields restaurants to choose from and the much renowned Galvin Brothers have two places here if parking your bottom and taking your time is more your thing. If snacking, shopping and switching cuisines does it for you, then Smokoloko, The Duck Truck and Ebby’s are particular favourites.
Sure, Shoryu Ramen may be pretty ubiquitous by now, with the chain boasting 9 London outposts, as well as more across the UK, but that shouldn’t detract from the quality of the milky thick, rich, heavily porcine tonkotsu broth that has become the restaurant’s signature.
Founded by Tak Tokumine, a Fukuoka city native who might bleed bone broth if you cut him open with a Nakiri knife (weird image), the aim when opening Shoryu was simple; to bring the unique flavour of Fukuoka’s Hakata tonkutsu ramen, hard to find outside of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, to London and beyond.
A noble aim indeed and one that has been embraced by ramen-loving Londoners. At the glass-fronted Shoreditch branch, a brisk 10 minute walk from the station, in a rather functional space, the usual lofty standards remain; the char siu barbecue pork is as tender as ever, the 12-hour broth is so enriched with pork fat it’s become opaque, and the dappling of chilli oil across its surface brings a curious sort of respite.
It’s bloody fantastic, though perhaps not one for your lunch break; your white shirt is sure to get splattered and your energy levels may well be tanked. Best save this glorious bowl for after work, we think.
We all know the drill by now; there’s much, much more to Thai food than fluorescent green curries, teeth-achingly sweet phad Thai, and heaps of chilli.
It’s become something of a tired old refrain to repeat and reframe this fact, usually followed by a riff on the diverse regionality of the country’s cuisine, the breadth of its flavour profile beyond that much-trotted ‘spicy, sour, sweet, salty’ metric, and something about David Thompson’s influence on Thai restaurants and British chefs in the city.
Instead, let’s just get into it, and take a look at our favourite Thai food in the city, whether you’re looking for faithfully recreated, note-perfect food from the Kingdom or British takes on Thai cuisine using seasonal ingredients. Either way, it’s here, in our guide on where to find the best Thai food in London, and the best Thai restaurants in the city.
Supawan, King’s Cross
Ideal for a taste of Phuket without the 14 hour flight…
Thai cooking in the capital doesn’t always have to be enjoyed through the prism of ‘nu’ or ‘hip’. It needn’t always be Tik-Tok touting small plates and interiors designed more for the stories of Instagram than for the comfort of the diner. And so we find ourselves in Kings Cross, at Supawan, an elegant, understated spot whose flavours are very much not (the latter).
Here, chef and owner Wichet Khongphoon brings the food of his native Phuket to the table in a space so florally-appointed that it might have you sneezing even before the chilli and white pepper does. Not to worry; it looks beautiful and seems to chime with the fruity, flowery cocktail descriptions of which you’ll soon be sipping (mine’s a hibiscus infused, guava spiked number called Love Don’t Be Shy, I’m Super Shy, naturally).
Start with the miang Phuket, the definitive Thai hor d’oeuvre. Bringing the whole sweet-salty-spicy-sour thing together into a single bite, Supawan’s version sees grilled prawns, a galangal caramel and intricate dice of ginger, lime, peanuts and more, all perched atop a wild piper leaf. Wrap, fold, scrunch… Whatever you want to do, this guy goes down in one. The intricacies develop on the tongue long after it’s gone.
Though chef Khongboon has called London home for more than two decades, we’re so glad that the food memories of his southern Thai upbringing still linger with such clarity. It’s an absolute joy that you can order pla thu yud sai here. A Phuket seafood dish rarely found in the rest of Thailand let alone in the UK, this one is a complex preparation of deboned, hollowed out mackerel that’s then stuffed with a mixture of its minced flesh and red curry paste before being grilled. The kids might praise the ‘tekkers’ – we’ll just call it bloody delicious. Similarly, the stuffed chicken wings show off the same dexterity.
If it’s on the menu, do not miss out on the signature ‘Dad’s beef curry’, which has thankfully been conceived by Khongboon’s father, not by yours or ours. A thick and fragrant, coconut-defined red curry, it’s a soulful bowl that reveals the flavours of fresh galangal and toasted coconut in the curry paste once it’s cooled to Phuket room temperature. Best enjoyed with a side of stir fried morning glory that feels like it could cure whatever ails you and plenty of rice, this is one to luxuriate over. So, sit back, order another Singha, and give the chef his flowers. You won’t have to go far to find some.
Ideal for London’s hardest to book restaurant, Thai or otherwise…
Our favourite Thai restaurant in all of London, period, Singburi has long been a heavy-hitter of the highest order. Once Leytonstone’s best kept secret, the restaurant shed its reputation as a ‘hidden gem’ in recent years, picking up accolades from the likes of Time Out London (who named it ‘restaurant of the year’ in 2021) and a whole host of plaudits from the capital’s culinary cognoscenti.
In its original incarnation, it was a family affair, with chef Sirichai Kularbwong working the stoves and his mother Thelma the room – a cash-only, bring-your-own-booze situation with no website and bookings taken “begrudgingly via DM” on Instagram. The warm welcome and electric atmosphere made it the perfect neighborhood restaurant, while the legendary blackboard specials menu offered some of the most thrilling Thai food in the city. A recent southern curry of prawn and betel leaf was rich, luxurious and capsaicin-forward, whilst a riff on Thailand’s favourite comfort food, pad grapao, used minced mutton to wonderful effect. And then there was the moo krob (crispy pork), which became, quite simply, one of London’s most celebrated dishes.
Now, after closing their beloved Leytonstone location in late 2024, the Kularbwong family is embarking on an exciting new chapter, bringing Singburi to Shoreditch’s Montacute Yards development. This next iteration sees head chef Sirichai taking the reins from his retiring parents, joined by an impressive team including former Kiln head chef Nick Molyviatis and Catalyst Cafe’s Alexander Gkikas.
The restaurant’s evolution, as Hot Dinners astutely points out, mirrors similar success stories like Mangal II and A Wong, where the second generation has elevated their parents’ cherished establishments to new heights. Currently sitting at No.71 on UK’s Best Restaurants list, Singburi’s move promises to maintain its soul while introducing new elements – including a grill and a dedicated drinks program, marking a departure from their previous BYO policy.
While we’ll miss the chaotic charm of the original location, we’re excited to see how Singburi’s legendary blackboard specials and that cult-status moo krob translate to their new home. In the team’s words, it will be “the same, but different” – and we can’t wait to see what that means.
It’s been pretty impossible to miss the buzz surrounding the JKS-backed Arcade Food Hall since its opening in April of 2022.
Housed in the Centre Point building on New Oxford Street, and just a few second’s stroll from Tottenham Court Road station, Arcade Food Hall offers a veritable feast of global cuisines, with 8 restaurant concepts currently operating here, and a fully-fledged Southern Thai joint on the mezzanine above the communal dining area.
That Southern Thai restaurant is Plaza Khao Gaeng, which, despite only being a couple of years old, is already doing some of the most faithfully composed, fiery food from The Kingdom anywhere in London.
Though much has been written about the fearsome chilli levels on display here, it’s the vivacity of the ingredients that really shine through. The coconut cream in the massaman and chicken curries tastes freshly pressed (a labour intensive process that’s rare to find in the capital), the sour curry sparkles with garcinia fruit as opposed to just lime and tamarind, the khua kling’s green peppercorns bring rasping heat alongside the undulating presence of various fresh and dried chillies. It’s magic.
Our only complaint? More elbow room on the tables, please; because it’s impossible not to order every dish on the menu.
Speaking of finding room, if you’ve somehow managed to save stomach space for seconds, then on the floor below there’s sushi, smash burgers, shawarma and more.
Ideal for a poetic meeting of British soil and Thai soul…
There’s something rather poetic about AngloThai’s location on a quiet Marylebone backstreet, where Georgian townhouses whisper of British heritage while the restaurant’s frontage, rendered in Royal Thai purple, hints at something more glamorous within. After years of pop-ups that had London’s food cognoscenti practically vibrating with anticipation, John and Desiree Chantarasak have finally given their vision a permanent home. And just six months in, it’s safe to say that AngloThai is a roaring success, with positive reviews and a Michelin star announced just this week. That makes it the only Thai restaurant in the capital (and one of just a handful in Europe) to hold a star.
Inside, Thai-American designer May Redding has created something that seems to pay lipservice to both heritage and modernity – think whitewashed pannelling that could be either colonial Bangkok or contemporary Notting Hill, handcrafted Chamchuri wood tables that tell stories of Thai craftsmanship, and lighting that makes everyone look like they’ve been kissed by the Andaman sunshine. The open kitchen ricochets with the whoosh of proper turbo wok burners and the pok-pok of the pestle and mortar; a soundtrack that also speaks to the kitchen’s commitment to doing things right.
The mission statement here is to to take Thai cooking and reimagine it through a purely British lens – pearled naked oats stand in for jasmine rice, Suffolk-grown holy basil replaces its Thai cousin, and native-breed meats and line-caught fish take centre stage. There’s not a single imported tiger prawn in sight. Highlights from the a la carte (there’s also a tasting menu, priced keenly at £75) include a snack of tempura banana pepper that’s been filled with a riff on Thai sai ua sausage, and a perfectly balanced massaman curry of Launceston hogget and quince that boasts the warming complexity of the finest versions in Bangkok.
The drinks offering is equally considered, with the sea-buckthorn margarita a real showstopper – bracing, puckering and knock-your-block-off potent. The wine list, curated by Desiree, leans heavily on Austrian and European biodynamic producers, including their own label made in partnership with Nibiru – wines chosen specifically to dance with rather than dominate the complex spicing.
What’s most impressive about AngloThai is how it creates something genuinely new without feeling forced. Yes, the prices reflect the prime Marylebone location and premium British ingredients, but there’s serious skill and thought behind every dish. This isn’t fusion for fusion’s sake – it’s a carefully considered exploration of what happens when Thai cuisine is viewed through a purely British lens.
Ideal for hip, wholesome Thai food close to London Bridge…
Meaning ‘eat and drink’ in Thai, the restaurant’s name is a gentle, straightforward invitation that seems to translate to the wholesome plates, plant tonics and general easy-going vibe at Kin + Deum.
It’s a family-run affair. Led by three stylish Thai siblings from the Inngern family, there’s a real focus on nutrition and balance here; the restaurant doesn’t use refined sugars or MSG (for better or worse) and it’s a 100% gluten-free affair to boot. The paired back but gorgeous interiors of the restaurant further reflect this.
The recipes here are nominally based on dishes heralding from Bangkok, though really the menu spans the whole country, with laap salad from the North East, khao soi curry noodle soup from the North, and panang from the deep south of Thailand. Hey, there’s even a katsu curry, Kin + Deum style, if you’re hankering for it.
Regardless of origin, the cooking here is fantastic; though there’s a lightness of touch in the dishes, that isn’t in the name of sacrificing chilli heat or punchy acidity. Nope, it’s all here, and it’s all very delicious, indeed.
The opening of Kolae in Borough Market was one of the most hyped in recent years, with every other reel on the ‘gram seemingly a walkthrough of a room in various shades of cameo and a breathy description of a pickled mango dirty martini. Flame and chili emojis naturally followed.
Even if you have been sheltering under a half coconut husk for the last year, we’ll spare you the usual spiel about Kolae being from the same team as critically acclaimed Som Saa. We’ll only briefly mention this time the cooking method that gives the restaurant its name – that is, a style of grilling popular in Southern Thailand that sees skewers marinated in a thick coconut cream curry before meeting the coals. At Kolae, this is most often used on mussels, chicken and squash, that marinade catching and caramelising to a gorgeous, irregular rust. Squeeze on some calamansi and get messy.
But really, it’s not just the eponymous, headlining dish you should be focusing your order on. More than anything, Kolae is a celebration of coconut milk. Not the UHT, uncrackable stuff, mind. Rather, the freshly pressed variety, which Kolae do each and every day, its luscious sweetness unmatched. Luxuriate in that coconut cream in a fragrant, turmeric heavy curry of prawns and cumin leaf, pungent from shrimp paste and fruity-sharp from heaps of pounded mouse shit chillies in the paste.
Of course, a complete Thai table is also a balanced one, so temper those richer notes with something piquant and perky, the sour curry of grey mullet being just the guy for the job. It’s acidic not only in its use of both lime and tamarind as souring agents, but also in that it’s spicy to the point of hallucinations, just as it should be. Freshly steamed jasmine rice should be flowing by now.
You’ll want to be doing all this tripping with a view of the action; Kolae’s open kitchen throbs with activity, with pestles pounding and wok flames licking the ceiling. Pull up a pew on stools that look so much like Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Buttons (you might want to see a doctor about that) that it’s distracting, and relish the onslaught of deeply nuanced, deeply delicious flavour that’s to come.
It’s a well-trodden path to restaurant success – earn fans through supper clubs and pop-ups before crowd-funding your way into permanent premises, but Som Saa did this well-trodden path in some style. £700’000 was pledged by friends, fans and financers and a place on a busy, East London street secured, all on the back of some superbly grilled chicken, pounded-to-order som tam salads, vibrant laap and other assertive dishes largely (but not exclusively) from Thailand’s north.
It’s no wonder this place is so confident in their delivery; the two chef/founders were schooled by Thai food deity David Thompson, and it shows. Flavours are bold but balanced, ingredients well-sourced, and spice levels prevalent and assertive.
Arrive early and enjoy a drink at the bar with some of Som Saa’s excellent snacks; we’re absolute suckers for their naem (grilled fermented pork served with ginger and peanuts) and would happily come here only for a few plates of it.
That said, to do so would be to miss out on the restaurant’s iconic deep fried seabass with herbs and roasted rice powder, which has never left the menu due to its enduring popularity. It’s easy to see why; it’s delicious.
*Unfortunately, after a fire at the restaurant in early May, Som Saa is currently (but temporarily) closed. We’ll update this piece when more news is announced of the reopening date.*
We’ve been huge fans of Smoking Goat since its raucous, ramshackle days on Brewer Street, Soho. Rest assured; since the Thai barbeque restaurant’s move to Shoreditch, the vibe remains rowdy, the chill levels still Scoville baiting, and the aroma of smoke even more pervasive, in the best possible way of course.
This is food designed to reinvigorate. Though the fish sauce chicken wings have gained deserved cult status, and their Tamworth pork chop with spicy jaew dipping sauce is a real crowd pleaser, it’s the restaurant’s work with the offal which keeps us coming back.
With liver, heart and kidney featuring heavily in various laap, you could go to the Goat and dine very well on these intoxicating Laotian/Thai salads alone. With several rounds of sticky rice, a som tam salad and a couple of cold ones, it’s the ideal meal, any time of day in the city.
The food here is ultimately excellent Thai drinking food. As such, the drinks and cocktail list at Smoking Goat is thoughtfully curated to complement. Order a ‘Tray of Joy’ which features globetrotting, esoteric liquors including a a Coco Leaf Liqueur from Amsterdam, a watermelon Liqueur from Serra Di Conti and, of course, Mekhong from Bangkok.
Ideal for a celebration of the best of British ingredients, told through a Thai lens…
The second restaurant from the aforementioned Ben Chapman, Kiln is quite the spectacle, with bar seating overlooking flames, coals and clay pots. The vibe transports you right out of central London and to somewhere altogether hotter and more rustic.
The restaurant works proudly with a close clutch of suppliers, with fish sourced directly, daily, from fishing boats in Cornwall and heritage vegetables earning equal billing on the menu to protein. During game season, that menu comes alive with jungle curries of wood pigeon or wild mallard and minced laab salads of raw venison (whose season begins in April through October, incidentally).
But even better, and on more consistently throughout the year, is cull yaw, a type of mutton from retired female ewes that has been fattened with high degrees of welfare in mind. The meat has an incredible depth of flavour, and has been making appearances on the menu of several acclaimed London restaurants in recent years. At Kiln, it’s often served as a collar chop accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce, or in grilled skewers with a little sprinkle of cumin. Just so damn delicious.
Ideal for punchy Bangkok flavours in the heart of neon-lit Soho…
If David Thompson’s (there he is again) return to London’s dining scene comes with weighty expectations, that’s hardly surprising. The Australian chef’s previous London venture, Nahm, was the first Thai restaurant in Europe to earn a Michelin star. Long Chim, which occupies the ground floor of Hovarda on Rupert Street, represents something different – a more casual, immediately accessible skewer of Bangkok’s frenetic, kinetic street food culture.
The space has been transformed into something approaching a Bangkok fever dream, with neon signs casting their glow over hand-painted murals and carefully curated vintage portraits. The open kitchen provides all the theatre you could want, woks flame and clatter, coconut cream cracks and sizzles, and it’s all a bit overwhelming, in that most cherished, Bangkokian kind of way.
Perhaps the intensity of the food doesn’t quite reach the heights that previous paragraph promises, but there’s no denying that the food at Long Chim hits the spot. Thompson’s menu is remarkably focused – a tight edit of dishes that showcases the breadth of Thai street food without unspooling too much into paradox-of-choice territoriy. The Long Chim rolls are a masterclass in simplicity – delicate, crispy cylinders stuffed with mustard greens that sing with clean, bright flavours. The southern-style grilled squid (both £8) comes with a punch of pickled ginger that cuts through perfectly charred flesh, while the aromatic curry of monkfish (£22) shows Thompson hasn’t lost his touch with the more complex aspects of Thai cuisine.
The drinks list leans into this street food energy, with cocktails that complement rather than compete with the food. The coconut and lemongrass gimlet is both refreshing and complex, while the pineapple negroni offers a clever tropical twist on the classic. You can, of course, simply have a few Singhas, an order which feels wholly appropriate here.
Ideal for a taste of one of Bangkok’s most iconic dishes…
This neon-lit gem, which opened its doors in September 2022, is the brainchild of talented, Thai-food obsessed British chef Luke Farrell, who has been exploring the cuisine of the Kingdom for years while bouncing between Dorset, London and Thailand.
His first restaurant, Plaza Khao Gaeng (you’ll recognise that one from a few paragraphs prior) which opened in collaboration with the increasingly omnipresent JKS, was an instant smash, garnering rave reviews from basically all the national newspaper critics soon after its opening in spring of last year.
Farrell’s second, Speedboat Bar, followed later in the year, and it’s safe to say that his ode to Bangkok’s Chinatown has hit the ground running. Or, rather, hit the river speeding…
Speedboat Bar takes its inspiration from the flashing lights of Bangkok’s Chinatown and the thrilling sport of speedboat racing along the canals (klongs) of the city. The two-story restaurant’s main dining areas features a utilitarian, stainless steel design reminiscent of a Thai-Chinese shophouse, while the upstairs clubhouse bar is adorned with signed portraits of speed boat racers and blasts of Thai pop, turbo folk, and molam music through the speakers. It’s almost impossible not to neck a few jelly bias while you’re up there – be warned.
With many of the native Thai ingredients and herbs used in the dishes cultivated and grown at Farrell’s Dorset nursery, Ryewater, there’s an veracity to the flavours here, whether that’s in the chicken matchsticks (essentially chicken wings halved lengthways) with a pert tangle of shredded green mango salad, or the clams stir fried in nahm prik pao, a staple dish of Bangkok Chinatown institutions like the imitable TK Seafood.
The signature here is a tribute to the iconic Jeh O Chula, which sits on the outskirts of Yarowat, and, more specifically, her legendary Tom Yam Mama Noodles. Having eaten the original more times than we’d care to confess in print, we can honestly say that Speedboat’s version is up there, on a par.
Save space for the pineapple filled pie which is a nod to the Ezy Bake pies that you can get from 7/11s across Thailand. Be warned; these flaky babies sell out, so get your order in at the beginning of the meal if you’ve got a sweeth tooth.
Basically, if you don’t have the time to take a plane to Thailand in the coming months, Speedboat Bar is arguably the next best thing this side of the Chao Phraya.
Sitting pretty behind a vivid pink façade in Hammersmith, 101 Thai Kitchen stands out as one of London’s most faithful purveyors of regional Thai cuisine. Specialising in dishes from Isaan, the northeastern region known for its bold use of spice and fermentation, and Southern Thailand, famed for its coconut cream and seafood numbers, this King Street stalwart offers an experience that’s notably different from the capital’s more mainstream Thai establishments.
The dining room, though modest, creates an immersive atmosphere with portraits of Thai nobility adorning the walls, a small television quietly broadcasting Thai cookery programmes, and Thai aunties gossiping on the table closest to the kitchen every time we’ve visited. It’s lovely, and a setting that puts the focus squarely where it belongs: on the food.
The menu is extensive and uncompromising in its authenticity. Their Isaan sausage (£8), fermented onsite so the chefs can monitor when the pork reaches a perfect tang, delivers a a lip smacking sour-saltiness that exemplifies the region’s distinctive flavour profile.
The tom sab, a hot and sour tamarind-based broth with pork ribs (£12), demonstrates the kitchen’s masterful handling of bruising but somehow still balanced spicing. It’s a dish we’ve eaten many times in actual Isaan, and is a great version of a classic here. Sending diners to the other end of the country, 101’s interpretation of Hat Yai fried chicken (playfully dubbed ‘HFC’) comes garnished with crispy fried shallots and plenty of crunch, and is excellent with a few bottles of imported Chang.
The som tum (papaya salad) section alone offers seven variations, including the traditional som tum Thai with dried shrimp and peanuts, and the more pungent – and infinitely more delicious! – tum pu plaa raa with salted crab (all £12). Some more esoteric Southern Thai specialities are also present and most welcome on the dinner table spread – the gaeng tai plaa, a spicy, herbacious curry made with fermented fish guts, is a highlight.
101’s drinks menu is thoughtfully curated, featuring a solid wine list with bottles ranging from £22 to £40, including options like the Shucker’s Shack Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (£9 for 175ml, £35 bottle). Traditional Thai refreshments include iced tea, pink milk, and various herbal drinks. The restaurant also sports an impressive gin selection, and there’s Chang beer too, for those seeking something more casual. Which, in this spot, you probably should be.
Beyond the à la carte offerings, a blackboard of daily specials; though not at the Singburi level of intrigue, it rewards return visits. Despite its relatively peripheral location, 101 Thai Kitchen has established itself as an essential destination for anyone serious about exploring the true breadth and depth of Thai cuisine in London.
Ideal for comforting, invigorating Thai food in North London…
Thai food in the capital is now so popular that the usual explanatory diatribe seems unnecessary; you probably know farang means foreigner, dishes are designed to be shared, everything revolves around rice, the food of the country is hugely different from region to region……
But just because we’re all now so well versed in the vernacular, it shouldn’t overshadow just how splendid the cooking is at Farang. Their gai prik – deep fried chicken wings with a sweet fish sauce glaze – are simply divine, and the larger, sharing curries, cooked low and slow, consistently pack a huge punch of depth and verve, whilst remaining resolutely comforting.
Just make sure you order a side of turmeric and roasted garlic butter roti to mop up all the sauce! Bliss.
Located on Peckham’s foodie strip Bellenden Road, the Begging Bowl uses Thai street food to form gorgeous small plates of zest and fire. The building is beautiful and airy, adding to the buzz this place generates even on a weeknight.
On the menu, dishes boast real clarity and punch, with excellent sourcing evident in the precision of flavour. The jasmine rice, so fragrant and nourishing, is limitless. A real treat.
So many discussions of home improvements seem to focus on the functional. And that’s just fine; some simply want a liveable space which gains in value as the years progress, rather than depreciates. But such a utilitarian approach can sometimes jeopardise the aesthetics of a house, an equally important aspect to contentment and continued life satisfaction, we think.
