With a shiny new crop of Michelin stars (retained, admittedly) cementing its status as a serious food city, Dublin’s restaurant scene has never been more exciting. Skip the tourist traps of Temple Bar and the unrelenting crowds of Grafton Street in favour of the city’s best restaurants, and you’ll be met with everything from live-fire cooking to natural wine bars, all which wouldn’t feel out of place in Copenhagen, Catania or Cadiz. But honestly, why do we need to compare the Irish capital’s food scene to any across the Channel? Dublin’s is very much its own thing, and all the better for it.
Anyway, let’s stop chuntering on; you’re here for cold, hard recommendations. So, here’s where to eat in Dublin…
Note, Fenian Street
Ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate thoughtful cooking without pretense…
Hiding in plain sight on the edge of Fenian Street, close to Trinity College, Note pulses with a nocturnal energy, as a mix of after-work wine enthusiasts and serious diners fill the wedge-shaped space with a gentle conviviality that’s at odds with the pint chugging down the road at Temple Bar.
The dining room pulls off that tricky balance between buzzy and intimate, with the kind of lighting that makes everyone look their best as it shimmies off the mahogany tables. While many come for the meticulously chosen wine list – featuring everything from grower champagnes to hard-to-find natural wines – the kitchen more than holds its own.
Mackerel tartine, pickled onion, aioli Images via @notedublin.com
The menu changes regularly with the seasons (in 2025, we’d be worried if it didn’t) but maintains a comforting bistro sensibility bolstered by careful technique: a starter of chicken liver parfait might come brightened with salted greengage, while a whole butterflied mackerel tartine comes dressed in that gorgeous Sicilian agrodolce tangle of pickled onions, capers, golden sultanas and pine nuts. Winner, winner, fish dinner.
Their eight classic cocktails are executed with the same precision as everything else here, and unlike many of Dublin’s top spots, they’ll welcome you on a Monday evening. The perfect excuse for welcoming a new week with a Bourbon Milk Punch, don’t you think?
Ideal for witnessing culinary artistry in unexpected surroundings…
In what must be one of Dublin’s most surprising fine dining locations, chef Damien Grey’s tiny restaurant hidden within Blackrock Market (Dublin’s oldest and a half hour’s drive from the city centre) delivers tasting menus of remarkable precision and creativity.
The three-hour dining experience at Liath (Irish for ‘Grey’) unfolds like a carefully orchestrated performance, with Grey himself often serving and explaining dishes that might appear on the menu for mere days before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Or, more likely, simply evolving into something new and delicious…
Image via @liathrestaurant.com
Grey’s philosophy centres around the five elements of taste, with each dish building upon the last in a carefully considered progression. It’s wonderfully, refreshingly light, and fortunately free from the curse of too much umami (‘too-mami?’) that seems to blight many a contemporary restaurant.
Things are decidedly more measured here, as you’d expect for a tasting menu priced at €180 per person. It’s a significant investment, but the intimate setting (you’ll be one of just a handful of diners) and Grey’s engaging presence make it well worth your time. The two Michelin stars above the door confirm Liath’s many diverse talents. He should’ve called the restaurant ‘50 Shades of Liath’, surely?
Smithfield’s Fish Shop proves that sometimes the simplest concepts yield the most satisfying results. This intimate spot elevates the humble fish supper into something extraordinary, not via unwelcome innovations involving syphoned batter or confit potato terrines, but rather with a daily-changing selection of pristine catches from Irish waters.
Grab a perch (not from the fryer, you fool!) at the snug counter for the full experience – watching the kitchen team expertly prepare everything from delicate raw dishes to their signature beer-battered fish.
Images via @fishshopbenburb
The cooking is precise yet unfussy: plump oysters arrive gleaming, smoked haddock croquettes deliver satisfying crunch against custardy centre, while the main event of perfectly golden whiting, haddock or plaice comes with hand-cut chips that would make a Parisian bistro proud. Scrap that; they would make your local chippy proud – these are the kind of chippy chips that would feel most happily at home turning a sheet of greaseproof translucent.
Pulling you back into the room and reminding you that you’re in a restaurant, the thoughtfully assembled wine list leans toward crisp whites and sherries, though their selection of skin-contact wines offers some intriguing pairings for an increasingly tuned-in Dublin crowd.
Under the watchful gaze of Dublin’s Four Courts, Spitalfields isn’t claiming to reimagine, reinvent or refine what pub food can be. Instead, they’re simply intent on making it the best it can be. Dare we say, they’ve succeeded in their mission…
The kitchen’s crown jewel is their sharing pie – a magnificent creation of burnished, latticed pastry concealing a rich filling of chicken, leeks, and wild mushrooms, given depth (but somehow also lightened) by madeira and prunes. While the pie justifiably steals headlines, the rest of the menu shows equal finesse: plump hand-dived scallops, a perfectly golden and unfussy pork schnitzel, and a côte de boeuf that hits the white paper tablecloth with an authoritative thunk. One suspects The Devonshire might have spent a few RND trips in the dining room here….
Come Thursday lunchtime, Spitalfields’ Dublin Coddle – that classic combination of sausage, bacon, and potato that’s had London all in a befuddled fluster recently – draws locals who understand that sometimes tradition needs no improvement. And with that statement still reverberating still catching in the back of our throats, it’s time for another gold-standard Guinness.
Ideal for watching Dublin’s culinary evolution in real time…
Allta has finally found its permanent home in a spacious dockside building, after years of successful pop-ups and festival appearances around the city. The space cleverly divides into two distinct personalities: by day, it’s a bright, airy lunch and coffee spot, but as evening falls, it transforms into something altogether more atmospheric. The industrial-chic cocktail bar pulses with energy from live DJs, while the separate dining room centres around an open kitchen where counter seats offer the best views of the action.
From the former’s ‘bar food’ menu, Cromane Bay oysters, dressed with lime mignonette and hot sauce, are plump and pristine, whilst the Allta cheeseburger is a decadent number that deploys dry-aged Jersey beef in a truly chunky patty. The restaurant proper’s menu shows off Allta’s more serious side, with chef Niall Davidson’s experience brings with it a big, bruising, protein-led affair that culminates in a whole suckling pig for four to share. Yours for £150.
Whichever way you play it, don’t miss out on the superb cocktails here. Each drink tells its own story of Ireland – from the ‘Skellig Michael’, which celebrates native Irish apples with gin and Stillgarden glas (Ireland’s first green herbal liqueur), to ‘Sherkin’, which pays homage to Ireland’s ancient maritime trade routes with toasted rice vodka and yuzu. Save room, too, for their nostalgic take on soft-serve ice cream for dessert – it’s comfort food elevated to new heights.
Ideal for nights when the wine matters as much as the food…
The latest venture from Dublin’s restaurant powerhouse the Bereen brothers demonstrates their continued ability to read the city’s pulse. An evening here flows effortlessly from early evening snacks to full dinner service, accompanied by an all-natural wine list that makes conventional vintages feel positively old hat.
The menu spans around 10 small plates that showcase Irish ingredients through a global, crowd pleasing lens – their Kilkee crab rosti with pepper veloute, and the glazed pork tostadas, both epitomise the style perfectly.
The space, inspired by Tokyko’s listening bars, boasts a serious sound system spinning choice vinyl, bringing an enveloping, intimate quality to proceedings. The single dessert option – currently a lemon posset with hibiscus poached plum – reliably climaxes in pure pleasure.
Ideal for experiencing Irish fine dining at its absolute peak…
In a stately Georgian dining room on Parnell Square, chef Mickael Viljanen has created something truly special at Chapter One, a restaurant that many insiders and chefs believe to be Ireland’s finest.
Since taking the helm in 2021, the Swedish-born, Finnish-raised chef has propelled the restaurant to two Michelin stars by combining Nordic precision with sublime Irish ingredients. It’s a match made in heaven.
While the €215 evening tasting menu is an elaborate (and premium) affair, the three-course lunch (€90) offers a more accessible way to experience creations like his signature Mossfield Gouda steamed soufflé with macadamia, truffle and Vin Jaune. Service moves with balletic grace through the elegant space, and the dedicated Irish coffee trolley provides a fittingly theatrical finale to what’s certain to be a memorable meal.
Ideal for channeling Spanish energy with Irish produce…
Grand Canal (nope, never gonna use official name) be damned; the counter seats at Uno Mas offer Dublin’s best dinner theatre experience – watching the kitchen team navigate an always full-on service while turning out plate after plate of Spanish-influenced perfection never fails to be impressive.
The menu builds from ‘para picar’ nibbles through to more substantial plates. It’s actual ‘starters’ and ‘mains’ here, rather than tapas, but the delivery demonstrates a keen understanding of both Spanish tradition and Irish ingredients nonetheless.
The tortilla is pitch perfect, the croquetas the right side of runny, and the daily specials showcase whatever’s best from land or sea. But it’s when Uno Mas takes the brakes off and goes a little off-piste that things really get interesting; a recent porchetta tonnato garnished with beer pickled onions and crispy pig’s ears was one of the most straight-up satisfying, sinful platefuls we’ve had in a long time. And if the burnt basque cheesecake with local rhubarb is on, ignore the suspicion that the dish has been ruined by ubiquity. This one is a gold standard version.
A serious sherry collection and vermouth-forward cocktail list complete the Iberian experience, though the warm hospitality is distinctly Dublin.
Ideal for sating the desire for dumplings in style…
Behind a modest shopfront on Aungier Street, BIGFAN delivers on its straightforward premise: carefully crafted Sichuan, Taiwanese and Korean dishes in a bright, brash but strangely intimate setting. The team exercises a degree of restraint with the menu – a focused selection of dumplings, bao, and xiaochi (small eats) that showcases kitchen’s dexterity rather than overwhelming with choice.
It’s a place where dinner often starts with “we’ll have one of everything” and ends with “should we order those dumplings again?” The space buzzes with chatter and the gentle thud of dumpling baskets hitting tables, while the aroma of star anise and ginger drifts from the open kitchen.
Come with friends, order widely, and don’t skip the ‘Couples Beef’ xiao chi dumplings – packed with honeycomb tripe and tongue, it hums with depth and intrigue, and has you resenting the more MOR dumpling choices you’ve made up to this point. This is food worth getting possessive over – the kind where you’ll find yourself strategically positioning the last dumpling just out of your dining companion’s reach.
Ideal for discovering how good car park dining can be…
Trust Dublin to turn a car park entrance into one of its coolest dining destinations. Amy Austin’s industrial-chic setting provides the backdrop for seriously accomplished cooking. Forgive the fish bowl nature of the frontage; the massive pane of glass, exposed concrete and pipework of the space is softened by clever lighting and the warmth emanating from the open kitchen.
Small plates show global influences executed with precision. The scallop crudo and Moroccan-spiced lamb are standouts, and with nothing on the menu priced much over €20, it’s one of Dublin’s cheaper ‘destination’ restaurants. The wine-on-tap program makes decent vintages more accessible, carrying through that sense of inclusivity to its natural conclusion. The whole enterprise proves that sometimes the best restaurants pop up in the least likely locations.
These restaurants showcase Dublin’s culinary confidence in full flow. You’ll find them scattered throughout the city’s neighbourhoods – many just a short stroll from Dublin’s free walking tours – the grounds of St. Stephen’s Green, and the weekend bustle of food markets.
Whether you’re seeking technical perfection or soulful cooking, Dublin’s food scene continues to surprise and delight at every turn.
If your ideal workout involves staying at home – with the bath just seconds away to soothe those aching muscles – then you’ve come to the right place…
There are many reasons people put off going to the gym. Some of us are gym-timidated and despise working out in public. Others avoid going as they hate fellow gym goers leaving equipment dirty and sweaty. Or, they just hate fellow gym goers. Others still don’t go as they have a phobia of lycra (true fact).
Here at IDEAL, one of the main things that put us off going to the gym is actually getting there – if it’s raining, consider the gym visit skipped for the day.
There is, of course, another way (you’ve already read the title, haven’t you?). A place where there’s no need to worry about looking presentable or finding matching socks. Somewhere you can groan, grunt, sweat and sigh in peace, all without judgmental glances. Somewhere there’s no waiting for equipment or awkwardly avoiding eye contact with that fella who’s hogging the machine you need. A place where you can experience the joy of blasting your favourite tunes without headphones in. Enter the home gym.
If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that having a dedicated space to exercise at home isn’t just convenient – it’s sometimes essential. The massive surge in home gym setups during lockdown proved that with the right equipment and space, you can maintain your fitness routine whatever the circumstance.
Yep, the home gym has many positive attributes. And perhaps the best is that you save money in the long run. No more monthly fees or that off putting commute. Sure, the upfront cost might make your wallet weep a little, but think of it as an investment in your health and sanity. If you’ve been convinced to leave the hustle and bustle of a public gym for the comfort and convenience of a home gym, here are our top tips on how to create the ideal gym at home.
Deciding Between A Purpose-Built Space & A Garage Gym
While of course you can set up your home gym in the spare bedroom, we’re talking about the ideal home gym today, so that means a dedicated space. A purpose built garden room or a metal steel structure is ideal here. These structures provide a separate and private space, allowing you to focus on your workouts without distractions.
When it comes to planning permission, if your gym is single storey, less than 2.5 metres in height and occupies less than 50% of your garden area, then you’re likely in the clear. However, if you’d like a larger home gym, you’ll need to seek planning permission.
Be sure to add traditional gym flooring which usually consists of squares of strong rubber flooring made from shock absorbent foam with a layer of rubber on top.
Proper lighting is also essential for creating an inviting and motivating atmosphere in your home gym. Install bright, adjustable LED lights to ensure optimal visibility during workouts. Additionally, consider adding task lighting near mirrors or specific workout stations for focused illumination. Oh, and you’ll want your gym to be insulated for year round use.
For those considering a garage conversion, you’re already starting with a solid foundation. Garages typically offer ample space and often come with electrical connections already installed. Just ensure your garage is properly weatherproofed and insulated, as these spaces can get quite cold in winter and rather warm in summer. The concrete floor in most garages provides an excellent base for laying gym flooring, though you’ll want to check for any dampness issues first.
A well-designed home gym can greatly enhance your fitness journey and help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Mirrors are crucial to the setup of your ideal home gym as they serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they enhance the visual appeal of the space, making it feel more open and spacious. Secondly, they allow you to monitor and correct your form during exercises, reducing the risk of injuries.
Install mirrors strategically to cover the walls or specific workout zones. Choosing an acrylic mirror or plastic mirror is sufficient, however in the ideal gym you’ll want a thick sheet of mirror glass installed by a professional. As you may have noticed, gym mirrors are often designed to tilt forward slightly at the top, enhancing the impression of the post-workout ‘pump’. You might want to do the same!
We don’t need to tell you that staying hydrated and fueling your body is vital for a successful workout. As such, it’s pretty much obligatory to create a hydration and fueling station in your home gym. Not only does it eliminate the need to leave the gym area frequently, it will help you maintain focus and intensity during your sessions.
In your ideal home gym, you’ll want to incorporate a water cooler or dispenser to ensure easy access to H20. You may also want to add a fridge so you can store bottles of Pocari Sweat, Upbeat protein drinks, NOCCO (aka the ‘Red Bull of sports drinks’) or whatever your chosen sports drink of choice is. Better yet, consider adding a vending machine with a variety of your favourite thirst quenching sports drinks on display, ready to replenish and energise at the press of a button.
Oh, and don’t forget the snacks and so you can fuel your workouts, from a pot of peanut butter to protein bars and to bananas, pre and post workout snacks are important as they can help you perform better and recover faster.
Ventilation & A View
Proper ventilation is essential to maintain a comfortable and fresh environment in your home gym. Consider installing big windows or sliding doors to allow natural light and fresh air to circulate. Adequate ventilation not only enhances the overall ambiance but also helps regulate temperature and minimise odours.
If you’re working with a garage space, consider installing a garage door with windows or even replacing the entire door with a glass-paneled version to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy.
On top of that, you’ll want a decent view of the garden. Think floor-to-ceiling windows installed with panoramic vista of your garden in mind. Oh, the luxury!
The Equipment
Cardio, and that all important heart rate raising is hugely, undeniably, demonstrably beneficial to both our physical and mental health. You’ll therefore want a mix of cardio machines and strength-building equipment.
The last thing you want is for your home gym to look cluttered and messy. Efficient organisation of gym equipment is crucial for maximising space and ensuring safety. Install shelving systems or racks to store and display your weights, dumbbells, resistance bands, and other accessories.
For garage gyms, take advantage of vertical space with wall-mounted garage storage solutions that keep your equipment organised while leaving floor space free for workouts. This not only keeps the area clutter-free but also makes it easier to locate and access the equipment during workouts.
Meditation & Yoga Corner
To achieve a well-rounded fitness routine, dedicate a corner of your home gym to meditation and yoga practices. This serene space can be adorned with calming decor, yoga mats, bolsters, and meditation cushions. Incorporating mindfulness exercises into your workout routine promotes mental well-being and complements physical fitness.
Sound System & TV Screens
It’s no secret that music can greatly enhance your workout experience by providing motivation and energy. But let’s be honest here; the music that they blare out at the gym isn’t really to anyone’s taste.
Luckily, in your own home gym, you can play the type of music that you truly want to listen to. To do so, you’ll need to install a sound system or portable speakers within your home gym to enjoy your favourite playlists or upbeat workout music. Oh, and at least one TV screen is essential so you can play your YouTube workouts or catch up on the latest episode of your favourite Netflix show.
A Cosy Seating Area
Creating a cosy seating area within your home gym isn’t essential – but it’s a very nice thing to have. Firstly it provides a space for relaxation and recovery between exercises or after a particularly intense session. But perhaps more importantly, it provides a spot to hide in when the family and inlaws are round. You can excuse yourself that you’re going to workout, even if you don’t have any intention of doing so.
Temperature Control & Climate Management
Creating the perfect workout environment means maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round. Whether you’ve opted for a purpose-built space or converted your garage, proper climate control is essential. Install a robust heating and cooling system – split-unit air conditioners work brilliantly in both dedicated spaces and garage conversions. For garage gyms, consider adding portable heaters for winter and high-powered fans for summer if a permanent system isn’t feasible.
Additionally, invest in a dehumidifier to control moisture levels, particularly important in garage spaces where dampness can affect both your comfort and your equipment’s longevity. Maintaining the right temperature and humidity will not only make your workouts more enjoyable but also help protect your investment in fitness equipment from rust and deterioration.
Finally, personalise your home gym to reflect your personality and fitness goals. Hang motivational posters, display inspiring quotes, or incorporate artwork that resonates with you. Creating a space that inspires and motivates you will significantly contribute to your overall enjoyment and dedication to regular workouts.
The Bottom Line
Having a home gym offers the convenience and flexibility to stay fit and healthy without stepping out of your comfort zone. For some, there can be no better way to work out!
A family camping trip is the ideal way to bond, explore nature, and create unforgettable memories. Or, it’s an occasion ripe with rifts, rain and soggy sleeping bags. The determining factor here isn’t often, surprisingly, familial harmony, but rather, your choice of pitch.
And for the family with a particularly adventurous spirit (or, simply, for those families looking to do things on a budget), the allure of wild camping is undeniable. You get to hammer your tent pegs in somewhere rugged, remote and, best of all, remuneration-free! What a wonderful opportunity to teach the kids some Bear Grylls-worthy survival skills and some Martin Lewis-deserving thriftiness. What’s not to love?
Well, there are a couple of things not to love, in fact, the first being the potential for a fine that stretches into the thousands of pounds for the offence of aggravated trespass. More likely though, you’ll be asked to move on, which can be pretty annoying if you’ve pitched up, lit the barbie, and put the keds to bed (or, rather, sleeping mat).
Avoid the pitfalls, tripwires and bear traps. Together with the wild exploration experts at Adventuro, here’s our guide to the best places in the UK for families to camp for free.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Devon, Dartmoor National Park offers an unparalleled camping experience for families. With its vast moorlands, ancient forests, and fascinating archaeological sites, there is no shortage of activities for families to enjoy.
While camping at Dartmoor, families can take advantage of the park’s excellent facilities, including picnic areas, toilets, and car parks. Moreover, the surrounding area boasts numerous attractions, such as the famous Dartmoor ponies, Becky Falls, and Castle Drogo. For a fun day out, consider visiting the Miniature Pony Centre or taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic Wistman’s Wood trail.
Dartmoor has a unique history regarding wild camping in England. For decades, it was the only national park in England where wild camping was legally permitted in specific areas under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. In January 2023, a controversial high court ruling temporarily restricted this right after a landowner challenged the traditional interpretation of the Act.
However, following public outcry and extensive negotiations, the Dartmoor National Park Authority reached an agreement with landowners by mid-2023 to reinstate wild camping rights. This was further secured when the Dartmoor National Park Authority (Amendment) Act came into force in July 2023, legally protecting the right to wild camp in designated areas of the park.
Today, wild camping is permitted within specific areas of Dartmoor National Park, which are clearly marked on maps available from the park authority. When camping, you must follow their wild camping code:
Camp at least 100 metres away from roads or public rights of way.
Only camp on open moorland within the designated areas, avoiding enclosed farmland and archaeological sites.
Do not camp in the same place for more than two consecutive nights.
You must carry everything you need in a backpack (including your tent).
Keep your group size small, usually a maximum of 2-3 tents.
Leave no trace. Take all your litter and belongings with you, and never bury or burn waste.
Be respectful of other visitors and minimise noise.
Use a stove for cooking instead of making fires.
Keep dogs under control and stay away from farm animals and wildlife.
Be prepared to move on if requested by the landowner, park rangers or police.
Please note that specific areas within Dartmoor National Park may have additional rules or seasonal restrictions. It is always wise to check with the official Dartmoor National Park website or visitor centres for up-to-date information and maps of permitted camping areas before setting up camp.
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Galloway Forest Park, also known as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’, is a sprawling woodland reserve in southwest Scotland, with plenty of wild camping opportunities available.
Here, you can enjoy the stunning views, rich wildlife, and clear night skies. As wild camping is generally tolerated in Scotland, you can pitch your tent in many places. However, remember to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Leave No Trace principles. Carefully choose your spot to avoid damaging the environment.
Some prime wild camping spots in Galloway Forest Park include:
Loch Trool – A beautiful loch in the heart of the forest, with many secluded spots to pitch your tent along its shores. The Glentrool Visitor Centre is also nearby.
Clatteringshaws Loch – Another stunning lake with picturesque sceneries, ideal for wild camping. There’s a visitor centre near the loch, which provides useful information on the area.
Loch Stroan – A peaceful spot to camp with beautiful views, located to the northeast of Newton Stewart.
Loch Doon – A large freshwater loch, offering plenty of options for secluded spots to camp. It’s also close to the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Observatory, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site – If you prefer a more structured camping experience, this campsite is located within the forest park, providing a base for exploring the surrounding area. Pitching a tent costs just £7.
Families visiting Galloway Forest Park can indulge in a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, and stargazing. The park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot for admiring the night sky. Nearby attractions include the Red Deer Range, where families can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, and the Galloway Activity Centre, which offers various water sports and outdoor activities.
Interestingly, from April 1st to October 31st, 2023, Galloway’s ‘Stay the Night’ program allows self-contained motorhomes, campervans and caravans to park overnight for one night in some designated car parks. Make sure to check the specific car parks included in the programme before planning your trip.
Exmoor National Park, Somerset
Exmoor National Park, located in Somerset, is another fantastic option for families seeking free camping experiences.
Whilst wild camping in Exmoor National Park isn’t officially permitted, as much of the land is privately owned or managed by the Exmoor National Park Authority. However, informal camping may be allowed in some areas with the landowner’s permission. The UK has a strong wild camping culture, and with a respectful and responsible approach, you may still be able to find a few incredible spots to pitch your tent.