Time away from thinking about the faucet, insulation foam and the rest can be very liberating, indeed. Fortunately, the key interior design trends of 2025 tend to support this way of thinking; minimalism is on its way out, and in its place, natural elements, playful curves, and art that displays your frivolous – and even shambolic – side.
With that in mind, it’s all about the cosmetic today; here’s how to give your home’s aesthetic a makeover in 7 simple steps.
Spruce Up Your Exterior
All this focus on ‘interior design’ while our house’s facade lies derelict and unloved…
But first impressions count, and the initial judgements on your place’s aesthetic will be made from on the street, so we’re starting outside today.
Indeed, the appearance of your home’s exterior creates a lasting impression and sets the expectation for the rest of your home. For that reason, don’t neglect your front garden, driveway, any window boxes…even your front door deserves love. Luckily, there are plenty of easy and low-cost ways to spruce up your home’s exterior and boost its kerb appeal. Here are a few ideas:
Keep your front and back yard tidy by cutting the grass, removing weeds and debris, and trimming trees and hedges.
Plant some attractive flowers to add colour to your outdoor space.
Repaint your garage door, front door, and window frames in a bold, matching hue.
Add window boxes with colourful flowers and plants.
Inspect your home exterior regularly and repair any damage such as missing tiles or cracked bricks.
Change Up Your Flooring
Ever wondered why something at home just feels off, even after you invested in the best furniture, introduced some gorgeous potplants, and hung your artwork just right?
Often, the enigmatic effect of some carefully considered flooring is what’s missing. Damaged tiles, scuffed and faded wooden floors, and carpets that have picked up a certain aroma can all reduce your house’s visual appeal.
Not only that, but there’s something oh-so satisfying about a newly installed floor, offering a certain look, feel, sound and even smell that can bring your whole home’s energy to life.
Hardwood is perhaps our favourite for providing that multi-sensory effect. Whilst it’s certainly on the more expensive end of the scale, you’ll find flooring deals on offer if you’re buying a large amount – perhaps you could re-floor several rooms, reducing the accumulated cost in the process?
Get Creative With Wall Art
Wall art can be used to add a splash of colour, texture, and vibrancy to a room, just as much as it’s able to represent a statement of your exquisite taste and grasp of the zeitgeist. The best part, perhaps, is that wall art is super easy to introduce to a room (usually by hanging), which makes it a quick and low-cost way to upgrade your interior design. There is a fantastic selection of wall art available; think outside the box and be creative, though do ensure that you find something that will complement your decor and suit your style and taste.
Gallery walls have also become increasingly visible in modern day home design as they allow homeowners to show off their sense of positioning, framing, and curation in a way that a single picture doesn’t.
You can easily create a gallery wall in your bedroom, the living room, or in the stairway; all you need is a variety of prints, appropriate picture frames, and a bit of creativity to position them in a way that looks visually appealing and cohesive. That said, this thing doesn’t have to be overly abstract or artistic; you can also create a gallery wall using family photographs for a more sentimental touch.
Introducing more mirrors to your property can also help increase its aesthetics. The more mirrors, the more light will reflect in your home, which will make your house seem more bright and will also create the illusion of more space.
Mirrors can be used to create the illusion of space within a room, which gives the overall aesthetic of your place a huge lift, reflecting light around and helping make things appear larger and brighter.
There is a huge selection of mirrors available in various sizes and styles, with large, decorative mirrors best at creating a statement, and smaller mirrors offering a more contemporary feel, as well as being perfect at hiding flaws in rooms, i.e., to cover cosmetic wall damage.
Of course, installing too many would be a mistake; you don’t want to be living in a literal ‘house of mirrors’, after all, crashing into your own reflection and freaking yourself out.
Add Some Natural Elements
Bringing nature into your home can be an affordable way to create a more soothing aesthetic. The added (though admittedly, negligible) bonus of a houseplant’s air purifying capabilities shouldn’t be sniffed at either. Unless, of course, you’re allergic to them.
Plants and flowers can instantly breathe life into your home and give its overall aesthetic a huge lift. There is an excellent variety of low-maintenance indoor plants out there that are easy to look after, some of the best of which include Chinese Evergreen, Yucca, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, and Peace Lily.
You can also buy high-quality artificial plants and flowers that will remain looking beautiful without the need to water or trim them. Another easy way to bring some greenery into your home is by starting a herb garden or keeping freshly cut bunches of flowers in vases around your home. So many options!
Play With Texture & Fabrics
The days of sleek, flat surfaces are behind us in 2025. Texture now reigns supreme, adding depth and interest to any space without major renovations. Try layering different fabrics and materials throughout your home to create a rich, tactile experience.
Velvet cushions, bouclé throws, woven wall hangings, and ribbed ceramics are all excellent ways to introduce texture. Even something as simple as swapping out your smooth bedding for a chunky knit or waffle-weave can transform the feel of your bedroom.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials either – contrast rough jute rugs with silky curtains, or pair rustic wooden furniture with plush upholstery. These juxtapositions create visual interest and invite touch, making your space feel more dynamic and lived-in.
Embrace Playful Curves & Unexpected Shapes
As we mentioned in the introduction, playful curves are definitely in for 2025. Moving away from the rigid lines of minimalism, curved furniture and rounded architectural elements create a more welcoming, organic feel in your home.
Look for statement pieces with swooping silhouettes – perhaps a curved sofa, rounded coffee table, or an arched floor lamp. Even smaller accessories like curved vases, circular mirrors, or scalloped edge textiles can help soften the overall look of your space.
For the truly adventurous, consider adding unexpected architectural details like arched doorways or curved wall niches. If permanent changes aren’t an option, try curved room dividers or shelving units that can add that sinuous quality without the commitment.
Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels less rigid and more playful – perfectly in line with 2025’s move away from austere minimalism toward more expressive, personal interiors.
The Bottom Line
We’ve all been spending a little more time than usual at home recently, and this looks set to continue for a while longer yet. Rather than staring at beige, unadorned walls and lamenting the lack of visual stimulation in your gaff, why not focus on improving your home’s aesthetic to make it a more pleasurable space to spend time? We’re right there with you!
Liverpool has always been a city that punches above its weight. From its musical legacy to its architectural treasures, this UNESCO City of Music offers students a wealth of experiences that won’t drain your maintenance loan.
In 2025, Liverpool continues to welcome students with its unique blend of culture, character and free attractions. Home to world-class galleries, breathtaking views, and vibrant social spaces, the city proves that enjoying student life doesn’t require deep pockets. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned local, we’re here to help you get the most out of Liverpool’s cultural highlights without spending a pretty penny.
Crosby Beach: Iron Men By The Sea
Location: Crosby Beach, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 6QQ
Hours: Accessible 24/7, but tide times affect visibility of sculptures
Transportation: Take Merseyrail from Liverpool Central to Blundellsands & Crosby station (10-15 minute walk to beach) or Route 53 bus from Queens Square bus station
What makes it special: Standing tall until September of this year, Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation features 100 cast iron figures spread across 2 miles of beach, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for photography, especially at sunset. The figures have recently received maintenance with stronger plinths to prevent sinking into the sand. This permanent installation continues to be one of Liverpool’s most distinctive outdoor art experiences.
Victoria Gallery & Museum: The Original ‘Red Brick’ University
Location: University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3DR
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Transportation: 10-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station
What makes it special: Housed in the distinctive red-brick Victorian building that gave ‘redbrick universities’ their name, this free museum houses significant art collections alongside scientific and medical exhibits. The building itself is an architectural marvel with a beautiful tiled entrance hall and Gothic features. The Waterhouse Café offers a pleasant study spot on campus, and regular free guided tours reveal the building’s fascinating history.
FACT: Cutting-Edge Art & Cinema
Location: 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ
Hours: 11:00am – 6:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Liverpool Central Station
What makes it special: The Foundation for Art and Creative Technology offers free entry to galleries showcasing contemporary and digital art. The centre’s 2025 programme features collaborative projects and immersive experiences, including hosting Liverpool Biennial 2025 from June to September. While exhibitions are free, the cinema also offers student discounts (£9.00, or £7.00 for members) for those wanting to catch independent and international films.
Free Liverpool Walking Tours: See The City With Locals
Location: Start at Steble Fountain (near the Walker Art Gallery)
Hours: Multiple tours daily: 10:30am-1pm and 2:30pm-5pm (schedule varies by day)
Transportation: Starting point in city centre, easily accessible by all public transport
What makes it special:These donation-based tours (pay what you feel is appropriate) are run by knowledgeable local guides in multiple languages. Perfect for new students wanting to get their bearings, these tours cover Liverpool’s fascinating history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station
What makes it special:This impressive gallery houses one of the UK’s most important art collections outside London, including works by Turner, Rembrandt, and Freud. Completely free to enter, it offers regular student events and workshops. From September 2025 to March 2026, the gallery will host the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize, showcasing the best in contemporary painting.
Everton Park: Liverpool’s Finest Viewpoint
Location: North Liverpool, accessed via Heyworth Street, Northumberland Terrace, and several other entrances
Hours: Open 24/7, year-round
Transportation: Bus routes from city centre to Everton/Anfield area; approximately 15-20 minutes from central Liverpool
What makes it special: Featuring what is quite possibly the greatest view in Liverpool from the Brow, Everton Park offers panoramic vistas of the city skyline, the Mersey River and even the Welsh mountains on clear days. The nature garden includes two small lakes for pond dipping and bird watching, while outdoor fitness equipment and a 3k walking/running route appeal to active students. It’s a favourite spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the city skyline.
Liverpool Central Library: Beautiful Space To Work & Explore
Transportation: 2-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station
What makes it special: The Liverpool Central Library is a beautiful historic building with modern facilities, offering free Wi-Fi, computers, and quiet study spaces—perfect during exam periods. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views across the city, while regular events including ‘Open Minds’ discussion groups and workshops offer cultural enrichment. The Game Room hosts regular community events that are free to attend, making this much more than just a library.
The Jacaranda: Historic Music Venue With Beatles Heritage
Location: 21-23 Slater Street, Liverpool L1 4BW
Hours: Open daily, with live music primarily Thursday through Sunday
Transportation: 10-minute walk from Liverpool Central Station
What makes it special: This historic venue with connections to The Beatles offers free entry for open mic nights on Sundays. Spread across three floors with a bar, café, record store, and gig room, it’s a hub for Liverpool’s music scene. The unique tables with built-in vinyl record players let you listen to albums while you chat, and emerging artist showcases provide a glimpse of tomorrow’s musical talent.
Open Eye Gallery: Liverpool’s Photographic Hub
Location: 19 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm (Closed Mondays)
Transportation: 15-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station; James Street station 4-minute walk; multiple bus routes stop at Liverpool ONE Bus Station nearby
What makes it special: As the only gallery dedicated to photography in Northwest England, Open Eye Gallery offers free entry to all its exhibitions. Located on Liverpool’s waterfront, the gallery hosts rotating displays of contemporary photography from both local and international artists.
Photography students will appreciate the gallery’s focus on socially engaged projects, while all visitors can enjoy free workshops and talks that regularly take place here. Its prime location makes it easy to combine with other waterfront attractions for a full day of cultural exploration.
Rice Lane City Farm: Urban Oasis Away From The Bustle
Location: Rice Lane City Farm, Rawcliffe Road, Liverpool, L9 1AW
Hours: Open daily, 10am – 3:30pm, 365 days a year
Transportation: Bus routes 21 and 345 stop near the farm entrance; 15-minute walk from Rice Lane train station; free parking available on site
What makes it special:This 24-acre urban farm and woodland offers a surprising rural experience within the city. Completely free to enter, the farm is home to various friendly animals including rare breeds like Ryeland sheep and Berkshire pigs.
The woodland walks provide a chance to experience wildlife not typically found elsewhere in Liverpool, making it a perfect stress-relief setting away from academic pressures. All paths are accessible for wheelchairs, and students interested in farming, conservation or community work can take advantage of volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
The Bottom Line
Liverpool remains one of the UK’s best cities for students on a budget. Its unique combination of cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and natural beauty means you can enjoy a rich student experience without emptying your bank account.
Popular student areas in Liverpool—from Smithdown Road to the Georgian Quarter, from the Baltic Triangle to Sefton Park—all offer spaces to socialise, study and explore without spending a fortune. The city’s free museums, libraries, beaches and parks provide the perfect backdrop to student life, delivering experiences that will shape your university years more than any expensive night out.
So take this list and discover why Liverpool continues to be one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities. With its blend of history, culture and community spirit, Liverpool shows that the best student experiences often come without a price tag attached.
One of the most glittering jewels along Spain’s Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús has long captivated visitors with its intoxicating blend of Mediterranean glamour, luxury yachts, and see-and-be-seen entertainment. This exclusive marina west of Marbella proper has earned its reputation as the playground for the well-heeled, where Ferraris purr along the palm-lined boulevards and champagne flows as freely as the Mediterranean waves lapping against multimillion-euro vessels.
Photo by Tatiana SemenkovaPhoto by Tatiana Semenkova
Yet beyond the obvious displays of wealth and the famous Golden Mile that connects it to Marbella, Puerto Banús offers unexpected pockets of authentic charm, culinary excellence, and experiences that don’t necessarily require a platinum credit card (though it certainly doesn’t hurt). Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Banús regular, this enclave delivers a seductive mix of Andalusian spirit and international luxury that’s hard to resist. Here’s our ideal guide on where to stay, dine and play in Puerto Banús…
Where To Stay In Puerto Banús
Located along the prestigious Golden Mile between Puerto Banús and Marbella, Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá offers an elevated luxury experience that combines classic Mediterranean elegance with contemporary amenities. This iconic five-star property sits directly on the beachfront, with expansive gardens creating a serene escape from the buzzing energy of Puerto Banús just a short drive away.
The hotel’s recently renovated rooms and suites feature sophisticated décor with warm wood tones and crisp linens, many offering sweeping balconies with panoramic Mediterranean views. The exclusive RedLevel service—their premium adults-only concept—provides an additional layer of luxury with private check-in, dedicated butler service, and access to a separate lounge serving complimentary refreshments throughout the day. Though located slightly outside Puerto Banús proper, the hotel’s proximity to both the marina and Marbella’s Old Town offers the perfect balance of accessibility and tranquillity.
For those seeking a more vibrant, entertainment-focused stay, the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella brings the brand’s signature rock-and-roll lifestyle to Puerto Banús with unmistakable flair. This relatively new addition to Marbella’s hotel scene occupies a prime position just minutes from the marina, blending Andalusian architectural elements with the brand’s iconic music-centric design and memorabilia displays featuring legendary artists.
Guests gravitate to the hotel’s expansive outdoor complex featuring three swimming pools, including the main “Eden Pool” where DJ sessions and live performances create an energetic atmosphere throughout the day. The rooftop “Sun Society” bar and lounge offers panoramic views stretching from the Mediterranean to the Sierra Blanca mountains, with signature cocktails and light bites served alongside DJ sets that transform the space after sunset.
Image via Hard Rock Hotel Marbella
Situated along the tranquil sands of Playa del Real de Zaragoza, one of Marbella’s most beautiful beaches, the recently renovated Hotel Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club offers a perfect blend of traditional Andalusian architecture and contemporary luxury.
Sprawling across five hectares of manicured gardens that tumble down to a private beach, it’s perhaps the most beautiful hotel in town. The resort’s palatial lobby sets the tone with its marble columns and intricate Moorish-inspired tilework, while guest rooms and suites feature private balconies with Mediterranean views.
Hotel Gran Marbella is home to a beach club, where cabana service, infinity pools, and a resident DJ create an atmosphere of refined hedonism. Though slightly removed from Puerto Banús’ centre, the hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to the marina, allowing guests to enjoy both tranquillity and easy access to the action.
For those who want to be in the heart of Puerto Banús with front-row seats to the marina spectacle, Benabola Hotel & Suites delivers with its prime waterfront location. These apartment-style accommodations offer generous living spaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and panoramic terraces overlooking the yachts and Mediterranean beyond.
The rooftop Sky Lounge offers some of the best views in all of Puerto Banús, serving craft cocktails against a backdrop of mountains, sea, and the twinkling lights of moored superyachts. The hotel’s central position means you’re just a lift ride away from the designer shops, restaurants, and nightlife that define the Puerto Banús experience.
Where To Drink Coffee In Puerto Banús
When it comes to morning coffee in Puerto Banús, there are two distinct camps. The see-and-be-seen crowd gravitates toward Rosas, strategically positioned at the edge of the marina where the fashionable set perch on sleek outdoor seating to watch the world go by. With its crisp white awnings, meticulously arranged flowers, and staff that looks plucked from fashion magazines, Rosas offers the quintessential Puerto Banús people-watching experience. Designer sunglasses are practically mandatory as you sip their admittedly good, if somewhat overpriced, coffee creations—often accompanied by picture-perfect pastries that taste nearly as good as they look on Instagram.
Image via Rosas
However, if you’re looking for a truly superior cup of coffee away from the posturing, follow the locals to Dezentral. This unassuming coffee shop tucked just a few streets back from the marina with a lovely little garden, has developed a devoted following among residents and in-the-know visitors seeking specialty coffee that rivals the best urban cafés in Madrid or Barcelona. The minimalist interior with its concrete floors, pale wood furnishings, and abundant natural light creates a calming counterpoint to Puerto Banús’ more extravagant establishments.
A must try is their “coffee meets ginger” – it’s delicious. Beyond coffee, Dezentral offers a small but thoughtful selection of house-made pastries and light and healthy plates.
Where To Dine In Puerto Banús
Our favourite place to eat in Puerto Banús? More than just a restaurant, La Sala Puerto Banús is a Banús institution. The multi-level venue offers distinct spaces including a piano lounge, terrace restaurant, and vibrant bar area that collectively create one of the most atmospheric dining destinations in the marina.
Their signature seafood paella arrives at the table fragrant with saffron and studded with locally caught prawns and mussels, while the Galician beef fillet—cooked over an open flame—satisfies carnivorous cravings. Live music most evenings transitions seamlessly from acoustic background melodies to more upbeat performances as the night progresses, making La Sala the kind of place where lunch can effortlessly stretch into dinner and beyond.
If you’re looking for seafood, while technically situated at the midpoint between Marbella and Puerto Banús on the Golden Mile, Sea Grill merits inclusion for its exceptional beachfront dining experience. This elegant restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a particularly strong emphasis on impeccably fresh fish.
The salt-baked sea bass, dramatically presented and filleted tableside, has become something of a signature, while the raw bar offers the day’s freshest oysters, clams, and ceviches. With your toes nearly in the sand and the gentle soundtrack of waves breaking nearby, Sea Grill captures the essence of refined coastal dining. Reserve well in advance for sunset tables, which offer magical views and frequently sell out during high season.
Among the newcomers making a splash on Puerto Banús’ dining scene, Leone Brasserie has quickly established itself as a sophisticated yet approachable option in the heart of the marina. Occupying a prime corner location with expansive terraces, this elegant brasserie balances refined aesthetics with a menu designed for broad appeal. Leone’s culinary approach marries Mediterranean sensibilities with international influences. The kitchen excels at elevated comfort classics—think perfectly executed steak frites with house-made béarnaise, or linguine with local clams laced with Albariño wine. A thoughtfully curated wine list heavily favours Spanish producers while offering carefully selected international options.
Bringing an entirely different energy to Puerto Banús is BREATHE Marbella, a verdant sanctuary where culinary innovation meets environmental consciousness. Set slightly back from the marina’s bustling waterfront, this multi-concept venue feels like discovering a secret garden oasis. Natural materials, soaring ceilings, and cascading greenery create a space where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors dissolve. The menu places plant-forward cuisine at its heart without being strictly vegetarian. Think heirloom tomato carpaccio with fermented almond cream and basil oil, and charred cauliflower with preserved lemon and tahini.
For an evening that seamlessly transitions from fine dining to nightlife, OCCO Marbella has masterfully captured the essence of contemporary Lebanese cuisine within a setting that pulses with energy as the night progresses. OCCO’s menu excels at modernising traditional Lebanese dishes without sacrificing authenticity. Hot and cold mezze are designed for sharing—the house-made labneh with zaatar and olive oil and perfectly crisp falafel with tahini sauce are standouts. Main courses are all about expertly grilled meats and fresh seafood.
As dinner service winds down, the venue’s energy shifts as the sound system’s volume increases and the space transforms into one of Puerto Banús’ most sophisticated nightlife destinations. With expert mixologists crafting Lebanese-inspired cocktails and a rotating roster of DJs, OCCO provides a seamless evening experience that reflects the cosmopolitan character of contemporary Puerto Banús.
What To Do In Puerto Banús
The beating heart of Puerto Banús is undoubtedly its marina, where some of the world’s most impressive private vessels create a floating display of nautical luxury. A leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade offers prime viewing of these maritime marvels, alongside some of the most exclusive shopping in southern Spain.
The marina front hosts flagship stores from fashion powerhouses including Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, while El Corte Inglés department store houses virtually every luxury brand under one roof across its multiple floors. Even if serious shopping isn’t on your agenda, the people-watching and yacht-gazing make for an entertaining pastime, especially during the evening paseo when locals and visitors dress to impress for their nightly promenade.
For visitors travelling with family or simply seeking a break from the marina’s adult-oriented entertainment, Selwo Marina offers close encounters with dolphins, sea lions, exotic birds, and penguins. The park’s commitment to conservation and education provides welcome substance amid Puerto Banús’ more superficial attractions, making it a worthwhile excursion particularly during the heat of midday when the beaches and marina can become uncomfortably warm.
For those seeking a more active pursuit that combines exercise with sightseeing, the coastal walk connecting Puerto Banús to Marbella’s Old Town offers one of the most scenic promenades along the Costa del Sol. This flat, well-maintained pathway—officially named the Paseo Marítimo but often referred to simply as “the boardwalk”—stretches approximately 7 kilometres along the Mediterranean shoreline.
Starting near the eastern edge of Puerto Banús, the route takes you past some of the coast’s most exclusive beach clubs and restaurants, with the sea consistently on one side and a changing tableau of luxury developments, lush gardens, and glimpses of the Sierra Blanca mountains on the other. The walk culminates at Marbella’s picturesque Old Town, where narrow, flower-filled streets and historic Plaza de los Naranjos offer a charming contrast to Puerto Banús’ modern glamour. Many visitors opt to time this walk for late afternoon, finishing with dinner in the Old Town before taking a taxi back to Puerto Banús.
There’s perhaps no better way to appreciate Puerto Banús than from the water looking back toward its picturesque harbour and the dramatic mountain backdrop beyond. Numerous companies offer sunset sailing experiences ranging from shared catamarans with swimming stops and flowing sangria to private yacht charters with personal chefs and premium champagne.
These two-to-three-hour excursions typically cruise along the coastline toward Marbella, offering unique perspectives on landmark properties and hidden coves accessible only by boat. The return journey as the sun dips below the horizon casts Puerto Banús in golden light, creating postcard-perfect photo opportunities and a serene conclusion to a day in Spain’s most glamorous marina.
Puerto Banús’ beach clubs have earned legendary status for transforming daytime sunbathing into stylish social experiences. Ocean Club stands as perhaps the most famous, with its massive circular pool surrounded by plush white loungers and regular champagne spray parties during high season. The club’s restaurant serves surprisingly good cuisine, with fresh seafood and creative salads that rise well above typical beach fare.
For the ultimate daytime beach experience, La Sala by the Sea reigns supreme as Puerto Banús’ most vibrant beachfront venue. This Thai-inspired paradise combines the glamour of a premium beach club with outstanding food and expertly crafted cocktails. White day beds cascade toward the shoreline, while the expansive pool area becomes the centre of the action during the legendary pool parties featuring international DJs, live saxophonists, and impossibly beautiful people sipping champagne in the Mediterranean sun.