In instances such as this, it might be a wise move to become a member of the non-profit co-operative Nearly Wild Camping. A unique UK-based initiative, Nearly Wild Camping connects passionate nature enthusiasts with off-the-beaten-track camping spots through an ever-growing membership network. This community-driven platform enables landowners to offer their undiscovered, pristine pieces of land for environmentally conscious, low-impact camping experiences, all while supporting rural economies in the process. On a more practical level, being a member is a great way to gain permission to camp in Exmoor National Park.
Once you’re settled in, rest assured that Exmoor National Park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from moorlands and woodlands to dramatic coastlines. Families can explore the park’s numerous walking trails, visit the historic Tarr Steps, or take a scenic drive along the Exmoor coastline. For a memorable day out, consider a trip to the Valley of the Rocks, where you can marvel at the unique rock formations and enjoy stunning views of the Bristol Channel.
For perhaps the most perfect pitch (weather permitting!) in the park, make for Dunkery Beacon. Known as the ‘Summit of Somerset’ and the highest point in Exmoor, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Camping near the summit may offer an incredible sunrise or sunset experience, but be prepared for sudden inclement changes.
This summit is one best tackled with proper camping gear. Bringing your own camping supplies, such as a tent and cool bags, not only adds to the affordability of camping but also offers long-term value – and we did promise this thing was being done on a budget, after all. Using your own gear also offers a sense of familiarity, which is essential for the younger members of the gang getting used to their first adventure! While there may be an initial investment in purchasing such items, they can be used repeatedly on future camping trips, making them a worthwhile investment.
There are few more beautiful places on the planet than rural Wales on a certain type of crisp, cold day, and Snowdonia National Park, situated in the country’s northwest, is probably the most beautiful of the lot. It’s also a haven for adventure-seeking families, and while wild camping is not officially permitted, responsible campers who follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle are generally tolerated.
Keep in mind that much of the land within Snowdonia National Park is privately owned, so you should seek permission from the landowner before setting up camp. To stay on their good side, avoid camping near popular trails, water sources, or in large groups. It’s a good idea to arrive late, leave early, and leave the area exactly as you found it to minimise your impact on the environment.
Now that admin’s dispensed with, let’s savour Snowdonia’s dramatic mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, all offering a wealth of activities for families. Embark on a hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, take a ride on the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway, or explore the magical village of Portmeirion. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, visit Zip World, home to the world’s fastest zip line and a variety of other thrilling adventures.
Northumberland National Park & Coast
Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, offers some of the most pristine and least crowded landscapes for wild camping enthusiasts. While wild camping is not officially permitted without landowner permission (as with most of England), Northumberland’s remote nature and vast open spaces make it a practical option for discreet, responsible camping.
Northumberland National Park is England’s least populated national park, spanning 1,050 square kilometers of breathtaking scenery from Hadrian’s Wall to the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border. The park’s remoteness means you’re more likely to encounter grazing sheep than other humans, creating a true wilderness experience for adventurous families.
The Cheviot Hills in the northern section of the park offer particularly good opportunities for wild camping if you’re willing to hike away from roads and popular paths. The College Valley, with its stunning scenery and seclusion, is especially worth exploring, though you’ll need to obtain permission from the estate office for overnight stays.
For stargazers, Northumberland International Dark Sky Park (which covers much of the national park) boasts some of Europe’s darkest skies, making it perfect for nighttime astronomy with the kids. The Kielder Observatory offers regular events, but simply pitching your tent in an appropriate spot and gazing upward can be equally magical.
Along the Northumberland coast, the remote beaches north of Bamburgh toward Holy Island (Lindisfarne) provide beautiful wild camping opportunities for those seeking coastal experiences. Just be mindful of tidal times if camping near Holy Island, as the causeway floods twice daily.
If seeking landowner permission feels daunting, Northumberland is also home to a several low-key campsites that offer nearly-wild experiences. Two of the best are:
Clennell Hall Campsite near Alwinton sits at the edge of the national park and offers basic facilities with immediate access to hill walking routes.
Demesne Farm in Bellingham provides simple riverside pitches with the Pennine Way passing nearby.
The Lake District, Cumbria
While wild camping is not explicitly allowed in the Lake District as it mainly falls on privately-owned land, it is generally tolerated if done discreetly and responsibly in remote locations, away from popular trails, car parks, and residential areas.
Indeed, many landowners and park authorities turn a blind eye if campers follow these guidelines and exhibit good environmental stewardship.
For some of the most secluded spots, consider:
Nestled beneath the towering Langdale Pikes, the Great Langdale Valley is an idyllic spot for families to set up camp. Here you’ll find a sense of seclusion and remoteness, allowing the whole team to truly reconnect with nature (and avoid interruption from the authorities!). Families can spend their days exploring the surrounding fells, embarking on scenic walks, or enjoying a tranquil picnic by the bubbling valley stream. At night, in the absence of light pollution, it’s all about the stargazing.
As one of the most remote lakes in the Lake District, Ennerdale Water promises a serene wild camping experience. For the family who loves to don their walking boots together, the lake boasts plenty of gentle walking paths; you could even attempt a walk around the entire lake. Fishing is also a popular pastime here, and for the little ones, skimming stones across the lake’s clear surface is as magical as it gets.
The Borrowdale Valley is another fantastic location for adventurous families seeking both picturesque landscapes and engaging activities. Set up camp near the banks of the River Derwent and enjoy the mesmerising views. Then, explore the hidden caves and gorges that surround the valley. The kids can build dams and splash in shallow streams, while parents can look forward to relaxing walks amongst the verdant woodlands (not separately, of course; you might want to keep an eye on the kids when they’re building those dams).
The second-largest lake in the Lake District, Ullswater provides families with picturesque camping spots and plenty to do. Along the eastern shore, you’ll find charming, secluded areas perfect for wild camping. During the day, families can get stuck into watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Additionally, you can hop on the Ullswater Steamer for a lazy afternoon cruise, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding fells and valleys.
The Bottom Line
Though not strictly ‘campsites’, the UK is home to numerous free places for wild camping, some of which cater very capably to families seeking budget-friendly outdoor adventures.
From the enchanting landscapes of Dartmoor National Park to the awe-inspiring mountains of Snowdonia, these destinations offer a unique camping experience without breaking the bank. So pack your tents, gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable family adventure at one of these incredible free campsites. Just remember to not leave a trace!
*The rules and legislation regarding wild camping here in the UK may change at short notice. Do check with the national park’s official website before setting off on your adventure. Please also be aware that rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland*
As Spring 2025 tentatively begins to poke its gorgeous head over the horizon, all sunshine, flowers and seasonal optimism, the world of interior design is embracing a softer, more organic aesthetic to match it.
The trend that’s taking centre stage this year is all about curves. From furniture to architecture, the allure of rounded edges and flowing lines aims to transform our living spaces into places of comfort and elegance. But why are curves such a big trend, and how can you incorporate them into your home?
Why Curves Are Dominating 2025
A Return To Nature
We’ve all read about biophilic design by now. Hell, we’ve read all about it on the pages of IDEAL, right? RIGHT?
Well, curves, being inherently natural, form part of this contemporary design trend. They mimic the shapes we find in the natural world, from the gentle arc of a river to the soft contours of a pebble. In an era where sustainability and a connection to nature are paramount, incorporating curves into our homes helps create a serene and organic environment.
Softening The Space
Straight lines and sharp angles can sometimes make a space feel rigid and uninviting. Curves, on the other hand, introduce a sense of fluidity and movement. They soften the overall look of a room, making it feel more welcoming and comfortable.
Curves also evoke a sense of nostalgia. They harken back to the Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern eras, where rounded forms were celebrated. This blend of retro charm with contemporary design creates a timeless appeal that resonates with many.
Psychological Comfort
There’s a psychological aspect to curves as well. Studies have shown that humans are naturally drawn to curved shapes because they are perceived as safer and more comforting. In a world that often feels chaotic, surrounding ourselves with curves can provide a subtle sense of security and relaxation.
How To Incorporate Curves Into Your Home
Curves can be seamlessly integrated into your home in a variety of ways, each adding a unique touch of elegance and comfort. Here’s a deeper dive into how you can embrace this trend:
Furniture
Leading retailers of sofas and armchairs have been saying it with increasing volume all year thus far: Furniture is the most straightforward way to introduce curves into your home. By selecting pieces with rounded edges and flowing lines, you can instantly soften the look of any room.
Sofas and Chairs: Opt for sofas with rounded backs and armrests. These pieces not only provide a comfortable seating experience but also soften the overall look of your living room. Curved sectionals can create a cosy, intimate seating area, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests. For something a little smaller and less all encompassing, a chair with a tub design offers the same kind of softening vibe.
Tables: Circular or oval coffee tables and dining tables are excellent choices. They encourage a more inclusive and conversational atmosphere, as everyone can see each other without the obstruction of sharp corners. Additionally, side tables with rounded edges can complement the main furniture pieces, adding to the cohesive look.
Beds: Consider beds with curved headboards. These can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your bedroom, making it feel like a serene retreat.
Incorporating curves into the architecture of your home can create a dramatic and elegant effect. These elements can transform the very structure of your space, making it feel more dynamic and inviting.
Arched Doorways: Replacing standard rectangular doorways with arched ones can dramatically change the feel of your home. Arches add a sense of grandeur and elegance, reminiscent of classical architecture.
Rounded Windows: Circular or oval windows can be a striking feature, allowing natural light to flood in while adding a unique architectural element. They can serve as focal points in a room, drawing the eye and creating visual interest.
Curved Walls: If you’re undertaking a major renovation, consider incorporating curved walls. These can create a sense of flow and movement within a space, making it feel more dynamic and less boxy.
hallway mirror
Decorative Accessories
Decorative accessories are a simple yet effective way to introduce curves into your home. These small touches can make a big impact, adding elegance and cohesion to your decor.
Mirrors: Round mirrors are a simple yet effective way to introduce curves. They can be used in any room to add depth and reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter, and helping open things up.
Rugs: Circular rugs can define areas within a room, such as a seating area or dining space. They add a layer of texture and warmth, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Vases and Bowls: Curved vases and bowls can be used as centrepieces or decorative accents. They bring a touch of elegance and can be easily swapped out to refresh the look of a room.
Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element in any interior design, and choosing fixtures with curved lines can enhance the overall aesthetic. These pieces not only provide illumination but also serve as sculptural elements.
Pendant Lights: Choose pendant lights with rounded shades or globes. These fixtures can serve as statement pieces, adding both style and function to your space.
Floor and Table Lamps: Lamps with curved stands or bases can add a sculptural element to your decor. They provide soft, ambient lighting that enhances the cosy atmosphere created by curved furniture and accessories.
Textiles & Patterns
Textiles and patterns offer a versatile way to incorporate curves into your home. From cushions to curtains, these elements can subtly reinforce the theme without overwhelming the space.
Fabrics: Look for cushions, throws, and curtains with circular motifs or wavy lines. These patterns can subtly reinforce the theme of curves without overwhelming the space.
Bedding: Curved patterns on duvet covers and pillowcases can add a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Opt for designs that complement the overall colour scheme and style of your room.
Wallpaper: Consider wallpaper with curved or wavy patterns. This can be used on an accent wall to create a focal point or throughout a room for a more dramatic effect.
Outdoor Spaces
Curves aren’t just for the indoors; they can enhance your outdoor spaces as well. From garden paths to patio furniture, these elements can create a cohesive and inviting environment.
Garden Paths: Curved garden paths can create a sense of journey and discovery in your outdoor space. They guide the eye and the feet, making the garden feel more expansive and inviting.
Patio Furniture: Choose outdoor furniture with rounded edges and curved lines. This not only enhances the comfort of your outdoor seating area but also ties in with the overall theme of curves.
Planters: Circular or oval planters can add a touch of elegance to your garden or patio. They can be used to create focal points or to define different areas within your outdoor space.
Artwork
Artwork is a fantastic way to introduce curves into your home. Whether through sculptures or wall art, these pieces can add a dynamic and artistic touch to your decor.
Sculptures: Incorporate sculptures with flowing, curved lines. These can be placed on shelves, mantels, or as standalone pieces in a room. They add a three-dimensional element that enhances the overall aesthetic.
Wall Art: Look for paintings or prints that feature curved lines or circular shapes. These can be used to create a cohesive look and tie together different elements within a room.
Built-In Features
Built-in features with curved lines can add a unique and custom touch to your home. These elements not only provide functionality but also enhance the overall design.
Curved Shelving: Built-in shelves with rounded edges can add a unique touch to your home. They provide storage while also serving as a design element that enhances the overall look of a room.
Kitchen Islands: Consider a kitchen island with curved edges. This not only makes the space more functional by allowing for easier movement but also adds a touch of elegance to the heart of your home.
The Bottom Line
Incorporating curves into your home is a wonderful way to create a space that feels both elegant and inviting. Whether through furniture, architectural elements, or decorative accessories, there are countless ways to embrace this trend.
By adding curves, you can transform your home into a sanctuary that reflects the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
If ever a city existed in a liminal space between meals, it’s Chiang Mai. The ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom feels like it’s perpetually gearing up for its next feast, with never ending plumes of smoke rising from charcoal grills, steam billowing from bubbling curry pots, and the rhythmic pounding of clay pestle and mortars providing the city’s distinctive soundtrack. A soundtrack that’s only punctuated by a busy chorus of discussion about what’s for dinner, we might add…
Indeed, whilst the region’s proud, ornate temples, mountain vistas, walls and moats might initially draw visitors to Northern Thailand’s spiritual centre, it’s the food that keeps them coming back.
A distinct cuisine influenced by neighbouring Burma, Laos and the Yunnan Province of China, but with its own inimitable character, Lanna food – as the food of the north is known – is generally milder than that of central and southern Thailand, with an earthy, herbal profile taking precedence over the familiar sweet, spicy and sour vibes that folk usually associate with the Kingdom. Pork fat brings a sauve richness where cracked coconut cream might sizzle down south. Sticky rice reigns supreme.
Not that Chiang Mai has a myopic vision, food wise. A large expat population and status as Thailand’s digital nomad capital means you’ll find excellent international restaurants too, as well as cafes and bars that wouldn’t look out of place in London or New York. Still, we write that without including a single one on our list, such is the quality of the local food here.
So, once again, we find ourselves in the privileged position of eating our way around one of the world’s great food cities, all in the name of research. An arduous task, make no mistake, but one we accepted with open arms, and soon after, open mouths. Here are the very best places to eat in Chiang Mai; our IDEAL 22.
SP Chicken, Si Phum (Old City)
Ideal for some of the finest grilled chicken you’ll ever eat…
Let’s start with something simple but sublime. SP Chicken has been doing one thing exceptionally well for decades now; Issan-style grilled chicken cooked over charcoal. And boy, do they do it well.
The chickens here are brined, marinated, stuffed with lemongrass and garlic, and cooked on vertical spits with the heat source coming from the side rather than below. This unique method prevents any oil from dripping onto the coals and causing flare-ups that might burn the birds. The result? Impossibly juicy meat and perfectly, consistently crisp skin, every single time.
You have the option of a half or a whole bird. Though the idea of a half seems plenty, you’ll find yourself licking the plate and your fingers and considering ordering a second half.
You might as well commit to the whole thing first time around. Order yours with som tam (papaya salad) and sticky rice – the holy trinity of Isaan cooking, add a couple of Singha beers, position yourself near the grill where the cook is happy to swap stories and cooking tips, and stay the afternoon there. Heaven.
Prices remain steadfastly local here too, with a full spread for two rarely exceeding 400 baht (around £9). The whole chicken is 190 baht (£4.30), if you want to behave like a beast, tearing at drumsticks with your teeth.
Ideal for northern Thai food that’s worth seeking out…
It’s a pig’s ear to find and a pig’s ear to find open. Funnily enough, you can find pig’s ear on the menu here. That’s if you’re lucky enough to catch one of the sweet spots where their doors are flung wide and the sisters in-charge are at the stove. But man, it’s worth the effort (and occasional disappointment at being turned away).
Author’s own
Because this bare bones, humble eatery serves up some of the finest northern Thai specialties in the city. Their gaeng hung lay (a Burmese-influenced curry of braised pork belly) is sensational, their laab toasty, rasping and redolent of a complex dried spice mix, and bitter as it should be. The northern Thai sausage, sai ua, is fragrant with lemongrass and makrut lime leaf, with a pleasingly caramelised casing – a nice point of a difference in a city with so much sai ua that the sausage fest gags write themself.
Ideal for what might just be the finest bowl of curry noodles in the world…
About half an hour’s drive north of the city centre lies what many consider to be the best khao soi in Chiang Mai and by default, then, the world. This iconic northern Thai dish combines egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, crowned with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled greens, shallots, and chilli oil – a cherished creation born from the intersection of Chinese Muslim, Burmese and Thai culinary traditions. The journey might seem excessive for a bowl of noodles, but trust us; this one’s worth it.
Here, the third (and reportedly last) generation owner still makes the egg noodles by hand daily, preserving a family recipe that spans more than four decades. The beef version is the move here; the meat tender and giving, the coconut curry broth deep and complex with properly developed spicing, and those noodles – both soft and crispy – providing the perfect vehicle for it all.
If you’re feeling curious, try their pad sen khao soi, where those same hand-made noodles are stir-fried rather than swimming in broth. It’s a unique twist on the city’s signature dish that you won’t find in many other places. Rent a motorbike and make a day of it; San Sai is a gorgeous retreat from Chiang Mai proper.
Ideal for innovative cooking that respects its roots…
Hidden above a gelato shop in Chiang Mai’s hip Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, this 16-seat restaurant serves some of the most exciting food in Chiang Mai. Chef Phanuphol Bulsuwan, who learned his craft at his grandmother’s side rather than culinary school, creates ambitious 10-course tasting menus that change constantly based on what’s available from local farmers and foragers.
The chef’s innovative approach to fermentation – he makes his own fish sauce, soy sauce and pickles, and brews beer and sake for the restaurant, too – and his deep knowledge of local ingredients results in food that pushes boundaries while remaining distinctly Thai.
The dining room might be minimalist, but the flavours on the 2700 baht (£60 ish) tasting menu are anything but. Highlights include a refined take on the pork and tomato relish nahm prik ong (the ol’ Thai bolognese), which here is served ‘two ways’ and topped with crisp shards of chicken skin, and chef Bulsuwan’s buffalo salad, a riff on the sun-dried buffalo dishes of the Tai Khuen people.
The menu changes regularly and is Thai-seasonal in its approach, observing the rainy and dry seasons, the former celebrating the abundance that the wetter weather brings; the latter embracing ingredients that are refreshing and light. There’s a keen sense of time and place here – of tradition and modernity that reflects the wider city as an entity.
Many think that Blackitch will be the restaurant that wins Chiang Mai its first Michelin star – we have to say, we agree with them. It’s the best ‘fine dining’ restaurant in Thailand’s second city by some margin.
Ideal for northern Thai classics in lively surrounds…
Set in a charming wooden house on Nimmanhaemin Soi 13, Tong Tem Toh is perpetually packed with a mix of Thai university students, Chinese tourists and in-the-know farang. They’re all here for the same thing – agreeable northern Thai food in a convivial courtyard, all big wooden tables and noisy din that makes the whole sharing thing all the more enjoyable.
It is a massive menu, so let the restaurant dictate things a little. Their northern Thai appetiser platter is the perfect introduction to the cuisine, loaded with sai ua, nahm prik ong, nahm prik noom (roasted green chilli relish), pork crackling and steamed vegetables. Lovely stuff. The grilled meats coming off the barbecue set up outside are excellent too, particularly the fatty, charred pork neck. It’s impossible to resist the smoke wafting about as you queue for, genuinely, hours for a table.
That said, the highlight at Tong Tem Toh is the jin som. Here, pork mince, skin and fat are mixed together with a cracked egg, pounded garlic and salt, wrapped in a banana leaf and left to ferment in the sun for a few days. The parcel is then chucked on the grill to order, and served with roasted peanuts, thumbs of ginger and Thai bird’s eye chillis. It’s lip smackingly good, and a damn fine version at triple T; rich, sour and just a little bit funky. Chase it down with a few Singha over ice – you’ve earned it after all that waiting around.
A meal here rarely costs more than 300 baht per person, which makes the queue out front a bit more bearable. Our advice? Get there early, get your name down and your number memorised, and go for a beer or two opposite.
Ideal for a bowl of curry noodles from the OG (original grandma)…
Just off Sri Phum Road, near the North Gate of the old city, you’ll find this beloved institution known simply as Grandma’s Khao Soi. Opening at 10am and closing when they run out (usually around 2pm), this modest open-air eatery serves what many consider the best bowl of khao soi within the old city walls.
The coconut curry broth here is perfectly balanced – not too rich, not too sweet – with a deep rouge colour that speaks to its proper blooming of spices. While the chicken version is excellent, we’re particularly fond of the lesser-sighted pork version (owing to the dish’s potential Muslim origins, pork is rarely used in khao soi), which comes with tender chunks of belly that have been stewing in that incredible curry all morning. For those not confident with their chopsticks and fearful of ruining their T-shirt with a splashback of turmeric-tainted broth, the chicken slices version is your order.
Whichever way you play it, those ubiquitous condiments – pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime – are an essential counterpoint to the rich broth/soup/curry…whatever you want to call it. At just 60 baht a bowl, this is one of the city’s greatest bargains.
Ideal for authentic northern Thai food in a traditional Lanna setting…
Since 2011, this restaurant – whose name means ‘happy home’ – has been living up to its moniker by serving some of the most jolly satisfying northern Thai food in the city. Set in a traditional Lanna house with a leafy garden, it’s a tranquil spot to sample hard-to-find traditional dishes. Of a genre that’s fairly widespread in the city, Huen Muan Jai is our favourite rendition.
Former TV chef Charan Thipeung’s menu includes all the northern classics: sai ua, nahm prik ong, and an excellent gaeng hang lay, alongside some lesser known dishes (outside the north, at least) like tam khanoon (pounded jackfruit salad) and gaeng pla chon (a hot and sour soup with snakehead fish). We’re really sorry about all those brackets, by the way.
For newcomers and old timers, too, the northern Thai appetiser sampler is the perfect introduction to the region’s flavours. A word of warning; with the semi alfresco vibe to the dining room at Huen Muan Jai and the various water features scattered about the place, the mozzies can be pretty insistent here. Come doused in repellent accordingly.
Ideal for seriously good seafood in a landlocked city…
You might not expect to find excellent seafood in a landlocked mountain city, but Maadae proves that distance from the coast is no barrier to quality. The kitchen here sources their catch directly from small-scale fishermen in Chumphon province, ensuring the freshest possible produce makes its way up north and onto the grills of this cracking restaurant.
The menu changes daily depending on what’s been caught, but you can expect Thai seafood classics like thick rounds of braised squid in a moody black pepper and garlic sauce, or chunks of white fish mixed with a fragrant, coarse curry paste before being wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. The main event, though, is the selection of whole fish and huge river prawns, sold by weight and grilled over coals. Usually, they’re served with jungle herbs and an assertive nahm jim seafood, the ideal foil by the bitter notes of charred skin and gorgeous, giving flesh within.
The dining room, with its blend of industrial chic and traditional Thai elements, provides the perfect backdrop for such considered, respectful cooking. There’s even a short selection of natural wine, with a bottle of Wabi Sabi Orange Moon from the Niederösterreich region of Austria clocking in at 1400 baht (£32) and offering a restrained funk and plenty of acidity.
Whilst Maadae isn’t a blowout meal (certainly not by Bangkok standards), it’s one of the more premium places on our list of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai. Expect to pay 2000 baht (£45) for two, before drinks. It’s very much worth it for the kind of spread or spanking fresh seafood you won’t find too often in Thailand’s second city.
Ideal for experiencing the best raw laab in Northern Thailand…
A tiny shack a twenty minute drive out of Chiang Mai Old City, tucked away in the San Sai district, might not be the first place you’d think of for a culinary pilgrimage…
…Scrap that; it’s exactly the kind of place you’d think of. It’s worth the journey, the language barrier and the rest, as Laab Ton Koi serves what many locals consider to be the best laab in Chiang Mai. Opening at 11am sharp, this humble eatery typically sells out within three hours, the meat minced fresh each day and only going so far, so arriving early is essential.
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The star dish here is their laab kwai dip (raw buffalo) – a perfectly minced creation that’s generously but not excessively seasoned with a blend of spices including makwen peppercorns and cumin, then mixed with fresh green cow bile for an authentic northern Thai flavour profile. The result is a wonderfully complex dish that combines herbs both astringent and floral, bitter bile, and beautifully textured meat.
Since you’ve made the effort to get here, you shouldn’t dine on laab (and sticky rice) alone. Don’t miss their gaeng om moo (pork intestine soup) – a herb-rich broth that serves as the perfect accompaniment to the laab. The restaurant also offers sa sa-doong, a barely-blanched meat dish whose name literally translates to ‘jolted raw slices’.
At just 40 baht per dish, this is one of the best value-for-money experiences you’ll find in Chiang Mai. Just remember – this isn’t tourist-oriented dining, so expect a local experience with minimal English spoken. Time to brush up on your Thai.
Ideal for contemporary Chinese dining in a traditional Lanna setting…
We’re back in Nimmanhaemin, somewhat in awe of Yangzi Jiang’s regal, refined take on Chinese-Catonese cuisine, helmed by a chef with Hong Kong roots. When you’re just a little tired of another bowl of khao soi, Yangzi Jiang is just the ticket, its stellar dim sum selection during lunch hours a welcome diversion from the city’s usual charms. The signature steamed scallop dumplings with black truffles are a standout, and one of Chiang Mai’s most decadent dishes.
Set in a contemporary Lanna house (there’s a theme developing here), the restaurant has an elegant, hushed atmosphere that perfectly complements its refined cuisine. While the dim sum is the main draw, their Peking duck has earned a reputation as one of the most memorable versions in the city, arriving with breasts delicately portioned and bordered with a clock’s worth of numeral bronzed, glass-like skin. This is supreme cooking, with age-old techniques precisely delivered.
Their lunch menu is particularly popular among Chinese tourists and well-heeled locals, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours. This is one of the pricier options in the Nimman area, but the quality of ingredients and execution justifies the cost; an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their Chiang Mai dining experience beyond Thai cuisine.
Ideal for atmospheric northern Thai dining in the heart of the old city…
Set in an atmospheric old teak house near the centre of the old city, Huen Phen feels frozen in time in the best possible way. The dining room is adorned with antiques and vintage photos, while chunky wooden tables and the occasional touch of opulence nod to the city’s royal heritage.
The food is just as traditional as the setting, and Huen Phen – though not the gold-standard purveyors of the good stuff – is a great place to try savoury, herbal Northern Thai classics like gaeng hang lay, various preparations of Northern-style laab, and nahm prik noom served with fresh and steamed vegetables and pork crackling.
The brick-a-brack, organised chaos of the dining room(s) adds to the charm here – your dining companions on any given visit might include several golden, looming phaya naga, a deer with comically large antlers, or a wooden fertility statue, tumescent and distracting. Yep, this is a vibes-first kind of place, and it’s all the better for it.
Prices are keen too, with most main dishes coming in under 100 baht. Just be prepared to wait for a table during peak lunch hours. Once you nab one, settle in, order a few cold beers (or even a little Sang Som with soda) and luxuriate in the generosity of Lanna cuisine and culture.
Ideal for possibly the best beef noodle soup in northern Thailand…
For over three decades, this humble shophouse has been serving what many consider to be the finest Chinese-style beef noodles in Chiang Mai. We’re certainly inclined to agree with the many here; this is a light but luxurious bowl of the good stuff that manages to be satisfying but not too sweet, and not overly reliant on MSG for backbone. It’s a rare find in a bowl of noodles in Thailand these days…
The broth is the star – deeply flavoured with Chinese herbs and pristine in its clarity. Tiny globules of beef fat pool at the edges of the bowl, indicating just the right level of skimming has happened here.
The beef bits – balls with good factory bounce, offal, slices – have just the right amount of chew. As in, a fair bit of chew. There’s an obligatory lettuce leaf bobbing about, as there should be.
And if you’re not in the mood for noodles (bit of a weird choice to pitch up here if you’re not), they also do an excellent beef yellow curry served over rice. Don’t leave without trying their homemade coconut ice cream for dessert – the perfect way to reset after that steaming bowl of soup.
Ideal for an authentic local market experience away from the tourist trail…
About a kilometre north of the old city, Siri Wattana (also known as Thanin Market) offers one of Chiang Mai’s most genuine market experiences. This is where locals come to do their daily shopping and grab a quick, delicious meal, and it’s somewhere you should do the same.
The market is divided into distinct sections – fresh produce, meats, prepared foods – but it’s the khao gaeng (rice and curry) section that draws us back time and time again. Here, dozens of silver trays hold different curries, stir-fries and soups, all priced at local-friendly rates (expect to pay no more than 40-50 baht per dish).
The best strategy here is to point at whatever looks good (you could, of course, learn some Thai). Don’t miss the hor mok pla, a fish curry steamed in banana leaves and topped with coconut cream. There are also excellent takeaway options of sai ua, served with smoked green chilli relish, and deep fried fermented pork ribs. The som tam pla raa here is great, too, found at the right of the prepared foods section of the market.
If your appetite still isn’t satiated, there’s also excellent one-bowl wonders prepared to order in the canteen-like space as you enter – the pad grapao that’s served to the left of the market as you enter is an excellent version of a classic. If you can’t find it, just listen out for the clatter of the one-woman-wok operation.
Ideal for conscientious eating that doesn’t compromise on flavour…
This socially conscious cafe in the Nimman (we’re shortening now) area isn’t just about serving great food – though it certainly does that. Run by Thai Freedom House, a non-profit organisation supporting Shan refugees, Free Bird Cafe puts its profits towards educational projects and community support.
The menu features traditional Shan recipes, many plant-based by design, alongside a broader selection of international dishes.
Stick with the Shan stuff; it’s superb. Their lahpet thoke (Burmese tea leaf salad) is a standout – crunchy, tangy and utterly addictive – whilst the red lentil soup could cure the very worst whiskey soda hangover. For breakfast, try the Burmese tofu scramble with pennywort and turmeric, alongside a roasted barley and chicory drink, which boasts coffee-adjacent notes but none of the caffeine.
Ideal for refined Thai dining in characterful surrounds…
Hidden down a quiet soi in the old city, Baan Landai serves up creative, Kingdom-spanning cuisine in a setting that manages to be both chic and homely. Chef Landai weaves together regional flavours without things ever becoming jarring, creating dishes that respect heritage while adding enough contemporary touches to keep things interesting in a city arguably more in thrall to traditional recipes than innovation.
Don’t worry; there’s no green curry foams or exploding spheres of coconut milk here. Rather, artfully presented (there are a lot of circular banana leaves), precisely seasoned plates from across the Thai culinary canon reign supreme. The crab fried rice is perhaps the signature here, featuring those massive, inviting chunks that only Thailand seems to truly indulge in. A fiesty af nahm jim seafood is obligatory as accoutrement.
Whatever you order, save room for dessert – their modern take on mango sticky rice is worth loosening your belt for.
Something of an old town institution, The House by Ginger has been in operation for over two decades, and remains one of Chiang Mai’s most consistently excellent fine dining-leaning restaurants. The quirky, stylish dining room – full of colour and energy – sets the scene for a menu that skilfully blends northern Thai classics with a few more contemporary flourishes (Thai tacos, Thai calamari…you get the picture).
It’s an approach that has earned the restaurant Michelin recognition for the past four years (since the guide came to Thailand’s second city). Premium ingredients are a focus here – think New Zealand beef in their massaman curry, or organic vegetables and herbs picked daily from their own Ginger Farm and put to good use in stir fries and salads. The Chiang Mai platter, keenly priced at 690 baht offers the ideal introduction to northern flavours, while their creative cocktail and kombucha list provides plenty of reasons to linger. Ours is a Ginger Sling, if you’re heading to the bar.
Set in a beautifully restored 1880s teak mansion that served as the city’s first ever general store, Kiti Panit offers a glimpse into Chiang Mai’s glamorous past while serving some of its finest contemporary Thai cuisine. The original woodwork, flooring and furniture have all been lovingly preserved, creating an atmosphere of understated grandeur that’s impossible to resist.
The kitchen gently reimagines traditional Lanna cuisine with a few opulent twists – their khao soi comes with stewed beef shank that’s been cooked to melting tenderness, while the yam pakchi gai yang sees a bronzed, burnished chicken bread bedding down with a tangle of coriander varieties tossed into a salad that is replete with a shards of crispy chicken skin. Words that any hungry diner wants to read, let’s be honest.
Whilst we don’t think mango sticky rice’s original form can be improved upon, the grilled caramelised mango with pandan flavored sticky rice is certainly an interesting take on a classic, the mango itself bar-marked invitingly and kissed with smoke. You know what? We think there’s room in the world for both tradition and innovation, when it comes to dessert.
Ideal for late-night feasting after a few Chang beers…
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain’s visit but beloved by locals long before that, Midnight Sticky Rice is the perfect spot for post-revelry sustenance. It’s an order-by-pointing affair, but rest assured that everything will be spicy, fried and utterly delicious.
midnight sticky rice
The menu changes nightly depending on what’s fresh and available, but you can usually count on finding excellent som tam, grilled meats, and of course, plenty of sticky rice to soak it all up. Just follow the crowds and the aroma of grilling meat, and prepare for plenty of toasting with your increasingly jolly neighbours.
No visit to Chiang Mai would be complete without a pilgrimage to the famous ‘Cowboy Hat Lady’ at Chang Phueak Gate. Her khao kha moo (braised pork leg over rice) has achieved legendary status, and rightly so – the meat is so tender you could practically shake it off the bone.
From 5pm onwards, you’ll find her distinctive cowboy hat bobbing behind mountains of perfectly braised pork, served over rice with a medium-boiled egg, pickled mustard greens, raw garlic and a searingly hot chilli sauce. At around 50-60 baht a plate, this is one of the city’s greatest culinary bargains.
Despite her celebrity status (she’s been featured on countless food shows), there’s no hint of tourist pricing here, and the quality remains as high as ever. The queue can be long, but it moves quickly – just look for the stall with the cowboy hat-wearing vendor and join the throng.
This beloved Isaan institution might just serve the best som tam in Chiang Mai. The restaurant’s (the country’s) signature salad comes in countless variations – you can customise everything down to the specific ingredients and spice level – but whatever you choose, expect fresh, fiery flavours that don’t hold back.
The grilled meats here are equally excellent. Order the gai yang (grilled chicken) or kor moo yang (grilled pork neck) to accompany your som tam, and don’t forget to get sticky rice to help temper the heat. Head up to the huge communal dipping sauce station and help yourself to complete the deal.
Though prices are slightly higher than a street stall, a feast for two still won’t set you back more than 250 baht, in a huge, expansive space that’s just crying out for a big party and plenty of beers poured over ice.
Ideal for northern Thai food in tranquil surrounds…
Set in a converted home with a distinctive triangular roof in the university district, Han Teung offers a peaceful retreat from Chiang Mai’s bustle. The small portions here are actually a blessing in disguise – they allow you to sample a wider range of northern Thai specialities than you might otherwise be able to manage.
Don’t miss the sai ua, fragrant with lemongrass and kaffir lime, or their excellent chilli soups. The pork dishes are particularly good (as is always the way up north), and everything comes with an assertive kick of spice.
If it’s the season (beginning in earnest in mid-February and ending when things cool down in late June-ish), round things off with an order of so-called ‘Northern caviar’; weaver ant larvae, served pleasingly unadorned and boasting an agreeable sour tang owing to their diet of mango leaves.
With dishes rarely exceeding 100 baht, Han Teung is excellent value too.
We end at Ton Payom, a bustling morning market northwest of the old city where locals head for their morning fix of khanom jeen nahm ngiaw (spicy noodle soup) for a pleasingly mellow, refreshing breakfast bowl. The atmosphere is kinetic, especially around 7am when office workers and students stop by for breakfast.
By simon_photos from Getty Images via Canva
Look out for the stall selling sai oua that’s still sizzling from the grill, and don’t miss the khao ram fuen – a jellied rice noodle dish served with tamarind sauce that’s particularly refreshing on a hot morning. You know what? We think we might just stay here a while…
Whether you’re seeking fiery northern curries, perfectly grilled meats, or innovative takes on traditional dishes, Chiang Mai’s food scene has something for everyone. Just remember to pack loose-fitting clothes – you’re going to need them.
How times have changed. Only a few years ago, you were lucky if a pizza in Bangkok boasted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and a properly leavened dough, rather than cheddar, ketchup and some oddly sweet sliced white.
These days, the 480°C heat of Neapolitan wood burning ovens competes with Bangkok’s own sweltering temperatures just off the streets of Sukhumvit and beyond, as skilled Italian pizzaiolo make this wonderful city their home and young Thai chefs put their own spin on this beloved dish.
Still, if you’ve decided to forgo your usual som tam in favour of a margherita this evening, this pizza proliferation has made the paradox of choice more omnipresent than ever.
We’re here to help you separate the finely ground durum wheat from the chaff, with our guide to the very best pizza in Bangkok, from Neopolitan to New Yorker and beyond.
Peppina
We had to start here, at Peppina, which was earlier this month named the best pizzeria in Thailand (and the fifth in the Asia-Pacific region) at the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific awards.
Here, it’s real-deal Neapolitan pizzas, with authenticity the driving force behind the restaurant group’s (there are now six in Bangkok) continued success.
In fact, Peppina is Southeast Asia’s only AVPN certified, Napoli-style pizzeria, with the quality of the ingredients shining most strikingly in the most simple of pizzas, the marinara, with the sweet/tart interplay of the imported San Marzano tomatoes satisfying every craving for ”Western food” you’ll have in Bangkok.
Images via Peppina
Of course, you don’t have to order in such an austere fashion; there are some real gems to be found in Peppina’s Special Selection section of the menu, too. We particularly like the restaurant’s pizza carpaccio, with the fresh, creamy stracciatella and a smart squeeze of lemon lifting the dish to dizzy (and surprisingly refreshing) heights.
The pasta at Peppina is excellent, too. For us, the best bowls of pasta stay true to two pillars of all great Italian food; number one, the pasta should be the star, and two, the accompanying adornments must be fresh, of clarity, and celebrate the raw ingredient. Peppina follows both thoughtfully.
Their house favourites, which include an excellent vongole veraci and a paccheri pasta with slow cooked pork cheek ragu, are both well worth the visit, even if pizza isn’t your thing.
That clarity of ingredients is found just as keenly in the superb cocktails here; the house negroni delivers every time. This is, quite simply, the best pizza in Bangkok.
Another from the Top 50 Pizza awards list (we’re not just plundering that list here, honest) and winners of the ‘Best Pizza In Thailand’ last year, Pizza Massilia this year came sixth, just behind Peppina.
What started life as a food truck has now become an ambitious mini-empire, with a flagship bricks-and-mortar restaurant on Ruam Rudee, a second branch in a small food court in Sathorn and the original pizza truck on Soi Sukhumvit 49. All boast enormous dual pizza ovens built by expert pizza oven maker Stefano Ferrara.
Images via Pizza Massilia
This sense of confidence and aspiration extends to the pizzas here. Whilst Peppina seems to work best when deploying a ‘less is more’ approach, at Pizza Massilia, it’s all about true indulgence in topping form. Though the pizzas are nominally Neapolitan, plenty of luxury French ingredients make their way onto the menu. With that ethos in mind, go for the foie gras, fior di latte and organic figs, followed by a long, satisfied lie down.
Now for something different over in the trendy Ekkamai district, Pizza Mazzie is run by New Yorker Jon Spearman, with the pizzas here an interesting hybrid of American and Italian sensibilities, ingredients and technique.
Images via Pizza Mazzie
The oven here is the revered ‘low dome’ Acunto, built in Naples, and the dough is light and airy, owing to its super slow-fermentation process. It arrives blistered and burnished in all the right places, with Spearman’s refined approach to toppings (he believes that there should be no more than three, as a rule) meaning the pizzas at Mazzie are surprisingly delicate.
Our go-to order is the Brooklyn classic cheese (restrained in that it uses just two cheeses, fior di latte and grana padano) which in less capable hands could be a little burdensome, but here it’s sensational.
Biodynamic wines and craft beers complete the package, making Pizza Mazzie an incredibly convivial place to spend an evening. And spend many evenings here we have…
Roberta’s Pizza, a famed Brooklyn establishment with a storied clientele, made its debut in Thailand earlier this year, bringing with it a legacy of high-quality ingredients and a commitment to affordability and an exceptional dining experience.
Founded in 2008 by Brandon Hoy, Chris Parachini, and Michelin-starred chef Carlo Mirarchi, Roberta’s quickly grew from a humble cinderblock warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn to an international brand with locations across major cities including here, with us, in Bangkok, opening on the non-descript, less-than-hallowed confines of the third floor of Siam Discovery in April 2024.
Known for its wood-fired pizzas that boast boast a thin, crisp crust and slightly drooping interior – not quite a bar pizza, certainly not a Neapolitan – Roberta’s perfectly marries the characteristics of both in a pie that manages to quieten the noise of the hype (and shopping mall) and deliver first and foremost on flavour.
It’s a bright and airy place to do business. Sure, Roberta’s may share its space with passing shoppers in a kind of liminal arrangement that does nothing for a dining room’s atmosphere, but the floor to ceiling windows and never-fails-to-impress views of Bangkok’s skyline certainly do bring you back into the room, which is overlooked by artwork from two young Thai artists, Artty Rock and Anar.
All eyes back on the iconic pizzas, which arrive fresh af, having only travelled a second or two from the red domed wood-fired oven at the restaurant’s entrance to your table.
That freshness and digestibility means we have little shame in wolfing down two of these bad boys, all leopard-skinned and pockmarked from the briefest of spells in that ripping hot oven, the thoughtfully composed toppings still very much speaking of themselves rather than having melted into a single homogenous mass.
The brand places great emphasis on toppings that are simple yet deeply flavourful. It’s an ethos apparent in the fresh, milky premium mozzarella. It’s there in the spicy pork sausage, made in-house and crumbled on our favourite pie here. It’s also there in the the excellent pepperoni, gossamer thin and blackened around the edges so enticingly (ask for a drizzle of honey on it; you’ll thank us later).
All of which has won Roberta’s a seriously dedicated following, including Jay-Z and Beyonce (and, less endearingly, Bill Clinton) back in Brooklyn. We count ourselves among that following, too.
If you’re looking for a truly American style pizza, then you should check out Pizza Mania, just off Asok BTS Station in Bangkok’s downtown.
The pizzas here are thin-crust and crisp, and generously topped with a whole raft of meats, shellfish, and even pasta sauces (Carbonara pizza? Check. Bolognese sauce pizza? Check.).
Images via Pizza Mania
Yep, this one wouldn’t pass the Nonna test, sure, but if you get that very specific itch – often brought on by a hangover, admittedly – that only an American pizza can scratch, then Pizza Mania is a very satisfying slice, indeed.
Look out for the restaurant’s monthly deep pan Detroit style pizzas, which are properly indulgent and too infrequently on the menu, in our humble opinion. Make them a regular thing, guys!
Next up we’re heading to Bangkok’s Sathorn district, to Via Emilia, which aims to faithfully recreate the food and hospitality of Italy’s famous Emilia Romagna region. It’s pure escapism, and sometimes, after a hectic and hot day in Bangkok, it’s just the kind of place you want to sink into.
Though this tribute to a region that encompasses the foodie meccas of Bologna, Modena and Parma focuses on all the main food groups (pasta, risotto, cheese, salami… You get the jist), the pizzas at Via Emilia certainly aren’t an afterthought.
Made in the Bolognese style (no, not topped with ragu, but rather, with thin and crispy crusts), the dough is naturally leavened and left to ferment for 72 hours, resulting in an enjoyable lightness and depth of flavour. The parma ham and burrata, which is added fridge-cold once the pizza is cooked, and is subsequently refreshing, exemplifies this light touch. Delicious.
IDEAL Tip: We know this is an article about pizza, but you’d be a fool not to order the strozzapreti con le canocchie on your visit – hand twisted pasta with mantis shrimps in tomato sauce – yes, please.
Speaking of regional Italian restaurants that do a mean pizza, Il Bolognese is – and does – just that. This trattoria has been a stalwart of the Bangkok dining scene for over a decade, knocking out Italian comfort food, top-notch pizzas and pouring very drinkable claret to the weary masses in an elegant dining room that feels like a film set, so faithfully furnished it is.
Indeed, you may well forget you’re in Bangkok during your leisurely lunch here, with the Partenopea pizza (essentially, a margherita) a relative steal at under 400 baht. Whether or not you actually want to forget you’re in one of the world’s most exciting cities is another matter. Anyway, on to the next pizza…
A very different proposition at Pala Pizza Romana, and our list’s first dalliance with Roman pizza. Here, the metre long, rectangular pizza al taglio sits in the window on a paddle, a pala, enticing Bangkokians inside to grab a slice (or should that be ‘square’?) for a very reasonable 90 baht.
The base is thick, with a crisp bottom and fluffy middle, similar to focaccia and very much in the Roman style, with toppings restrained but refined. The capricciosa here is particularly fine.
Alongside their pizza offering is a good selection of pasta and other dishes. Their fritti (deep fried) offerings are particularly good – think suppli, classic crocchette and our fritti favourite – the Amatriciana, filled with tender as you like cured pork cheek. Squisito!
We promised young Thai chefs putting their own spin on pizza in our introduction, so we had to include Chef Bing’s Pizza, which has been making waves in Lumphini in recent months.
We say ‘had to’, but the New York style pies here more than deserve their inclusion on merit alone, and the inventiveness of the toppings here is certainly a refreshing change.
Image via Chef Bing
Run by Navapan ‘Chef Bing’ Puangpakdee, who moved from Thailand to New York at the age of 7, there are some pretty out-there pizzas on the menu here, including one – the kor moo yang pizza – which repurposes the beloved Thai streetfood staple of grilled pork neck into a gorgeous pizza topping, finessed further with sawtooth coriander and toasted rice powder. Trust us; it works!
We return to something more traditional to finish, to a restaurant that sits on the other side of Lumpini Park to the aforementioned Chef Bing; Nonna Nella By Lenzi.
The only place on our list to be featured in Bangkok’s Michelin Guide, it’s the quality of the ingredients that sets Nonna Nella apart. All the hams and cheeses are produced on chef Lenzi’s farm, and other ingredients such as the tomatoes for the superb pizzas are 100% organic and hand-selected by the chef himself.
Image via Nonna Nella by Lenzi
Those pizzas, by the way, boast a thinner, crisper crust than their Neopotlian counterparts, and are generously adorned with that excellent produce from the Lenzi family farm. It’s a wonderful way to finish our list of Bangkok’s best pizzas. Now, excuse us, we need a lie down for several days.