For a more laid-back vibe, Playa Padre offers a bohemian-chic atmosphere with bamboo structures, hanging lanterns, and relaxed dining just steps from the sea. Their Sunday sessions featuring guest DJs and live percussion create a barefoot luxury experience that captures Puerto Banús at its carefree best.
No guide to Puerto Banús would be complete without acknowledging its legendary after-dark scene. While the port’s reputation for excess and exclusivity is well-deserved, there’s actually a surprisingly diverse range of nightlife experiences available beyond the velvet ropes.
Sinatra Bar offers classic cocktails in an intimate setting with occasional live jazz, while News Café transforms from casual daytime eatery to vibrant nightspot as evening progresses. For those seeking Puerto Banús’ signature high-energy clubbing experience, TIBU and Pangea compete for the title of the marina’s most exclusive nightclub, with international DJs, bottle service, and dance floors pulsing until sunrise.
The Bottom Line
Puerto Banús manages to be both exactly what you expect—flashy, indulgent, and unapologetically luxurious—and full of surprising moments of authentic charm, natural beauty, and laid-back Andalusian spirit.
Whether you come for the people-watching, the Mediterranean cuisine, the shopping, or simply to soak up the uniquely glamorous atmosphere, this jewel of the Costa del Sol delivers a concentrated dose of the good life that can be adapted to suit virtually any travel style and budget.
Let’s be honest, airports aren’t exactly the highlight of any trip, are they? But when it comes to Bangkok’s behemoth of an aviation hub, a little savvy know-how can make all the difference between a smooth start to your Thai adventure and a sweaty, frustrated mess.
Bangkok is served by two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (often informally called Bangkok Airport) and Don Mueang International Airport. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) serves as the city’s primary international terminal, welcoming the majority of overseas carriers and also accommodating select domestic routes. Meanwhile, Don Mueang Airport (DMK) has carved out its niche as the preferred base for budget carriers and domestic operations.
The name Suvarnabhumi (pronounced ‘su-wan-na-poom’) was chosen by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and translates to ‘The Golden Land.’ This name traditionally refers to the continental Indochina region encompassing Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma.
Opened in 2006 after decades of planning and construction, Suvarnabhumi is a proper juggernaut of modern architecture – all soaring glass ceilings, sweeping curved roofs and gleaming steel. With its annual capacity of 60 million passengers, it’s not just Thailand’s largest airport but one of Asia’s major aviation hubs. The main terminal building alone covers a staggering 563,000 square meters (making it one of the largest in the world), and with its 132 operating aircraft gates and parking bays, you’d be forgiven for feeling a tad overwhelmed on your first visit.
The airport sits about 30km east of central Bangkok – close enough to the city to be convenient but far enough away that the journey in can still take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on Bangkok’s notoriously fickle traffic.
There’s nothing quite like landing in Bangkok. The warmth hits you like opening an oven door. The first thing you’ll want to do is get your bags and dash off. However, take a breath – your holiday starts and ends right here at the airport, and these insider tips will make all the difference.
Get A Local Sim With Internet Right Away
Listen, we can’t stress this enough. Before you dash off to hail a taxi or chase down that Airport Rail Link, take five minutes to sort your connectivity. There are stands at the airport where you can get a sim card, and they’ll set it up for you on the spot.
The AIS Traveller SIM is absolutely brilliant value. Running for 8, 15, or 30 days, for just 299 Baht (around £7), 599 Baht (around £14), or 1,250 Baht (around £30) respectively, you get either 15 GB, 30 GB, or a whopping 300 GB of high-speed internet access.
Better still, if you’re feeling particularly tech-savvy, consider grabbing an eSIM before you even leave home. Companies like Airalo, Nomad, and Maya Mobile offer competitive eSIM packages specifically designed for Thailand. The process takes mere minutes—simply purchase online, scan a QR code, and your phone is ready to connect the moment you land at Suvarnabhumi.
We’ve found getting an eSIM in advance to be a proper game-changer – no more fumbling with tiny SIM cards or queuing at counters when all you want to do is get out of the airport and start your holiday. Plus, you can set everything up days before your trip while sitting comfortably on your sofa at home, rather than battling jet lag at the airport.
Sometimes plane food just doesn’t cut it, does it? If you’re starving after getting off the plane, make a beeline to Magic Food Point, the airport’s 24-hour food court, which is located on the 1st floor. Serving authentic Thai dishes at reasonable prices, it’s a proper introduction to the food scene you’ve come for.
The food court operates on a coupon system that might seem a bit confusing at first, but it’s actually dead simple. Here’s how it works: first, you’ll need to exchange your cash for a prepaid card at the cashier counter (look for the ‘Coupon Counter’ sign). You can load it with however much you think you’ll spend – 200-300 baht should be plenty for one person. Then simply wander around the various food stalls, point at what you fancy, hand over your card to be debited, and voilà – food is yours! If you’ve got any credit left on the card after your meal, just take it back to the cashier counter for a refund.
Magic Food Point hosts about 15-20 different food stalls offering everything from classic pad thai and green curry to more adventurous regional specialties. Zeed Zaad does a cracking som tam (papaya salad) and grilled chicken combo that’s nothing short of well, magic after a long-haul flight. It will reinvigorate you that’s for sure. There’s also an excellent Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, a dish that is wonderfully soothing after being on a plane for hours.
For those with less adventurous palates, you’ll find stalls selling fried rice and fresh fruit smoothies.
There are three terminals in total: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 handle the international flights, while the third is just for domestic flights.
If you’re transferring between these terminals, the airport provides free shuttle buses that run every 10-15 minutes. You’ll find the shuttle bus stops clearly marked with blue signs on the ground floor of each terminal – specifically at Gates 1 and 5 in Terminal 1, Gates 2 and 6 in Terminal 2, and at the main entrance of the Domestic Terminal. Just look for the ‘Terminal Shuttle Bus’ signs and the queue of slightly confused-looking travellers.
The shuttles themselves are surprisingly comfortable air-conditioned minibuses, and they’re an absolute godsend given the sprawling nature of the airport complex. Don’t attempt to walk between the terminals unless you fancy a sweltering hike (trust us, we’ve made that mistake before). Even what looks like a short distance on the airport map can turn into a 20-minute trek through humid corridors. The shuttle journey, by contrast, typically takes just 5-7 minutes between terminals, even during the busiest times.
The Taxi Stand is Easy Peasy
While we’d definitely recommend booking a Grab taxi if you’re flying from Don Mueang airport (which is a bit of a free-for-all when it comes to transportation), getting a taxi at Suvarnabhumi is relatively straightforward.
To catch a public taxi, you need to go down to Level 1. Once you arrive, there are a number of different options for taxis. However, the metered taxi is the cheapest and best option.
Politely decline any taxi drivers hailing you down inside the airport and make straight for the ‘Public Taxi Service’ line. The system is wonderfully organised, with numbered queues and a ticket system that matches you with your driver.
Simply go outside and enter a lane where you’ll use a multi-language touch-screen to print out your queue ticket. The number on your ticket corresponds to the number of the bay where your taxi is parked. The ticket details the driver’s name, plate and operating licence number—quite handy if you happen to leave something behind.
Just be sure the driver turns on the meter (which starts at 35 baht) when you get in, and you’ll avoid any vocal figure surprises when you reach your destination.
Be sure to keep important directions and addresses in your phone so you can show the driver. Even with your perfect pronunciation of “Sukhumvit,” your driver might look at you blankly – a visual aid works wonders.
Airport Rail Link Need To Know
Bangkok Airport Rail Link is a commuter rail line connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai (BTS) station via Makkasan Station (MRT Phetchaburi) and it’s a brilliant way to avoid Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
To catch the train from the airport into town, head to the basement level (B floor) of the terminal building. Follow the prominent blue ‘Train to City’ signs—they’re everywhere, so you can’t miss them. Once you reach the station, you’ll find ticket machines with English language options and manned ticket counters if you prefer the human touch.
Purchase your ticket from the machines (they accept coins and bills), tap it on the gate to enter, and keep it for your exit. Trains are clean, air-conditioned, and have dedicated spaces for luggage—a godsend after a long flight.
Coming back the Airport Rail Link operates a train from Sukhumvit MRT to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) hourly, and it’s a brilliant way to avoid Bangkok’s notorious traffic. Alternatively, you can go from either Nana or Asok station to Phaya Thai station, where you transfer to the Airport Rail Link, which operates daily from 6am to midnight.
The Commuter City Line trains depart every 10 minutes during peak hours (06:00-09:00 and 16:00-20:00) and every 15 minutes off-peak and weekends.
The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a taxi. It’s particularly handy if you’re travelling during Bangkok’s rush hour, when the roads transform into slow-moving car parks.
Leave Your Luggage
If you’re only staying in Bangkok for a couple of days and moving on, or have an extended layover, the airport offers several left luggage services. This is perfect for travellers who want to pop into the city without dragging their suitcase around in the sweltering heat.
You’ll find luggage storage facilities at the following locations:
Basement Level (B Floor): The main luggage storage service is located on the basement level near the transport centre. Look for signs pointing to ‘Left Luggage’ or follow directions to the Airport Rail Link, then look for the storage counter nearby.
Arrivals Hall (Level 2): There’s another storage service on the second floor in the arrivals area, near entrance 3. This one’s particularly handy if you’ve just landed and want to explore Bangkok without your bags.
Departures Level (Level 4): For those already checked in but with time to kill, there’s a storage facility on the fourth floor near the east entrance of the departures hall.
Prices are calculated per piece per day, with rates starting at around 100 baht for small items and going up to 250 baht for large suitcases. Most locations accept both cash and card payments. Just bring your passport along as ID, and they’ll issue you a claim ticket.
The service is available 24/7 and is incredibly secure, giving you peace of mind while you explore. Some locations even offer additional services like luggage wrapping and bag repairs – proper handy if your trusty suitcase took a beating in transit.
Need to refuel, refresh and reconnect before the flight?
There are several airport lounges to choose from. However, we’ve found the Miracle Lounge really good value for money. Starting from just £23.77 the service is available for passengers on international departure flights only.
You get 3-hour lounge access and all you can eat and drink (including alcoholic drinks). The food is suprisingly good – last time we had a make your own miang that would stand up to most. The buffet spread is extensive for an airport lounge, with a decent selection of hot Thai dishes, fresh fruits, salads, and some international options for the less adventurous. They keep everything well-stocked, and the staff are quick to replenish anything running low. You can also use the shower room – perfect for freshening up after a long flight.
While Suvarnabhumi does offer free WiFi throughout the terminal, despite reports that say the opposite, we’ve found that it can be painfully slow at times. Also, the general terminal areas are woefully lacking in spots that are actually conducive to working with your laptop. That’s another reason the Miracle Lounge is worth every baht – not only do you get significantly faster and more reliable WiFi, but they also provide proper work stations with comfortable seating, power outlets, and enough space to spread out your gear. If you need to catch up on emails or get some work done before your flight, this is absolutely the place to do it.
For those with a longer layover, this is actually more economical than venturing into the city, especially when you factor in transport costs and the energy expended navigating Bangkok’s heat.
It’s Hot Inside
While the airport has air conditioning blowing, sometimes it can get awfully hot inside, especially during peak hours when the system struggles to cool the vast terminal spaces filled with travellers.
Dress in light, breathable layers so you can adjust to the fluctuating temperatures. A light shawl or cardigan can also come in handy for the opposite problem – some areas, particularly near the gates, can suddenly blast you with arctic-level cooling.
Bring Your Own Food
Any seasoned traveller knows that dining at Suvarnabhumi comes with a hefty premium. The moment you pass through security, prepare for your wallet to feel considerably lighter. That Starbucks latte? The identical Mango Tree noodle bowl? Even the familiar Burger King Whopper? All command significantly inflated prices compared to their street-side counterparts.
Why, you ask? Well, as a case study that looked into the pricing explains: “A retail outlet is opened in an airport on a premium. Airport authorities also ask for inordinately high rent for retail spaces. So, in order to make profit, they do what is most obvious – hike the price.”
The excessive prices have caused an outcry amongst some travellers, and the state had to investigate. The conclusion reached? There are cheaper food courts operating there, should people not want to eat in a name-brand restaurant. The other conclusion? You can avoid paying over the odds by eating before you travel to the airport, or waiting until you board the plane.
Unfortunately, that food court we spoke about earlier does not operate airside, and since it doesn’t look like the price of airport dining is coming down anytime soon, it’s best to eat before or pick up something to bring with you.
Don’t Forget A Water Bottle
Want to pay nearly ฿200.00 for a bottle of water? We didn’t think so. Don’t forget to bring an empty water bottle through customs to fill up. There are water refill stations dotted around the airport. There are also free refill stations outside the toilets near the gates.
This tiny bit of preparation will save you cash and keep you hydrated in the often stuffy terminal environment.
Buy Some Mango Sticky Rice For The Plane
Forget buying souvenirs here – they are expensive too. There is one thing, however, we have been known to buy for our plane journey at the airport: mango sticky rice. This delightful Thai dessert travels surprisingly well and makes for a perfect mid-flight treat that’s a million times better than whatever the airline is serving up as pudding. It’s exactly the comfort food you need when you’re feeling sad about leaving Thailand behind.
King Power Duty Free store at Suvarnabhumi Airport sells boxes of freshly made mango sticky rice. They also sell freeze-dried mango sticky rice. We have no idea what the later is, but it sounds like it travels well.
The Bottom Line
Remember, the airport experience is part of your journey – approach it with a smile and the same sense of adventure you’re bringing to the rest of your Thai experience.
Safe travels, and enjoy Bangkok’s Golden Land, starting right from the airport gates.
First things first; Bangkok can give you the meal of your life on almost any street corner, for just a few sheets of Baht. But with a metropolis of this size, pace and pollution, eating that meal on that street corner may not always result in the most laid back of dining experiences.
Though the idea of going to restaurants and spending relative big Baht on food in Bangkok sometimes feels a little frivolous, this is one sophisticated city, with a culinary scene that’s just as comfortable dishing out multicourse tasting menus as it is pink plastic plates of spicy wonder.
From time to time, it’s nice to take that little big longer luxuriating in this city’s glorious cuisine. In an air conditioned room, back supported and upright in a chair, with a glass provided for your beer, or even, perhaps, with a glass of wine. To take stock of the country, the city and its alluring cuisine. For that, we won’t judge you.
So, with all that in mind, we’ve taken on the unenviable task of eating through Bangkok to give you, in our view, the most essential, scene-defining restaurants in the city. Here is our IDEAL 27; the best restaurants in Bangkok.
Samrub Samrub Thai, Silom
Ideal for a singular, masterful expression of Thai food both past and present…
This intimate, chef’s table experience might boast a Michelin star and a just-announced 47th place on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, but accolade chasing really doesn’t feel like the point at Samrub Samrub Thai.
Instead, expect a deep dive into historic Thai recipes and a regularly changing tasting menu that places fresh focus on a region, season or simply a vibe with each new menu, whether that’s a celebration of a long-lost Southern Thai seafood recipe book or a whole evening of food inspired by the poetry of the Kingdom of Lanna.Though the influences are idiosyncratic, the result is a singular, masterful expression of Thai food both past and present.
At the stoves here is chef Prin Polsuk, who has some serious roots in Thai fine dining, having been the head chef at Nahm in London when it won its Michelin star, the first Thai restaurant in the world to have done so.
On the plate (and in the glass – there will be numerous gratis shots of chef Prin’s homebrewed liquor handed out!), Samrub is all about generosity, with the main sharing spread at the centrepiece of the tasting menu the perfect embodiment of Thai hospitality.
That generous spirit exemplifies the family-style nature of this brilliant restaurant, with Polsuk’s wife Mint running the front of house operations, and chef Prin happily sharing a little background on the dishes you’re eating, as you eat. An appearance on the Apple TV docu-series Omnivore last year seemed to cement their position as a place that means business.
Right now, the May/June 2025 menu showcases chef Prin’s interpretation of the food of Surat Thani, and is an absolute romp through the region’s seafood-heavy cuisine. Not just fiery heat (although there’s a good kick to things, of course), the menu weaves through coastal delicacies like Surat’s prized oysters with jangkra lime, and mantis shrimp simmered with fermented fish and coconut cream. The latter is an absolute treat, simultaneously dignified and louche in its sweet and funky seasoning. The beef cheek curry with green peppercorns and white turmeric is a another highlight – complex and aromatic, and showcasing chef Prin’s understanding of the region’s distinctive profile.
A bold claim, but this latest menu might be our favourite of all we’ve eaten at Samrub. This is a restaurant on form, and to our mind, the best Thai food in Bangkok and, by rights then, the world. The fact that the menu changes so regularly and so emphatically is starting to seriously worry our bank manager!
When is Samrub Samrub Thai open? Samrub is open from Tuesday to Saturday for two dinner servings, one starting at 5:30pm and one at 8pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Do I need to book in advance? Booking well in advance is recommended, which you can do so on Table Check. You’ll have to pay for the tasting menu in advance, by way of a deposit.
How much should I expect to spend? The tasting menu here is priced at ฿4290 (around £100), excluding service charge and VAT.
Closest BTS/MRT? Sala Daeng BTS is a 5 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ideal for nose-to-tail dining that celebrates Northern Thailand’s resourceful cooking traditions…
100 Mahaseth opened just off Chareon Krung Road way back in 2017. When you consider the Bangkok restaurant scene’s lightning fast evolution, that makes chef Chalee Kader’s homage to the resourceful cooking traditions of Northern and Northeastern Thailand something approaching an institution.
The restaurant’s nose-to-tail, root-to-fruit, brain to balls philosophy has certainly influenced plenty of hip openings in the years that have followed. It feels a little silly saying that, when no-waste, maximum-yield is the only way cooks in rural Thailand have played it for centuries.
The restaurant’s origin story is an amusing one. “We were supposed to open a pho joint,” Chef Chalee revealed back in 2018, “and we were sourcing so much beef and so many parts for the pho stock and we said ‘What are we going to serve for dinner? We can’t serve pho for dinner’.” This pivot, to using the whole cow and then some, led to one of Bangkok’s most celebrated and distinctive dining experiences. And they do still sometimes serve pho.
Housed in a handsome, revitalised old teak house in Bang Rak, the gorgeous setting plays off perfectly against all that offal, smoothing out the rougher notes and soothing each undulating wave of hard, rasping chilli heat. The flagstone floors feel cooling under foot, and rattan lamp shades throw warm lighting across the dining room, making the old teak wood glow. Traditional molam music plays at a volume so perfectly calibrated that it somehow confirms that everything will be seasoned just right. And so it is.
All ingredients come directly from Thai farmers, including three distinct varieties of rice from Surin province, each offering unique textures and aromas. The signature charcoal-roasted bone marrow is a proper showstopper – an enormous bone halved and roasted, its sumptuous marrow perfectly balanced by scatterings of toasted perilla seeds and slices of lemongrass shaved so thinly they’re rendered almost apparitional. Scoop it up, look for some bread, realise there’s no bread and tackle it with freshly steamed sticky rice instead.
Other must-tries include the playful Northerner’s Hot Dog, featuring a Chiang Mai-style sai ua sausage in a brioche bun with nahm prik noom jam. It’s an idea that’s been imitated many times and in many places since, both in Bangkok and back here in the UK, too. Though it’s the highest form of flattery, those chefs should’ve probably left it to Kader – the OG at Mahaseth is infinitely superior.
The addictive braised, dehydrated then deep-fried fried tripe make the perfect companion to a cold beer, and for those keen to dive deeper, the seasonal koi salad of ant larvae is a joy. Already naturally bursting (genuinely, bursting) with acidity, the larvae is seasoned with lime, toasted sticky rice and chilis. Roasted macadamia is shaved over the top to bolster the nuttiness of the toasted rice. Looking like drifts of parmesan across a risotto, it’s far more technicolour in its flavours; natural ingredients reinforced and amplified, the dish so much more than the sum of its parts.
On the flipside, those looking to eat only the exterior of the beast will find comfort in the Isaan complementary set, often featuring som tam and crispy pork skin with a Thai chimichurri, another item we keep seeing elsewhere lately. Further cold beers follow, perhaps with some skewers of beef liver and ox tongue, and the whole order repeats itself until you’re spilling out onto Charoenkrung Road, dazed, confused and feeling a little feral, thumbing Google for the best whiskey sodas in the immediate vicinity (psst; they were back there, where you left them).
If Bang Rak is a stretch to get to, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a second location in Ekkamai now, featuring a more casual bar set-up, complete with turntables and a vibe that often verges on the raucous. They’ve even recently opened a New York pizza spot opposite, called Across 100, proving chef Chalee’s culinary ambitions stretch far beyond offal.
When is 100 Mahaseth open? Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30am – 10:30pm. Closed on Mondays.
Do I need to book in advance? Highly recommended; it’s a popular spot with limited seating.
How much should I expect to spend? Around ฿2000 per person, though this can vary with specials like aged steak and the amount of booze you consume.
Closest BTS/MRT? It’s a little off the direct public transport lines. The closest MRT is Hua Lamphong, or BTS Saphan Taksin, followed by a short taxi ride.
Ideal for fiery Northern Thai jungle curry in a no-frills setting…
For over four decades, this beloved local institution has served some of Bangkok’s most downright fiery Thai cuisine. Specialising in northern Thai jungle curry (gaeng pa) – from which the restaurant takes its name – this unassuming local hero has a formidable reputation amongst those in the know for its assertive, roundly spiced signature dish.
Located near Sriyan Market (been saying ‘Syrian’ for years, ffs) in a modern-ish renovated building, Gaeng Pa Sriyan features both an open ground floor dining area where fans blow with such gusto that it’s hard to keep hold of your napkin, and a second floor with air conditioning. Neither can cool the chilli heat of a seriously spicy signature dish.
You don’t need to fear hushed tones or reverent vibes here; this is a busy, no-frills local joint that serves the neighbourhood and its workers far more than the city’s tourists. Sure, there are tablecloths, but they’re not of the starched white variety. Rather, the plastic, wipeable kind, which is kind of useful when you’re lashing back a whole host of addictive sauces, soups and curries with wild-eyed and clumsy-handed enthusiasm.
It’s not a boisterous, boozy joint either. Popular with the lunchtime office crowd, the scene is convivial but calm, the food doing the talking, usually at a thrilling, chilli-induced crescendo. Despite its longevity and cult status among Bangkokians with a penchant for pain, the restaurant maintains a low profile. There’s no Insta or Facebook page. You won’t see many reels dispatched from the frontline.
In all honesty, we’re probably overdoing the whole ‘so spicy’ thing in the name of a narrative; the chilli isn’t so crushing that it’s all you can taste, all you can feel. Dishes are served at Bangkok room temperature, allowing the deft spicing and freshness of the aromatic ingredients to come to the fore.
The star of the show is, of course, the jungle curry itself, a herbaceous, fierce thing that’s also complex and nuanced. Traditionally made with wild meats and foraged vegetables from the forest, at Gaeng Pa Sriyan you can choose your protein – options include wild boar, river fish, or frog. Whichever you go for, the supporting cast bring their A-game too; young bamboo shoots, pea eggplants, grachai (fingerroot), fresh green peppercorns, and a generous scattering of herbs, all swimming in that famously spicy, earthy broth, deliver waves of bitterness, astringency, and complexity. God, this curry is good.
Beyond the namesake, other dishes shine just as brightly. The minced quail stir-fried kee mao (drunken) style is sensational, an explosion of savoury bolstered by ground quail (bones included for a crunch), both fresh and dried chillies, and fried makrut lime leaves that bless the whole occasion with a certain floral suaveness.