One of Tokyo’s most celebrated pizzerias has now made its way to Bangkok, bringing its unique Tokyo-Napoli hybrid style to Sukhumvit 49 with a quiet but confident January 2025 opening. In a suave, expensive-feeling room which feels more suited to one of Bangkok’s Michelin-starred experiences than humble ol’ pizza, PST’s are anything but.
Characterised by their distinctive use of Okinawa salt, which is thrown into a specially commissioned Japanese wood-fired oven before each pizza is cooked, lending a subtle yet compelling salinity to every bite, these are precise, skilful pizzas that still manage to keep that cherished lack of uniformity – blisters, bubbles and all – that mark the planet’s truly great pizzas.
The dough at Pizza Studio Tamaki undergoes a meticulous 30-hour proofing process, resulting in a crust that’s wonderfully light and airy, with a pleasant salty-sour tang. Their signature Tamaki pizza (priced at a premium 590 baht) showcases this perfectly, topped with smoked mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, sheep’s milk cheese and fresh basil. For something with a bit more kick, the Nduja brings a welcome hit of spice from its namesake spreadable salami, which is produced for the restaurant back in Japan to a bespoke recipe.
The attention to detail extends beyond the pizzas; their PST Meatballs – a blend of pork and wagyu beef slow-cooked in tomato sauce – are a must-order, as is the showstopping matcha panna cotta finale, which uses green tea from Uji, Kyoto, offering a distinctly Japanese twist on an Italian classic.
Taking its name from the precise weight of sourdough required for the perfect pizza, this newcomer to Silom opened in late 2024 but has already carved out its own niche in the city’s competitive pizza scene.
Housed on the second floor of The Quarter Hotel, 90 Grams specialises in both traditional Neapolitan pizzas and inventive focaccia-style variations. Their margherita (a relatively affordable, but relatively small, 190 baht) arrives with a crust so comically canotto’d that it’s almost risen on itself and subsumed the toppings. Christ, it’s light, digestible work though, and you could take two or three down quite comfortably in a single sitting.
The signature focaccia pizzas are more sizeable. The mortadella version (a more sizeable 520 baht), topped with four types of premium cheese, wild rocket and pistachios, is particularly noteworthy. The space stays open until the wee hours (2am most nights), making it perfect for those post-midnight pizza cravings. The addition of sparkling wines by the glass makes this an excellent spot for a casual evening out, whether you’re starting your night or ending it.
On the bustling streets of Bangkok, under the lines of the BTS and down the city’s many sois, where the aroma of fish sauce and spice usually dominates, there lies a burgeoning burger scene that’s flipping the script on traditional Thai fare.
Because we all get a hankering for a burger once in a while, even when dining in one of the world’s greatest food cities. And for when that hankering hits, we’ve got you covered; here are the best burgers in Bangkok.
Street Burger Sukhumvit 48, Sukhumvit
We begin our list of Bangok’s best burgers in seemingly insignificant surroundings; on the steps of a 7/11, on Sukhumvit 48. It’s here that you’ll find one man and his hotplate, serving up a simple smashburger that is simply known as ‘the street burger’ to the legions of fans making the pilgrimage just past Phra Khanong for a bite.
Officalled dubbed the ‘beef cheese bun’ by the chef here, one Nattanon ‘Pump’ Sukkamnerd, the burger’s prosaic description is both faithful to its no frills nature and belying of the deliciousness within.
The crisp, crumbly beef patties come gloriously unadorned in nothing more than a little mayo and a slice of American cheese, with the pillowy brioche bun holding things together ‘till the last bite. It – and every one that preceded it – reveals a truly satisfying burger.
And the best part? A double here is just ฿135 – around £3. The perfect excuse to order another, we think…
From humble beginnings cooking burgers for friends in his apartment, chef Taiki Rattanapong has wrought chaos on the Bangkok burger scene with his meticulously crafted creations, putting all other burgers calling themselves ‘gourmet’ to some considerable shame in recent years.
Now situated in an intimate eight-seater counter on the third floor of a nondescript building near Thong Lor (look for a little illustration of the chef’s head on a glass door – it’s all you’ve got to go on), Homeburg offers what can only be described as a fast-food omakase experience. And one that culminates in one of the more extraordinary burgers we’ve ever eaten…
The attention to detail here is commendable – from the precise 33-second timer for toasting the garlic bread palate cleanser to the ultrasonic-treated chips fries that achieve the perfect craggy but crisp texture. The OG burger, the headlining act following a supporting cast that includes tacos and jerk wings, is officially dubbed ‘Prototype #1’, but it’s as fully realised as you could possibly hope for.
A masterclass in balance and harmony; a perfectly cooked patty, a Japanese milk bun, finely chopped pickled jalapeño paste, dashi cheese, crispy bacon and a proprietary ‘Homeburg sauce’…we realise we’re just listing ingredients but it feels wrong to ruin the full surprise here. To hammer home the point about precision, though, only eight are served a day.
At around ฿3,000 (£70) for the set menu, it’s certainly not cheap, but then neither is perfection. Be warned – reservations are essential and timing is strictly enforced. You’ll want to arrive exactly on time; after all, when a chef times his toasted bread to the second, and tardiness simply won’t do.
From the streets of Sukhumvit to the shopping malls of Silom, all in search of another of Bangkok’s best burgers; this time at Bun, Meat And Cheese, the more causal, ‘accessible’ version of chef Rattanpong’s OG burger that we just got a little flustered over…
We note too the similarity in name to Pump’s burger from several paragraphs previous, but this burger is a little different to that street rendition. Here, the bun is toasted and crisp, its structural integrity essential to contain a filling that verges on the sloppy.
Not in an unpleasant way, we should add. Quite the opposite, in fact; the patty is juicy as-you-like, full of the umami-rich flavours of dry aged beef that are tempered by a sweeter-than-sometimes bun. The accompanying cheese has been melted in such a way as to almost completely envelope the patty, before a slice of American cheese is added. Tomatoes and lettuce bring further moisture, making this one feel light but indulgent. Oh, it’s good, and there are crinkle cut chips for a little side of nostalgia, too.
Part of the slick Commons shopping complex, there’s a little outdoor space with step-seating here; a nice spot to recline as you take down your burger.
Though there has been a proliferation – and, in some cases, subsequent retraction – of weed shops across Bangkok in recent years, the vibe hasn’t fortunately extended to crack yet.
Nope, the Crackhouse in question here is actually a poorly conceived pun that reveals itself to be a genuinely delicious egg-focused restaurant, if you can just get past the name.
Here (in the same complex as The Bun Meat and Cheese above) an all-day breakfast menu features The Big Crack – a monstrous marvel replete with dry-aged Angus beef, cheddar, smoked bacon, caramelised onion and a fried egg, all sandwiched between a warm brioche bun. Whilst it’s perhaps not quite as irresistible as crack – or so we’re told – it’s certainly pretty moreish.
Next we’re heading to the Pullman G Hotel’s restaurant 25 Degrees Bangkok, a spot that’s got the city’s nightowls – of which there are many – and early birds – of which there are perhaps fewer – covered with its 24-hour service. This Californian import doesn’t just serve up a mean burger; it lets you play chef/mad scientist/tedious experimentalist with its extensive list of toppings to craft your bespoke bun masterpiece.
The Number One is their pièce de résistance, a towering, teetering, tottering creation adorned with caramelised onions, gorgonzola, and a slathering of Thousand Island dressing. Or, for a Thai twist, the pork laap burger is an interesting idea that doesn’t quite deliver, to be honest. Either way, be prepared to share – these patties are not for the faint-hearted!
Some might say making the perfect burger isn’t easy, and Tom Tabruyn would probably agree with that assessment. After more than 1,000 attempts at perfecting his potato bun recipe alone, this Belgian burger enthusiast has finally settled on something he’d be proud to serve at Easy Burger.
The concept is refreshingly straightforward – easy, you might say: keep costs reasonable and quality sky-high. The Easy Burger patties are crafted from organic, locally sourced beef that’s dry-aged for 28 days, before being smashed to crispy-edged perfection on the griddle. The Bacon Blue (฿215) is their piece de resistance, featuring maple bacon jam, homemade ranch dressing, pickles, and a generous helping of gorgonzola that makes each bite a bracing, umami-packed explosion.
Though there’s a bricks and mortar operation close to Phrom Phong station (just after Soi Sawatdi), the On Nut branch, opposite Cheap Charlie’s Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 50, is our favourite. With its cold beers and relaxed vibe away from any main roads, it’s a particularly pleasant spot to while away an evening.
Next up is Arno’s Burgers, a success story with a legion of (at last count) 12 branches across Bangkok and beyond. Or, at least, in Chiang Mai and Pattaya…
Conceived by master butcher Arnaud Carré, their Traditional Burger is a testament to simplicity done right – a juicy patty hugged by a fluffy, floury house-made bun, with a choice of sharp American or tangy blue cheese.
For all the carnivores out there (a safe assumption if you’ve made it this far), Arno’s isn’t just a burger joint; there’s a whole host of other prime cuts of beef served here. Cooked over open flame, this is a great place to satisfy your steak cravings.
Artisan Craft Burgers is a burger joint that’s serious about its craft. Their signature Artisan burger features a Charolais and Limousin beef blend, each chosen for their distinctive texture and mouthfeel when combined, seared to succulent perfection.
Topped with cheddar, caramelised red onions, and a ‘secret’ artisan sauce that tastes about as close to a Big Mac sauce as you’ll get without crossing under the golden arches, it’s nestled between a buttered sesame scallion bun that’s nothing short of a revelation – crisp and pillowy simultaneously, which isn’t an easy feat to pull off.
Pair it with their russet potato fries (skin on for us, please!), and one or several of the varied craft beer selection here, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Served out of a shack with a few alfresco benches opposite making up the dining room, Paper Butter and the Burger may appear unassuming from the outside, but their burgers certainly pack a punch, flavour wise. This one’s a globetrotting affair, from Hawaii and Mexico via a quick detour in Chiang Mai. Hey, there’s even fish and chips if the mood takes you.
Playing to the home crowd somewhat, the Chiang Mai Spicy Burger is the highlight for us here; a minced pork patty with satisfying fat distribution reveals a pleasing spiciness from red curry paste, and plenty of intrigue from finely chopped jungle herbs. It’s essentially a sai ua in burger form, just one that’s been topped with some properly plasticky cheese for good measure!
Housed in a series of retro-modern, ketchup-and-mustard hued diners across the city, Smizzle has carved out its own niche in Bangkok’s increasingly competitive smash burger scene. From its original home in Bambini Villa to its newest outposts at the EmQuartier, this burgeria specialises in the art of the smash – that perfect technique that creates a crust that would make Maillard himself proud.
Images via @smizzleburger
Their signature Oklahoma burger (฿270) is a symphony of caramelised allium, featuring double smashed patties (crafted from 300-day grain-fed Charolais beef, no less) buried under a blanket of grilled onions and double cheese. For the more adventurous, the Crusty Blondy (฿290) offers an intergalactic twist with its disc of crispy-fried cheese adding a pleasingly alien texture to proceedings. ‘Pleasingly alien’. Does that sound…good?!
Anyway, the attention to detail extends beyond the beef – even the buns are given the royal treatment, with the bottom getting a careful sear for that crucial structural integrity. And if you’re feeling particularly decadent, their loaded truffle fries make for a rather unecessary side order.
Billy’s Smokehouse is challenging the ‘bigger is better’ burger philosophy with its Billy’s Burger, and, sick of getting lockjaw from absurdly stacked burgers, we’re very much here for it.
At Billy’s, it’s all about the crust – that golden brown, caramelised joy that comes from a perfect griddle sear. With two thin, well-crusted patties and simple yet effective toppings, this burger is a masterclass in balance and flavour.
If you’re the kind of person who likes a burger as an amuse bouche (can we be friends?), then why not head upstairs next, to the team’s highly-regarded Mexican chef’s table restaurant, Santiaga?
For those who appreciate the finer details, Chef Bar is a must-visit. Their Tassie Angus Burger is some feat of engineering, featuring in-house ground Aussie beef and homemade ketchup, all lovingly assembled on a crusty tomato butter bun. Rife with umami (too-mami?), Chef Bar offers a gourmet experience in a cosy 15-seater setting, a welcome respite from the more insalubrious surrounds of Sukhumvit Soi 23.
No burger roundup would be complete without a nod to Daniel Thaiger, the food truck pioneer that arguably sparked Bangkok’s burger renaissance. Their Mr. Steve burger is a thing of legend – a buttery, greasy delight that’s earned its place in the city’s culinary folklore. Track down their iconic red truck and sink your teeth into a piece of Bangkok burger history, which was one of the first properly delicious burgers in the city.
Right now, you’ll find a more permanent branch of Daniel Thaiger in Bang Kapi. Named the Burger Hub, it sits in the shadow of several of Bangkok’s major hospitals, which could be useful for getting your clogged arteries seen to following your burger binge.
Just outside the strangely sombre Marché Thonglor you’ll find No Drama Burger. Housed inside a black container not much larger than a freestanding ATM, these guys are knocking out arguably Bangkok’s best smash burger.
Perhaps that’s why it’s called No Drama; as these patties are so comprehensively caramelised that there’s no danger of a bathroom drama from the ol’ “I like my burger pink” nonsense. Or, more likely, it’s just an always-welcome dose of jai yen yen.
Either way, this is a burger that takes the Maillard reaction to its natural conclusion. That is, double-pattied, double-plastic cheesed, and dressed in pickles and a piquant, pokey hot sauce. A second act of lubrication, the signature No Drama sauce, seals the deal.
If you’re wondering where to eat the must try dishes of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest, most exciting metropolis, then you’ve come to the right place. Well, actually, the right place would be Ho Chi Minh City, but in the virtual world, you’ve come to the right place, IDEAL magazine, for the top tips on the best food in Saigon.
We’ve all got a bit confused here, haven’t we?
Let’s start again, and stick to what we know; insider tips, street food recommendations, and the very best versions of the very best Vietnamese dishes. Here’s our guide on where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, the IDEAL restaurants, stalls, shophouses and everything in between.
Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen (District 1)
Ideal for a grilled pork belly, fermented rice noodle and fresh herb salad…
Let’s hit the streets and do what the Viets do best; perch on plastic stools and eat some of the freshest, lightest, most delicious grub in the world.
Bun thit nuong is one of the South’s finest dishes; a barbecued pork salad over lightly fermented ‘bun’ noodles, crisp lettuce and loads of herbs. This is topped with roasted peanuts, crispy shallots on occasion, pickled carrots and daikon, and a dipping sauce which defines southern Viet food; fish sauce, a little lime, sugar and chilli.
Courtesy of bunthitnuongchituyen
There are proud purveyors all over town slinging this classic to hungry punters, but Chi Tuyen’s version, on Co Giang street (a great strip for all manner of Vietnamese street food), is perhaps our favourite. Make sure you include cha gio in your order; a crispy spring roll filled with glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms and, usually, a little minced pork and prawn or crab.
Ideal for Vietnam’s favourite comfort food, reimagined…
Though the dish certainly doesn’t need refining, Xoi Bat is redefining the traditional Vietnamese comfort food of steamed sticky rice – or xoi – to really exciting effect.
A brave opening at the height of the pandemic in 2021 by a young, dynamic team, Xoi Bat aimed to be all about attention to detail and a few gentle flourishes, and so the vision has been realised.
Their signature xoi, the pha lau trung non, features sticky rice topped with quail eggs, pig ears and fried shallots, served with soup and kimchi (which is becoming increasingly ubiquitous on the Southern Vietnamese table, we’ve noticed). Rather than redefining the wheel, the team at Xoi Bat have simply given it shiny alloys, and we love it.
True to the anything-goes, eat-anytime nature of xoi, the restaurant is open from 7am to 10pm daily, ideal for a breakfast fix or a late evening snack, equally.
Ideal for traditional family-style dining and for trying everything…
Whilst the majority of our favourite places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City are one-bowl-wonder, one dish specialist kinda places, there’s also still room for a broader, family-style spread in our hearts and appetites.
Cuc Gach Quan is one of the best places to come for that kind of sharing meal, with traditional Vietnamese home cooking-style dishes served in a charming French colonial house.
Founded by architect Tran Binh, the restaurant features vintage tiles and antique furniture that help give the impression that a Vietnamese grandmother is at the stoves cooking your dinner. The spring rolls – both deepfried and fresh ‘summer’ style – are excellent here, as is the claypot fish stewed with pepper, that comes up caramelised and umami-rich. It’s joyous over rice. It’s even better with a few cold beers.
The restaurant gained international fame when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt dined here in 2011, and it continues to be one of the grand dames of the Saigon dining scene. Whilst Brad Pitt has well and truly sullied his reputation since, Cuc Gach Quan just goes from strength to strength.
It’s a great spot for group dining, too, with large tables and an expansive menu to satisfy even the most fickle members of the squad. What’s not to love here?
Ideal for a gold standard version, in the city that birthed the banh mi…
Needing little in the way of introduction, the world conquering Vietnamese sandwich appears in myriad forms across Ho Chi Minh City. And since this was the city that (probably) spawned the first banh mi, there really is no better place in the world to eat the crispy baguette filled with grilled and cured meat, pickles, herbs, hot sauce and more than in Saigon.
Images courtesy of @banhmihuynhhoa
Though we’d rather not put our neck on the line and suggest just one place to enjoy ‘the best’ banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City (hell, we’ve barely tried 1% of them…there are just so many), the popular consensus is that Banh Mi Huynh Hoa does a damn fine, damn definitive version. But honestly, if you simply step out of your hotel and look for a queue forming, you’ll likely stumble across your favourite version in the world. And that’s what it’s all about, right?
That said, we’re going for something a little different this second time around. At Banh Mi 37 on Nguyen Trai, the baguettes are stuffed with grilled, caramelised pork patties (not dissimilar to those you get in your bun cha up north) and paired with thick wedges of gently salted cucumber, shredded, pickled papaya, coriander, and a piquant chilli sauce. Heaven.
This one is takeaway only, but you can lean against a wall (or against your motorbike) in the adjacent alleyway and wolf down several quite easily. No one will judge you for it…
Ideal for ebullient, light hearted dining with plenty of flavour…
With a name translating (affectionately, we should add) as ‘Fatty’s Restaurant’, you know you’re in for a good feed at Beo Oi Quan, a comfortable, pleasingly airy restaurant that leans on the Northern Vietnamese culinary canon to satisfying ends.
It’s a cheerful place to settle into, with cartoon illustrations of some of the signature dishes on the wall, buoyant service, and a vibe that doesn’t feel rushed. Hell, even the menu font is a little jaunty! From that menu, many come for the hotpot, which is convivial and generous, but the bun rieu cua is the real star of the show here. That Hanoian freshwater crab and tomato noodle soup is just so refreshing in the sweltering heat.
Speaking of refreshing, the kumquat and honey drink, served over ice, is as thirst quenching as it comes. Một cái nữa, please…
Ideal for grilled beef wrapped in piper leaf, to be enjoyed kerbside…
Back to Co Giang street, which is home to a string of bo la lot restaurants; one dish you certainly want to try before leaving town. Minced beef – a little spicy, a little peppery – is wrapped in piper leaf (‘betel’ leaf to many), grilled until smoky and served with a huge plate of herbs and lettuce, which you use to make your own wraps. So good, so moreish, and so cheap, too.
At Hoang Yen’s you’ll see the addition of a sweet, sour mayonnaise on the beef wraps. If that’s not your thing (weirdly, it works), then let them know; a simple ‘khong’ (meaning ‘no’) + ‘may/yon/naise’ (just split those syllables out) should do the trick. The do-it-yourself assembly job routine makes for a more languid approach to dinner than some other street food joints where you may feel a little rushed. Great for an evening with friends and beer, then.
Ideal for a noodle soup of shrimp, pig heart, quail’s egg and more…
We’re going to resist pho recommendations just yet, because if it’s noodle soup we’re after in the south, it has to be hu tieu. Though it comes in many forms, our favourite version is Hu Tieu Nam Vang, a glorious meeting of Chinese and Cambodian influences and just a fantastic, uniquely flavoured bowl of goodies.
By SamuelBrownNG via Canva
The hu tieu noodles are defined by a proper rice-y flavour and decent bite, and the pork bone based broth is clear and light. Expect plenty of sliced pork offal and mince floating in the soup, as well as a couple of large shrimp as standard. The rest is up to both the server and your own whim. The district 3 joint Hu Tieu Nam Vang Nhan Quan do an excellent version.
Ideal for broken rice and grilled pork chop close to the backpacker strip…
Only fools commit their fractured rice grains to the bin. Indeed, ever creative Vietnamese cooks have created a whole dish celebrating their imperfection; com tam (‘broken rice’) is found all over Ho Chi Minh City, served with an array of customisable sides and toppings. And regardless of just how many of those toppings you plonk on your plate, and despite the fact that you’ll feel as though you could always add one more, this dish is proudly all about the rice.
By SamuelBrownNG via Canva
That said, the city’s most popular accoutrement is a thin, grilled pork chop, glazed until sweet and burnished until bronze. But no local would stop there, and neither should you. A cripsy, runny egg, a mound of pork floss, fresh cucumber, pickled carrot…these are just some of the many delicious extras you should be adding. Don’t hold back, and you’ll be richly rewarded with a nourishing plateful. And full is the operative word here.
Ideal for Bourdain-approved, pork and shrimp filled crispy crepes…
Next up, a dish from Central Vietnam that’s wildly popular on the streets of this Southern juggernaut; banh xeo. Rice flour, turmeric flour and water is fried until crispy, forming a taco-like shell which is filled with shrimp, minced pork, bean sprouts and the ubiquitous, ever welcome mountain of fresh herbs. Traditionally this pancake is then wrapped in rice paper and more lettuce and eaten accompanied with a sharp, salty dipping sauce of fish sauce, vinegar and chilli.
At Banh Xeo 46A, made even more popular by the patronage of Anthony Bourdain, you’ll find pancake slinging of the highest order, and baskets of fresh herbs stacked even higher. Ăn ngon nhé!
A word of warning; prices are pretty premium here, owing to the joint’s popularity following its numerous TV appearances. Other (cheaper) versions do exist!
Ideal for beef pho done right, close to Ben Thanh Market…
Pho 2000, close to Ho Chi Minh’s famous Ben Thanh Market, is found via the stairs of the now ubiquitous Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and its first floor position means it’s a more upright, comfortable meal than those eaten with eyes at Honda Wave level.
Bill Clinton is proudly pictured on the walls enjoying a bowl; so much so, he ordered two apparently. A more reliable judge of the pho’s quality is the fact that it’s packed, every lunchtime, with plenty of locals, who come in their droves for the huge bowls of delicately flavoured, sweet and spicy broth and tender cuts of beef. Take us back.
Ideal for an excellent version of Hanoi-style pho in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City…
An arguably even better bowl of the good stuff is found over at Pho Hung, a short walk along Duong Le Lai from Pho 2000.
Owing to its bold black and yellow signage, you’ll spot Pho Hung even sooner than you catch its enticing aroma, all sweet star anise and smoky aniseed notes from black cardamom wafting out from the gently ramshackle shophouse.
Follow your nose inside and pull up a stool at the restaurant’s stretch of shared tables. Though service is straightforward, you’ll find all the bells and whistles you need in that bowl that’s placed unceremoniously in front of you; this is truly sublime pho, clean yet rich, and close to the Northern-style of being savoury and supremely well balanced.
Order the Dac Biet (house special) which has both raw slices of sirloin and long braised bits of brisket alongside meatballs and our favourite, chewy, resilient tendon. It’s very good indeed.
Ideal for a nourishing bowl of chicken pho with added offal alongside…
All that said, the best bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh City, we think, is served at Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong over in District 3. The chicken version of Vietnam’s most famous dish, this particular rendition is best enjoyed with glass noodles, the broth adhering to the sticky strands just so.
A light, bright, clean dining room that’s open from the moment the sun comes up until late in the evening, Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong is always bustling, with locals ordering dark thigh meat for the bowl, and a side plate of braised liver and a tangle of Vietnamese mint for picking over. You should do the same.
Bun bo hue is a dish of contradiction. It’s supremely light, yet below the surface, the baritone thrum of shrimp paste is unmistakable. It’s clean and clear, superficially, but dappled across its facade is chili oil, ready to induce a humidity-defying sweat.
That contradiction continues, where the best version of the dish we’ve tasted isn’t served in the city of its origin (Hue, hence the…), but instead here, in Saigon. At Bun Bo Hue Chu Ha, where the noodles, oxtail and braised meats are all stacked high out front, the art of bun bo hue has been perfected.
Image via @BunbohueChuHa
Served from glass bowls, it’s pleasing to observe your own personal flourishes, of lime juice, chilli oil, garlic vinegar and the rest, dropping to the bottom of the bowl, fish tank style. It’s just what the doctor ordered in Ho Chi Minh City’s 40 degree heat.
Ideal for Michelin-starred Vietnamese haute cuisine…
Though Ho Chi Minh City is a modern, cosmopolitan city with a contemporary, occasionally cutting edge dining scene, it’s still on the streets and in the shophouses that the vast majority of the very best food is found. Michelin-starred, properly fancy Anan Saigon bucks the trend on this list, with a tasting menu (currently priced at £75) of thought-provoking, intricately delicious dishes that celebrate Vietnamese food through the lens of its ever more globalised position in the world.
Images via @anansaigon
Chef-owner Peter Cuong Franklin has worked in top kitchens in Hong Kong, Chicago and Bangkok, and it shows.So, that’s foie gras spring rolls with truffle, a ‘petit’ banh mi with A5 wagyu, and a fish sauce caramel ice cream with a dusting of the celebrated Phu Quoc black pepper, which is, quite frankly, as good as it sounds!
There’s even a pho tasting menu, which begins with ‘caviar egg pho’ before moving into a one-bite ‘molecular pho’ and continues in that vein for several more courses. A creative cocktail list that draws on Vietnam’s incredible array of fruit seals the deal.
Ideal for another round of pho after several rounds of craft beer…
Pho tasting menu dispensed with, and we’re back in search of the real thing, keen to recalibrate our sense of what this famous dish is all about.
There’s no better place to do so than at Pho Hoa Pasteur, which sits on Pasteur Street (named after the renowned microbiologist Louis Pasteur). Incidentally, the soon-to-be world-conquering Pasteur Street Taproom is just round the corner, and their signature craft beer is excellent.
Anyway, this popular restaurant has been serving exemplary beef pho for almost six decades now. As well as the usual braised and raw bits, you can add tripe, tendon and golf-ball sized meatballs to your pho here. An absolute mountain of foliage, including sawtooth coriander, several forms of basil, and mustard greens, arrives alongside the main event, all in the name of personalisation.
One of Vietnam’s most beloved street food experiences, eating sea snails, reaches its gold standard version at Oc Dao, just a five minute walk from the backpacker hub of Bui Vien.
Open from 10:30am to 10pm daily, you’ll find a huge variety of these cherished molluscs, done in both prosaic and inventive ways.
Follow your nose, of course, but certainly order the Oc Toi. Here, palm-sized shells are grilled until smokey and bubbling from their aperturals. Hoik the snail flesh out with a toothpick in one graceful motion and dredge through its adjacent, piquant chilli and garlic dipping sauce. Also order Oc buou nhoi thit – that’s snails stuffed with pork.
If snails aren’t your thing, there’s a whole host of other shellfish options here, from clams to scallops and beyond. This is nhậu culture at its very best. Shout for a few Big Saigons with plenty of attitude and plenty of ice, and settle in to one of the quintessential Saigon eating experiences.
Ideal for delicate but flavour-forward vegetarian Vietnamese food…
Ho Chi Minh City does brilliant vegetarian food, too, and some of the very finest is found over at Chay (literally meaning ‘vegetarian’) Garden.
Boasting high tables and chairs with back support, Chay Garden is a lovely place to settle into, particularly on the verdant terrace, its ambience almost as nourishing as its plates. The signature spring rolls, bouncy and soft rather than deep-fried, come filled with local termite mushrooms and are served with a rose-scented dipping sauce. It’s as heady and intoxicating as it sounds.
Even better is the claypot braised aubergine, cooked long in its vessel alongside unripe bananas until both are fudgy and umami sweet. Pair it all with a speciality iced tea – the jasmine tea with kumquat jam and salted apricot is particularly special – and feel that all is right with the world.
Ideal for classy, wood-fired cooking in a serene setting…
Billing itself as a modern European restaurant, and the only non-Viet place on our list of the IDEAL 22 places to eat in Saigon, Quince is a relative stalwart of the city’s more contemporary dining scene. Sitting pretty in a beautifully restored colonial house, the copper-scented décor, bistro-style furniture and soft lighting create a warm atmosphere that synergises with the gentle smell of the wood-fire grill to soothing, multi-sensory effect.
The open kitchen, with its sleek copper counter, allows diners to watch the chefs at work. The menu features a modern kind of fusion between Mediterranean and South East Asian cuisine that works a charm, with chef Julien Perraudin having a pleasingly light touch on both plate and palate.
A dish of charred baby carrots, Thai basil salsa verde, salted chilli and bo kho oil perhaps most purposefully encapsulates the restaurant’s approach, though if you’re keen for big, bold flavour, then the umami bomb of wagyu tartare and sea urchin atop a hash brown will see you right. A dish of charred brussel sprouts, ajo blanco, and sultana jam was another highlight from a brilliantly realised recent meal. Anyway, after yours is done, head to the second floor for a digestif; it feels slick and suave up there.
Ideal for curing the night’s ills with frog congee…
We’re having frog congee next, at Chao Ech Singapore. We’ve waited this long to introduce this lovely Singaporean-inspired dish to the mix as this streetside joint, located on the peripheries of bustling Tan Dinh Market, is only open from 7pm.
Really, it’s positioned as a late night place that cures the evening’s sins, the signature sweet and spicy frog stew and accompanying plain, cloudlike congee the perfect foil to a night of rice wine. Iced lettuce shows the deceptively simple restaurant’s commendable attention to detail.
Images via @chaoechtandinh
A perch on plastic stools and an open grill wafting thick smoke around only adds to the lively atmosphere.
Ideal for beer fuelled feasting and making new friends…
Lang Nuong Nam Bo is a sprawling, beer-fuelled restaurant that opened just before the turn of the millennium and has been packed with rowdy revellers ever since.
They’re all here for one thing; the whole-roasted baby suckling pig. Served with deep-fried glazed buns that either look like snails or turds depending on how you look at them, the pork is served portioned into cubes but still on the bone, retaining all its juices. Crisp, lacquered skin adorns every bite-sized chunk. Heaven.
Really, it’s just one plate though, of a massive spread of Vietnamese drinking food, the shredded bamboo salad another highlight. Plates of prawns showered in deep fried garlic, salted ribs, boiled paddy crabs… It’s all here, and it’s all designed to make you drink more beer. Not that we’re complaining.
You better practise your chugging skills before pitching up; this is the kind of place where it’s a surprise if you don’t end up joining forces with the party next to you. Clinking glasses and downing beers with your newfound friends naturally follows…
We end, as so many do in Ho Chi Minh City, sitting across from Ben Thanh Market, hunched over a bowl of noodles. Bun Mam Phan Boi Chau is one of the city’s most popular purveyors of bun mam, a popular Southern noodle soup that boasts a moody, funky broth that’s salty and pungent from a good dose of fermented shrimp paste and fermented fish sauce. All that pugency is tempered by both an underlying sweetness and the tartness of tamarind, both of which help pull things back from the brink.
Added to that incredibly moreish broth are noodles, of course, but also squid, prawns and pork belly. Grab yourself a napkin and get slurping; this is one fine way to end our roundup of Ho Chi Minh City’s best food.
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, October’s masala prawns with a scrunched handkerchief of paratha is the best thing we’ve eaten here yet. We’ve got our eye on the decidedly more prosaic ragu on toast 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 (except on Sundays and Mondays, when a ‘greatest hits’ of smaller plates is currently being offered), there’s both a precision and a playfulness to the cooking here, whether that’s in the savoury ‘ice cream’ cones given as an amuse bouche, the gorgeous beef tartar with smoked yolk emulsion from a recent set menu of sharing plates – a snip at £70 a head – or in the restaurant’s fabulous desserts.
Finish everything off with a 64 Degrees signature, a whisky bottle 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 has 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 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.
Ideal for savouring the flavour of the grill in every bite…
Pitched as a ‘a new 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).
Though Burnt Orange has only been open for just over a year, it’s already garnered plaudits in the form of a glowing review from a national newspaper, and more recently, receiving a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide, which they retained for the 2025 edition.
The latter 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 has recently announced a 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. Oh, and they do a darn good cocktail, too…
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 almost exactly a year ago.
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.
Sorry, what did you say? We can’t hear you over the music.
Anyway, count us in!
The global pandemic meant Brighton’s first food hall had a stop-start opening, with Shelter Hall Raw popping up last summer to fill the gap before the real thing opened in April 2021.
Having celebrated its third birthday in some style earlier this year, the Shelter Hall well and truly hit its stride, with a whole host of restaurants and chefs trying out their concepts here, some short-stay and some more permanent. Right now, it’s a stellar line-up of established Brighton faces, a few wildcards from further afield, and some ambitious local upstarts, which is the ideal combination for the place, we think.
Having recently replaced Neopolitan-adjacent pizza slingers VIP, who had been doing their thing under the Kings Arches for a couple of years now, Yeastie Boys Pizza Club had big shoes to fill with their New York-inspired pies. They’ve taken up the mantle with aplomb.
Also excellent is 3 Little Pigs Souvlaki, whose handmade pita and smoked, charred aubergine combo we’ve recently developed a rather dangerous addiction to (a massive problem, as the team are moving on in early March). Chase it down with some tacos from new guys Crudo because, well, it’s that kind of place, and dive back into the menu of kati rolls, smash burgers and sweets, like a kid in a very grown-up candy shop.
There’s also a dedicated bar doing local craft beers and a new addition on the first floor, an exclusive cocktail bar named Skylark. The vibe here – as with the rest of the venue – is reliably, resolutely boisterous and the service prompt and efficient. What’s not to love?
Make sure you book in advance if you’re looking for the best seats (first floor balcony, if you’re asking) at the weekend, but during the week, it’s easy enough to simply rock up and enjoy yourself.
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.
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!
Though firmly ensconced on disparate sides of the globe, the food of Thailand and Mexico share more than a fair amount of similitude. Both sitting in the cradle of the Coffee Bean Belt, Thailand’s 19th parallel north circle of latitude is shared with Southern Mexico, with the two countries also enjoying a kindred vivacity on the plate.
Coriander, lime and, of course, chilli all feature conspicuously, with both cultures cherishing the shared communion of a family meal over rice, tortillas and the rest.
It shouldn’t come as much of a shock, then, to learn that Bangkok boasts some fantastic Mexican restaurants, with a spate of acclaimed recent openings only raising the stakes higher.
Well, we’ve done all the hard work, enduring dizzy heights and eating delicious bites (and a fair few duds) to bring you this; our guide to the best Mexican restaurants in Bangkok.
Ojo, Silom
Ideal for fine Mexican dining at 1000 feet…
Standing proud on the 76th floor of Bangkok’s tallest building the King Power Mahanakhon, and seemingly having even loftier ambitions than its 300 metre-high position, Ojo is one of Bangkok’s most exciting recent openings.
Check out our full review of Ojo for more on this fantastic new addition to the city’s dining scene.
Address: The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, 76th Floor, 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bang Rak
Fear not. At ground level, in downtown Bangkok just off Phloen Chit BTS station, is a much more humble, affordable affair that very much does feel like a welcoming neighbourhood Mexican restaurant, doing all the good things right; enter La Monita Taqueria.
The story of La Monita began in 2009, when husband and wife duo Billy Bautista and Kasama ‘Oh’ Laopanich surveyed the Bangkok restaurant landscape and found the Mexican food options somewhat lacking. The restaurant’s hefty, hearty Mexican comfort food, with the odd nod to chef Bautista’s Californian roots, quickly gained a legion of followers, with the 75 seat taqueria regularly packed.
12 years on, and La Monita now has three restaurants across the city; the original at Mahatun Plaza in Ploenchit, alongside La Monita Taco Truck on the ground floor of Siam Paragon, and the newest addition, La Monita Mexican Urban Cantina at EmQuartier, the latter boasting fantastic views of Bangkok from its 7th floor vantage point. Though there are differences in the food on offer between each branch, the one consistent is the quality, with customisable tacos and burritos, and a massive range of different salsas and fillings.
The headlining act at La Monita’s original branch – with items served in street-food recollective plastic trays – has got to be the super quesadilla, which sees a whopping 12-inch flour tortilla filled with cheese, beans, two types of salsa, guacamole, sour cream and your choice of protein. Ours? It has to be – and always is – the New Zealand rib eye, cooked pink and served sliced. Heaven.
Finish with the house horchata, so rich, sweet and moreish that it basically serves as a liquid dessert, and step back out into the Bangkok heat happy and satiated.
Ideal for real deal Mexican food in the heart of Silom…
Images via @lalupitabkk
Mexican chef Alberto Garcia has carved out a little slice of his homeland in Silom since La Lupita’s opening in 2018, with many professing the restaurant to be one of the only true ‘real deal’ Mexican joints in Bangkok.
With a happy hour running until 9pm daily, and some seriously good frozen margaritas sloshing about in the lively, sprawling space, it’s no wonder the restaurant is a hit, and that’s before you factor in everyone’s favourite dish here, the pork belly tacos, which are genuinely some of the best tacos in Bangkok. Blessed with three chunks of moo grob-grade crispy pork on each and every freshly pressed, guac-smeared tortilla, these tacos are then heaped with thinly sliced green pepper for a little verdancy. A squeeze of lime is all you need to send them on their way – magic.
The Baja fish tacos are almost as good, with pieces of deeply golden, deeply-fried fish that wouldn’t look out of place in your local London chippy dressed simply with fresh pico de gallo and shredded cabbage. It really is all you need.
Keep an eye out, too, for La Lupita’s monthly ‘Four Hands Dinner’ collaborations, which sees chefs across the city dropping in to Si Lom Road for one night only. Next week (July 18th), acclaimed chef Pepe Dasi will be working the comal, teaming up chef Garcia for an evening of Spanish/Mexican fusion. Booking is highly recommended for this one; we can’t wait!
Now, did we mention those frozen margaritas? We’ve had a few and fear we’re getting forgetful…
Ideal for an enlightening, effervescent Mexican omakase experience…
From the same team behind La Monita (as well as popular Texan eatery Billy’s Smokehouse, which the restaurant sits above) comes Santiaga, a whole different proposition to the easy, breezy vibes of their Bangkok taquerias, and one of the city’s most exciting openings of recent years.
Open since April 2022, Santiaga positions itself as ‘Mexican omakase’, with a largely tasting menu – a ‘’Mexican 101’’, in their words – format served to reverent diners seated around a counter, the open kitchen serving as the chefs’ lectern.
Though this may all sound a little fussy and formal for a cuisine so well suited to convivial vibes, chef Billy’s effervescence pulls off that fine balancing act between the educational and the exuberant with aplomb.
Over an 11-or-so course tasting menu (clocking in just north of 2’500 baht) that sprawls over several hours and culminates in a trio of delectable tacos, guests are introduced to the refined, complex side of Mexican cuisine, with the highlight a 40-ingredient mole – grandma’s recipe – that dances on the palate with such elegant steps that the perfectly roast chicken it’s served alongside barely gets a moment under the mirror ball.
As with any great Mexican restaurant – whether streetside taqueria or fine dining culinary mecca – the quality of the food lives and dies by the standard of their tortillas, and Santiaga takes theirs very seriously indeed. Made from scratch on site, freshly pressed and cooked on Bangkok’s only clay comal, they are superb.
With an extensive range of premium tequila and mezcal, this is certainly a special occasion kind of place, but one where you leave feeling both nourished and enlightened.
Well, 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. Expect the chef’s famous crab curry, but this time paired with goan poee bread for pulling through the complex sauce. Or, keema paneer quesadillas, rich and heady with the flavour of mutton and roasted spices, and served before pork vindaloo tacos with pineapple salsa, a beautifully balanced affair.
All of these dishes are available on the current tasting menu (a snip at 4000 baht for two) being served in a new location on the second floor of Gaggan Anand’s eponymous restaurant on Soi Sukhumvit 31. The vibe here is relaxed and playful, the vibrant decor channelling both Oaxaca and Jodhpur to vivid effect.
Riffing on that theme, as you enter the restaurant a flashing neon sign declares that ‘’love should never be mild’’. The food here more than lives up to that proclamation, and we couldn’t be happier that chef Anand continues to express himself in such a frisky, frivolous way.
Address: 68/2 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Ideal for innovative Mexican dining with a local twist…
No, Delia Smith has not joined the hordes of celebrity chefs trying to make their name in the big city. Instead, Delia is steered by the steady hand of chef Gaby Espinosa, formerly head chef at Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh from just above.
Sitting pretty (real pretty) in the ground floor of Baan Trok, a century-old heritage building just north of Chinatown, Delia is making serious waves in the city’s burgeoning Mexican dining scene, offering a carefully considered approach to Mexican cuisine that manages to honour tradition whilst embracing local ingredients and the odd modern technique, too.
The beating heart of the restaurant is its comal, a traditional cast-iron griddle that sends forth a steady stream of perfectly pressed tortillas. These form the foundation for some truly memorable dishes, including a sublimely simple quesadilla that lets the quality of its ingredients sing, and an inspired taco al pastor that swaps the traditional pork shoulder for charcoal-grilled jowl, its richness cut through with chunks of fresh pineapple, its appearance lurid and enticing through axiote seeds.
The drinks programme shows similar attention to detail, with house variations on Mexican classics sitting alongside more experimental offerings. The margarita de la casa, elevated with a whisper of smoked coconut, is a particular triumph.
Set behind floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the sleek dining room with natural light, Delia manages to balance refinement with playfulness – much like its menu. With both à la carte and brunch options available, plus a carefully curated selection of mezcal, this newcomer is a welcome addition to Bangkok’s flourishing Mexican dining scene.
Speaking of Anand, the former Gaggan chef Eduard González, a Mexican-native, now mans the plancha at the Sukhumvit taco truck Cholos. We’re pleased to report it’s bloody great.
Channelling LA’s food truck culture, the menu here is as compact as the kitchen from which it’s served, with a tight list of heavy-hitting, heavy-sitting streetfood classics wooing the downtown crowd every Wednesday to Sunday lunchtime and evening.
The Baja fish tacos, simply adorned with shredded purple cabbage and pico de gallo, taste as good as they do on the opposing side of the North Pacific, whilst the baby corn elote, grilled then dressed with crema fresca, eats beautifully.
With the vibe as ‘authentic’ as you’ll get so far from home, with happy diners spilled out across the truck’s adjoining parking lot, sleeves rolled up and shirts splattered with salsa, this is certainly one of the best places to eat Mexican food in Bangkok. The crispy burrito cheese wrap washed down with a frozen margarita is a must.
It could be said that Charley Brown’s set the standard for quality Tex Mex in the city, with the restaurant serving the good stuff since 1992.
Quite possibly Thailand’s oldest Mexican restaurant and now in its third incarnation on Sukhumvit Soi 19, the premise is still very much the same as when they started some three decades ago; the warmest of welcomes, super-sized plates of the type of fortifying comfort food found in the US’ southern central states, and punchy margaritas (mine’s a passion fruit) to send you on your way unsteadily.
Our favourite thing to order here, however, is something we’ve not encountered on other Mexican menus. The Berenjena Maria, which calls to mind a parmigiana melanzane with added oomph – sees slices of aubergine layered with goat’s cheese and a red chilli sauce, before being topped with breadcrumbs and baked until it’s a cakey, oozy unit. One for dusting off the hangover, this.
Sunrise Tacos’ original branch will always have a regrettable association with sleaze, owing to its position at the entry point to Patpong, one of Bangkok’s red light districts, but the impossible-to-miss restaurant certainly fills a certain hole if you alight in Silom after sinking a few Singha in the sun.
Keep things simple here with Sunrise’s bottomless chips and salsa (available in mild, medium or hot). Follow that with the restaurant’s flautas, here filled with chicken and cheese, fried, then draped in the Mexican tricolour (represented by enchilada chilli sauce, sour cream, and blended guacamole) and you can’t go far wrong.
Though it’s certainly not scaling the dizzy heights of Ojo or the measured elegance of Santiaga, Sunrise has a chaotic charm, and with a litre pitcher of eminently drinkable margarita clocking in at under 545 baht here, the appeal is clear.
Rising from the Somerset Levels mysteriously, the town of Glastonbury defies easy categorisation. While the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival draws 200,000 visitors to Worthy Farm each June, transforming nearby Pilton into a temporary city of music and arts, the town itself is decidedly more complex: a place where 7th-century abbey stones share space with artisanal incense makers, and where tea merchants dabble in tarot reading between serving Earl Grey, all year round.
The town embraces its peculiarities with neither irony nor apology. Druids in ceremonial garb browse rare book collections, while meditation bells punctuate conversations in centuries-old pubs, where local Lady of the Lake ales flow freely. Time bends here – ancient ley lines pulse beneath streets where modern mystics practise their craft, and Arthurian legends remain woven into the fabric of daily life.
A weekend in Glastonbury provides enough time to grasp the essence of this remarkable place, though you could spend months exploring its layers. You might, of course, end up bending time and space itself, as you sit propped against the Market Cross, realising that success lies in selective immersion rather than attempting to catalogue every curiosity that Glastonbury has to offer.
Day 1: Sacred Sites & High Street Spirits
Morning: Tor Awakening
Begin at Glastonbury Tor before dawn. The walk from the town centre to the base takes roughly 25 minutes along Well House Lane, and the 158-metre ascent rewards early risers with an unmatched spectacle: first light breaking over the Somerset Levels and Moors, illuminating the landscape that was once a vast marsh surrounding this legendary isle of Avalon. St Michael’s Tower, crowning the summit, casts long shadows across the hillside as the sun climbs.
After descending and walking the mile back to town, revive yourself at Coffee Zero on the High Street, where locally roasted coffee and homemade cakes offer restoration after the climb. Those with heartier appetites should feast on the ‘Excalibur’ English breakfast, which is a quality fry-up if ever there was one. The café’s large frontage window provides an ideal vantage point for observing the town’s gradual awakening – a parade of characters that would seem contrived in fiction.
Image via @coffeezero
Midday: Abbey & Arthurian Tales
Glastonbury Abbey demands unhurried exploration. These ruins once marked England’s wealthiest monastery, their remaining walls echoing with tales of Joseph of Arimathea, the Holy Grail, and the purported tomb of Arthur and Guinevere. Join a guided tour to understand the complex’s historical significance, then find solitude in the meticulously maintained herb garden, where mediaeval varieties still flourish.
For lunch, visit Knight’s Fish & Chips. Operating since 1909, it’s among Britain’s oldest fish and chip establishments. Named as Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 National Fish & Chip Awards, the kitchen’s dedication to traditional methods – fresh-cut potatoes, fish delivered daily, batter made to a century-old recipe – has earned it a reputation that extends far beyond Somerset.