Southern Thai classics get a good outing, too; the goong pad kapi sator (stir-fried shrimp with stink beans and shrimp paste) is pungent and beautiful, and the green curry of fish balls is a gold-standard version. We concede the latter really was spicy.
After the fire of the main courses, cool down with their excellent durian and coconut ice cream served with sticky rice, and perhaps another round of icy Singha. Then, go back in for round two – this is addictive, intoxicating food that you simply have to surrender to.
When is Gaeng Pa Sriyan open? Monday to Saturday, 09:30am – 8:30pm. Closed on Sundays.
Do I need to book in advance? We’re not actually sure you can. We’ve always just rocked up and been seated, though do be aware that it gets busy between midday and 1pm on weekdays.
How much should I expect to spend? Extremely reasonable. Dishes typically clock in at around THB 150. Expect to spend around ฿600 per person for a generous meal and a beer or two.
Closest BTS/MRT? The closest BTS station is Victory Monument. From there, a taxi (around THB 60) or bus #14 is needed. Alternatively, MRT Bang Phlat is about 1.5km away, and MRT Bang O is 2km away.
Ideal for innovative wood-fire cooking in the heart of the hip part of Chinatown…
In a classic shophouse down Trok Panjit, one of the atmospheric alleyways of thriving Soi Nana in Yaowarat, Choen is a relative Bangkok newcomer that’s making serious waves (hmmm, perhaps not the right element here) with its singular focus on live-fire cooking. The name ‘Choen’ is derived from ‘blazing fire’ – a fitting moniker for a concept built around cooking food over charcoal flames.
Opened in December 2023, this intimate 10-seat restaurant is the creation of Chef Geravich ‘Mew’ Mesaengrilverakul, who previously worked at Nahm in its glory days under David Thompson, and as one of the founding members of Charmgang (also on this list).
His concept – ‘Contemporary Cuisine from Fire x Wood’ – might read like a weird modern classical playlist on TIDAL, but there’s nothing pretentious in chef Mew’s masterful control of of the grill. Clearly inspired by Etxebarri, he manages to coax a similar nuance (no higher compliment) in both flavour and texture from the smoke and flame. The main man even crisps up his pork belly – from start to finish – on the barbecue. It’s pure wizardry, and we’re not sure we’ve seen it done so well, so precision-perfectly, anywhere else on the planet.
There’s nothing brutish about the application of smoke at Choen. Nothing acrid or amaroidal. That’s all down to the use of five different types of wood in the cooking process, including eucalyptus, longan, and lychee, each imparting specific aromatic qualities to different dishes. Traditional Thai cooking equipment, including grills, smokers, and taos (traditional bucket-like clay burners), add further judicious complexity. It’s all admirably thought out and deliberate – an interesting counterpoint to the unpredictability of the medium.
The seasonal tasting menu changes regularly, showcasing Chef Mew’s skill at balancing traditional flavours with refined presentation. Signature dishes include the giant river prawn curry with coconut buds, flambadou river prawn and shampoo ginger salad, and smoked beef cheek with galangal and pickled lotus root. Even desserts receive the fire treatment, with the coconut ice cream featuring burning longan wood to add smoky notes, and a little crispy pork crackling for a little showmanship. That dessert is mind-blowingly good.
The setting itself is a study in contrasts, with the historic shophouse dramatically transformed into a modern, concrete-clad space within. Sometimes, when flames are licking high and there’s sweet smoke wafting about, you don’t want any more visual distraction.
In many ways, Choen defines what’s best about Bangkok’s contemporary dining scene; modern and forward-thinking, sure, but also rooted in traditional, age-old techniques, with something of the elemental thrown in for good measure. It’s our favourite recent opening in the city, make no mistake.
When is Choen open? Open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, 7pm to 10pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Do I need to book in advance? Essential. Given the intimate setting and tasting menu format, reservations are a must.
How much should I expect to spend? The 9-course tasting menu is priced at ฿3000.
Closest BTS/MRT? MRT Wat Mangkon is the nearest station, and is just a 5 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ideal for precise, Kingdom-spanning plates from one of Thailand’s most exciting young chefs…
Fresh from winning Tatler Best New Restaurant In Asia for 2024, Khaan represents the next step in chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn’s impressively precocious culinary journey. Having earned her stripes (or should we say stars) with a Michelin-starred tenure at Saawaan, the Young Michelin Chef 2021 winner has created something rather special here: a Thai fine dining restaurant that feels both fresh and worthy of a special occasion.
While new Thai tasting menus that ‘elevate’ the world’s most satisfying street food dishes into fiddly little bites are ten-a-penny in Bangkok these days, Khaan is in a different class to the vast majority of them. There’s real skill and craft emanating from the glass-panelled kitchen, visible as you pitch up Soi Som Khit, a young team working away with both precision and beaming smiles. It looks like an agreeable place to work, which is always reassuring when you’re settling in for the evening.
The name ‘Khaan’ – meaning both ‘tiger’ and ‘proclaim’ in Thai – feels apt for a restaurant that roars with such confident delivery. In a sumptuous, red velvet-clad room, Chef Aom serves an 11-course tasting menu that changes regularly, but rather than focusing on one region, each dish aims to celebrate a different element of Thailand’s rich culinary diversity. It’s ambitious, but it pays off.
This is immediately apparent in the opening quartet of snacks that traverse the country, with South, Central Plains, North and East all represented. Though dainty, they pack a proper punch, particularly the genius crab and egg yolk curry that arrives as a single spoonable bite in an egg shell – assertive with chilli heat yet tempered by its decadence. It’s a fine way to start any meal.
Considering the variety of techniques and ingredients that span from northeast to deep south, the menu maintains admirable cohesion despite its geographical breadth – a testament to chef Aom’s delicate touch.
The menu progresses thoughtfully, with an Andaman tiger prawn with homemade pickled lime and tomalley cracker setting the tone early. Designed to reflect familiar tom yam flavours in an interesting way (mission accomplished), it gives way to the meal’s highlight – rice paddy crab with sticky rice. Peel back the grilled banana leaf to reveal smoky rice within, perfect for swiping through a relish of paddy crab presented in its tiny shell. It’s a rich, luxurious, complex affair where rice somehow still manages to be the star of the show, just as it should be.
The tom kha with Barron point and Surat Thani oysters masterfully balances coconut cream’s (and the oyster’s) inherent richness with sharp, aromatic elements, whilst the headlining Khao Yai duck with Paka-Um-Pun rice and five spice curry arrives dexterously seasoned, its rectangle of blushing meat sporting perfectly lacquered skin. A sausage of the duck’s offal underscores chef Aom’s no-waste philosophy. It’s a triumph.
Indeed, sustainability and zero-waste practices are central here (keep an eye out for Plearn, Chef Aom’s casual eatery opening soon which will repurpose surplus ingredients from Khaan). In a neat bit of cyclical theatre, the petit fours revisit the opening snacks in another country-spanning quartet, again highlighting Thailand’s distinct, diverse (and delicious) regionality. It’s a difficult balance to strike, but one that’s achieved with real panache here.
For those keen to forgo any autonomy and just enough the ride, the thoughtfully curated wine pairings (available in both four and six-glass options) and the unique tea pairing programme offer well-judged accompaniments to this culinary sashay across the Kingdom.
When is Khaan open? Khaan is open exclusively for dinner service, from 5pm onwards, every day except Monday, when it’s closed.
Do I need to book in advance? Booking in advance is recommended.
How much should I expect to spend? The 11-course tasting menu is priced at ฿3,850 (around £85).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phloen Chit BTS is a short walk away.
Ideal for whole roast suckling pig, designed for sharing…
Right in the heart of Chinatown, just off Yarowat Road, is an old school institution that’s stood here for more than a century…
…I mean, there are probably hundreds of places that could follow-up that introductory sentence and feel perfectly at home doing so, such is the history and culinary clout of Bangkok’s most food-focused neighbourhood.
Not all of those century’s old institutions in Bangkok’s Chinatown are doing quite such an iconic, photogenic, banquet-worthy dish as Tang Jai Yoo, though. Specialising in Teochow cuisine and famed, more specifically, for its suckling pig, this is a dish (and restaurant) that it’s almost criminal not to try when visiting Yarowat. The fact it deserves a party of six to take it down shouldn’t be considered an obstacle; it’s a sociable place on the streets here, so crack open a beer, make some friends, and bring them along for the ride.
Or, you could simply tackle the whole piglet – splayed open, bronzed and burnished – solo, and then die happy. Either way, it’s one of Bangkok’s must-try dishes, and has a real sense of ceremony to it.
Once ordered (in the past a pre-order was necessary, but no longer), a suckling pig – splayed on a spit – is brought from the kitchen and out to the front of the restaurant, where the charcoal is already burning in a drum. A chef spins the spit frantically over raging hot charcoal, brushing it with oil using what looks like a rag on a stick. Even if you don’t eat here, it’s quite the spectacle to watch as it progressively crisps and crackles.
It’s then brought back inside palanquin-style to audible gasps from the dining room – each and every time. A skilled chef then proceeds to deftly remove the crackled skin with a cleaver before portioning it into bite sized pieces and adding it back onto the pig, like a comprehensive, successful skin graft. It’s all very theatrical and just a little bit macabre; we love it.
By Thiradech via CanvaBy thaloengsak via Canva
The whole pig is then placed in the centre of circular banqueting tables, aboard a lazy susan alongside pancakes, cucumber, green onions and hoisin sauce, the harsh lighting of the dining room only serving to illuminate the main event and hammer home that this is an old school sort of place.
The idea is to wrap only the crisp skin and its suggested adornments in the pancakes. Once those pancakes have been eagerly dispensed with and the skin finished, the suckling pig is then taken back to the kitchen, where the flesh is chopped up into cubes and stir fried with chilli and garlic.
What a glorious affair this all is, but there’s plenty of other bits on the menu to get excited about too, including oyster omelette (arguably better than that version), black olive fried rice, deep-fried mantis shrimp and an intriguing selection of complex, reviving soups. Singhas and whisky flow freely, as if the deal needed anymore sealing.
Closest BTS/MRT? Tang Jai Yoo is a 3 minute walk from Wat Mangkon MRT.
When is Tang Jai Yoo open? Tang Jai Yoo is open from 11am to 2pm for lunch, and 4:30pm to 10pm for dinner.
Do I need to book in advance? You can make a reservation over the phone only, which requires Thai or Chinese to be spoken. Alternatively, you can pitch up and still get a table – the restaurant has rows of chairs set up outside for customers waiting their turn. Those tables, despite the convivial nature of the place, get turned fast.
How much should I expect to spend? Right now, the whole suckling pig and its accouterments is ฿2500 (just north of £50). It’s well worth the money.
Ideal for an ultra-modern Thai dining experience anchored in tradition and family…
Close to the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bang Kapi, Baan Tepa is one of Bangkok’s most exciting – yet also comforting, soul-nourishing – restaurants. We say restaurant, but Baan Tepa is billed as a ‘culinary space’, home to a chef’s table, a larger dining room overlooked by an open kitchen, a tea experience, and an organic culinary garden of which much of the 9 course tasting menu is built around (ask for a tour; it’s a fascinating living library of herbs, flowers and spices).
Enough of the fluff. Under the pioneering stewardship of chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam, the world’s first Thai female chef to be awarded two Michelin Stars and fresh from just winning Asia’s Best Female Chef 2025, the menu at Baan Tepa is a celebration of organic, small batch Thai producers and the country’s rich biodiversity, an ethos inspired by chef Tam’s time spent at the legendary Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
Expect highly intricate but ultimately satisfying dishes, each telling a story of chef Tam’s extensive travels across Thailand and beyond. Highlights of our recent meal here included a reimagining of classic Issan chicken liver skewers and jaew, here presented as a smooth parfait but still boasting the heady, earthy flavours of white pepper, garlic and coriander root that makes up the traditional marinade. Alongside, an incredible sourdough brioche whose starter is made from wild rice was complex and crisp. Gorgeous.
Later on, a show-stealer; the signature ‘anatomy of a river prawn’ featuring a whopper sourced from Ayutthaya and its smoked head juices, which was brought back to the street with possibly the best nahm jim seafood we’ve ever encountered. It’s this anchoring of ultra-modern technique with recognisable, faithfully delivered elements that makes Baan Tepa so captivating.
As with several of the restaurants on our list, there’s a personal connection to the space, too; chef Tam’s family grew up here, with the space owned by Chef Tam’s grandmother, Lady Suwaree Debhakam. The space still retains many of its original features, and its warming, welcoming soul. When combined with some of the most innovative expressions of Thai food you’ll find anywhere on the planet, it’s a highly alluring experience.
When is Baan Tepa open? Baan Tepa’s tasting menu experience is dinner only, available from Wednesday to Sunday in two sittings each evening, one at 6pm to 9:30pm, and one at 7pm to 10:30pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You’ll likely need to book at least two weeks in advance.
How much should I expect to spend? A sprawling 7 course affair is ฿6200 (£140). This price is exclusive of service and VAT. You’ll have to pay for the tasting menu in advance, by way of a deposit.
Closest BTS/MRT? There are no BTS or underground stops close to Baan Tepa. Best get a taxi to this one!
Opposite Democracy Monument, step into the gently faded grandeur of Methavalai Sorndaeng and you’ll find the essence of traditional Thai fine dining celebrated with a grandiosity reminiscent of the nation’s royal heritage.
An iconic restaurant if ever there was one, and now in its seventh decade, the dishes here are delicately presented but full of flavour, with the coconut curries particularly well balanced. Despite its luxurious ties to regal splendour and sophistication, Methavalai Sorndaeng offers an accessible dining experience.
Though once Michelin-starred (they inexplicably lost theirs in the 2024 edition of the guide) The prices are surprisingly modest, with most main courses not exceeding 500 THB (approximately £12), and a selection of others priced even more kindly. The wine is presented with an easy-going charm – a straightforward choice between red or white, always served by the glass – underscoring the exceptional value. The nightly live 80s Thai music seals the deal.
When is Methavalai Sorndaeng open? Methavalai Sorndaeng is open every day from 10:30am to 10pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Though the restaurant can usually squeeze you in, it’s wise to book a day in advance for this one.
How much should I expect to spend? You can eat very well here and drink very merrily, ordering from the a la carte menu, for around ฿3500 (£75) for two people.
Closest BTS/MRT? Sam Yot MRT is a 15 minute walk from the restaurant. Alternatively, owing to the restaurant’s position close to the Chao Phraya river and canals (khlongs), you can shimmy up to the restaurant via Bangkok’s waterways. The closest canal stop is Panfa Leelard Pier. The closest ferry terminal (along the Chao Phraya) is Phra Arthit.
Instead, ingredients and spice levels remain resolutely ‘Southern’ to their soul, with unfiltered fish sauce, premium quality shrimp paste and, yes, mouse-shit loads of chilli all present and correct on the expansive tasting menu.
Right now (as of April 2025), the restaurant has recently returned from a break which saw the space renovated and the chefs take an extensive research trip down south. The new menu is looking refreshed and updated, the doors are now open again and the kitchen is on song.
Dishes that weren’t on the previous menu include an opening gambit of rice cracker with river prawn that’s so much more than its prosaic description, a complex soup of freshly pressed coconut milk and melinjo leaves that’s finished with crab oil, and an extravagant crispy omelette – all puffed up and lacy like an Elizabethan neck ruff – that’s filled with poached lobster. Yep, this new iteration of Sorn is looking even better (and certainly mroe luxurious) than the last – and that’s saying something!
For those keen to try the team’s cooking at a fraction of the price, chef Supaksorn’s more casual Southern Thai eatery Baan Ice has several outposts across the city, and is ace.
When is Sorn open? Sorn is usually open for dinner only every day except Saturday, with service starting at 6pm, although right now it’s closed for research and renovation.
Do I need to book in advance? At Sorn, reservations can be made a month in advance as announced on our social media platforms. Getting a table requires precision planning and setting your alarm. Check their socials for more information.
How much should I expect to spend? The full tasting menu is currently priced at ฿7200 (£162), tax and service excluded. With the third star recently dropping, we expect prices to rise somewhat in the near future.
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 15 minute walk from Sorn.
Ideal for a faithful Roman trattoria experience in the heart of Bangkok’s business district…
Of course, modern day Bangkok’s culinary scene is also home to some of the region’s best international restaurants, and if you’re after Italian food in the Thai capital, then you should look no further than Appia.
Standing as a tribute to the authentic Roman trattoria experience, since opening in 2013 on the bustling Sukhumvit Soi 31 (where you’ll find a couple of the other restaurants on our list, incidentally), this heartfelt homage to Rome has been packed out every night of the week, with diners seeking solace in the iconic Big Four pasta dishes that are synonymous with the Eternal City, as well as the everpresent porchetta that turns slowly on a spit in the window, beckoning diners inside. You’ll find us thoroughly beckoned at the counter more often than we’re proud to admit.
When is Appia open? Appia is open everyday, for lunch and dinner, with the restaurant open all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Do I need to book in advance? Booking in advance is highly recommended, which can be done over phone, email or Line.
How much should I expect to spend? A bowl of pasta at Appia is ฿400 (£8.70), a glass of house wine is around ฿300 (£6.50).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 15 minute walk from Sorn.
Ideal for one of Bangkok’s most acclaimed dim sum lunches…
Located in the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok (and with two other outposts in the city), Chef Man is one of the city’s most popular joints for fans of the food of Southern China.
Master Chef Wai Yin Man, a Hong Kong native, brings his expertise and passion for Cantonese cuisine to the forefront here, his meticulous Peking duck preparation the restaurant’s obvious centrepiece (more than 30’000 have been served across the city since Chef Man pitched up in 2011) but certainly not the only reason you should head here.
For us, the dim sum at Chef Man is the real highlight. Served from 11am every day, this is our favourite brunch spot in Bangkok. The ha kao shrimp dumplings are plump and squeaky fresh, and the signature yam cake – appearing looking a little like a deep-fried coronavirus – reveals an oozing salted egg yolk centre. It’s a real indulgence, with the frenetic energy of the broad open kitchen only adding to the fun. An extensive tea selection is also available.
Arguably the city’s most popular dim sum spot, you’ll want to book well in advance for this one.
For reservations, call Chef Man (the restaurant, not the actual fella) on 02 212 3789, 02 212 3741 or email [email protected]
When is Chef Man open? Chef Man is open everyday for lunch and dinner, from 11am to 2:30pm, and 6pm to 10pm, respectively.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations a few days in advance are necessary, which can be made via phone or email.
How much should I expect to spend? A dim sum feast for two, with tea, will set you back around ฿1000 (£22) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Surasak BTS is just a 2 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ojo is the crowning jewel of Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper, the King Power Mahanakhon, a Mexican restaurant that somehow lives up to its lofty billing with a fully-flavoured, tastefully opulent dining experience. Helmed by chef Francisco Paco Ruano from the acclaimed Restaurante Alcalde in Guadalajara, the restaurant takes its name from the word ‘eye’ in Spanish, and it’s an apt epithet, seeing as the dining room casts its gaze over Bangkok so seductively.
Drag your eyes away from the skyline and into the dining room, which straddles a real sense of glam with something more tastefully refined; the work of designer Ou Baholyodhin, whose sense of suave and drip seemingly knows no bounds. On the plate, things are equally beautiful, with dishes clearly crafted to taste as good as they look. All of this adds up to a sense of narrative and unity that manages to be totally satisfying rather than shallow. At 76 floors up, you’d certainly hope it wouldn’t be the latter.
When is Ojo open? Ojo is open everyday for lunch and dinner, from 11:30am to 2:30pm, and 5:30pm to 11:30pm, respectively. The sunset slot, around 6pm onwards, is highly recommended!
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations can usually be made on the day.
How much should I expect to spend? Ojo isn’t cheap, with starters between ฿500 (£11) and ฿1000 (£22), and main courses in the region of ฿2000 (£43). Wine is equally lofty.
Closest BTS/MRT? Chong Nonsi BTS is just a 2 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ideal for a bookish, beautifully rendered spread from ‘the godfather of Thai food’…
Inspired by the Thai cookbook authors of the 1940s and 1950s, Aksorn takes pride both in its location on Charoenkrung Road, an area that once buzzed with retail and entertainment and is now home to some of the best restaurants in Bangkok, and in its setting, once a former bookshop.
The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of Thai culture and heritage, offering a regularly changing, single-set selection of dishes that reflect the remarkable transition from a rich Siamese past to modern Thailand.
David Thompson, considered by many as the world’s leading authority on Thai cuisine, is at the stoves here (quite literally, on the night we visited last year), drawing inspiration from historical archives and his profound expertise for a menu that offers both comfort and a few surprises. See; the first bite of sardines on toast; heaving with white pepper and adorned with gossamer thin slices of shallot and coriander leaves, it seems to bridge the city and the chef’s disparate elements poetically.
There are more recognisably Thai dishes, too. Expect expertly conceived, highly-seasoned curries that sing with freshly squeezed coconut cream and Thai aromatics at their peak, as well as sweet and salty desserts that are surely some of the very best in town. Thompson is known for his sweet tooth, and this is just the place to indulge in the glorious marriage and sweet and savoury that Thai food is so celebrated for. Pair it all with a chilled, slightly sweet (of course) Australian Riesling, and you’ve got yourself one of the most well-rounded spreads in the city.
When is Aksorn open? Aksorn is open everyday for dinner, from 6pm to 9:30pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations can usually be made on the day, though you’ll want to book in advance for the weekend.
How much should I expect to spend? The set menu at Aksorn is currently priced at ฿3900 (£88) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Saphan Taksin BTS is a 10 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ideal for Thai drinking food and creative cocktails…
Err is the brainchild of the dynamic chef duo Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and her Australian-born husband Dylan Jones. Both chefs are renowned for their commitment to preserving Thai food heritage, with the pair’s globally renowned restaurant Bo.lan considered one of the world’s top Thai restaurants in its pomp.
The couple bring their expertise to Err in Thonglor, focusing on Thai drinking food classics and traditional dishes with a twist. The deep-fried whole chicken skin is unmissable, arriving still fully formed and needing nothing more than a little house sriracha sauce for dipping. It’s one for the ‘gram, sure, but it’s also bloody delicious.
Even more lip-smackingly good with a cold one is Err’s take on fermented pork, neam. A Northern Thai classic, here sticky rice-cured pork arrives wrapped around skewers, its gnarly edges grill-marked and caramelised, its body juicy, rich and full of savour. It’s a truly glorious take on one of our favourite foods in the world.
Of course, Thai drinking food needs drinks, and some serious thought has gone into Err’s. Go for The Laabtini, a unique cocktail blending tequila with laab spices. Created by the team’s no-waste cocktail bar Wasteland, it’s already a classic.
When is Err open? Err is open 11am until late On Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, and 5pm until late on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
Do I need to book in advance? Err is walk-in only.
How much should I expect to spend? The majority of snacks and dishes here are priced at around ฿250 (£5.50).
Closest BTS/MRT? Thonglor BTS is a 5 minute walk from Err.
Garima Arora, the Mumbai-born culinary genius behind Gaa, is the first Indian female chef to be awarded a Michelin star, with a historic second following in late 2024.
Having already honed her skills at Copenhagen’s world famous Noma, in 2015 she moved to Bangkok to work as a sous chef at Gaggan, the highly creative Indian restaurant run by Gaggan Anand that has topped the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list several times, its most recent iteration once again occupying the number one spot for a record fifth time.
With the blessing of the big man, Arora struck out on her own, opening Gaa in Bangkok in 2017, with the aim of blending ingredients and cooking sensibilities from the Indian subcontinent with the odd Thai flourish, reflecting her diverse culinary experiences to dramatic, alluring effect.