Images via @KnightsFishRestaurant
Afternoon: Living The High (Street) Life
Glastonbury’s main thoroughfare presents a welcome alternative to Britain’s homogenised shopping districts where independent merchants occupy mediaeval shopfronts. As you stroll down the street you’re greeted by an eclectic collection of weird and wonderful shops offering everything from hand-forged silver to small-batch botanical incense. In some shops you’ll even find crystal balls and artefacts from all over the world with spiritual and religious significance, supporting the pagan way of life.
Don’t miss The Tribunal, a 15th-century merchant’s house, now houses both the Tourist Information Centre and Lake Village Museum, documenting the area’s ancient lake-dwelling communities.
Visit Chalice Well Gardens in the late afternoon. The iron-rich spring has drawn pilgrims for centuries, its waters staining the stones red. The terraced gardens provide spaces for contemplation, particularly in the yew-shaded upper reaches.
Evening: After Dark
As darkness approaches, explore the Victorian-era pump house that contains the White Spring. This underground chamber, illuminated by candlelight, offers a striking counterpoint to Chalice Well’s sunlit gardens. Check opening times in advance, as they vary seasonally.
Dine at The Rifleman’s Arms, where good burgers and other pub grub classics are efficiently delivered and reasonably priced. The cider selection presents the county’s finest artisanal offerings, and the building’s medieval bones – exposed beams, worn stone – create an atmospheric setting without falling into pub cliché.
Start your day at the Hundred Monkeys Café (open from 9am), which showcases the region’s organic producers, with eggs from nearby Sourdown Farm, sausages from Baltonsborough, and other reassuringly location-specific sourcing, too.
After that, take a short drive to nearby Meare, where an Iron Age settlement once thrived on these wetlands. While the ancient village lies beneath modern farmland, the 14th-century Meare Fish House stands as testament to the area’s rich aquatic heritage. Whilst there are a couple of decent hotels in Meare if you’re keen to extend your stay here beyond just a morning, it’s only a 10-minute drive back to Glastonbury, making it an ideal half-day excursion.
Return for the Saturday farmers’ market if timing allows, or proceed to the Goddess Temple – the first such sanctuary to receive legal recognition as a place of worship in Britain since the Reformation. The temple’s design and ceremonies honour feminine spirituality, with knowledgeable practitioners available for discussion.
Enjoy a pitstop (or indeed, a light lunch) at the wonderfully quaint Abbey Tea Rooms, back on the Magdalene Street. On the menu, there’s something to satisfy all appetites, from cakes and snacks to heartier, homecooked lunches. You could even stick around for afternoon tea, if the mood takes you in that direction.
Afternoon: Esoteric Explorations
Alternatively, delve into Glastonbury’s metaphysical marketplace along Silver Street and the High Street. The Crystal Man, established in 1990, displays museum-quality mineral specimens alongside more modest treasures. Next door, Star Child produces small-batch incense using traditional methods and locally foraged ingredients.
The Library of Avalon, hidden within the Glastonbury Experience Courtyard, houses an extraordinary collection of esoteric texts, some dating to the 1500s. The librarians possess encyclopaedic knowledge of local lore and occult history.
Complete your afternoon at the Somerset Rural Life Museum. Housed in a 14th-century abbey barn, the museum contextualises the region’s agricultural heritage from prehistory to present. The barn’s mediaeval roof structure ranks among the finest examples of its kind in southern England.
Evening: Final Revelations
Join a ghost walk (April through October) for a two-hour journey through Glastonbury’s shadowed corners. These tours blend archaeological evidence with local legend, creating a compelling narrative of the town’s evolution from mediaeval pilgrimage site to modern spiritual centre.
Then, as a fitting, foodie finale, make sure to reserve well ahead for dinner at the Michelin-recognised Queen of Cups. Housed in a 17th-century coaching inn, the restaurant presents modern Middle Eastern cuisine filtered through a distinctly Somerset lens. Executive Chef Ayesha Kalaji sources meat from the neighbouring butcher, vegetables from regenerative farms within five miles, and seafood from Brixham’s day boats.
The Queen’s Feast – a chef’s selection requiring full table participation – best demonstrates the kitchen’s capabilities. Signature dishes include laverbread falafel with sumac and lime-dressed fennel, and chalk stream trout wrapped in brik pastry with green shatta and dill labneh. Do not miss out on desserts, which are spectacular; a recent jasmine and pistachio panna cotta was one of the finest desserts we’ve ever eaten, genuinely. The drink list champions Somerset’s craft distillers and small-scale wine producers committed to organic practices.
Conclude your second day at the King Arthur, where an extensive gin collection focuses on local distilleries. The garden offers views of the illuminated abbey ruins, while weekend evenings often feature musicians in the back room, their repertoire ranging from traditional folk to experimental psychedelia.
The Bottom Line
A weekend in Glastonbury merely introduces this layered settlement, where ancient mysteries intertwine with contemporary spirituality. The town rewards open-minded exploration, offering experiences that resonate long after departure.
Consider extending your Somerset journey with visits to Wells Cathedral or the Stanton Drew stone circles. The surrounding Levels offer exceptional walking routes, particularly around Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, where wildlife thrives in the carefully managed wetlands.
And if Somerset has well and truly made its mark by now, then continue into Bath for the weekend, one of the UK’s most gorgeous cities.
Bristol’s food scene, it should bear repeating, has a lot going for it. Named as only the UK’s second gold sustainable food city back in 2021 and as the world’s number one vegan city a year earlier, this south west culinary powerhouse also boasts a healthy, stacked Michelin Guide and plenty more acclaimed eateries besides.
Narrowing those restaurants down into a singular, definitive list, then, is something of a thankless task. But we’ve taken on that task, begrudgingly eating the finest food from across Bristol, from Korean grilled chicken to bowls of pasta that reached triple figures, to bring you this; our guide on where to eat in Bristol. Here are the IDEAL 22 restaurants in Bristol.
Bokman, Cotham
Ideal for a reviving, exciting Korean spread centred around grilled chicken…
Tucked away at the end of a steep cul-de-sac off Bristol’s loose and lively Stokes Croft neighbourhood, you’ll find Bokman, a small Korean restaurant with a big reputation.
The work of Duncan Robertson and Kyu Jeon, who met at Paris’s L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and have since got married, this is a unique dining experience that is both intimate and exhilarating, the tightly spaced dining room on the ground floor a buzzing, belying centrepiece to the grill work going on out back.
On that upright, rotating charcoal spit you’ll find the star of Bokman’s blistered show; the Tongdak. Featuring crisp-skinned rotisserie chicken stuffed with sticky rice and slow-cooked until tender, it’s served with ssam style, with lettuce leaves for wrapping and a selection of dipping sauces and pickles. A bowl of the house kimchi is, of course, obligatory. It’s got to be the most celebratory, all-in sharing plate in the city.
Bokman’s menu doesn’t stop at the Tongdak, though. Seasonal vegetable bibimbap makes the ideal dinner for one, the famous stone bowl rice dish given lift-off with gratings of cured pollock roe and an oozing egg yolk, whilst the seolleongtang – a wibbly, wobbly beef stew topped with spring onions and spicy dadaegi condiment – is one winter warmer and a half, and could be peddled as a health food were it not so damn indulgent tasting. Whole bream bathing happily under a rusty gochujang-heavy sauce is yet another knockout. Yep, you’ll want to bring friends for this one.
All you need alongside is a bottle of room temperature soju and consider your cockles thoroughly warmed (can you tell we’re writing this on a particularly chilly day?).
Cool things right back down with Bokman’s signature soft-serve, perfect even in winter, and you’ve got yourself one of the most peerless, joyful dining experiences in Bristol.
Excitingly, in late 2024 the team behind Bokman have recently opened a new restaurant over on Chandos Road. Named Dongnae, we can’t wait to check it out soon.
Ideal for some of Bristol’s most celebrated Jamaican food…
You can’t come to Bristol and not have some Jamaican food, the city having a large Jamaican population stemming from the UK’s efforts to rebuild after World War II. The British Nationality Act of 1948 gave citizens of the Commonwealth the right to settle in the UK, leading to the arrival of the Windrush generation, many of whom were Jamaican and made Bristol their home.
As more Jamaicans settled in Bristol, they formed communities and support networks which, in turn, attracted further migration from Jamaica. Over time, the Jamaican community in Bristol has made significant cultural contributions to the city, particularly in music, food, and festivals like the annual St Pauls Carnival, which celebrates African-Caribbean culture.
Images via @GullusKitchen
And so we wind up at Gullu’s Kitchen in Bristol’s Fishponds suburb, getting thoroughly seasoned with jerk smoke as we await arguably the city’s finest dose of grilled chicken, Caribbean or otherwise. A takeaway only joint (pedants, look away from the ‘best restaurants’part of the title), you’ll see the jerk pan – an oil drum that’s blackened from years of expert barbecuing – standing proudly outside Gullu’s, with several blistered legs being thoroughly doted on by a be-gloved, sometimes be-goggled cook.
God this is good chicken – nicely piquant from the house jerk sauce and charred beautifully. But don’t stop there; the brown stew chicken is phenomenal and arguably the most popular dish here. We’re also fans of the tender oxtail stew with butter beans. Loaded with big, bold Caribbean flavours, this rich, aromatic stew is meltingly tender and heady in its spicing. Have it over both chips and rice, and take your haul over to Coombe Brook Nature Reserve (a five minute walk) for a seriously elite picnic.
Ideal for thoughtful, produce-driven tasting menus from the restaurant’s own market garden…
This intimate 24-cover restaurant in Redland, helmed by chef-patron Jan Ostle and his partner Mary Wilson, offers one of Bristol’s most compelling farm-to-table experiences.
The menu here changes not just with the seasons but with each harvest, transformed daily based on what’s been pulled from the soil that morning. A six-course tasting menu (£73) showcases this bounty with remarkable finesse. The restaurant cultivates its own two-acre market garden in nearby Barrow Gurney, where the vast majority of vegetables, herbs and flowers that grace your plate are grown using regenerative farming techniques.
A recent visit in November brought with it a real treat of snails and wild garlic capers, a seasonally on-brand plate of blushing venison, beetroot and radicchio that was just about every shade of autumn you could imagine, and, best of all, a showstopping dessert of parsnip, apple and burnt cream, each dish speaking clearly of its origins.
Indeed, the cooking at Wilson’s strikes that rare balance between technical excellence (Ostle’s CV includes stints at The Square and The Hand & Flowers) and a deep respect for ingredients. The wine pairings (£50) are thoughtfully selected and, alongside that £73 tasting menu, the whole offering represents remarkably, laughably good value for all the quality that’s on show. It came as no surprise that the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in the 2025 Guide.
That might have you making assumptions about the style of the place, but what’s particularly refreshing about Wilsons is how it manages to deliver fine dining without any of the stuffiness – the whitewashed dining room is understated, the service warm and knowledgeable. For those seeking a more accessible entry point, their three-course lunch menu (£35) offered Wednesday to Friday is another display of the excellent value here.
In 2021, the team expanded their operation by opening The Bread Shop just a few doors down, where you can sample their excellent sourdough and house-cured bacon milk buns. It’s also home to their fermentation and preserving projects, ensuring nothing from the market garden goes to waste.
This commitment to sustainability hasn’t gone unnoticed – Wilsons holds a Green Star too, recognition of their exceptional commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Yet perhaps more telling than any accolade is how beloved this place is by Bristol’s other chefs – always a good sign.
Ideal forItalian small plates and interesting wines…
This wine bar and kitchen, part of the esteemed Bianchis Group whose growing presence in the city can only be a good thing, only emerged in early 2022 but has already firmly found its feet in Bristol’s Old City.
Transforming from its previous incarnations as La Sorella, a deli and aperitivo bar, and then Bar Ripiena, the pandemic thwarted plans to reimagine the space as a lasagne bar (how good does that sound?), leading to the birth of Cotto, a cosy bolthole known for its chilled out vibe and homestyle Italian cooking.
During the day, the tight room exudes a serene atmosphere with its muted, tactile terracotta walls and framed cartoons, while in the evenings, it transforms into a lively space with a convivial glow that you notice from the road. Trust us; it beckons you in.
Patrons can choose to sit up at the bar, overlooking St Stephen’s Street, enjoying a glass of wine and a small plate, though the enticing menu might make settling for just that feel like a missed opportunity. From that menu, the beef shin lasagne is superb; cakey and upright, just as it should be, and positively humming from its rich, pastoral ragu and aged parmesan-spiked bechamel. For good measure, it sits atop a little pool of tomato compote, which brings a welcome jolt of acidity.
Before that (because it will finish you off), make sure you order the artichoke fritti, a beautiful big pile of the bastards that have been drizzled with hot honey and showered with a few cooling leaves of mint. Popping in for just a plate of these and a glass of something cloudy and funky is very much the vibe of the place.
Or, go larger from the ever changing lineup of pasta; a bowl of fregola with clams and datterini or bucatini alla nerano, if you like.
With a generous selection of wines (many biodynamic) available by the glass, Cotto is a thoroughly agreeable place to spend an evening, or even an hour.
Not all of Bristol’s very best dining goes down in the centre of town. Indeed, venture just a little further afield, and you’ll be rewarded with some truly excellent options for your supper.
Perhaps our favourite slightly out-of-town spot sits in the peaceful residential suburb of Henbury, around a half hour’s drive from the city centre. It’s the kind of mission you need to make to enjoy a truly ‘country pub’ experience so close to a major urban centre. And the Blaise Inn offers just that, with a side of order of culinary excellence thrown in for good measure.
This Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded gastropub has quickly become a beloved fixture in the local dining scene since its opening in 2021, the work of Louise McCrimmon, a celebrated chef with previous as executive chef at Harvey Nichols back in central Bristol. Alongside her husband Ian and their neighbours Nicola and Peter Gilbert, McCrimmon has crafted a dining experience that feels like a glorious break from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s sixth largest city, even if it’s just for an afternoon.
That perception of escape certainly isn’t harmed by the Blaise Inn’s enviable vantage point just a mere stone’s throw from the picturesque Blaise Castle Estate, a sprawling 650-acre park owned by Bristol City Council. This proximity not only provides diners with a scenic backdrop but also imbues the inn with a sense of historical significance, as the estate itself was laid out by the renowned landscape designer Humphry Repton in the early 19th century.
The scene is well and truly set for a proper pub lunch, then, and the Blaise Inn duly delivers, with chef McCrimmon drawing on her classic French training and a steadfast commitment to seasonality to breathe new life into traditional pub dishes. So, that’s a half pint of gorgeously sweet, juicy prawns, served with a bracing but beautifully judged lemon aioli. Or, a perfect puck of ham hock terrine given lift off with a celeriac remoulade which was fresh and nutty, rather than cloying. A main course of slow cooked pork belly with radicchio and a nectarine and fennel dressing recently felt so succinct for a season just about to turn colder, and an on-point creme caramel with honey roast figs sealed the deal.
It pretty much goes without saying that the Sunday roast here is one of Bristol’s most celebrated. In the kegs, local favourite Fortitude, beautifully amber and supremely drinkable, flows with gusto. What’s not to love about the Blaise Inn?
Ideal for star-worthy tapas with a focus on the wood-fired grill…
Paco Tapas was one of only three Spanish restaurants in the UK to hold a Michelin star, the other two being London powerhouses Sabor and Barrafina. Though Paco has now inexplicably lost that star, (as has, even more strangely, Barrafina), the tapas bar still shines just as brightly as ever for us.
Part of an acclaimed set of restaurants overseen by chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias that also includes the excellent Casa next door and London’s Decimo, Paco is arguably the shining star in that roster, its confident, unfussy rendition of Spanish tapas classics delivered with elegance and just a little sprinkling of stardust.
The daily changing menu, with ever-presents like paletilla Iberica and patatas bravas rubbing shoulders with items scrawled on the menu last-minute according to what’s just arrived fresh and destined for the applewood fired grill, is a delight. Highlights include whole quail stuffed with sobrasada and dates, its salty, sweet interplay judged perfectly, and baby leeks, grilled until blackened and collapsing and served alongside a beautifully constructed, gently smoked romesco sauce.
A sherry, delivered from barrel to clipper without any intermediary, sees you on your way. Yep, this is without doubt one of Bristol’s eminent dining experiences. It’s a whole lot of fun, too.
Ideal for Middle Eastern sharing plates with the most singular of dinner views…
Lido is one of Bristol’s most unique venues for a meal, combining the charm of a restored Victorian swimming pool with the culinary delights of a top-tier restaurant. It’s a match made in heaven.
Sitting pretty in the heart of Clifton, one of Bristol’s most picturesque quarters, Lido offers more than just a place to swim; it’s an urban oasis where you can indulge in a spa treatment, relax in the sauna or hot tub, and then treat your taste buds to an exquisite meal. Or, do it the other way round, of course, leaving a little time for your food to go down before diving in.
Indigestion be damned; Lido’s history dates back to 1850 when it first opened its doors as a public swimming bath. After changing hands several times and even facing the threat of redevelopment into flats, it was finally purchased by Arne Ringer in 2004. Since then, it has been transformed into a place for Bristolians to relax and to gorge, equally.
The poolside menu at Lido takes on a Middle Eastern inflection – light, fresh and lively, and kinda perfect if you’re taking a dip after – with wood-fired flatbreads forming the anchor around which the seasonal small plates revolve.
Though not strictly vegetarian by any means, this is without doubt one of the best restaurants in the city for veggies, with some truly superlative vegetable-led cooking on show. Don’t pass over the beetroot and ajo blanco dish, the root vegetable ember roasted until close to collapse, propped up by a rich, tart emulsion of almonds and garlic. Just incredible. Some of that superb flatbread for dredging seals the deal.
All that said, when protein hits the grill here, magic happens. On a visit in the summer, charcoal-grilled onglet dressed in an anchovy, garlic-and chilli butter was gnarly in all the right places and as tender as you like in others, proving once again that this type of cut is so much more satisfying than a clinical fillet. Sea ass, given a similar rough and ready treatment on the grill, ends up being just as good as that onglet.
Appropriate for dining next to a shimmering, summery body of water, Lido’s selection of ice creams and sorbets always hit the spot, too. The Pedro Ximenez and raisin affair is particularly indulgent, and moody enough to feel suitable even in the depths of winter.
Lido offers a range of packages that include swimming, eating and massages, the most popular being the ‘Swim and Lunch’ package that includes use of the pool and spa, followed by a two-course lunch. What a lovely way to spend a rest day.
Ideal for indulgent escapism in butter, garlic and cream…
Bristol’s Westbury Park is the very definition of leafy, laid back suburb, all Victorian terraces, premium prams, and the chatter of folk who don’t have much place to be. If there’s not a GAIL’s somewhere, there should be.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Westbury Park boasts one of the most celebrated neighbourhood bistros in the city. Scrap that; the country. At chef Freddy Bird’s Littlefrench, the vibe is all about unpretentious, flavour-packed French country cooking and quality bottles of quaffable wine whose prices are similarly easy to swallow. Some are even sub £30, which, in today’s economy, is becoming increasingly unheard of.
Indeed, slipping into the banquette seating for a cosy, candlelit evening is one of our guiltiest midweek treats; escapism in its purest form. Lose yourself in the roast queen scallops, five of them served in the shell, anointed with an opulent sauternes butter sauce. A supplement of Sturia Oscietra caviar is an indulgence, sure, but that’s why you’re here, right?
From the mains, an indulgent and elegant bowl of hake, clams and monks beard, with a rich emulsion of cider and crème fraîche sauce swirling around them, pulls together a happy collection of briny ingredients. On a more recent visit (yep, we’ve been here a few times), the whole roast partridge with bone marrow bread sauce is all tied together with a mouth-coating, caramel-like armagnac jus. Yep, your cardiologist isn’t going to thank Freddy Bird, but who gives a fuck when the food is this good.
As you reel from the fat in every form and the casual swearing, don’t forget to save room for dessert. For another dependable dose of fat, Littlefrench’s extraordinarily elegant creme brulee is a sensuous, light and lovely dream. The chocolate mousse is dark and properly rich, sure, but it’s also almost cleansing in its simplicity. The fact it’s served in a puddle of cream does no harm. You might need stretching out at the end of all this, but as you stare at the chilly night sky from your prone position, you’ll feel very satisfied indeed.
Earlier this year, the team behind Little French opened a new restaurant; the enthusiastically reviewed second act 1 York Place, a restaurant that places a keener focus on pan-European dishes and seafood.
Ideal for beautifully big-hearted plates in the most intimate of dining spaces…
Nabbing a booking in this compact, 14-cover shipping container restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf certainly isn’t easy. But spare a thought for the man behind the stoves; there’s even less room out back. How he manages to coax such flavour and finesse from such a small space is a wonder.
That man is Elliott Lidstone, a former head chef of L’Ortolan and The Empress pub in Hackney, BOX-E exudes a quiet ambition that feels quintessentially Bristolian – the minimalist, utilitarian interiors and sparse menu descriptors belying the complexity found on the plate. Sure, a dish of hake, butter beans and cauliflower may sound simple – beige, even – but really, was anything but. Decadent and lively, and with the fillet of hake cooked just under, as it should be, this was a sublime bit of fish cookery, bolstered by a caramelised cauliflower puree that brought depth to the plate.
Images via @Box-E
Desserts at BOX-E are simple yet satisfying, with chef Lidstone’s panna cotta always a winner. So much so, in fact, that there are often two on the menu – right now, one is centred around vanilla, the other black treacle. Order one each and you’ve got yourself some ying and yang vibes right there. Indeed, while the restaurant may not have the capacity for intricate pastry work, the desserts are still crafted with care and attention, ensuring a delightful end to your meal.
BOX-E is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the spirit of Bristol – innovative, ambitious, and unafraid to do things differently.
Ideal for superb vegetable-led – rather than solely vegetarian – cooking in a shipping container…
We’re sticking around in Wapping Wharf for a feast of vegetable-centric dishes next, at Root, one of the South West’s most celebrated restaurants. Root’s ethos revolves around promoting sustainable food and fostering direct trade between local producers, suppliers, and chefs. This commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is not just a marketing gimmick but a core principle that shapes the menu and wider operations, particularly their celebration of seasonal vegetables.
Here, prettily presented plates which vibrate with the colour of fresh produce and don’t sacrifice anything on flavour that just keep coming. We particularly love their wicked way with barbecued leaves and greens; right now, a charred hispi cabbage is served dressed Caesar salad-style, and the results are (predictably) magnificent. Perhaps even better, and singing with the season, is a mushroom and lentil kiev, giving new meaning to the Come Dine With Me favourite of garlic butter mushrooms. It sits on a pillowy cloud of celeriac puree, and sits under a tumble of piquant pickled shiitake. The balance of this one is perfect.
If the weather’s looking good (yep, we realise we’re feasting on late autumnal bits here), try to nab a seat out on the small terrace area; it boasts fantastic views of the harbourside.
Idealfor shelling, sucking and slurping your way through Spanish prawns in a variety of preparations…
Please; just one more meal in a shipping container before we leave this shimmering corner of Bristol. And so it is to Gambas, another of Wapping Wharf’s heavy-hitters.
A tapas bar (well, shipping container) that puts all things prawn on a pedestal, there are a few better ways to spend an evening than here, with your sleeves rolled up and your inhibitions down, sucking the head juice out of some salty, blistered wild red prawns.
Keep that blistered, off-bitter vibe going with stunning Cornish sardines that are tossed on the plancha and served with a simple dressing of garlic, parsley and lemon.
For those not in thrall to the rusty flavours of the sea, there’s still plenty to enjoy from Gambas’ De La Tierra (‘of the earth’) section of the menu, which despite its rather lofty subheader, is essentially a catalogue of tapas bar classics. The fried aubergine with molasses is exceptional.