Having recently moved to a new location close to BTS Thonglor and just round the corner from the aforementioned Err, the restaurant is going from strength to strength, capped off by that second Michelin star in the 2024 Guide. We can’t wait to see where they go next.
When is Gaa open? Gaa is open daily, for both lunch and dinner.
Do I need to book in advance? You can usually book Gaa for the following day, though tables are a little more scarce at the weekend.
How much should I expect to spend? The Gaa experience is currently priced at ฿4900 (£115) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Thonglor BTS is a 5 minute walk from Gaa.
Ideal for a thoughtful, forward-thinking reflection of Bangkok’s Chinatown…
Standing slap bang in the middle of Bangkok’s Chinatown, Potong pays homage to the city’s rich tapestry of Thai-Chinese heritage through its innovative cuisine. This avant-garde restaurant is the work of Chef Pam, just last month anointed The World’s Best Female Chef 2025, who has skillfully woven her family’s century-old recipes with a modern twist, creating an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
The ambiance of Potong is a seamless blend of the past and present, with decor that reflects the elegance of Shanghai in the 1920s, yet pulses with the contemporary beat of Bangkok. It’s a match made in heaven.
Exciting news for 2025: Chef Pam is expanding her culinary footprint with Khao San Sek. This new venture celebrates the five pillars of Thai cuisine – rice, chili, coconut, fish sauce, and palm sugar – reimagining these foundational ingredients with her signature precision. Following the success of her Michelin-starred POTONG, Chef Pam’s latest restaurant promises a fresh perspective on Thai culinary heritage.
When is Potong open? Potong is open Thursday to Monday, for dinner service only, 4pm to 11pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You will need to book a table for Potong, via Chope, several months in advance.
How much should I expect to spend? Potong’s new 5 senses, 5 elements ‘revolution’ tasting menu is priced at ฿6300 (£150) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Wat Mangkon MRT is a 5 minute walk from Potong.
Ideal for elite soba noodles you’ll have to set your alarm for…
You better set your alarm bright and early if you want to sample a bowl of some of Bangkok’s best soba noodles. Not because No Name Noodle – suitably mysterious in its moniker – opens early doors, but because you have to pre-book your bowl (one of only 35 made each day) in a kind of Glastonbury T-day scramble for one of seven stools and a satisfied slurp. Only furthering that comparison, it happens to be 9am every Sunday that the chaos unfolds online.
It’s well worth hammering that F5 button;chef Shinichiro Kondo is a master of his craft, with every bowl given immaculate care and attention, a glorious blend of innovation (there’s some sous vide work here) and respect for tradition.
Images via @nonamenoodlebkk
There are only two menu options here; Tokusei Shio Soba, a noodle soup with a seafood base and various toppings including pork and chicken chashu, and Tokusei Kombusui Tsuke Soba, a dish with noodles dipped in kombu dashi and a side of shoyu tsuke soup. Both dishes are crafted with over 30 ingredients, and diners are invited to customise their bowls with additional condiments for that touch of the personal.
Regardless of which bowl you go for, the soba noodles are the star of the show here, a labour of love that boast just the right amount of bounce, chew and earthy grounding. There are fewer more satisfying bowls in a city full of them.
When is No Name Noodle open? No Name Noodle is open every day except Monday for lunch, between 11am and 3pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Oh yes, and it’s one hell of a process.
How much should I expect to spend? A bowl of noodles at No Name Noodle clocks in at around ฿800 (£19).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 20 minute walk away.
Ideal for a modern curry and rice restaurant that’s really so much more than that…
Bangkok’s historic Talat Noi neighbourhood, sitting pretty on the outskirts of the city’s Chinatown, is one of the most thrusting in the city, where seemingly not a day goes by without a new cocktail bar opening or an art installation popping up.
Charmgang, now in its fifth year and the recent recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, exemplifies this new sense of cool in the area, a restaurant that’s both traditional and forward-thinking in its approach, and one of, quite simply, the best places to eat in Bangkok.
Conceived by a trio of ultra-ambitious chefs – Geravich ‘Mew’ Mesaengnilverakul, Aruss ‘Jai’ Lerlerstkull, and Atcharaporn ‘Aew’ Kiatthanawat – who met at world renowned Nahm, the restaurant is nominally a ‘curry shop’, and true to this billing, the curries here are gorgeous, a skilful blend of Thai culinary tradition and the occasional modern technique, all to be enjoyed in a tastefully furnished, artistically minded dining room that shares its energy with the open kitchen which overlooks it.
Yep, you’ll hear the clatter of the wok and the pok-pok of the pestle and mortar while you eat, the perfect seasoning for a graceful, elegant spread. Do not miss the beef cheek panang curry, a celebration of fresh coconut milk as much as it is of chilli and perfectly braised, surrendering beef. Desserts are fabulous, too, so do try to save room.
The team’s success with Charmgang led to the late 2023 opening of sister restaurant Charmkrung just up the road. Taking over the top floor of a nondescript office building (the night-time views of twinkling Bangkok on high are stirring), this natural wine bar and small plates restaurant sees chef Jai eschewing the by-the-book Thai cooking he champions so brilliantly at Charmgang for a more playful approach, focusing on small bites and medium-sized mains that riff on aaharn kap klaem (Thai drinking foods). As the chef himself puts the difference between his two restaurants; Charmkrung “goes with drinks,” Charmgang “goes with rice”.
Highlights on the menu include Jai’s take on kanom krok, here filled with a silky chicken liver pâté and topped with pomegranate seeds and a little wedge of boiled egg, and an exquisitely balanced smoked and pickled tomato salad, adorned with satisfyingly complete batons of crab leg and a load of crunchy stuff.
The fish curry with a pleasing slab of pomfret is served with raisin-studded roti, a nod to the chef’s Southern Thai heritage, while the deceptively simple but flavour-packed grilled cabbage follows a recipe taken from his school canteen. All are matched brilliantly with an inspired drink list, ranging from cocktails that incorporate Chinese herbs and spices to funky natural wines from small-scale labels that are hard to find elsewhere in Bangkok.
The space is playful and fun, with both tables and bar counters making the restaurant equally suited to large groups, dinner dates and solo diners perched at the counter watching the kitchen at work. A refreshingly undogmatic wine list completes the package, mixing both traditional styles and regions with more progressive and experimental wines, while always keeping a keen eye on the wines’ ability to match the complexity of contemporary Thai cuisine.
A year and a half in from opening, and it’s clear Charmkrung is another winner from a team who have an inimitable grasp of what Bangkokians want from a modern Thai restaurant. Praise the lord, then, that the prolific team have this year opened a third restaurant, this time named Charmkok. We can’t wait to check it out!
When are Charmgang and Charmkrung open? Charmgang is open daily for dinner, from 6pm to 10:30pm. It opens for lunch, too, on Saturdays and Sundays. Charmkrung is open from 6pm to midnight daily. Do be aware that the kitchen closes at 11pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations for Charmgang are highly recommended, and usually required for a week or two in advance. Charmkrung is a more sprawling, casual space, and bookings are less essential but certainly still recommended.
How much should I expect to spend? A full spread of curries, soups, salads, relishes and the rest at Charmgang will set you back around ฿3000 (£65), before booze is added. At Charmkrung, small plates range from ฿90-290 (£2-6.50), with larger dishes between ฿190-720 (£4-16). Genuinely interesting glasses of wine are available from around ฿300.
Closest BTS/MRT? Hua Lamphong MRT is a 10 minute walk away from both. It’s just a couple of minutes walk between Charmgang and Charmkrung if you fancy tackling both in one indulgent night.
Ideal for perfectly poised marriage of Mexican-Indian cuisine from one of the world’s most recognisable chefs…
Even those not conversant in Bangkok’s culinary landscape might recognise chef Gaggan Anand, perhaps having seen him on Chef’s Table, or on a a TikTok reel traversing Bangkok via tuk tuk with Ed Sheeran or, you know, having read the entry on Gaa just a few paragraphs previously.
At Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh’s, chef Anand tells the culinary story of a ‘’love affair between a Mexican hometown girl and an Indian city boy’’ via a perfectly poised marriage of Mexican-Indian cuisine that the restaurant has dubbed ‘fantasy cuisine’, realised here by the two head chefs Hernán Crispín Villalva and Roshan Kumar. Trust us on this one; it works.
Here, diners can savour Anand’s signature crab curry, which is now ingeniously paired with Goan poee bread, ideal for pulling through the intricate sauce. The menu also features keema paneer quesadillas, bursting with the robust taste of mutton and toasted spices, followed by pork vindaloo tacos accompanied by a tart pineapple salsa, striking an intoxicating yet strangely comforting balance of flavour and texture.
Both are part of the latest tasting menu, offered at an attractive price of 6000 THB (£130) for two, and served in the fresh setting of the second floor of the eponymous Gaggan Anand restaurant. The atmosphere is laid-back and whimsical, with the interior design drawing inspiration from both Oaxaca and Jodhpur, creating a lively and colourful ambiance.
Echoing this playful spirit, guests are greeted by a bright neon sign as they step into the restaurant, boldly stating that “love should never be mild.” The dishes served here not only match this bold statement but also reflect Chef Anand’s continued passion for creating food that’s as spirited and joyous as ever.
When is Ms Maria and Mr Singh open? Ms Maria and Mr Singh is closed on Mondays, and open for just dinner (6pm to 11pm) from Tuesday to Fridays. The restaurant also opens for lunch at the weekend.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations are highly recommended, and usually required for a week or two in advance.
How much should I expect to spend? The tasting menu for two here is priced at ฿6000 (£130)
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 20 minute walk away.
Inspired by Japanese izakaya style dining, Aunglo by Yangrank is a paean to the grill (‘aunglo’ is a type of charcoal grill in Thai), expressed via a procession of blistered and burnished sticks of seafood, meat and root vegetable that are as delicious as any aunty’s moo ping you’ll find outside any BTS station. And that’s the highest praise we could bestow on a place…
The counter bar here faces an open kitchen where chefs glaze and rotate a series of skewers, all whilst maintaining a decent side of conversation and good cheer, the intermittent licking of flames the perfect clarion call that the glaze is doing its job. Not exactly harming things in the flavour department, that glaze is often a thick, reduced coconut curry, a massaman-coated, barbecued squash a delicious case in point that demands re-upping several times.
Sure, you’ll have to factor in leaving absolutely humming of smoke, but it’s well worth it for the delicate kiss of charcoal that every dish at Aunglo by Yangrak has received, even the desserts.
When is Aunglo by Yangrak open? Aunglo by Yangrak is closed on Tuesdays, and open every other day for both lunch and dinner.
Do I need to book in advance? You can book a spot via direct message on their Instagram, but it’s not often full.
How much should I expect to spend? The big feast of skewers, sides and beers for two won’t top ฿3000 (£65)
Closest BTS/MRT? Saint Louis BTS is a 10 minute walk from Aunglo by Yangrak.
Ideal for neo-Indian fine dining with genuine green credentials…
Billed as Thailand’s first urban farm and zero-waste restaurant (a bold claim that’s a little tough to verify, perhaps), neo-Indian fine dining restaurant Haoma certainly wears its sustainability chops proudly on its sleeve, with a biophilic dining room that merges the outdoors and in succinctly, and a tasting menu built around on-site hydroponically grown produce (you’ll get a tour of the fish ponds and gardens when you arrive) and organic ingredients sourced from their sister farm in Chiang Mai.
It’s an approach where each discipline of the restaurant – the food, winelist, ambience and hospitality – feeds into the next, creating a homogeneous, self-sustaining feel that you can’t help but admire. Both a Michelin star and Michelin green star for sustainability have followed.
That’s not to say that this is purely branding; Chef Deepanker Khosla certainly puts his money where his mouth is. Following a hugely successful, altruistic pandemic project called the #NoOneHungry campaign that has given more than 500’000 meals to those most in need in Bangkok, the chef has now opened Bangkok’s first permanent soup kitchen. Legend.
On the menu back at Haoma, just two choices; a tasting menu of meat and seafood or a vegetarian version, and 15 courses or 11. In the lean, green spirit of the place (smells like green spirit?), we went for the shorter vegetarian option at Haoma, but certainly didn’t feel short changed. This is a precision procession of loosely Indian, pretty-as-a-picture plates that felt both clean and indulgent, avant garde but anchored, the storytelling behind each dish helped along by a series of postcards and artefacts that rest on your table as you eat.
At 3500 THB (around £75) for the ten courser, Haoma also represents an absolute steal for a restaurant that’s surely due a second star in the coming years.
When is Haoma open? Haoma is closed on Mondays, and open for dinner (5:30pm to 11pm) Tuesdays to Fridays. At the weekend, it’s open for lunch too, from midday to 2pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You can usually book a table at Haoma the day before.
How much should I expect to spend? The Chefs Tasting menu of 10 courses is currently priced at ฿5990 (£135).
Closest BTS/MRT? Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT are a 15 minute walk from Haoma.
Ideal for a meticulous meeting of the Med and the Chao Phraya…
When it was announced that a globally celebrated chef would open a fancy French restaurant in a 5 star hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s culinary cognoscenti could have been forgiven for wondering if another such place was really necessary.
But such is the quality of Côte by Mauro Colagreco, and the unique skills of head chef Davide Garavaglia, that those doubts died down almost as soon as the restaurant had finished its first service, with the spot now arguably the city’s destination fine-dining restaurant for those not in the mood for Thai (fools).
Of course, the pedigree here is undeniable. Mauro Colagreco, whose illustrious career’s highlight is the three Michelin-starred Mirazur on the French Riviera, has brought a slice of the Mediterranean to Bangkok, with a tasting menu that imbues traditional French technique with the odd Thai flourish to great effect. Here, it’s a nine course tasting menu (there’s also a shorter lunch affair) which see the diner put complete trust in the chef.
Whilst we wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise here, the restaurant has a wicked way with seafood, a dish of local sea urchin and textures of cauliflower landing as one of the best dishes we’ve enjoyed in the city, a perfect marriage of sense of place and the chef’s own idiosyncrasies. The panoramic river views certainly do no harm.
In the 2025 Michelin Guide for Thailand announcement, the consistency and quality of Côte was further underscored by Michelin’s awarding of a second star. Whilst we hate to be ‘that guy’, a third feels kind of inevitable at this stage.
When is Côte open? Côte is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and open for both lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Do I need to book in advance? You can usually book a table at Côte the day before.
How much should I expect to spend? The full nine course tasting menu is currently priced at ฿7800 (£184). The shorter four course lunch menu is ฿3300 (£78).
Closest BTS/MRT? Saphan Taksin BTS is a 15 minute walk away.
Ideal for Thai comfort food given a respectful, ridiculously delicious reinvention…
The dynamic chef duo Napol ‘Joe’ Jantraget and Saki Hoshino are responsible for some of Bangkok’s most genuinely enjoyable upscale restaurants, from their work at the innovative 80/20 just up the road to their more recently opened celebration of Central Thai food at Nawa.
You’ll find that innate sense of hospitality at Samlor, too. Meaning ‘tricycle’ in Thai, it’s a name that hints at the more homely vibes this place exudes, complemented by its bare bricks interior and chalkboard specials menu.
The signature dish here is without doubt the Samlor omlette, an obscene looking thing with a soufflé-like rise, crispy top and runny centre. Served simply with a little fish sauce and chilli, it’s no doubt a knockout, but certainly not the only dish that deserves your attention (of useful note; it can be ordered in a smaller, more manageable version for a third of its usual price).
Even better, we think, is the slow-cooked wagyu beef krapow. Perfumed with deep-fried holy basil leaves, it’s an absurdly satisfying riff on Thailand’s favourite comfort food, which pretty much sums up the restaurant’s strongest suit, we think. Pair it with that omelette in place of your usual frilly fried egg, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect meal. As long as there’s plenty of jasmine rice to hand, of course…
…but to order so conservatively would be to miss out on some of the other highlights, including smoked pork ribs with jaew and a genuinely exciting take on the Laotian salad naem khao tod.
With a local craft beer (of which Samlor has a fine selection) this order will give you change from 1000 THB (£21). That’s some serious value.
When is Samlor open? Samlor is closed on Tuesdays, and open for dinner only (6pm to 10:30pm) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. At the weekend, it’s open for lunch, too, between 11am and 1:30pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You’ll want to book Samlor a week or two in advance, via their Instagram.
How much should I expect to spend? The omlette and pad grapao are priced at ฿300 (£6.50) and ฿400 (£9), respectively.
Closest BTS/MRT? Saphan Taksin BTS is a 20 minute walk away.
Ideal for Bangkok’s most acclaimed omakase experience…
This exclusive traditional omakase sushi bar is the work of Chef Masato Shimizu, a culinary virtuoso whose journey began in Japan and soared to new heights in New York City, where he became the youngest chef to be honoured with a Michelin star at the tender age of 29.
Sushi Masato, tucked away off Soi Sukhumvit 31 (there it is again) behind an unmarked door, brings the chef’s meticulous craft from over 20 years of experience to the forefront, showcasing both his skills and his impeccable sourcing directly from the fish markets of Tokyo to a first-floor chef’s counter. Though that first floor is chef Shimizu’s domain, for a more laid back, languid experience, head upstairs to Raw Bar Masato, where you can order a la carte sushi of the same premium quality as the full experience below.
Securing a reservation at Sushi Masato requires some effort; seats are released on a month-by-month basis, precisely at 00:00 hrs on the 15th of every month for the following month. Amazingly for a restaurant of this pedigree and poise, there’s a takeaway menu of sorts at Sushi Masato; via their website, you can order a bespoke mini omakase box to be delivered to your door for the princely sum of 2500 THB.
When is Sushi Mataso open? Sushi Mataso is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is open for both lunch (midday to 2pm) and dinner (5pm to 10pm) Wednesday through Sunday.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, indeed, and it’s something of a scramble On the 15th of every month at midnight, new seat slots for the following month are released.
How much should I expect to spend? The lunch omakase is ฿4000 (£87), the dinner ฿6000 (£130).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 10 minute walk away.
Ideal for refined, contemporary German cuisine in a serene villa setting…
In a city so steeped in exceptional Thai food that fish sauce dapples your pores when you do finally come up for air, Sühring offers something a little different: a refined, contemporary exploration of German cuisine, masterfully executed by twin chefs Thomas and Mathias Sühring. Born in East Berlin and trained in three-starred kitchens across Europe, the twins bring an intoxicating mixture of technical mastery and nostalgia to each bite of their sprawling, 15-course tasting menu.
Sühring opened in 2016 with the backing of renowned chef Gaggan Anand, who said soon after, when the accolades started shimmering: “It sounds capitalistic, but I actually bought my own competition.”
That backing represented something of a risk as, interestingly, the brothers had never cooked German food professionally before, instead spending their formative years immersed in the rigid world of French classical cookery. But with memories of their grandmother’s cooking and a desire to show a different side of an often-maligned German cuisine to the world, the restaurant got famous fast, picking up a star at the inaugural Thailand Michelin Guide in 2017, and a second just a year later.
Perhaps it shouldn’t come as such a surprise that a German fine dining restaurant was such a success from the off in Bangkok. In fact, Thailand represents something of a captive audience for the cuisine. As acclaimed chef Andy Ricker writes in his excellent book Pok Pok, when discussing the Thais love of pork knuckle: “this seemingly incongruous Thai dish is actually a fine example of sanctioned fusion food. Germans have been coming to Thailand for many years. Thais love to drink beer – matter of fact, much of the beer in Thailand is based on German brew… So the German beer garden concept has really taken hold here. German food, too.”
You won’t find any tough, over-salted pork knuckle at Sühring. Forget any preconceived notions of heavy, rustic fare; here, traditional German dishes are reimagined with elegance, precision, and a lightness of touch that transcends borders.
The tasting menu – or ‘Sühring Erlebnis’ – is a journey. Signature dishes like their spätzle (soft egg noodles), served with aged parmesan or seasonal truffles, were once the talk of the town, and are still just as delicious. The Brotzeit bread service showcases their dedication to craft and a sense of old school generosity – homemade sourdough and soft pretzel is served with spreads including Oldenburger butter, schmalz, and obatzda cheese dip, accompanied by pickles and dry-aged beef. You could leave happy after this course alone, quite frankly, but to do so would be to miss out on Grandma’s Eggnog, served in miniature bottles based on their grandmother’s recipe and just delightful.
That sense of the familial is peppered throughout an evening at Sühring. Set within a beautifully restored 1970s villa, dining here feels like being welcomed into a very stylish, food-loving German home (and one that charges you several hundred pounds just as you’re getting up to leave). The villa itself is actually an integral part of the experience, offering four distinct dining spaces. After something intimate? Get yourself in the Living Room. Something sun-drenched for you, sir? The Glass House is where you should head. Or, if you don’t like talking to your partner, the Kitchen offers counter seating where you can watch the chefs tweezering with studied silence.
Service is bright and knowledgeable, with dish explainers that you actually want to listen to rather than stab your eyes out with your knife. That knife is a serious business, it should said; a whole selection of blades is presented for your meat course, for diners to choose from. It’s a nice performative touch.
All in all, Sühring is quite possibly the best ‘European’ fine dining experience in the city, and that third star (that guy, again) doesn’t feel far away.
When is Sühring open? Sühring is open for dinner service from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30pm to 10pm, with lunch available Thursday through Sunday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. The restaurant remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Do I need to book in advance? Absolutely essential, this is one of Bangkok’s most sought-after reservations.
How much should I expect to spend? The tasting menu is priced from ฿4,800 for lunch and ฿7,800 for dinner.
Closest BTS/MRT? Chong Nonsi BTS or Lumphini MRT are the nearest, but a taxi is recommended for the final leg into Yen Akat.
Ideal for consistently brilliant Southern Thai food…
‘Do you like spicy?’. The familiar question fired at a farang upon ordering. Sometimes it’s more of a warning: ’very spicy’, or words to that effect. Here, the waiter’s words of caution were conspicuous in their absence; when you come to Khua Kling Pak Sod, you know what you’re letting yourself in for. This is Southern Thai food and as such, unashamedly pungent, ferocious and, best of all, delicious.
The namesake khua kling – a dry pork curry – is unreal. And hot. Abundant ‘rat shit’ chillies are used as garnish and are as forthright as their nickname. All this bravado shouldn’t detract from how good the food is though – it’s brilliant. The blue swimmer crab yellow curry is just masterful. Make sure to order lots of rice to smooth out those rough edges, and you’re set. In a city with new Southern Thai restaurants seemingly opening daily, Khua Kling Pak Sod still stands out as one of the very best.
Ideal for unapologetically traditional Southern Thai cuisine…
In a city approaching Southern Thai saturation point (somewhat ironic to say so straight after Khua Kling), Janhom sets itself apart not through a ‘refined’, ‘elevated’, or any other neutering of the form, but rather through a sheer, unwavering dedication to the traditional way of doing things, both in technique and seasoning.
For over two decades, chef Poonsri ‘Auntie Baew’ Sarikarn has been serving up some of Bangkok’s most uncompromising Southern food from this modest but totally perfect restaurant in Wang Thonglang. We’re loath to say there’s an ethos here, to ponder a ‘culinary philosophy’ as the Chef’s Table strings crank into life – just a commitment to doing things right. So, that’s absolutely no sweetening to accommodate what many Southerners might consider the more tentative tastes of the capital. Instead, Auntie Baew’s versions remain steadfastly true to their Surat Thani roots – bracingly sour, properly salty, and with a chilli heat that’s spicy, sure, but also fruity, exacting and invigorating.