It’s also great to see Idiazabal – the smoky, gamey Basque soft cheese – on the menu here. It represents a fine way to finish a meal that’s been all about luxuriating in shellfish.
Ideal for trying Bristol’s most enduring Michelin-star…
Weirdly for a city which, until recently, was decorated with several, Bristol now only boasts two Michelin stars. One of those (and certainly of of Bristol’s best restaurants) is here, at Bulrush.
The brainchild of chef George Livesey, whose natural talent and innovative approach to cooking have earned him widespread acclaim, it’s a joyous affair. His classical training with the Roux brothers and stints at L’Enclume and St John is evident in the elegant nine-course menu here (clocking in at an eminently reasonable £90, incidentally), which showcases his mastery of precision technique and refined, defined flavour.
The restaurant’s name, Bulrush, is intriguingly derived from a type of marsh plant, Scirpus lacustris, traditionally used for making mats and chair seats. This reflects the restaurant’s ethos of simplicity, authenticity, and a reverence for nature, an outlook highlighted further still in the whitewashed brick dining room.
There’s no bells and whistles here, that’s for certain, with all eyes falling on the plate and its celebration of just one or two bang-in-season ingredients. That’s not to say that flavour combinations here aren’t innovative and, occasionally, thought-provoking; an amuse bouche of crab paired with chamomile-adjacent pineappleweed is a wonderful case in point. Ditto the current headliner course of duck breast cooked to a perfect blushing pink cuisson and sitting beside a fermented peach, giving the most beautiful balance is umami richness and complex acidity.
The wine flight is just as carefully composed, and well worth the £65 for a raft of interesting, intricate primarily new world offerings. For us, Bulrush is the best fine dining experience in Bristol, and one we keep going back to time and time again.
Ideal for some of the country’s best fish and chips, enjoyed next to a shimmering body of water…
This newly-opened, family-run establishment, sitting by the Cumberland Basin and enjoying fantastic views of the water, is the brainchild (not their actual child – he’s the eponymous Noah) of dynamic husband-and-wife duo Dan and Joie Rosser. Their passion for showcasing the best of British seafood is palpable in every dish they serve, whether it’s the exemplary fish and chips that is Noah’s signature or the Cornish lemon sole, grilled whole on the bone.
Either way, rest assured that this is as fresh as fish comes, sourced from day boats from Devon and Cornwall and cooked sympathetically and with maximum respect. All you need now is a bowl of fluffy, thick cut chips and a beer or two. Aaaah; I think we might just stay here awhile.
Ideal for an expertly conceived ‘Britalian’ dining experience…
Another family-run operation named after the co-owners’ son; Sonny Stores.
Here, River Cafe alumnus Pegs Quinn and his wife Mary Glynn run one of the city’s most cherished recent openings, with a broadly ‘Britalian’ menu showcasing fantastic local produce cooked with reverence in a tightly-packed, always busy dining room.
Though the building itself may be intimate, it houses a genuinely excellent dining experience. Not perhaps as pasta heavy as some of the other great Italian restaurants in Bristol, here the vibe is fresh, light and largely vegetable-led. All that said, perhaps our favourite dish in recent memory was an offal-based pasta dish; the superlative chicken liver ragu served over freshly made, perfectly al dente pappardelle and sitting under wafts of 24 month aged parmesan. What a gently funky, immensely satisfying dish.
Vegetarians will eat very well here, though, with the farinata (chickpea pancake) and charred friggitelli peppers particularly good, and the perfect accompaniment to a cold one, just as it’s done in Bel Paese.
The pizzettas are quite rightly the stuff of legend, too. If the taleggio with burnt onion, sage and hot honey, and a cheeky chilli bedded into the cheese, is on the menu, order it.
End with an affogato, just as we’re going to do (here the espresso is poured over creamy stracciatella ice cream), and you’ve got yourself one of the most gratifying meals in Bristol. So gratifying, in fact, that we might just need a minute…
Authenticity is the name of the game at this Redland institution, where the owners cite regular staff trips to Spain as the inspiration for their steadfast takes on classic tapas dishes.
If you’re hoping to simply swan in off the street like you were on a merry bar crawl in Seville, be warned; Bravas is reliably packed like Ortiz sardines pretty much every evening, except on Sundays, when it’s closed to recover from the week’s hangover. Fortunately, the place opens at midday and runs until midnight without pause for the remaining six days, so there’s always room if you arrive at a traditionally ‘off peak’ hour (4:47pm, if you’re asking). You can, of course, book ahead, but that rather kills the romance, don’t you think?
Anyway, the wait is richly rewarded, with highlights like cod bronzed from the plancha and served with a properly bracing mojo verde, or a really lovely little cazuela of chorizo braised in cider, the juices, as always, the best part. The patatas bravas from which the restaurant takes its names are a faithful rendition of a classic, too. A signature sherry negroni or two seals the deal, and has us still propping up the bar at close (sorry guys!).
Vietnamese food feels criminally underrepresented in Bristol, with many lovers of pho, banh mi and the rest often heading out of town and to the acclaimed Noya’s Kitchen in Bath for their fix of the good stuff.
The Saigon Kitchen is changing all that. Chef Trung, originally from a small fishing village close to Halong Bay in Vietnam’s north, is the man at the stoves here, delivering time-honoured, broadly Northern Vietnamese recipes to the Redland faithful.
Indeed, despite the restaurant’s name, it’s Hanoi’s streetfood that is most well represented here, with a very welcome, very delicious appearance of the iconic cha ca la vong a menu highlight. Here, chunks of white fish are marinated in galangal and turmeric before being fried in a tangle of spring onions and dill, the marinade turning the oil a delicious shade of brass. Enjoy with fresh rice noodles and heaps of herbs for one of Hanoi’s most lauded bites. The version here is superb.
Of course, there’s pho too, here the savoury, sparse Northern version that has the miraculous ability of dusting off even the most brutal of Walking Whirlwind hangovers. Even better is the bun cha, the essential Hanoi lunch dish of beautifully sweet and caramelised barbecued pork patties and slices of belly, fresh rice noodles and herbs, all brought together with a sweet and sour fish sauce dressing. Banging.
If it’s a hair of the dog kind of situation (not sure why we’re suddenly assuming it is), then the Saigon Kitchen is open from midday on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with bottles of Saigon and Hanoi beer (the former trumps the latter) available for £6.
Ideal for Bristol’s newest (and best) gastropub experience…
Billed as an ‘ale and food house’ (when did ‘gastropub’ become a pejorative?), The Clifton, much like the Devonshire in Soho that opened at a similar time in 2023, just seems to understand pubs and the type of food people want to eat in those pubs.
Its instant success should come as no surprise; there’s serious pedigree behind the Clifton. Run by Sarah and Tom Watts-Jones, who are also behind two successful venues in Wales – the Heathcock in Cardiff and the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin – this place just exudes warmth and hospitality, with a dog-friendly front bar still encouraging drinkers to drop in for a plate of halved langoustines with thirds of lemon, and a spacious room out back for the finer dining elements.
One of the key changes since the Watts-Jones takeover was the introduction of a custom-made Ox Grill in the kitchen, with the majority of the meat and fish at the Clifton now cooked over an open fire. With an emphasis on seasonal British produce, woodfire cooking and sharing dishes, this is one amiable place to spend an afternoon, picking over crispy pig’s cheek or diving face first into one of the signature ox cheek and pickled walnut pies.
End it all (don’t; there’s so much still to live for) with the pub’s indulgent Guinness steamed pudding with milk ice cream, allowing the ice cream to melt enough to create a frothy head on top of the cake, of course, and think about how there are fewer better places in the world than a British pub with a kitchen on song.
Ideal for Italian small plates and interesting wines (hang on, haven’t we already said that? Bristol is that kind of place)…
Back in the older part of the city, close to the Hippodrome Theatre, Marmo is a hip (do hip people say ‘hip’?) osteria-cum-wine-bar that has quickly become a favourite among locals and national restaurant reviewers alike.
The kitchen, led by Cosmo Sterck, focuses on a concise seasonal menu of Italian dishes that are both flavourful and beautifully presented. The wine selection, curated by Lily Sterck, has some interesting, sometimes exclusive drops, with several available by the glass.
Whilst Jay Rayner was certainly right to call Marmo ‘an absolute corker’ (not a comment on their inept opening of those interesting drops, we hope), you might need a second opinion. Find it in our roundup of Bristol’s best Italian restaurants, if the mood takes you.
Ideal for serious Jamaican cooking and a rum list that’ll make your head spin…
Sitting pretty at the livelier end of Stokes Croft, Caribbean Croft has been doing things its own way since 2017. Every dish here comes from Ms Cat’s recipe book – family secrets passed down through generations that you won’t find anywhere else in Bristol. And yes, we have been coming here so much lately that we’re now on first name terms with the owner…
The curry goat is exceptional – tender meat that’s had hours on the stove, in a sauce that’s more about warmth and depth than raw heat. Still, that chilli heat does undulate, bringing about a gentle sweat on the brow rather than making your actual hair follicles hurt. A plate of peppered Appleton coconut steak shows similar patience in the kitchen, the meat given time to properly take on the rum and coconut milk it’s cooked in. The gravy alone is worth the admission fee (there’s isn’t one, and we don’t know why we said that).
For smaller appetites, the saltfish fritters are spot on – crisp, light, and lifted by red onion and scotch bonnet. Follow those with ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish done proper here with seasoned callaloo and green banana on the side.
What sets Caribbean Croft apart, though, is that rum collection. We’re talking over 100 bottles, ranging from easy-sipping standards to serious aged stuff that climbs past £40 a shot. The bar team knows their stuff – let them guide you through it. Their signature Caribbean Croft cocktail blends three different rums with grapefruit and cranberry, while the Guinness punch is a proper taste of Jamaica.
They’re open late (11pm most nights), but the kitchen closes at 9:30pm except Sundays when everything winds down at 7pm. Book ahead for dinner – this place fills up fast, especially on weekends when they open from noon.
Ideal for attentive service and plates of Mediterraneanlove and lightness…
We’re massive fans of Bristol’s premier prawn purveyors over at Gambas in Wapping Wharf, as we’ve made clear in this article already. So, when we heard that Mark Chapman, a man with a significant tenure as Gambas executive chef under his belt, and wife Karen had opened COR in Bemmy in late 2022, our interest wasn’t just piqued; it was aroused.
To say that COR found its feet fast would be an understatement. It was recognised by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand only a few months after opening, the red book rightly remarking on the restaurant’s ‘contagious positivity’. This bright, breezy outlook is found both in the room and on the plate, with tender, perceptive service a hallmark here, and dishes that represent something of a love letter to the Mediterranean, seen through a British lens and delivered with flair and creativity.
The seasonal canelé is a signature, and a lovely, anchoring way of checking in with where Bristol produce is currently at. Right now, that burnished, striated pastry cylinder has been filled with whipped goat’s cheese and wild thyme. It sits in a pool of vivid magenta-hued beetroot, and it’s one perfectly poised mouthful.
You could order one of these, a plate of Wye Valley asparagus with lemon butter sauce, and some Roman-style artichokes, and be very happy indeed, luxuriating in just how perfectly Spring-like and seasonal your order is, but that would be to miss out on the show stopping larger plates.
The Iberico pork presa blushes pink in a way that would scare your ma but eats beautifully, with its accompanying panzanella salad of Isle of Wight tomatoes and marinated anchovies. A little quince jam sends everything on its way and into the arms of the waiting sourdough, no doubt smeared with COR’s amazing black garlic butter if you’ve got any sense.
Another firm favourite on a recent visit was the Hereford beef onglet with burnt shallot, hazelnut beurre noisette, gorgonzola and jus, the enjoyably chewy steak revealing its rich, brooding flavour more with every bite.
Pasta is done superbly here too, unsurprisingly. A dish of tagliolini with Dorset clams, bottarga with calabrian chilli had my dining partner positively cooing, its drifts of cured fish liver adding umami and funk in all the right places.
Yep, COR is a place where the finer details have been taken care of, where the cooking is truly out of the top drawer, but the vibe remains refreshingly laid back and casual, which is exactly what you want from a neighbourhood restaurant, don’t you think? Not just one of 22, COR is perhaps our very favourite restaurant in Bristol.
Souk Kitchen has established itself as a standout destination in Bristol’s dining scene, offering a menu that thoughtfully combines Middle Eastern and North African culinary traditions with high-quality local ingredients. It’s a match made in heaven.
Sitting pretty opposite the always-rammed Tobacco Factory Theatres in ever-buzzier Southville (Sonny Stores, also part of our IDEAL 22, is just two minutes down the road if you’re up for a tasty one-two punch), SOUK Kitchen is perhaps a restaurant best enjoyed in the daytime. During the lunch hours, the room feels light and bright, a vibe that feels in synergy with what’s on the plate.
The restaurant is renowned for its freshly flavoured, punchy but comforting dishes, such as the Anatolian lamb yahni and the chicken tagine with ginger and prune, which showcase the depth and diversity of the regions’ flavours. The ever-changing seasonal menu ensures a fresh and dynamic dining experience, with the mezze selection always a treat.
The popular weekend brunch features robust options like the Tunisian shakshuka, alongside a well-executed bloody Mary. SOUK Kitchen’s dedication to local sourcing is evident, with meats and breads procured from nearby suppliers, reflecting a commitment to community and quality.
Following its success, SOUK Kitchen expanded with a café and deli in Clifton, mirroring the original location’s menu and offering the added convenience of a retail space for their unique spice blends. The mothership is still the one we’re drawn to, however.
The drinks, including a wonderfully floral quince martini and very grown-up tasting blood orange margarita, complement the vivid, vibrant food with a similarly creative touch. What a lovely restaurant SOUK Kitchen is, and certainly of Bristol’s best.
As much as we’d love to keep eating around Bristol’s best restaurants until we actually die, we’re pretty stuffed, sleepy and ready to phone in this last entry to our IDEAL 22.
All you need to know about Spiny Lobster on Whiteladies Road is that it’s both a fishmongers and grill, with all the freshness and smoke that suggests. Indeed, the fish and shellfish here is sourced daily from Brixham in Devon, and the charcoal grill is always burning. It is, quite simply, a glorious place to dine for those who live all things seafood.
Sitting south of the river in London’s Southwark lies a food lover’s paradise – Borough Market. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, this bustling market is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest and most renowned food markets in London. From artisan prepared food to fresh organic produce, Borough Market has something for everyone.
The origins of Borough Market stretches back to at least the 12th century when merchants first started trading grain, fish, vegetables, and livestock near the riverside. Over the centuries, the market thrived and even survived an attempt by Parliament to shut it down in 1775, fearing it had become too lawless.
We’re so glad they did, as today there’s so much to love about the food being sold and served here. Interestingly, Borough Market-as-culinary powerhouse is a fairly recent development, with its current incarnation having roots in the revival of interest in artisan foods that took shape across the UK in the 1990s. The market now mainly sells speciality foods to the general public, attracting tourists and locals alike, with many of the market’s great restaurants opening up in the last few years as footfall increased and savvy restaurateurs took note.
With all that in mind, we’ve done the hard work of eating around, across, through and even over the market to bring you these; our favourite places to eat in Borough Market. Let’s dive in…
OMA
Ideal for sophisticated Greek-Mediterranean dining with theatrical flair…
If Borough Market needed further proof that it’s evolved beyond its tourist-heavy past into one of London’s most exciting dining destinations, OMA provides it in spathē. The latest venture from David Carter (the man behind Smokestak and Manteca) occupies an elegant first-floor space, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer diners (who are standing up, it should be said) sweeping views across the historic cobbles of Bedale Street.
The name ‘OMA’ – Greek for ‘raw’ – perfectly captures both the restaurant’s understated aesthetic and its culinary philosophy. The kitchen team, led by the talented Jorge Paredes (formerly of Sabor) and with a menu overseen by Greek-born Nick Molyviatis, former head chef of Kiln, orchestrates an impressive show from the open-plan kitchen, creating dishes that honor Greek traditions while embracing influences from across the Mediterranean.
The menu reads like a love letter to contemporary Greek dining, and it’s pretty impossible to resist ordering basically everything. Steady yourself, and begin with their exceptional breads – pillowy laffa flatbreads and aromatic açma verde (green-flecked Turkish-style buns) at £3.50 each, served alongside their already-famous labneh topped with rich salt cod XO sauce (a string of words we feel a little frisson reading over).
The crudo bar offers pristine seafood preparations, including a stunning gilt head bream ceviche with bright notes of green tomato and apple aguachile (£11), while the black figs with mizithra cheese and almond salata provides a perfect study in texture and balance.
The kitchen truly shines with their heartier dishes. The wild red prawn giouvetsi arrives in traditional Cretan clay pots, the orzo glistening with intense shellfish butter, while the squid ink version comes alive with punchy aioli. There’s also an oxtail rendition for the carnivores in the crew.
Perhaps the highlight of the whole meal, though, is OMA’s ingenious take on spanakopita, which transforms the classic pie into a luxurious gratin of sheep’s and goat’s cheese with spinach, accompanied by delicate malawach bread. Don’t miss the charred lamb belly either, its richness perfectly tempered by hummus and a bright shallot and mint salata.
The bar matches the kitchen’s creativity – try the Retsina Spritz with its clever combination of retsina, tsikoudia, and mint soda (£10.50), or the Chios Martini, which gives the classic cocktail a Mediterranean twist with dry mastiha.
The wine list is a journey in itself – more than 450 bottles strong and over 12 months in the making, it takes drinkers on a coastal voyage from Greece’s sun-kissed shores to South Africa’s dramatic coastline. By-the-glass options start at a reasonable £5.50 for their house pour. There’s particular emphasis on ‘island wines’ which they poetically describe as “salty, savoury, electric. Often wind-beaten and sun-reared, or smokey and volcanic.”
The list includes gems like Victoria Torres Pecis’s sought-after Canary Island wines and Frank Cornelissen’s volcanic Etna expressions. Though bottles largely sit above £40, the experience justifies the investment.
Though the colder months are in full swing, during summer the OMA terrace, with its 60 or more seats, is a fine place to sun yourself indeed.
Ideal for laid-back Greek street food with serious culinary credentials…
Below OMA’s refined dining room, AGORA offers an equally compelling but more casual approach to Greek cuisine. The space buzzes with energy, anchored by an impressive two-metre charcoal souvla and wood-fire oven whose flickering glow is visible through industrial Crittall windows, creating a seamless connection with the market’s atmosphere.
The kitchen team sources whole animals from select farms in Somerset and Cornwall, transforming them into exceptional grilled dishes and wasting not a kidney or trotter in the process. From the skewer selection (most hovering around £4-5), the pork souvlaki arrives fragrant with oregano, while whole sardines sing with za’atar. Vegetarians aren’t forgotten – the slow-cooked chickpeas with green zhoug and the chard borani topped with crispy garlic prove that meat-free dishes can be just as satisfying.
The AGORA flatbreads deserve special mention, particularly the indulgent version topped with confit lamb, spiced tomato and cooling garlic yoghurt. For the adventurous, don’t miss a creative number that calls to mind a classic Hawaiian pizza with its spicy pork sausage, spit-roast pineapple and hot honey. The rotisserie section doesn’t stop at spinning pineapples; it offers a broader study in patience and technique – the middle white pork belly and spit-roast Cornish lamb (both £15) both demonstrate the kitchen’s mastery of fire and smoke.
The bar keeps the mood light with creative cocktails all around £9, including a herbaceous cucumber and elderflower spritz and a kiwi sour that cleverly combines gin with lemongrass and white vermouth. For those seeking something with more kick, the basil daiquiri with dry mastiha offers an intriguing Greek twist on the classic.
Now featured in the 2025 edition of the UK Michelin Guide, AGORA operates primarily as a walk-in venue, though their virtual queue system helps manage the inevitable wait during busy periods. Together with OMA upstairs, these two distinctive venues represent an exciting new chapter in Borough Market’s culinary story, offering different but equally compelling new reasons to visit this historic food destination.
There was little doubt that Kolae was going to be a smash. The second restaurant from the team behind the hugely popular Som Saa in Spitalfields, all the ingredients were there for a hit: chefs with some serious pedigree; a PR blitz of influencers entering the restaurant shouting about that pedigree; strong, inventive cocktails that straddle the far-flung and the familiar; and an Instagrammable, eponymous headlining dish.
And so it has turned out, as Andy Oliver and Mark Dobbie’s second act has garnered rave reviews in pretty much every national newspaper (as well as a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2025), and for good reason; the food here, this time with a firmer focus on the flavours of Southern Thailand specifically, is laughably delicious. Really, you will be laughing, involuntarily, capsaicin-fuelled endorphins rushing over you as you drag a frilly Shrub radicchio leaf through the pungent, addictive shrimp paste relish.
Turn to the headlining dish to soothe you. Kolae is a method of grilling with origins in Thailand’s predominantly Muslim Pattani province close to the border with Malaysia, where, traditionally, chicken or seafood is marinated in a coconut and turmeric-heavy curry paste before being grilled low and slow, the curry paste catching and caramelising invitingly as more curry is used to baste.
At Kolae, the coconut cream for the dish – here most commonly done with skewers of mussel, chicken and squash – is handpressed daily, and you can taste that freshness in the final dish, which is a complex, rich, deeply satisfying affair. Pair it with the even more Instagrammable crispy prawn heads, showered with deep-fried turmeric and garlic in the style of Southern Thailand’s pla tod kamin, a salad and a stir fry, and you’ve got yourself a sharing spread that you won’t actually want to share a single bite of. And beer, of course. Plenty of beer…
Though the restaurant is spread over three floors, you’ll want to take a seat at the counter if possible, and watch the chefs working the woks and grill. Just watch out for our eyebrows while you’re here – there are some serious flames licking up. It’s all part of the fun though!
Ideal for casual yet sophisticated West African dining…
Speaking of second-acts that have recently opened in Borough Market and have already received a string of fawning national restaurant reviews, Akara has, well, done all of those things too…
Indeed, the British Nigerian entrepreneur Aji Akokomi has already tasted huge success with his inaugural restaurant Akoko, the recent recipient of a well-deserved Michelin star, and here he is aiming to shake up London’s West African dining scene further with Akara.
This new venture located in the not-quite-there-yet Borough Yards brings a casual yet sophisticated dining experience that pays homage to traditional flavours of the region while embracing modern culinary techniques. The restaurant’s namesake dish, akara – a delectable fritter made from blended black-eyed peas, seasoned and fried to golden perfection – is a testament to Akokomi’s commitment to celebrating the essence of West African food culture, and forms the backbone of the menu.
Here, the approach to akara is distinctive in that it pulls from both Nigerian akara osu and Brazilian acaraje, resulting in a crisp exterior and generous, premium fillings. The barbecued prawn akara is perhaps the highlight, a gorgeous looking thing that arrives with bun splayed open in the style of a Roman maritozzi, but instead of an obscene amount of cream, the filling is blushing red prawns, pickled pink onion petals and chives. It’s picture perfect and tastes even better than it looks. You’ll want to order several.
From the larger plates section of the menu, the picanha suya is the main draw, a blushing piece of rump steak with the kind of bark that only expert grill work can coax out, its suya rub having caught beautifully on the coals. A sweet pepper sauce soothes out the rough edges and sees the dish on its merry way. This one paired well with a glass of fresh, elegant rosé (a Volubilia Gris from Morocco), though the scotch bonnet cordial from the softs section also caught our eye. Next time, next time…
Ideal for Tehran-inspired plates in the heart of London…
The second iteration of the celebrated restaurant Berenjak remains faithful to its aim of reinterpreting the classic hole in the wall eateries lining the streets of Tehran, but somehow, this Borough Market rendition manages to be just as good (if not, whisper it, better) than the first.