Auntie Baew’s daily ritual of hand-pounding the restaurant’s curry pastes might look labour-intensive in a city increasingly predisposed to the blender or tub, but it provides a depth of flavour and ’roundness’ that simply can’t be replicated with commercial alternatives, forming the backbone of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
The gaeng leung (sour yellow curry) here is as good as it gets (both the dish and life). Have yours with chunks of barramundi, poached in the curry on the bone, and coconut shoots, which have the remarkable ability to soak up all that broth whilst retaining crunch and structural integrity. It’s one of the best curries in the city – assertive but complex, and with enough chilli heat to dust off the very worst of Bangkok hangovers.
The restaurant’s gaeng tai pla (fermented fish guts curry) serves as another benchmark dish, a heady, moody bowl that’s seasoned with the deftest of touches. Forget the fifth taste – Auntie Baew seems to have coaxed out a new form of flavour in her gaeng tai pla, somewhere between earthy and sweet that has my head spinning everytime I eat it.
Something neutral, a crisp counterpoint, is required here, and it comes in the form of the pla tod kamin (deep-fried fish with crispy turmeric and garlic) and the pak liang pad khai (stir-fried melinjo leaves with egg), both of which soothe the most bracing notes of the other dishes orbiting the rice. When all paired together, it’s such a harmonious spread, it grips you and pulls you in, not letting up until the final, gratis chilled watermelon hits the table to cleanse everything that’s just happened.
Do we even need to say that the dining room is fairly basic, or that the beers stand on one of those little stainless steel trolleys next to a bucket of ice, or that the menu is vast, laminated and wipeable? It’s that kind of place, and with all the turmeric involved, the stainless steel, the wipeable menus, and the laid back vibe, are all an absolute necessity. Need we say more?
When is Janhom open? Janhom is open every day from 10am to 9pm.
Do I need to book in advance? The restaurant is large enough and far enough from the city centre that bookings aren’t usually necessary. During weekend lunch service, you might want to, just to be safe.
How much should I expect to spend? ฿500 or so per person, representing exceptional value for such meticulously prepared food.
Closest BTS/MRT? The nearest station is Airport Rail Link – Ramkhamhaeng Station, though not within walking distance. Janhom is somewhat out in the sticks (relatively speaking), so take the opportunity for a well-earned snooze in a taxi to wherever you’re going next.
Scotland, and more specifically the second city Glasgow, is enjoying something of a moment, restaurant-wise.There have been a slew of positive reviews in the national press recently, and 2025’s Michelin reveal was even held here, cementing Glasgow’s reputation as a heavy hitter where culinary culture is concerned.
The city’s residents didn’t need the Big Red Guide to confirm this. They already know that Glasgow is alive with creativity and imagination, as well as a surrounding larder that seemingly makes it difficult to cook a bad dish.
But beyond the accolades, what makes Glasgow’s dining scene particularly compelling is its unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and a genuine hospitality, all reflective of the city as a whole.
If you’re visiting the city and pulling into Glasgow Central, firstly, can we assume that you’re a millionaire? Those train tickets don’t come cheap. But more importantly, we guess you’re looking for a great feed the moment you alight. If so, then you’ve come to the right place; here are the best restaurants near Glasgow Central.
Margo, Miller Street
Ideal for contemporary Scottish dining with a neighbourhood bistro feel…
Five minutes’ walk from Glasgow Central, Margo opened in late 2024 on Miller Street as the latest addition to Scoop Restaurants, the acclaimed hospitality group behind Ox and Finch, Ka Pao, and now also Sebb’s. While its siblings each have more singular identities, Margo plays faster and looser, with a broad mission to showcase Scottish ingredients via European techniques. Mission accomplished, and then some.
The restaurant recently earned a prestigious Bib Gourmand in the 2025 Michelin Guide, with inspectors praising its “bustling, efficiently run restaurant that’s deservedly popular thanks to its great buzz and flavour-packed, generously priced dishes.” They’re right, you know.
The 36-cover space is intimate but not cloying—sage green banquettes, white-washed brick walls and wooden floors create a breezy backdrop, and Chef Amie Rae (formerly of The Gannet and Alchemilla) leads a focused, quietly confident team in the open kitchen.
The menu changes seasonally, though certain standout dishes have become mainstays. The Margo beef tartare, keenly priced just shy of a tenner, demands attention—hand-chopped bavette comes with a grilled onion salad that brings sweetness and smoke, crispy potato shards for texture, and a generous swoosh of crème fraîche that harmonises the elements. It’s a sign of Rae’s deft touch with seasoning, letting the clean, mineral notes of the hand-chopped beef take centre stage.
You’d be mad to stop there, and the chipsticks with taramasalata (£6) feel like the perfect supporting act to that tartare. Here, an ingenious hybrid between pomme rösti, hash brown and panisse is topped with silky smoked cod roe taramasalata and house-made furikake. Meant for sharing, you might regret that decision after tasting them.
For special occasions, the 600g sirloin on the bone (£50) makes a statement. It’s finished with either ‘sauce Margo’ or their interpretation of café de Paris butter, the latter slowly melting over the perfectly pink beef, seasoning as it disperses. It’s quite the sight, and it eats damn well too.
The wine list features low-intervention bottles from small European producers alongside classic regions. The front-of-house team, led by co-owner Julie Dunn, achieves that rare balance of knowledge without intimidation—you’ll get thoughtful recommendations whether spending £30 or £300. Or, go for a house cocktail, which employ innovative techniques like fat-washing and carbonation. Crowd favourites including Frozen Martinis and a distinctive Yoghurt Punch both killer.
Whichever way you play it, finish with the bare bones chocolate nemesis and vanilla ice cream—a dense, flourless cake highlighting single-origin Guatemalan chocolate from local maker Bare Bones, recently featured on Rick Stein’s Food Stories, no less.
In Glasgow’s increasingly confident dining scene, Margo represents a particular strain of modern Scottish restaurant—technically impressive while remaining approachable, ambitious without arrogance, rooted in Glasgow while drawing inspiration from beyond.
Ideal for vinyl vibes, boozy slushies and big-flavoured small plates…
Beneath Margo in a subterranean brick vault on Miller Street, Sebb’s marks the newest addition to the Scoop Restaurants group. Open only half a year, the name ‘Sebb’s’ is an anagram of ‘Sixty-Eight Basement Bar,’ neatly reflecting its location beneath Margo at 68 Miller Street. We find that super satisfying, we’re not going to lie.
Drawing inspiration from European vinyl bars, this venue blends industrial and retro elements—burgundy tiles, red leather booths and that distinctive arched brickwork ceiling illuminated by neon lighting. A DJ spins records in the corner, though the music never drowns conversation.
Head straight for the alcoholic slushies (£8), worlds apart from the sugary concoctions of yours and my youth. The strawberry margarita strikes a remarkable balance between fresh strawberry, quality tequila and lime—delivering a nostalgic frozen sensation with sophisticated flavour. The Miami Vice combines strawberry margarita and piña colada into a glorious two-tone creation. Yep, they love strawberries.
The open kitchen, headed by Danny Carruthers (ex-Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or, with short stints at Le Gavroche and Lyle’s), focuses on cooking over fire, the central charcoal grill thoroughly seasoning the place with smoke.
The much photographed DC’s Texan Hot Link (£9) isn’t just an Insta-perfect plate — it’s a juicy, substantial sausage with just enough heat, served with ‘gold sauce,’ bread and those all-important butter pickles. Lamb skewers (£7 a pop) arrive blistered and burnished from the grill, a little gnarly and with enough chew to reveal pastoral flavours a plenty. A creamy garlic labneh sees the skewers on their way. Plant-based options hit the mark too —the grilled cauliflower with hummus, rayu and pine nuts is a lot of fun for under a tenner.
All great plates, but what sets Sebb’s apart is its ability to deliver both big night-out energy and genuinely good food, with inclusive opening hours of midday to midnight seven days a week ensuring a diverse crowd and plenty of good cheer.
Ideal for zero-waste Italian with fermentation wizardry…
In Glasgow’s atmospheric Cathedral Precinct, Celentano’s occupies the ground floor of historic Cathedral House, a striking 19th-century baronial-style building with a fascinating past— it once housed released female prisoners from Duke Street Prison. With views of the city’s gothic Necropolis, the food has some work to do to live up to the setting.
Husband-wife team Dean and Anna Parker launched the restaurant in summer 2021, and hit their stride fast in the most testing of climates, winning a Bib Gourmand just a year later. Perhaps that’s not a massive surprise; Parker built his reputation in London heading acclaimed restaurants Darby’s, Sorella and The Dairy (RIP), while Anna’s background lies in fashion and design.
The name Celentano’s reflects their Italian honeymoon journey from Florence to the Amalfi Coast, when the singer-songwriter Adriano Celentano seemed to be soundtracking the entire jaunt. The menu spans Italy with similar breadth, evolving seasonally and with sustainability at its core. Drawing from his time at The Dairy in particular, Parker employs fermentation, preserving and curing to maximise ingredients and minimise waste. Their environmental commitment extends beyond cooking—biodynamic wines on tap reduce glass waste, herbs and vegetables grow in their restaurant garden, and they keep bees nearby.
Start with smoked cod doughnuts —airy morsels filled with cod cream and topped with zingy house-made kimchi—or the now-famous lasagne fritti, crumbed pucks of fried pasta containing porcini bechamel and tangy Corra Linn sheep’s milk cheese. Technically precise and a touch playful, both clock it at under a fiver.
From the larger courses, on a recent visit the agnolotti with shaved artichoke stood out. Equally compelling was the linguine with cuttlefish ragu, black olive and tarragon—a deep, inky tangle that thrummed with saline depth. For secondi, the whole grilled bream is a worthy centrepiece. Perfectly cooked with skin on the verge of crackling, it exemplifies Dean’s philosophy of respectful simplicity with superior ingredients.
Their affogato is a winner if you’ve got a mind for the sweet stuff. On our last visit, a malted barley gelato, chocolate mousse and cold brew coffee was a clever reimagining of the Italian classic, each element supercharged. Back to the beginning, and you’ll want to start with a house negroni, made with the restaurants homemade vermouth. For non-drinkers, Celentano’s house kombucha is ace.
One of the best places to dine near Glasgow Central, Celantanos represents a homecoming success story of London culinary talent returning to Glasgow (a trend begun with Rosie Healey at Alchemilla in 2018) and exemplifies the city’s increasingly confident dining scene. Here, technical expertise meets warm hospitality, honouring Italian traditions while establishing its own identity. We’ll be back, time and time again.
Ideal for elegant Scottish plates in a grand Exchange Square setting…
Occupying the ground floor of the impressive Western Club building in Royal Exchange Square, Glaschu (Gaelic for ‘Glasgow’, no less) sits just minutes from Glasgow Central. It’s a dining space that exudes understated elegance – muted beige tones complemented by grand green pillars that has you worried you’re just about to drop serious money on a meal.
Fear not. Chef Graeme Brown’s isn’t quite as expensive as its esteemed surroundings imply. Dishes like scallops with celeriac, apple and hazelnut, or lobster ravioli with cep puree and lobster bisque both hover around the £20, whilst the substantial 35-day aged beef fillet with ox cheek and ale suet pudding is £45, sure, but it’s enough to send you home happy without absolute need for starter or dessert. To get a more thorough overview of Brown’s cooking, there’s a tasting menu too, priced at £75 or £125 with drinks pairing.
It’s on the Hump Day that Glaschu becomes particularly appealing. To get you through the rest of the week, ‘Wellington Wednesdays’ present two pinpoint beef Wellingtons with golden thick-cut chips, tender carrots and rich red wine jus, plus a bottle of wine for £90 per couple.
The cocktail list reflects the restaurant’s appreciation for Glasgow’s history and architecture. The Marochetti blends limoncello, Malfy Italian gin, basil and lemon juice—named after the Italian-born architect who designed the Duke of Wellington statue, while the Barrowlands with Roku gin, Lillet Blanc, salt and seaweed pays homage to the iconic East End venue.
If all of that sounds a little high falutin, then you’ll be interested to hear that Glaschu has recently expanded by opening MAISON by Glaschu in Princes Square on Buchanan Street, a French-inspired bar and restaurant offering a slightly more casual dining experience.
Ideal for a bright, airy spot serving global-Scottish fusion from dawn till dusk..
Inside the new AC by Marriott hotel on John Street, just a short walk from Glasgow Central, Hazel forms part of the ambitious £100 million Love Loan development. Named after the hazel branch in Glasgow’s original coat of arms, the restaurant brings a contemporary dining option to a rapidly evolving district.
The 100-seat venue boasts a bright, Scandi-chic interior with a striking faux hazel tree as its centerpiece, plus bird-shaped lights and fish sculptures nodding to the city’s emblem. It’s all a bit much, visually, but as floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light on Glasgow’s sunnier days, it’s also kinda irresistible.
Don’t let the obviously AI-written social media posts put you off (“Dine, unwind, and escape the rush of the city in a setting where nature and urban elegance coexist beautifully…”). Rest assuredrealchefs—very good chefs—work in the kitchen, seeing to the sprawling five different menus with admirable consistency.
The lunch menu reels in nearby office workers, offering expertly executed classics like eggs Benedict with yielding yolks, alongside global sandwiches including Cuban, Reuben, steak baguette, and a smoked salmon and lox bagel featuring Scottish salmon. The evening menu gets heartier, with dishes like roast haunch of venison with potato gratin, puy lentils and rosemary jus, or pan-roasted hake with hispi cabbage and lemon hollandaise. For those seeking special deals, Chateaubriand Thursday offers excellent value at £60 for two.
Wash it all down with a signature Hazel 75 cocktail, developed in partnership with local Crossbill gin distillery, and feel very satisfied with your lot, at least for the evening.
Ideal for South Indian spice with a gluten-free guarantee..
On the first floor of a building in Glasgow’s buzzy Merchant City district, Dakhin opened in 2004 as Scotland’s first South Indian restaurant. Two decades on and what makes this restaurant truly unique remains the same; it’s the UK’s only acclaimed South Indian restaurant serving 100% gluten-free food. Yep, a rare thing here; all dishes are prepared without gluten, nuts, peanuts, sesame, celery, lupin, molluscs and sulphites, making it an unrivalled destination for diners with dietary restrictions.
It’s a beautiful room to step into, whatever your dietaries. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook busy Candleriggs, and exposed brick, a slatted wooden ceiling with hanging greenery, and an illuminated bar create a welcoming space where diners can observe the chefs at work.
Begin with their famed dosas—thin rice and lentil crepes spanning three feet long, and perfect for sharing. These arrive with various fillings and come with sambhar (spiced lentil soup) and coconut chutney. The paper dosa particularly impresses, its crisp, golden-brown form dramatically draped across the plate. In fact, it’s a great place to stay in the vegan lane, as South Indian cuisine inherently celebrates plant-based cooking.
That said, there’s plenty of protein getting treated right here, too. Creative section titles like ‘The Ocean’s Lure’, ‘Treats of Lamb’, and ‘Pick of The Poultry’ suggest spliffs are being smoked in the kitchen, but they only serve to focus diners’ attention on regional specialties from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. The former section provides some real treats – the yetti masala (jumbo tiger prawns in a thick, complex sauce) and meen moilee (Scottish monkfish stewed with coconut milk) both hit the spot.
Lunchtime visitors should consider the £15 Thali – superb value, indeed.
Ideal for Japanese food in minimalist, light-filled surroundings…
Operating since 2007 on Sauchiehall Street near Charing Cross, Nanakusa (named after the seven edible wild herbs of spring eaten in Japan for their health benefits) has established itself as a real standout in Glasgow’s limited Japanese dining scene.
Despite an unassuming wood-panelled frontage, the interior surprises with its spaciousness—an ornately corniced high ceiling, a bar near the entrance, and a mezzanine create distinct zones. Minimalist design elements and large panels of ever-changing light create a distinctly Japanese mood that casts just the right light on the elegant plates here.
Nanakusa excels with one-bowl wonders, including the una don—grilled eel, fluffy egg, onions and seaweed coated in their secret eel sauce. Their katsu curry deserves its reputation, available with chicken, king prawn, duck or tempura. For warming comfort, the Nanakusa spicy noodle soup features ramen noodles in spicy chili broth topped with your protein of choice.
The fried items particularly shine. Try the kani karaage—soft shell crab that elevates the concept of Japanese fried chicken – and the yasai tempura of seasonal vegetables in light, crisp batter demonstrating the kitchen’s technical prowess.
With its proximity to entertainment venues like the King’s Theatre, CCA, and Nice’n’Sleazy, Nanakusa sits perfectly for pre-show dining, with efficient service and food that won’t keep repeating on you at your show.
Ideal for Neapolitan pizza perfection in industrial-chic surroundings…
When Paesano opened on Miller Street in 2015, it revolutionised Glasgow’s pizza scene by becoming the first restaurant to bring traditional Napoletana pizza to the city. Its popularity has only grown in the decade since, with Glaswegians drawn to the pizzeria’s unwavering commitment to time-honored methods and top-quality ingredients.
The expansive dining room exhibits industrial-chic style—exposed ceiling pipes, pendant lighting, wooden tables, and school desk-style chairs create the backdrop. The open kitchen offers the usual theatrical Neapolitan entertainment, as skilled pizzaiolos spin and flip dough before loading it into wood-fired ovens imported directly from Naples that reach a searing 500°C.
The dough here is as digestible as it comes, undergoing 24-hour proofing and resulting in a base that’s ethereally light. The menu remains refreshingly concise. Pizzas start at just £7.90 for a basic tomato sugo with garlic, oregano and extra virgin olive oil, while the classic Margherita is less than a tenner, too. More elaborate options like the spicy Ventricina and Nduja sausage or spinach and ricotta with smoked scamorza cheese still won’t have your accountant in too much of a fluster, both priced keenly at £13.50.
Despite its popularity, Paesano maintains a strict no-reservations policy, though efficient service ensures you rarely wait long. Its democratic, sprawling opening hours (12pm to 10:30pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays) in keeping with Neapolitan traditions, ensures that queue is always moving.
Following its 2024 acquisition by Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group, Paesano is expanding with a new Shawlands location at the former Di Maggio’s site on Pollokshaws Road. This represents the first step in DRG’s plans to roll out the brand more widely across Scotland and beyond. We just hope the high standards we’ve come to know aren’t affected by saturation.
Ideal for Scottish cuisine opposite the Theatre Royal…
On Hope Street directly opposite the Theatre Royal and just minutes from Glasgow Central, Ardnamurchan brings the distinctive flavors of Scotland’s western peninsula to the city. Opened in 2017 following a £400,000 renovation of the former Trader Joe’s bar, the restaurant takes its name from the Gaelic ‘Àird nam Murchan’ meaning ‘headland of the great seas’.
The smart interior makes nods to Scottish heritage—stag antlers, whisky barrels, and subtle touches of tweed—that would veer off into cliché in lesser hands, but here it feels well judged.
Sourcing artisan products from the Highlands and Islands forms the foundation of Ardnamurchan’s philosophy. The venison comes directly from the Ardnamurchan Estate where deer roam free, fish and shellfish arrive fresh from Scotland’s west coast waters, and the beef (and whisky) hails from Speyside.
Main courses include Ardnamurchan Estate braised wild venison stew slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms and mashed potato, and grilled Isle of Skye landed langoustines with confit garlic emulsion. The Ardnamurchan Grill section presents 45-day dry-hung Speyside steaks alongside wild venison fillet from the estate.
The Market Menu offers excellent value at around £11.95 for two courses (pre-theatre), with à la carte main courses ranging from approximately £16-£30. The restaurant is dog-friendly with limited bookable tables available upon request.
Ideal for creative 100% vegan food and live performance in a Mackintosh building…
Approaching its 20th year in central Glasgow, Stereo occupies a beautiful Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed building tucked away on Renfield Lane, just minutes from Glasgow Central. This multi-purpose venue functions as a dedicated vegan bar and kitchen during the day and transforms into a performance space in the evenings.
The upper ground floor contains the main bar and restaurant area, benefiting from abundant natural light. As night falls, the music volume rises, though the vibe remains welcoming rather than overwhelming.
Stereo’s 100% vegan menu presents creative plant-based cooking that shifts seasonally. Small plates (which hover in the £7 or £8 region) include standouts like salt and chilli enoki mushrooms with gochujang and miso ketchup, buffalo cauliflower coated in craft beer batter, and Silesian potato dumplings topped with gremolata, crispy capers and dill oil.
Open seven days a week, from noon to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen closes at 9pm daily.
Ideal for Japanese noodles and sushi near Glasgow Central…
On Queen Street just a short walk from both Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations, Maki & Ramen brings the tastes of Japan to the heart of the city. This Glasgow outpost of the popular chain which originated in Edinburgh has quickly found its audience among the city’s Japanese food enthusiasts, who can’t get enough of the place. Fortunately, Maki & Ramen recently opened their third Glasgow location on Byres Road, with CEO Teddy Lee targeting 30 sites by 2027. Wowzer.
Still, it’s in the Queen Street location that we seem to always find ourselves. As the name suggests, Maki & Ramen specialises in two key areas of Japanese cuisine. Their sushi lineup includes expertly crafted maki rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, all prepared with fresh ingredients and precise technique. The ramen selection presents rich, slow-simmered broths in various styles, from the classic tonkotsu (pork) to miso and shoyu (soy sauce) bases, each with handmade noodles and various toppings.
The restaurant produces their own 8-hour slow-cooked broth and handmade noodles in their Edinburgh factory, ensuring consistency across all locations. They’ve also launched a charitable initiative at their Glasgow branches: every Wednesday from 4-8pm, they donate £1 to the Glasgow Care Foundation for each ramen dish sold.
The south coast city of Brighton is many different things to many different people. A place for Pride, pebble skimming, thrift shopping, heavy partying, eccentricity, environmentalism, and a traditional British seaside holiday, all rolled into one, you can be anyone you want to be in this so-called London By Sea.
When it comes to the best restaurants in Brighton and Hove, they are thrilling places full of eclectic tastes, with just about every cuisine, price point and sense of occasion catered for. That said, with cafes and restaurants on just about every corner, separating the good from the great can be tough.
Well, we’ve done the hard work, traversed the lanes and the beaches, and gained several (and lost hundreds of) pounds in the process, to bring you this; our IDEAL 22 rundown of the best restaurants in Brighton.
Bincho Yakitori, Preston Street
Ideal for some of the best yakitori this side of Okinawa…
A bright and lively Brighton road leading down to a pebble beach isn’t exactly the first place you’d expect to find a properly dark and grungy, backstreet Japanese izakaya. But then, this city never ceases to surprise you.
So, here we are; perched at a bar, sipping warm sake, and taking down plate after plate of grilled skewers. Whether the latter is Bincho’s moreish crispy chicken skins, the restaurant’s delectable cubes of pork belly, their chicken hearts, or a simple half cob of sweetcorn, you can be assured that everything off the yakitori section of the menu will have been kissed by coals.
In fact, the restaurant’s name comes from the type of coals used here and in izakayas all over Japan, binchō-tan, which is famed for its ability to burn long and bright, keep temperatures consistent, and not give off any unwanted smoke or odours.
Should you be keen to get stuck into some bits not off the grill, mind, then the specials board can always be relied upon for some treats; the tempura fried sea bream with a dollop of pert seaweed mayo is particularly good.
And once you’re done, the good news is that just opposite Bincho you’ll find one of Brighton’s best cocktail bars, Gung Ho. Kanpai!
The most hyped ticket in town right now is without doubt Voya, which sits on a corner of the always happening Brighton artery North Road, not far from the station, in the spot that used to be Oseta Cafe.
That hype, we should say, is not without good reason…
An always dutifully-soundtracked bar that just so happens to serve really, really great, globetrotting food, Voya comes from a trio of well-known local faces, Liam Cotter, JD and Elina Sellings, who are driven by a desire to create a neighbourhood spot that celebrates spontaneous live music and DJ sets, classic cocktails and classy drinks, and street food snacks, all with equal enthusiasm.
Mission accomplished, we think. The vinyl, natural wines and the food menu all rotate regularly, and a sense of singular, idiosyncratic style is already firmly established. It’s just such a lovely space to settle into, the kind you forget to take any photos in because you’re having such a good time, and with an infectious energy almost physically that knocks you back as you sashay through the door like a pissed uncle entering the wedding dancefloor to Summer of ‘69.
Just us, then? Though those decks overlooking the dining room are certainly a welcome feature, we’re here for the food first and foremost. Each month the menu evolves, incorporating seasonal ingredients while maintaining a consistent thread of quality and innovation. Signature dishes like the sweetcorn ribs in fermented habanero butter and the saucy mushroom birria are (hopefully) menu mainstays, but there’s a restless energy to the place which means they might not stick around forever. Not to worry, February’s lamb sheesh with winter tomatoes and pistachio is the best thing we’ve eaten here yet. We’ve got our eye on the saffron arancini next.
The cocktail program at Voya is equally impressive, with top-quality drinks crafted by expert mixologist Cotter. If the paradox of choice isn’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to hear the cocktail list is a compact affair of just four or five carefully composed numbers. A recent Tokyo Collins, featuring gin, sake and a quartet of bittersweet fruits, was complex and invigorating. The second was even more invigorating. The third was…can’t actually recall. We’ve heard great things about the Rum Bread, too, a rich, warming affair given intrigue via miso. Next time, next time…
VOYAis open two long weekends (three nights a time) every month, from 5pm to 11pm, with last food orders at 10:30pm. Owing to its huge popularity, booking ahead is pretty much essential, although some space is left for walk-ins. Your best bet without a reservation is to wander in as late to those last orders as you’d feel comfortable doing so.
Ideal for fantastic fine-dining without the frippery…
Arguably the city’s most acclaimed restaurant and more than worthy of addition on our rundown of the IDEAL 22 best restaurants in Brighton, 64 Degrees treads the line between fine-dining and frivolous, between refined and rakish perfectly, which feels fitting for the city it calls home.
The restaurant is from chef Michael Bremner, who you may recognise from the BBC’s Great British Menu, on which he achieved great success in 2016. To say that this brought more custom would be flippant though, as it was consistently rammed to the rafters before his two stints on prime time television, and remains just as much so after.
Fitting in just 20 covers and offering a tasting menu-only format, there’s both a precision and a playfulness to the cooking here, whether that’s in the savoury ‘ice cream’ cones sometimes given as an amuse bouche, the miso butter poached cod from a recent tasting menu – a snip at £70 a head – or in the restaurant’s fabulous desserts.
Finish everything off with a 64 Degrees signature, a rum bear gummy, then totter off into The Lanes feeling very well-fed and watered.
Ideal for inventive takes on the food of the Indian sub-continent…
Not your average neighbourhood curry house, that’s for certain, The Chilli Pickle certainly raises the bar when it comes to British interpretations of street food from the Indian sub-continent.
The cooking here is precise and assertive, with the manipulating of sharp notes (from, amongst others, that namesake pickle) bringing real freshness and vivacity. This is perhaps most apparent in the superb gol gapa from the starters and small plates section, which is lifted to dizzy heights by both tamarind and coriander chutneys.
If you eat meat, you’d be a fool not to order the Nepali Chicken Wings; a cumin and salt rub gives the dish texture, Szechuan pepper creates a lingering, intriguing backnote, and the accompanying chilli sambal is nuanced and complex.
The menu here changes regularly, but if it’s on, a recent addition of beef keema is another must-order; the roasted bone marrow that arrives alongside (scoop, mix and groan) makes it impossibly hard to resist. The tandoori butter chicken, admittedly a safe bet, is, here, pleasingly nimble, with a good dose of lemon juice lightening things up.
We love this place, and judging by the queues, Brighton does too, as do the restaurant inspectors at Michelin, who awarded The Chilli Pickle a Bib Gourmand for several years on the bounce. More importantly, The Chilli Pickle has been part of our IDEAL 22 restaurants for just as long.
Please note that Christmas Eve 2024 saw the restaurant’s final service – cue Nick Cave voice – on Jubilee Street. As of the start of 2025, The Chilli Pickle returned to its original home on Meeting House Lane. The menu remains broadly the same, with many of the old favourites making the journey to the new restaurant intact.
Ideal for Spanish-inspired tapas with Michelin-recognised pedigree…
When former Michelin-starred chef Ian Swainson, once of The Samling and Amarillo (RIP), joined forces with Ali and Mo Razavi (the team behind Halisco and Anakuma) to open this intimate 20-cover Spanish restaurant in late 2024, Brighton’s food scene naturally took notice. So, it turns out, did the Big Red Guide. Just nine weeks after opening, Amari had already secured a coveted spot in the 2025 edition – a testament to the kitchen’s exacting standards and Swainson’s adaptability in hitting his stride quite so soon after landing here on Baker Street.
The menu here is a focused affair of Spanish-inspired small plates designed for sharing, executed with the technical precision you’d expect from Swainson’s fine dining background but delivered in a refreshingly unpretentious setting. This is what the team calls (to be honest, we’ve heard this one a little too often recently) “fun dining rather than fine dining” – a tired but still apt description for both food and vibe here.
The croquetas are a masterclass in the form – sublimely creamy with a delicate crisp shell – while the beetroot salad with Seville orange and sherry vinegar dressing showcases a deft balance of sweet, sharp and earthy notes. Don’t miss the Manchego stuffed manzanilla olives with quince purée, a kind of riff on a gilda that we’ll be stealing for our next dinner party. With that first round of dishes, you’ll want to order the house Botivo Spritz – a non-alcoholic aperitivo with elderflower, orange blossom and tonic (though you can add Cazcabel Reposado tequila if you fancy something stronger).
It’s not all tapas and sharing. Selfish diners who hate to see that roving fork approaching ‘their plate’ will find glory in dishes like the slow-braised Ibérico pork loin with truffled celeriac purée and Amontillado sherry sauce, or the red wine braised rib of beef with chickpeas. The fried Jerusalem artichoke hearts with lemon oil are perhaps are favourite thing on the menu, providing a vegetable-forward option that’s no less enjoyable, and a flatulence bordering on the troubling.
With Swainson’s partner Justyna Maria Ciurus, formerly of Hove’s renowned Little Fish Market (appearing a little later on this list, by the way), leading the front-of-house team, the service is pitch perfect, too. Book ahead – with just 20 covers and a rapidly growing reputation, Amari is set to be one of the city’s most sought-after tables for some time to come.
Ideal for Brighton’s best fried chicken and much more besides…
Scottish chef Ali Munro – formerly of Wild Flor, another of our IDEAL 22 – has been leading something of a quiet revolution with his Alberta’s brand since its lockdown inception. With the noble aim of changing the face of fast food in his adopted home of Brighton, Munro has gained something of a cult following for his stacked, sumptuous sandos and indulgent, globe-trotting menu of things deep-fried and ribald.
Yep, this is food designed to be enjoyed with beer, so when we heard that, following an acclaimed run of pop-ups across the city, Alberta’s was opening in our favourite neighbourhood backstreet boozer The Windmill last year, we were knocking down the door (and the pints) before the first popcorn chicken had even left the pass.
During the week, those glorious sandos take centre stage on that pass, with fillings generously piled into Alberta’s pillowy, rich Japanese milk subs. Our go-to on the current menu is the aubergine katsu, whose curry sauce accompaniment is that kind of glossy, viscous number that is just so satisfying. A cabbage slaw cuts through the noise.
At the weekend (well, on Sundays) it’s all about Alberta’s already iconic roast, with just about everyone ordering the Deep South inspired, deep-fried whole chicken. This beautiful bird arrives golden from frier, with a crisscross of Dijon mustard-spiked mayo spunked across its breasts. Alongside, a thick, glossy gravy, charred whole cobs of sweetcorn, and an umami-heavy cauliflower cheese. Phwoar. Serving two or three for £24 a person, do be aware that this guy needs to be pre-ordered by 5pm on the Thursday prior to the Sunday.
Oh, and the best bit? Absolutely nowhere on the menu does Alberta’s bill its food as ‘dirty’. There’s a trend we need doing away with – this is just delicious, indulgent food from a true master of his craft.
Another hugely popular backstreet boozer/chef residency that makes our list of the best restaurants in Brighton is Easy Tiger at the Hampton, a pub that’s, incidentally, a one minute walk from the Windmill. Yep, Brightonians are getting seriously spoiled here!
Easy Tiger is a riff on the Great British tradition of the desi pub, where curries and pints combine to beautiful effect. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Sabu Joseph, who brings his extensive experience and passion for authentic Indian cuisine to the table.
Originally from Kerala in southern India, Sabu has had a distinguished cooking career in both Brighton and London, doing time at Brighton’s two most acclaimed Indian restaurants The Chilli Pickle and The Curry Leaf Cafe (now sadly closed, RIP), as well as a stint at the five star Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in central London. Yep, that’s some serious pedigree, and it shows in Easy Tiger’s enticing, easygoing rundown of Indian streetfood classics, the perfect accompaniment to one of the locally brewed IPA beers on tap at the Hampton, a proper local boozer that has been tastefully updated while retaining its authentic charm.
Do not miss out on the Kerala Fried Chicken, a crispy boneless chicken thigh coated in garlic, ginger, spices and rice flour, before being hard fried ‘till crispy. Could there be a better combination in the world than a basket of these and a pint of Cloak and Dagger Hazy Pale? We certainly haven’t found it.
Nine years after the inaugural Fatto a Mano opened on London Road, the team now boast two more pizzerias in Hove and the North Laines, and a further two in London, in Covent Garden and King’s Cross. With each branch (yep, we’ve visited them all) seemingly packed every day of the week, world domination seems the only next logical step.
Wood fired within the requisite 90 seconds at the requisite 450°C, Fatto a Mano’s pizzas are pillowy affairs. Give that canotto a prod and watch it bounce back up at you. That response promises a beautifully digestible dough, and so the pizzas here deliver it. Toppings are – on the most part – refined and reverential, with just a handful of the freshest ingredients treated sympathetically. The margherita buffalo is the finest realisation of this humble vision; a light, natural pizza that sings of simplicity.
We say ‘on the most part’ as there are a couple of more divisive pizzas in the lower reaches of Fatto’s menu. The lasagna pizza, it should be said, has split the Brighton crowd since its addition to the menu late last year. Some have cried heresy. Others have stuffed it into their faces with abandon. We fall very much in the latter camp, with the smattering of ragu well judged in its restraint, leading to a pizza that’s nowhere near as heavy as it sounds.
The name translates as ‘handmade’ in Italian, and that’s certainly the vibe here; everything is made from scratch and with love, and it shows. Even if pizza isn’t your thing, Fatto has some excellent starters and sides to keep the picky eaters satisfied; their nduja arancini, in particular, truly hit the spot.
Though all three Brighton and Hove branches are excellent, we’ve chosen the North Laines outpost for our IDEAL 22, as it’s close to the station, and super convivial. Of course, the London Road and Hove versions are ace, too.
Consistently named as Brighton’s best restaurant in local and national lists, though actually in Hove, chef and owner Duncan Ray has created a glorious homage to everything seafood in this small but sophisticated 20 cover restaurant. Be warned; it’s purely a dinner affair, Tuesday to Saturday, and you’ll need to book well in advance to secure a coveted seat, but the effort is well worth it.
That’s because it’s only the finest, freshest fish, sourced as locally as possible and cooked with the respect it deserves. It’s a no choice tasting at around the £85 mark, but the price tag is fair; this is a set-menu, several hour affair offering a tour of some of Britain’s very finest seafood. And if you’d like to sample the cooking here at a more approachable price tag, then the LFM has recently announced a three course lunch menu, priced at an eminently reasonable £35 a head. A proud owner of 3 AA rosettes, a Michelin star still eludes them, much to the chagrin of regulars.
And though the restaurant specialises in fish, do keep your eye out for the occasional ‘Little Meat Market’ events, where chef Ray cooks a menu of – you guessed it – meat dishes with his usual elegance and precision.
Ideal for confident, classic French cookery in the heart of Hove…
Wild Flor is one of the most acclaimed (relatively) recent additions to Brighton and Hove’s thriving culinary scene. Settling into an evening with their confident, classic French cookery and superb wine list is one of Brighton’s biggest treats; you’ll always leave squiffy and extremely well-fed.
In a city somewhat in thrall to ‘casual’ dining, it’s so refreshing to settle into a more serious spot, which has recently changed to a straightforward a la carte offering, with starters keenly priced in the early teens, and mains not topping £30.
On our last visit, we were particularly enamoured with a dish of rabbit loin, wrapped in wild garlic and gently pink, which was served with a medley of spring veg that still had plenty of bite, its mustard and hogweed dressing pulling everything together. Even better, golden sweetbreads that pulled off the tricky balancing act of being both crisp and tender within, sat beautifully with a pool of glossy chicken jus and the first of the season’s asparagus (yes, it was a while ago!). I don’t know about you, but spring has only truly arrived when the toilet smells of sulphur.
For the pescetarians around the table, gorgeously pert salt cod agnolotti with a sharp, lemon-spiked emulsion and sourdough pangrattato hit the high notes, too.
Wild Flor are also currently offering an winter set menu which is laughably good value at £22 for two or £25 for three courses. Treat yourself to the trio, as it would be criminal to miss out on the restaurant’s pastry work, the section cooking with a breezy conviction and generosity more in tune with a Paris patisserie or the bouchons of Lyon than a Hove thoroughfare. Emblematic of this sensibility and keeping with the seasonality of Wild Flor’s cooking, a spiced pear served with hazelnuts and a stout custard sounds absurdly good as that Brighton chill begins to blow.
Though you can’t walk for more than the length of a fettuccine in London without stumbling into a pasta bar, in Brighton & Hove you’ll be much harder pressed to find a place slinging freshly rolled strands of the good stuff.
In fact, to our mind, Cin Cin are the premier pasta purveyors here, and a more than capable match for any of London’s top pasta restaurants (in 2021, Cin Cin decided to test this theory, and their Fitzrovia branch opened to immediate national acclaim).
Though the restaurant’s original location in Brighton’s North Laines (and the London outpost) has now closed, the newer, the larger branch on Western Road, just seconds before you reach Church Road, is just as delicious.
Here, a horseshoe counter and a handful of barstools overlook Cin Cin’s open kitchen, where seasonal small plates, fresh pasta dishes, and a couple of grilled bits are lovingly prepared in full view of the diners. This is dinner and a show, Hove style, and if your dinner starts with an order of the restaurant’s ever-changing, always-popular arancino (brown crab on our last visit), followed by a pasta dish from the special’s blackboard, you’re sure to be calling for an encore.
Fortunately, Cin Cin’s desserts are respondent to the seasons and always stellar – whether it’s a festive panettone bread and butter pudding with marmalade ice cream or a summery Amalfi lemon tart, there’s no chance you’re leaving disappointed. The restaurant retained their Bib Gourmand award at the 2025 Michelin ceremony, a testament to their continued class and consistency.
Another belter with a blackboard, Plateau is all about pouring up the city’s best and most thoughtful selection of low-intervention wines. They just happen to serve some pretty special sharing plates made with seasonal ingredients from in and around Sussex of a largely French persuasion to complement their natty juice.
Their bread, pâté, rillettes, cheeses and pickles are particularly fine with a glass of the good stuff, but Plateau also have a light touch with fish, which is always welcome so close to the coast. On our last visit, a dish of hake, barbecued until the skin was pockmarked, came served austerely with leeks and hazelnuts; it was beautiful.
For something a little heartier but with a sense of playfulness in its soul, wild venison pierogi with fermented chilli is technically pitch-perfect, the dumplings having the much-sought after bounce, and the iron-rich venison’s flavour shining through. You also can’t go wrong with the unctuous beef tartare which is always on their ever changing seasonal menu for good reason.
All in all, Plateau is an effortlessly stylish and hip place to hang out, and with the recent addition of a few tables spilling out onto the street, is now even closer in style to a classic Parisian wine bar. Last year, it was added to the Good Food Guide, with inspectors reporting that ”for more than a decade, Plateau has been the place in Brighton for natural wines and inventive cocktails. While that still holds true, it’s now firmly established as one of the best places for creative small plates too.”
Ideal for savouring the flavour of the grill in every bite…
Pitched as a ‘a grownup hangout for Brighton’, Burnt Orange is the third restaurant from local restaurateur Razak Helala, who also presides over the Coal Shed and the Salt Room (also on this list).
The Michelin Bib bit indicates ‘good value and good quality’, and in terms of Burnt Orange, these rather prosaic, automated descriptors do the restaurant a disservice. The quality of the output, led by a huge wood fired oven and grill, is fantastic, with the menu taking on a vaguely Middle Eastern bent. Charred flatbreads, grilled prawns with herb Zhug, fire-roasted chermoula monkfish, smoked lamb shoulder cigars…. If there’s a word that indicates the wood-fired grill has been used, it’s on this menu.
The restaurant used to do a fine weekend brunch, too, further extending their welcome to the people of the city. And as everyone knows, the way to a Brightonian’s heart is through brunch. Though the dedicated brunch menu has now gone, Burnt Orange opens at midday and some of the flat bread and dip combos are decidedly brunch-y, if you’re keen to pretend it isn’t lunch.
A restaurant in the Lanes that specialises in wood fire cooking with a vaguely Middle Eastern bent to proceedings (Zhoug? Check. Labneh? Check. Dukhah? Check) and some truly excellent cocktails? With Burnt Orange just around the corner and only a paragraph previous, Brighton’s culinary cognoscenti might be forgiven for wondering whether this was all strictly necessary when Embers opened in 2023.
But scratch the surface just a little and you’ll find a very different proposition here, and one that’s refreshingly unique from its peers in close proximity. The work of two well known faces on the Brighton culinary scene, ex-terre à terre head chef Dave Marrow and former chef-patron of Isaac At, Isaac Bartlett-Copeland, here everything is cooked in a specially designed mutli-rack grill which sits pretty in the centre of the dining room, bringing a touch of theatre to proceedings as its glowing embers crackle and flare up as fat and glaze drip invitingly.
It’s one fiery hell of a statement, the grill’s racks constantly being manipulated by a soot-covered chef, all controlled by a pulley mechanism in the style of Etxebarri. The huge stack of logs under the pass only serve to hammer the point home.
All of this would be a little performative if the food didn’t taste thoroughly seasoned by wood, smoke and fire, but at Embers, there’s a genuinely masterful control of the flame, and this is reflected in some truly stunning dishes, the best of which are big sharers, billed ‘centrepiece dishes’. An apt epiphet, as the smoked spatchcock chicken (there’s grilled brill or mushroom parfait, too) arrives splayed and smouldering, very much making the table its bed whilst the phones come out for a photoshoot. Tear off a leg – properly blistered and burnished from those embers – drag it through the throbbing, fluorescent honey and mustard mayo, and get all caveman about things.
It feels patronising – perverse, even – to spend a paragraph or two introducing the idea of terre à terre, such is the stalwart status of the restaurant in this city. A Brighton institution serving the good stuff since the early 90s, terre à terre is arguably the premier dining spot for vegetarians in Brighton, if not the country, its menu eclectic and its vibe lively.
Though the restaurant name translates as ‘down to earth’, the only thing grounding the menu here is the vegetarian part; inspiration is drawn from all corners of the globe, with plenty of heft and punch to the dishes.
In fact, it sells terre à terre short to give it the ol’ ‘’you don’t even miss meat’’ line. You’ll eat very well here, however you define your dietary choices. Sure, the menu descriptors are pretty verbose, sometimes running into a paragraph of prose, but the flavours boast remarkable clarity and comfort.
Ideal for a taste of the sea in spirited, sophisticated surrounds…
The Salt Room’s website claims it as ‘Brighton’s best seafood restaurant’; a bold claim, indeed, but it’s not far off. Part of a group of four – The Coal Shed in Brighton and one of the same name in London, as well as the aforementioned Burnt Orange – this is a place which ticks all the boxes for great fish cookery; sustainable sourcing and simplicity. The menu resists the urge to globe-trot, and, this time, we think that’s welcome.
It’s a surprisingly cavernous space with a good buzz and young, enthusiastic staff. The restaurant is compartmentalised neatly and cleverly, with lots of different spaces and areas helping the buzz carry through the restaurant without being acoustically intrusive.
Anyway, we’re here to talk about fish, right? The grill is used liberally and it’s all the better for it; good news for the whole fish destined to be blistered and burnished on it. Saying that, perhaps the best thing on the menu is the fish tempura with a tartare sauce flecked with seaweed; as saline and savoury as it sounds. A shared surfboard comes brimming with grilled and steamed prawns, squid, scallops and more, and the aioli alongside, whilst a little loose, is seriously good.
Interestingly, The Salt Room are now doing BYOB Mondays, with corkage just £5. A fine excuse to indulge in some superb seafood cookery, we think!
Ideal for ridiculously good Neapolitan pizza and the warmest of welcomes…
Nanninella has been through many guises in its 5 years on Preston Street. From authentic Neapolitan pizzeria to takeaway-only operation, then a post-COVID pannini peddler all the way to its current iteration, back to where it all started in a full 360 as cyclical as a pizza, to being a traditional trattoria that focused primarily on pizza.
What’s remained true and consistent this whole time is the quality of the food at Nanninella (not to mention the reliably warm welcome from Sergio and family), with premium, imported Italian ingredients shining through in everything they do.
The pizzas are gold-standard; blistered, burnished and traditional, just as it should be. The vibe inside, all brightly coloured tiles and a view into the hot glow of the pizza oven, frames a hospitable, enjoyable place to spend time. What’s more, the staff are lovely. Our favourite pizza here – and in the whole of Brighton, in fact – is the provola e pepe, which uses smoked mozzarella and freshly ground black pepper to great effect. Any pizza featuring their fresh burrata is equally wonderful. Put quite simply, Nanninella is our favourite pizza restaurant in Brighton.
Ideal for a Gallic gastronomic getaway in Brighton…
Unashamedly Gallic, Petit Pois is arguably the number one purveyor of traditional French fare in the city, and one of Brighton’s best restaurants, period.
Expect, then, to be wowed by snails swimming in a pungent pool of garlic and parsley butter, followed by the famous fisherman’s stew bouillabaisse, here replete with fish, shellfish and even sea lettuce from surrounding Sussex waters.
Whilst seafood certainly feels like the right thing to do considering Petit Pois is just a pebble’s skim away from Brighton beach, our favourite dish here comes from the ‘Légumes’ section of the menu, in the form of baked Crottin du Perigord. This mini-wheel of goat’s cheese is baked until gooey and served with a salad of beetroot and candied walnuts high on the sweet notes as a perfect counterpoint to the potent cheese. It’s a smartly judged, confident salad in keeping with the poise of the restaurant as a whole.
With a popular Sunday lunch menu and an extensive wine list, no wonder Petit Pois is one of Brighton’s best-loved neighbourhood French restaurants.
To say that the opening of Palmito felt brave would be something of an understatement. Not content with setting up shop in the tough economic climate of mid-2022, the restaurant opted to do so in a space that estate agents would charitably call ‘cosy’, on a nondescript stretch of Brighton and Hove’s Western Road. They also elected to serve a menu not much tried and tested in this part of town; a kind of fusion between the coastal cuisines of India and Ecuador.
To say the risk paid off would be something of an understatement. That shoebox dining room is packed out from the moment the doors swing open at 5pm on Tuesday until Saturday’s last orders at 11pm.
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that Palmito has been a roaring success, the chef-owners here have both spent time at revered Brighton restaurants the Chilli Pickle (also on this list, of course) and Easy Tiger, and there’s a similar breezy charm to proceedings here, with the shellfish dishes particularly good.
For such a small restaurant, Palmito is already making big waves on the Brighton shore; the restaurant has already earned a glowing national review in The Times, and an entry in the most recent additions of both the Good Food and Michelin guides.
Interestingly, chef Kanthi, one of the main brains behind Palmito, has recently opened The Spice Circuit Kitchen in Hove, a small chef’s table that features homegrown recipes from South India and Sri Lanka. We can’t wait to check it out!
Ideal forexpertly cooked Italian food from everyone’s favourite Brighton restaurant group…
Tutto, the modern Italian restaurant that’s part of Brighton’s all conquering Black Rock restaurant group (Burnt Orange and the Salt Room from this list are also in that roster) felt like a sho-in for success from the start.
But things didn’t quite go according to plan, with building delays and issues with the overall vision of the restaurant leading to an opening that was more fits-and-starts than firing-on-all-cylinders.
Fortunately for the pasta-loving throngs of Brighton and Hove, things have picked up considerably since those early jitters, with Tutto now cooking a freshly configured menu with confidence and precision. Unsurprisingly for a place in such close proximity to the sea, the restaurant has a wicked way with fish, the woodfired gamberi rossi with paprika the kind of dish that feels so right in late summer, ditto the grilled sardines with fried bread and salsa verde.
The theme continues into the pasta courses; a bowl of pert agnolotti filled with a keenly diced mix of lobster, crab and scallop, served swimming in a rusty bisque, is spectacularly good.
Finish with Tutto’s chocolate and hazelnut torte, served with maraschino cherries and vanilla ice cream, which has become something of a signature dish here, and, in our view, is the ideal end to this – or any – meal.
Taquitos Casa Azul, Brighton Open Market, Marshall’s Row
Ideal for Brighton’s best tacos…
For great independent vibes in a city some fear is losing its soul to chains, a visit to Brighton’s Open Market, tucked away off London Road, is a must.
While you’re here, it’s pretty much obligatory to duck into Taquitos Casa Azul, a family-run joint led by local hero Gabriel Gutierrez, and tuck into some truly superlative tacos, freshly pressed and adorned with delicately spiced, deliciously spicy shredded pork cochinita or chicken tinga. Pull up a pew at their sole table outside the shopfront and get stuck in.
Oh, and before you settle that bill, do not miss out on Gutierrez’s Salsa Chipotle which is sold on the shelves directly to the left of the till. Heady with hibiscus and dried apricot – you’ll be hooked. We add it to everything now; incredible stuff, indeed.
We end Brighton’s IDEAL 22 restaurants at Bonsai Plant Kitchen, the work of Dom Sheriff and Amy Bennett, who met while working at Brighton vegetarian institution Food for Friends. With Amy’s background as a head pastry chef and Dom’s experience as head chef, the pair decided to combine their culinary talents and passion for vegan cuisine to create Bonsai Plant Kitchen, an imaginative plant-based restaurant whose menu is broadly South East Asian inspired and always super exciting to eat.
A huge part of the draw here is the cooking-over-coals philosophy that drives things forward, with several of the dishes cooked on a Binchotan grill. Accordingly, there’s a suave smokiness running through proceedings, whether that’s in the sweet potato skewers doused in miso butter, lime juice and wisps of parmesan, or the barbecued napa cabbage that arrives properly, comprehensively blackened. All of this would be overkill in the wrong hands, but here, those campfire flavours are perfectly poised. The restaurant’s excellent selection of pickles help things along and lighten the mood nicely.
The cocktails are fantastic here too, with all syrups and infusions created in house, a veritable celebration of ingredients preserved at their peak. We love it.
And with that, we’re done exploring Brighton and Hove’s best restaurants. It might be time for a sit down after all that! Or, maybe an ice cream, seeing as we’re by the sea. Here’s a guide to the best ice cream in Brighton and Hove. Mine’s a blueberry and ricotta!
We tend to hurry up and down them without a second thought, yet staircases occupy prime real estate in our homes. Far from being just functional transitions between floors, they’re untapped canvases of design potential.
Most homeowners pour their decorating budget into kitchens and bathrooms, completely overlooking the staircase. This represents a missed opportunity—this architectural element is often the first thing visitors see when they step through the front door. The staircase essentially functions as the spine of your home, connecting spaces and creating that crucial first impression that sets the tone for the entire property. By neglecting this central feature, homeowners miss the chance to make a powerful design statement that can elevate their entire interior scheme.
Whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace or putting your stamp on a new-build, reimagining your staircase can utterly transform your interior. With thoughtful design, these everyday structures become jaw-dropping focal points that set the tone for your entire home. The magic lies in their versatility—they can whisper understated elegance or boldly announce your design confidence, depending on your personal style and the character of your property.
Embrace The Elegance Of Glass
Nothing dates a hallway faster than chunky wooden banisters and dated spindles. Enter glass balustrades—the contemporary solution that instantly refreshes tired staircases while allowing light to flow freely throughout your space.
Glass balustrades can make even the most modest hallway feel twice the size. This transformative effect comes from the way glass eliminates visual barriers, creating an uninterrupted line of sight that enhances spatial perception. The material’s transparency also allows decorative elements beyond the staircase to remain visible, effectively turning your entire hallway into a cohesive design statement rather than compartmentalising the space.
Paired with rich oak or walnut treads, glass creates that perfect balance between clean modernity and timeless warmth. The reflective quality amplifies natural light too, brightening gloomy entranceways and creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you cross the threshold. For the truly adventurous, structural glass treads supported by minimalist fixings create a genuinely breathtaking feature—though perhaps not for the faint-hearted!
Make A Statement With Spiral Designs
When square footage comes at a premium (and when doesn’t it these days?), spiral staircases offer both clever space-saving and undeniable drama. Their sweeping curves create a sculptural element that draws the eye upward, whilst occupying minimal floor space.
The think we love most about spiral staircase? They function essentially as a piece of functional art that completely transforms the energy of a room. The sculptural quality introduces an element of movement and visual intrigue that static architecture often lacks.
From classic wrought iron to sleek contemporary steel-and-wood combinations, spiral staircases work brilliantly in both period properties and modern homes. The helix shape introduces movement and dynamism to static spaces—essentially a kinetic sculpture at the heart of your home. They’ve long been the darling of Instagram for good reason; spiral staircases inevitably become conversation starters, architectural talking points that leave lasting impressions whilst serving your daily needs with panache.
Floating Treads For Minimalist Charm
Nothing says architectural confidence quite like stairs that appear to float in mid-air. These cantilevered marvels seem to defy gravity, with treads projecting from the wall without visible support—a show-stopping feature for lovers of clean, minimalist aesthetics.
Visitors invariably ask how floating treads manage to stay up. The magic happens inside the wall with serious reinforcement and precision installation that enables this gravity-defying effect. Each tread typically anchors to a concealed steel structure embedded within the supporting wall, requiring meticulous engineering calculations to ensure stability and safety. This invisible structural support system is what allows the treads to project outward with such dramatic visual lightness, creating the illusion that they’re suspended in mid-air.
The beauty of floating treads lies in their chameleon-like versatility. From blonde engineered oak that brightens contemporary spaces to brooding wenge or concrete for industrial-inspired interiors, the material options are endless. Leave the space beneath completely open to enhance that coveted sense of space and light, or use it cleverly for streamlined storage that maintains the minimalist vibe.
Under-Stair Storage Solutions
That awkward space beneath your staircase represents some of the most underutilised square footage in British homes. Rather than relegating it to the dumping ground for wellies and winter coats, consider its glorious potential.
Under-stair spaces have been successfully transformed into everything from home offices to wine cellars. The key is seeing possibilities rather than problems in these unique spaces. This triangular footprint, often dismissed as awkward, actually offers a perfectly shaped niche for specialised functions that might otherwise compete for valuable floor area elsewhere in the home. With thoughtful planning, what was once dead space becomes one of the most efficient and characterful features of the property.
Sleek drawers that blend seamlessly with your staircase design offer discreet storage without the visual clutter. Alternatively, a built-in reading nook with comfortable cushions and clever shelving creates a cosy retreat that makes use of every inch. For busy households, consider dedicated zones—pull-out wine racks for evening entertainers, specialised shoe storage for footwear enthusiasts, or even a secret den for little ones that would make Harry Potter green with envy. The key to success? Bespoke joinery that looks intentional rather than afterthought, creating storage that appears perfectly integrated with your staircase design.
Bold Colour Choices
Today’s most striking staircases throw caution to the wind with glorious colour. A deep navy blue or forest green painted along the staircase wall creates a sophisticated backdrop for white-painted spindles—instantly elevating a tired hallway.
Staircases can handle much bolder colour choices than most people realise. As transitional spaces, they present the perfect opportunity to be braver with your palette choices. Unlike rooms where you spend extended periods, staircases are experienced in motion, allowing for more dramatic visual impact without becoming overwhelming or tiresome. This transient quality makes them ideal testing grounds for vibrant hues or striking colour combinations that might feel too intense in living spaces where you linger longer.
For truly dramatic impact, consider richly coloured carpet in jewel tones like emerald or sapphire. Far from the beige berbers of yesteryear, today’s colourful carpet options introduce personality while providing sound insulation and comfort underfoot. Herringbone patterns or subtle geometrics disguise everyday wear and tear—particularly important in high-traffic areas like staircases.
Alternatively, mosaic tiles on risers offer unlimited creative potential that can utterly transform your entrance hall. From subtle Victorian-style patterns that honour period properties to bold Mediterranean-inspired designs in vibrant colour combinations, these intricate mosaics turn your staircase into a genuine work of art. Heritage colours like terracotta and cobalt create timeless appeal, while contemporary shades such as teal and burnt orange make an unmistakably modern statement.
Mix & Match Materials
Gone are the days when staircases needed to be constructed entirely from a single material. Today’s most striking designs boldly combine elements for textural interest that feels distinctly bespoke.
The most compelling contemporary designs focus on unexpected combinations. Industrial steel against warm timber, or concrete steps with brass detailing—these juxtapositions create visual tension that’s incredibly sophisticated and distinctive. The intentional contrast between seemingly opposing materials challenges conventional design expectations, resulting in a custom appearance that mass-produced staircases simply cannot replicate. These material dialogues tell a more complex design story, revealing a thoughtful approach that elevates your staircase beyond the merely functional into something truly bespoke.
The contrast between differing textures—smooth against rough, matte against glossy—adds depth and character that can’t be achieved with monotonous materials. Think weathered wood treads paired with powder-coated metal balustrades, or sleek marble steps offset by a tactile rope handrail.
When planning these material marriages, consider how they’ll age. Some materials, like brass and copper, develop a beautiful patina that tells the story of daily use, while others maintain their pristine appearance with minimal maintenance. Remember, you’ll interact with your staircase multiple times daily—the cool touch of metal beneath your palm or the warmth of wood underfoot becomes part of your home’s sensory experience.
Lighting That Leads The Way
A poorly lit staircase isn’t just unwelcoming—it’s potentially hazardous. Yet with clever illumination, this practical concern becomes an opportunity for atmospheric design that transforms your staircase from merely functional to genuinely magical.
Staircase lights should never be relegated to an afterthought but instead integrated into the initial design conversations. Thoughtful lighting completely transforms how the space is experienced on a daily basis. Depending on the style of your home, consider an elaborate chandelier or an unusual feature light.
Recessed LED strips tucked beneath treads create that coveted floating effect while providing practical illumination for nighttime navigation. Wall-mounted fixtures can highlight architectural details or artwork displayed along staircase walls, while dramatic pendant lights suspended through the centre of a spiral staircase define the vertical space spectacularly.
Smart lighting takes convenience to another level—motion-activated systems illuminate your path when needed and switch off when the staircase is unoccupied, combining safety with energy efficiency. Pay attention to how your artificial lighting will interact with natural light throughout the day; those momentary patterns of sunshine sweeping across your staircase create an ever-changing visual experience that can be enhanced or diminished by your lighting choices.
The Natural Touch
Our increasing disconnection from nature has sparked a counter-trend in British interiors—bringing the outside in wherever possible, including staircases.
There’s something inherently and instantly calming about incorporating natural materials in the home. This approach represents biophilic design principles at their most practical and accessible. The tactile qualities of natural materials—the subtle grain variations in timber, the organic imperfections in stone—provide a sensory richness that manufactured alternatives simply cannot replicate. These elements forge a subtle but meaningful connection to the natural world, offering a daily reminder of nature’s presence even within the most urban of environments.
Choose sustainable timber for your staircase renovation; native species like oak and ash offer tremendous durability alongside beautiful grain patterns that improve with age. FSC-certified exotic woods can provide striking visual impact for handrails or feature treads without environmental guilt.
Plants deserve consideration in your staircase design too—particularly in urban homes starved of greenery. A carefully positioned monstera or kentia palm beneath a floating staircase creates breathing space, while trailing ivy or string-of-pearls cascading from a first-floor landing transforms an ordinary staircase into a living feature. The natural light so often present in hallways and stairwells creates ideal growing conditions for many houseplants, establishing a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature.
The Minimalist Power Of Concrete Stairs
Concrete has transcended its utilitarian origins to become one of the most sought-after materials in contemporary interior design. When applied to staircases, concrete offers an unparalleled combination of sculptural beauty and architectural strength that few other materials can match.
For those concerned about concrete’s cool industrial associations, fear not—the material pairs surprisingly well with softer elements. A concrete staircase flanked by white walls creates a perfect canvas for the play of natural light.
Indeed, the beauty of concrete lies in its chameleon-like versatility. In its most minimalist form, as seen in high-end architectural projects, a monolithic concrete staircase with smoothly curved treads creates a seamless flow between levels. The material’s natural pale palette complements bright, white walls perfectly, creating an almost gallery-like atmosphere that allows other design elements to shine. The soft, rounded edges of curved concrete stairs introduce an unexpected organic quality to what might otherwise be a stark, angular space.
While polished concrete finishes create a sleek, contemporary look, more rustic treatment methods like hand-troweling produce subtly textured surfaces with greater character and depth. Concrete can also be tinted during mixing to achieve various tones from warm beige to sophisticated charcoal, allowing for seamless integration with your home’s colour palette.
The Bottom Line
Whether you opt for a dramatic overhaul or subtle cosmetic updates, your staircase holds tremendous potential to elevate your home’s interior. Far more than just steps between floors, a thoughtfully designed staircase becomes a design statement that sets the tone for your entire property. When properties come to market, a beautiful staircase often emerges as a major selling point for prospective buyers. It represents an investment that pays dividends both aesthetically and financially.
So next time you’re dashing up those stairs without a second glance, pause and consider the possibilities. That everyday structure you take for granted might just be your home’s next design triumph waiting to happen.
Mention the words ‘ring road’ to a Brit, and the image of a very specific type of soul-destroying suburban drudgery will likely come to mind.
But Iceland’s Route 1 Ring Road is a very different beast entirely. Encircling the majority of the island nations’ near 1300 mile perimeter, to traverse its scenic stretches is to reveal vista after vista of otherworldly landscapes that are as far removed from Sheffield’s Outer A6102 as night is from day.
The ring road’s entirety can be driven in around 16 hours, but to do so would be to miss the point of Iceland’s Route 1; the sites along the way are what make the drive one of the most iconic stretches of road in the world.
Instead, it’s advised that you take a week or two to tackle Route 1, in summer and winter respectively, owing to the more treacherous terrain of the colder months (Route 1 is the only road in Iceland that’s consistently cleared of snow).
However you’re tackling it and whatever pace you’re going at, there are several places along the way you mustn’t miss. These are those; together with Zero Car Rental, here are 9 of the best places to stop on Iceland’s Route 1 Ring Road.
Getting There
Because of the nature of Iceland’s somewhat inhospitable terrain, particularly in the island’s central regions, there are no public railways in the country. Conversely, there are a surprising number of airports, with upwards of 15 airports running commercial airlines and scheduled passenger services. The main international airport and your destination when flying from the UK will be Keflavik Airport, a half hour’s drive south of the capital Reykjavik.
Interestingly, whilst you can fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri airport in just 45 minutes, it will take you five hours to make the same journey by car.
Hence why we’re driving the perimeter of the country, where the roads are well maintained, less perilous and (generally) free from snow.
Most visitors planning to drive Route 1 choose to hire a 4×4 at Keflavik Airport; nearly all of the car rentals in Iceland operate here. From Keflavik Airport, it’s just a 15 minute drive to Blue Lagoon, the first stop on our road trip of Iceland’s Route 1…
The Blue Lagoon
In Iceland’s southwest, on the country’s Reykjanes Peninsula, is The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal hot spring and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.
The lagoon, surrounded by lava fields, is a stretch of milky blue water which maintains a constant and perfect bathing temperature of 102°F (39°C) all year round. Locals and tourists alike come to bathe in these relaxing waters.
And come in their numbers they do. In fact, it’s been named as one of the top 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic and, accordingly, you shouldn’t expect a serene swim in privacy; celebrities such as Beyoncé, Bjork, and even our very own Rick Stein have even been spotted taking a dip here.
That said, the Blue Lagoon represents a wonderful way to get refreshed and reinvigorated post-flight and before you start your road trip proper.
Now, about escaping those crowds…
The Waterfalls Of Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss
Head 160km’s drive southeast of the Blue Lagoon and you’ll find yourself at two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Though visible from the main road, it’s worth taking the time to get out of your car (there’s a parking lot here, though you do have to pay) and enjoy the waterfall up close and personal; the former is one of the only waterfalls in Iceland with a path leading behind the cascading water. Make sure you pack your raincoat!
Should you be visiting in winter, do note that the paths get incredibly slippery, and spike shoes may be required. That said, visitors in the darker months, when there are just four hours of daylight, will be rewarded with the spectacle of the waterfalls illuminated by gorgeous floodlights, creating a mystical and magical visual treat.
While you’re here, make sure you visit the smaller Gljufrabui waterfall, considered a hidden gem by some.
A further three hour’s drive heading east, passing Iceland’s southernmost village Vik before heading north along the coast, and you’ll arrive at Jokulsarlon. Translating as ‘glacial river lagoon’ the prosaic description doesn’t quite do this incredible place justice.
This gorgeous coastline is so atmospheric, in fact, that it has been used as the set of world famous productions and films including Tomb Raider and Die Another Day. The Jokulsarlon itself was formed by Europe’s second largest ice cap, Vatnajokull, which sees blocks of ice break away from the glacier and float into the lagoon before melting or drifting out to sea.
Interestingly for animal lovers, it’s not just people that come to see the lake but wildlife too, with seals and birds drawn to the waters in droves. The lagoon and glacier are both part of the Vatnajokull National Park, which is well worth exploring if you’ve got the time.
Us, though? We don’t have the time, so we’re heading north to Iceland’s sprawling East Fjords, which begin just an hour’s drive from Jokulsarlon, just after the town of Hofn. Shaped by the glaciers of the ice age, the East Fjords are defined by snow-capped mountains, fishing villages, puffins aplenty and, of course, the fjords themselves, those narrow strips of sea that cut into Iceland’s east coast between its cliffs and mountains.
The road here is spectacular, with vast, barren expanses offering myth and mystique and the drive bringing moments of high drama amongst the rugged surrounds. In the East Fjords, it’s all about the journey, not the destination; simply follow Route 1 for 250km’s scenic driving from Hofn to the town of Egilsstadir, which signifies the end of the ring road’s dalliance with the East Fjords.
If you’ve got the time, consider a short diversion from Route 1, taking Route 93 northeast for 30km to the picturesque town of Seydisfjordur. Or, drive an hour north from Egilsstadir along Route 94 and check out Borgarfjordur Eystri, a remote village that’s famous for its resident puffins and the accepted end of the East Fjords.
Dettifoss Waterfall
We know what you’re thinking; you’ve had your fill of waterfalls by now. But the waterfall at Dettifoss, another two hour’s drive northwest as the ring road turns inland, simply has to be seen to be believed.
After the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and you’ll hear its waters crashing from miles away. Located just north of Route 1, the roads (862 and 864) that serve the waterfall are usually only traversable in summer. In the winter, you may have to give this spectacular waterfall a miss, as the roads become undrivable. If you are able to get up close and personal, however, Dettifoss, translating as the ‘collapsing waterfall’, is a must-see.
Whale Watching In Husavik
Dettifoss is part of a popular collection of attractions in North Iceland collectively known as the Diamond Circle. Another must-visit within the region is Husavik, a town on Iceland’s north coast that’s so famous for its whale watching that it’s often referred to as ‘the whale capital of the world’.
You’ll have to deviate from Route 1 by a couple of hours here, taking the 864 for Dettifoss and then the 85 onwards to Husavik, but you’ll be rewarded with a near-guarantee of whale pod sightings. Though minke and humpback whales are most commonly sighted, blue whales have also been spotted here several times in recent years. The town also houses a whale museum, should you not be fortunate enough to see any in the flesh!
As you continue your journey along Route 1’s northern stretch, approximately an hour’s drive east from Husavik, you’ll discover one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets: the Myvatn Nature Baths. Often referred to as the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” these geothermal baths offer a similarly ethereal experience to their more famous counterpart, but with significantly smaller crowds.
Set against the otherworldly backdrop of Lake Myvatn’s volcanic landscape, these mineral-rich waters maintain a pleasant temperature between 36°C and 40°C year-round. The silica and minerals in the water create the same milky blue appearance that has made the Blue Lagoon so iconic, yet here you can enjoy a more tranquil, authentic Icelandic bathing experience.
The surrounding area is equally worth exploring, with peculiar lava formations, bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles dotting the landscape. Bird enthusiasts will be particularly delighted, as Lake Myvatn hosts one of the most diverse collections of waterfowl in Europe.
For those who’ve begun to feel the strain of many hours behind the wheel, the Myvatn Nature Baths provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, soothe tired muscles, and rejuvenate before completing the final leg of your Route 1 adventure. Unlike its southern sibling, pre-booking isn’t always essential, particularly during off-peak seasons—though it’s still advised during summer months.
Take A Volcanic Crater Hike In Grabrok
Phew, we feel like we’ve strayed too far from Route 1 there, even if we did catch a glimpse of the largest mammal in the world and had a wonderfully pleasant warm bath. So, from Husavik and Myvatn, rejoin the ring road and head south in a symbolic descent that will have you feeling like you’re heading home as the capital Reykjavik draws closer.
But before we pull up in Iceland’s major city for a final feast, there’s time to stop in Grabrok, four hour’s south of Husavik and the last major stop on Route 1 before you hit Reykjavik.
A protected natural monument, Grabrok is a crater formed by a volcanic eruption some 3000 years ago, and sits just off Route 1’s western leg. Here there are footpaths that take in views of the crater, as well as longer hiking trails if time is on your side. After which, we’re heading home…
End Your Adventure With A Feast In Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital Reykjavik has a thriving foodie scene that belies its relative small size and remote location, with cutting edge ‘New Nordic’ restaurants rubbing shoulders with more old fashioned Icelandic delicacies like Hakarl – that’s fermented shark – or Svio (half a sheep’s head). Whether you choose to go traditional and explore the history of Icelandic cuisine at Matur og Drykkur, or you’re keen on the sound of innovative, Michelin starred fare at Dill, you’ll be spoilt for choice for fine dining in Reykjavik.