Housed in the building that used to host Flor, the rooms, both upstairs and down, are gorgeous; sumptuously dressed and opulent whilst still maintaining a sense of subtle sophistication.
You could describe the food in much the same way, quite frankly. Though the kebabs that come complete with freshly grilled bread are no doubt the headlining act, it’s in the starters that the sumptuousness and opulence truly stands out. A black chickpea and walnut hummus, in particular, is so rich and silky that it could easily be mistaken for chicken liver parfait. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Image via Beranjack Instagram
From the carnivore’s section of the menu, the chelow kabab chenjeh (marinated, barbecued Herdwick lamb fillet) is given hum and throb by a grilled garlic salad, which is the perfect foil for the surprisingly delicate meat.
Sadly, the Soho branch’s iconic baklava ice cream sandwich hasn’t made the jump south of the river, but the napeloni – puff pastry with an orange blossom custard – is a very capable finisher regardless.
This is a place we’ll be returning to, time and time again.
It’s easy to see why. There’s something about Rambutan, from it’s open fire kitchen and warming terracotta walls all the way to its intoxicating, sometimes scorching small plates, that’s just so enveloping, the heat of service and the warmth of hospitality here creating something akin to thermal energy in the dining room.
Rambutan’s menu reads beautifully, filled with punchy dishes that celebrate ingredients sourced from both Sri Lanka and Borough Market, creating a synergistic sense of place and time, of locality and authenticity, whether it’s in the already iconic creamy coconut, lemongrass and pandan dal or the piquant, pert, powerful red curry with prawn and tamarind, which hails from Sri Lanka’s north. We’re big fans of her cashew curry; a luxuriously creamy, marvellously nutty affair, and a lesson in Sri Lankan cuisine’s mastery of texture.
Image via Rambutan Instagram
Despite what a thousand fire emojis might have you believe, it’s certainly not all chilli heat here. The signature black pork curry, in fact, gets its rasping, back-of-the-throat heat from black pepper, and its intrigue from a heady roasted spice mix that features coriander, clove and much more besides. Taken just to the edge of bitterness, and visually alluring in its moody depth, it tastes both complex and familiar, the pork belly’s fat smoothing out the rougher edges.
Even more alluring is the deep fried roti with anchovy katta sambal, which eats as well as it reads, that sambal fresh and vivacious from plenty of pounded red chilli. Indeed, as you step into Rambutan, you’ll be greeted by the sound of chefs skilfully slapping roti at the open kitchen counter, with that vantage point offering a front-row stool to see the action unfolding.
Make sure you ring in several of those rotis – cooked over small, portable aduppu grills – for pulling through the silky red curry from two paragraphs prior. It’s already one of the single most satisfying bites in the city.
Cool it down with a round of Rambutan’s thoughtfully composed soft drinks (the ceylon and lime ice tea is particularly good), finish with a scoop of that delectable soft serve, and leave happy.
Idealfor the usual superlative Taiwanese small plates, with a side order of karaoke thrown in for good measure…
Bao Borough is the only outpost found south of the river of the cult London restaurant group Bao, whose success has been founded on serving Instagrammable, insanely good steamed gua bao buns and other contemporary takes on the street food of Taiwan.
The inspiration here comes from the late night grill houses of Taiwan, with the speciality of this particular house the 40 day aged beef over butter rice, which is as obscenely indulgent and umami-rich as is physically possible in a single small plate.
Though this particular branch only takes bookings for large groups, but service is prompt and the food fast; as such, you’ll likely land a coveted seat pretty quickly if you walk in.
Oh, and there’s even a bookable private karaoke room, with a capacity for 14 people and plenty of delicious snacks brought to you mid-song.
Just across the road from Borough Market is El Pastor, a re-imagining of a traditional Mexican taqueria from Harts Group, the restaurateurs behind Barrafina.
This is a convivial, carnival-like space, make no mistake, and one of the best places to eat in Borough Market. The food is excellent, particularly the beef short rib and bone marrow wraps, served to be shared in an assemble-it-yourself style. If you want to walk on the lighter side of the menu, don’t miss the tuna tostadas. Mezcal washes everything down and sends you on your way a little wavier than when you arrived.
Ideal for small plates dictated by what’s fresh in Borough Market’s greengrocer…
Sitting slap bang beneath the historic arches of Borough Market, Turnips is a farm-to-fork restaurant that celebrates the best of British produce and microseasonality in this most esteemed – yet refreshingly casual – of surrounds.
A family-run greengrocer by day, Turnips is also a lunch and dinner, fine-dining affair Tuesday through Saturday, with a kind of symbiotic relationship between kitchen and crates, between diner and shopper, and between grower and gourmand.
With chef Tomas Lidakevicius at the helm, Turnips is testament to the power of exceptional produce treated with respect. The restaurant offers both small plates and a tasting menu, with dishes on the latter led by a single ingredient; think ‘Beetroot’ as a headliner with both cured hake and caviar the supporting acts, or a dish of ‘Italian Aubergine’ that’s underpinned by lamb. Yep, they certainly want to remind you that the greengrocers dictates the cooking here, but that’s fine by us when the results are this good…
It shouldn’t surprise those familiar with Lidakevicius’s work, the chef having honed his skills in some of London’s finest restaurants, including Michelin-starred City Social, before taking the reins here, a master of transforming simple vegetables into extraordinary dishes.
Turnips is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday, with all-day service on Saturdays. Reservations are highly recommended, as this popular spot tends to fill up quickly, both with curious passers-by and those who have made the trip across town or even country.
Ideal for modern British cooking enjoy from a vintage vantage point…
Visitors to London’s Borough Market should all be well trained in the art of feigning interest in the name of garnering a tiny sample of something – whether it be a truffle infused Old Spot salami, Davidstow cheddar or Forman & Son’s smoked salmon.
There comes a point though, when the legs get weary, the bluffing half-hearted and the crowds too obstructive to cultivate any sense of brio, when you’d really love someone to take the great British produce of the market and beyond, and cook you a damn good meal. Roast, housed above the market, uses the best of the country, season and location to do just that.
London Bridge’s Tapas Brindisa, open since 2004, was the first branch of this all-conquering restaurant group, and was serving up delectable, gossamer-thin slices of jamón ibérico de bellota and its iconic chorizo rolls long before London became well-versed in tortilla española, pimientos de padrón, and the rest.
Though this inaugural Brindisa doesn’t take reservations (all other branches do), you can enter their queue ‘virtually’ via their website, which means, if you time your arrival just right, you won’t have to wait around. If you do find yourself at the back of the queue with a spare few, there’s a pub opposite, as well as a Brindisa Shop in Borough Market itself.
Address: 18-20 Southwark St, London SE1 1TJ, United Kingdom
Ideal for a protein-led take on Mexican streetfood…
Tacos Padre, a stall inside Borough Market slinging out some truly superb tacos, is the second most recent opening on our list, but one which has felt right at home in this corner of London right from the off.
Chef Nick Fitzgerald has some serious credentials within the world of Mexican food; he’s previously worked at Mexico City’s Pujol, consistently named the best Mexican restaurant in the world, as well as London’s excellent Breddos Tacos.
At Padre, the tortillas are made fresh daily- a must if you’re to call yourself the ‘daddy’ – with tacos generously adorned with slow-braised, super-unctuous meaty fillings (or should that be ‘toppings’? Who knows).
Yep, it really is all about the meat here, with the beef suadero spun through with aged beef fat bringing so much mouthfeel it’s a vaguely erotic experience. The pork cochinita is similarly arousing.
Though it’s a largely stand-and-lean affair at lunchtimes, with a reduced ‘taqueria’ style menu holding people upright, in the evening Tacos Padre spreads its wings a little, with tables set up outside the stall and a fuller spread on offer. Whichever time you choose to rock up, you will be fed very well here.
Ideal for a seafood extravaganza on the outskirts of the market…
Finally, you’ll find us dining with the Wright Brothers (also in Borough Market), whose dedication to seafood, and particularly oysters, marks the restaurant out in a field crowded with great dining options.
The menu is simple; a list of specials, nearly all fish, sensitively cooked with great respect for the premium product at hand. This is the only way to cook fish this fresh, and we love it.
The best seat in the house is, conversely, not in the house, but rather, out front, perched around one of the restaurant’s barrel tables, with a plate of half dozen oysters and crisp glass of Albariño balanced precariously, watching the world go by. In fact, we think we might stay here a while…
Ideal for fresh, hand rolled pasta that makes up some of London’s most iconic dishes
Step out of London Bridge Station in search of good food, and you’ll be delivered from your tube trip and into Padella’s massive queue with barely a blink in between.
The queues snaking round the block tell you two things about Padella; firstly, you can’t reserve a place at this London Bridge hotspot. And secondly, the food is worth the wait.
Counter top seating overlooks enthusiastic young cooks caressing fresh pasta and charming punters in tandem, and everything feels right in the world. The bowls, fresh and ever so simple, celebrate the pasta first and foremost, with the pappardelle with beef shin ragu a rich and ribald affair.
The signature pici cacio e pepe, a riff on the Roman classic pasta dish but here using an unusually squat version of pici, is as good as when Padella first opened, not diluted an iota by the restaurant’s continued success, though it should be noted that its price has almost doubled (a sign of the times, no doubt) in just a few years.
Anyway, that continued success has led to a second branch in Shoreditch if you can’t get a seat at the mothership. Up across the river (take the bus to Curtain Road, leaving from London Bridge Stop M, if you’re asking) they even take bookings.
Address: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ, United Kingdom
The film, the carnival, the market not the mushroom, The Clash, Stella McCartney, Damon Albarn and Robbie Williams. Yep, Notting Hill is many things to many people, but a foodie destination it has not traditionally been.
All that has changed in recent years, with a slew of recent exciting openings and not one but two 3 Michelin-starred restaurants (fuck me, that’s an ugly bout of counting) drawing the plaudits and punters just west of centre, all searching for a good feed and a silly little snap of those rainbow coloured facades.
If you’ve landed in Notting Hill packing an appetite and a thick wallet, then you’re in luck; there are plenty of restaurants to see off that hunger in style. These are those; here are the best restaurants in Notting Hill.
Akub, Uxbridge Street
Ideal for refined Palestinian cooking that tells a story…
Just a minute’s walk from Notting Hill Gate tube station to Uxbridge Street, and suddenly everything gets ever so residential, with a row of cute houses in shades of Trio’politan, The Uxbridge Arms as a decent local boozer, and one of the best neighbourhood restaurants you could hope for in Akub.
The hunter green frontage – a muted contrast to its pastel-hued neighbours – gives few hints about the riot of flavours found inside this modern Palestinian restaurant, the brainchild of Franco-Palestinian restaurateur Fadi Kattan, who also owns Fawda in Bethlehem.
Fadi’s mission is to bring the diverse, sophisticated culinary traditions of Palestine to London’s food scene, and, all in all, we think it’s mission complete. Because Akub, despite only having been open for 18 months, has already received rave reviews in several national newspapers; ‘near-perfect’, ‘absolutely ravishing’ and ‘cumulative harmony’ have all been thrown at the place in the past year. More importantly, it’s full pretty much every day of the week, except Mondays, when it’s shut.
At the stoves is head chef Mathilde Papazian, who has spent considerable time in Bethlehem mastering the intricacies of traditional Palestinian cuisine. She brings a certain flair to dishes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage and British seasonal produce. It’s a marriage made in heaven, all poised piquancy, heady spicing and loads and loads of imported Palestinian olive oil, which is some of the world’s best.
It’s all grounded by some excellent bread. Hitting the table warm, the zaatar manakeesh is made texturally intriguing by a shower of toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for sharing and tearing, and dragging through Akub’s trio of dips.
There’s a sense of dexterity and balance to the cooking here, apparent in dishes like a gorgeously rich short rib fatteh, the beef’s inherent unctuousness levelled out with garlic yoghurt and pomegranate. Or, the grilled Nabulsi cheese. Arriving with a uniform golden crust, its assertive briny notes are tempered by an allium-adjacent, off-bitter nigella seed oil.
Best of all, a slow cooked lamb neck – the humble cut elevated with fenugreek, cumin, and allspice, and served with red shatta (a Middle Eastern hot sauce made with red chillies and peppers) mayo. It looks faintly obscene, but boy does it taste good.
Alongside, there’s a selection of Palestinian and Jordanian wines, as well as imported Taybeh beer – an elite level local lager if ever there was one – and the obligatory arak, the world’s oldest spirit and one whose aniseed assertiveness is a wonderfully refreshing way to reset after the meal.
The intimate and stylish setting of Akub is adorned with nods to Palestinian culture, such as a beautiful Tatreez tapestry and an olive tree, symbolising the ‘right of return’ for the Palestinian people. Indeed, Akub not only serves as one of Notting Hill’s culinary highlights, but also as a place that honours the heritage and resilience of the Palestinian community.
Without doubt, this is our favourite restaurant in Notting Hill, and one more than ever deserving of patronage and support.
Ideal for when only the finest haute cuisine in the country will do…
Considered by much of the country’s culinary cognoscenti to be England’s finest realisation of haute cuisine, The Ledbury has had one hell of a year, even by the lofty standards the restaurant has set in its twenty decades at the top.
2024 has seen The Ledbury finally achieve a well-deserved third Michelin star – the highest accolade in the game – 14 years after it received its second. It only took a COVID-enforced, potentially permanent closure, an incredible comeback, a change of head chef and a fancy new mushroom cabinet to make that happen, but my does it feel warranted.
Indeed, there’s been a palpable sense that things had been taken up a notch in the last year or so, with already close to immaculate dishes revised and refined, perfected and polished until there were the most precise expression of time and space, of seasonality and technique, that you’ll likely find anywhere in the country.
This milestone not only underscores The Ledbury’s culinary excellence but also denotes it as one of the rare elite, making it one of only 137 restaurants worldwide to hold the prestigious three star ranking. But that’s not all; June has also seen The Ledbury named as the best in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards, a full 12 years since it last held the title. Bravo.
A meal here centres around a £225 tasting menu that pitches each course as headlined by its hero ingredient in sometimes delicate, sometimes robust pairings, ensuring a dining journey that surprises and satisfies in equal measure. Under Chef Graham’s vigilant eye and the adept execution of head chef Tom Spenceley, dishes like line caught red mullet with Wye Valley asparagus, black Perigord truffle and sudachi, a type of Japanese citrus, are perfectly balanced and boasting an unmatchable clarity of flavour.
Graham’s acute understanding of animal husbandry is perhaps the defining feature of The Ledbury, with the restaurant’s game cookery second to none pretty much anywhere on the planet. His pairing of black olive and liquorice with a blushing loin of venison is an inspired, genius touch. To finish, just pray that the iconic brown sugar tart and stem ginger ice cream is on the menu.
Sure, this isn’t your normal neighbourhood restaurant – despite what Graham will claim – but for a special occasion, The Ledbury is arguably the best in the UK at this type of precision fine dining.
Ideal for when France and Italy collide in tasteful harmony…
At the intersection of Westbourne Park and Ledbury Road, Caractère stands at its own kind of crossroads – where tradition meets innovation, and where the grand culinary powers of France and Italy converge.
Testament to the experience of its owners, Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari, this contemporary restaurant harmoniously weaves together their respective experiences while boldly charting its own course forward, managing to celebrate the heritage and expertise of its backers while placing one eye – or, you know, both – firmly on the future.
Emily Roux, daughter of the renowned Michel Roux Jr., has carved her own path in the culinary world, choosing not to take over her father’s famed Le Gavroche but instead to create something uniquely hers with Caractère. Together with her husband Diego Ferrari, they have crafted a menu that aims to straddle comfort and innovation. It confidently succeeds in that aim.
Perhaps the showstopper here – and certainly embodying that approach – is the celeriac cacio e pepe, on the menu from day dot and never likely to leave it. Composed of long strands of celeriac (resembling tagliatelle) coated in a rich and velvety sauce of Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano, topped with a few drops of 25 years of age balsamic vinegar and crushed black peppercorns, Emily’s grandfather, the late, great Albert Roux, was said to be besotted with the dish – which is perhaps the highest praise one could bestow here.
The name of the restaurant means ‘character’ in French, and there’s certainly plenty of that in the way the menu is uniquely structured around 5 personality traits – ‘Curious’, ‘Subtle’, ‘Delicate’, ‘Robust’ and ‘Greedy’ – each section showcasing different aspects of their French-Italian fusion cuisine. You can either build your own tasting menu, choosing one dish from each trait, for £125, or go a la carte, with a starter, main and dessert for £95.
That celeriac number is subtle, by the way, whilst of a more robust disposition, a dish of squab pigeon, roasted on the crown and its particularly plump breast a perfect pink, is served with Scottish girolles, halves of cherry and a silky smooth beetroot puree. Its leg is served on the side, foot still attached in an enticing come hither gesture. You know what? We don’t mind if we do…
In lesser hands, that rather idiosyncratic menu might be a little confusing, but the cooking at Caractère boasts such clarity of flavour that any worries are washed away as soon as you’re served.
Not that our anxiety was particularly high before the first course; the interior of Caractère exudes a casual yet sophisticated charm, with terracotta walls contrasting against white-washed ceiling beams to pleasingly soothing effect.
The dining room features plush velvet seating in deep green and charcoal tones. Glass globe chandeliers cast a warm glow throughout. A dramatic feature wall showcases a moody skyline, and the bar area displays an impressive array of glassware on illuminated shelving. It’s all very evocative, suggestive of a large bill on the horizon, but one you’ll be more than happy to foot.
The winelist is an absolute tour-de-force, too, a 26 page tome that exemplifies the restaurant’s Franco-Italian philosophy, exclusively featuring wines from these two nations. Under the careful curation of sommelier Marco Nardi, the collection emphasises sustainable and traditional winemaking practices, with particular attention to organic, biodynamic, and natural wines.
The list pays homage to tradition, sure, with plenty of Burgundys and Barolos, but there are welcome nods to innovation, too, most notably through its inclusion of PIWI varieties – fungus-resistant grapes representing sustainable viticulture’s future. For those seeking something beyond wine, Caractère offers a carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, with several creative variations on the classic Negroni paying tribute to Ferrari’s roots.
Let’s just say that the vision here is fully realised, and the locals of Notting Hill seem to agree; it’s constantly packed out, and now earned recognition in the Michelin Guide earlier this year, a testament to Emily and Diego’s vision of sophisticated yet approachable dining.
Ideal for charcoal-grilled excellence with a side of scene…
Dorian has quickly made a pretty massive name for itself on the London food scene since its opening in October 2022. Founded by Chris D’Sylva, who also owns the Notting Hill Fish Shop and the adjacent meat operation, Dorian was conceived with the aim of creating a bistro that embodies both high-quality technique and an unpretentious charm. It succeeded in both those aims.
In fact, that description sums up the dining experience at Dorian so astutely that we won’t bother expanding…
…only joking. This vision has been realised and recognised, earning the restaurant a Michelin star in the 2024 Michelin Guide for UK and Ireland a few months back. Offering even more motivation for the team at Dorian, it has become the place for chefs to have a celebratory meal; pretty much every famous face from the culinary world – both in London and further afield – has been there in recent months, if our Instagram feed is to be believed. Which, it is; there’s photographic evidence of it happening.
Indeed, it’s a place that boasts the buzz of a neighbourhood brasserie, but also one that excels in celebrating a single, premium ingredient via the singular technique of charcoal grilling.
Now, grilling over flames has become so ubiquitous across London in recent years that the smoke in our eyes has rather blinded us to the fact that quite a lot of chefs in the city aren’t actually very good at it. We’ve had enough overcooked whole turbot and ice cold but acridly smoked steak to say that with some confidence.
Not so at Dorian, where head chef Max Coen – who has previous at London heavyweight Ikoyi and three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm – is a master of the binchotan.
The menu, stylistically speaking, follows a form very much popularised by Brat, of an A4 longlist of brusque menu descriptors focusing on just one or two ingredients and a hefty price tag that should perhaps be diverted to a copywriter. See; caviar rosti (£35), green asparagus, nettle and yolk (£21), pork chop £44 all the way up to bone in rib-eye (£165, for 2 or 3 people to share).
That rib-eye (a cross breed of Holstein Dairy cow x Japanese Black Beef cow, reared in North Yorkshire), to be fair, is a masterful piece of work, 50mm thick and arriving with a pronounced crust, an inch layer of buttery yellow, grassy fat, and flesh that is wall-to-wall blushing pink (those chefs on the neighbouring table will be saying “cuisson” and “soigne” with irritating, increasing regularity). A T-bone big enough to wave around Flinstone-style is included for gnawing.
Though not nominally a steak restaurant, Dorian recently ranked as the 27th best in the world in the World’s Best Steak Restaurants list for 2024 (fuck me; when will this end?), and it feels richly, warmly deserved. This is one fine steak worthy of a blowout.
Ignore the tagline on the restaurant’s website that Dorian is ‘a bistro for locals’ – this ain’t Royston Vasey, fellas – and grab a seat at the counter to get a view of the chefs (the ones working here) in action. The enormous wall of wine behind you is a reassuring, tempting presence. Be warned; the wines here start at £50 a bottle. As in, that’s the very cheapest you’ll find. There are some that clock in at over £6000. Perhaps Hugo off Succession is ordering some of these off the Waystar company dime (we keep seeing the affable Fisher Stevens in here, having a right old time).
Anyway, it’s a classy, monochrome room that you’re tempted to play human chess in if you’re not seated at that bar. Even the snacks arrive on some Toon Army striped greaseproof, a bite of creamy uni draped over a bang-in season Jersey Royal nailing that luxury/humble thing that’s everywhere right now.
Which is to say, although Dorian posits itself as idiosyncratic – those all caps on Insta do a lot of the hard work – you’ll find boujee London food trends in various guises are all over the menu here. It’s just that the team here has seemingly perfected them.
Ideal for proper Turkish grill without the faff (and wallet-crushing prices)…
Standing proud and prettily tiled on Ladbroke Grove, a mere kebab’s throw (don’t waste the damn thing doing that!) from the tube station, Fez Mangal has earned its stripes as one of London’s most straightforwardly delicious practitioners of the ancient art of the grill, long before the tatted folks on GBM came along and claimed to have invented cooking meat over fire. T
he first clue that you’re in for something genuinely enjoyable comes from the strings of dried chillis hanging in the window – a touch of theatre, sure, but also a statement of intent. Also; almost impossible to resist using as a spicy hanging punch bag.
The second clue? A crushing aroma of charcoal smoke that’ll catch your throat quite shockingly if you breathe in wrong. Don’t let that – or the queues – put you off; the well-oiled machine that is Fez’s service means you’ll be seated before you can say ‘one portion of ezme salata, please’. Admittedly, that would be a fucking weird thing to say before you’d even sat down, but anyway…
The menu is refreshingly straightforward – none of that ‘carefully curated’ or those ‘refined takes’ here – but that doesn’t mean it lacks finesse. The adana kebab is a masterclass in spicing and fatty, bouncy texture, the minced lamb singing with garlic and chilli, whilst remaining distinctly pastoral-tasting. It’s a delicate balance that many get wrong; Fez gets it spot on.
The lamb beyti is another triumph, the meat wrapped in lavash bread and drowned (in a good way) in tomato sauce and yoghurt. It’s comfort food of the highest order, the kind of thing you crave at both 3pm and 3am. The chicken shish proves that the kitchen knows its way around a bird (ewww) as well as it does its lamb, the chunks of breast meat somehow remaining juicy despite their time over the coals. All are priced at £18.50, and are bloody massive.
But it’s not just about the meat. The supporting cast is equally impressive – proper Turkish bread, pillowy and charred in all the right places, red cabbage that’s actually had some thought put into it (how many times have you had the sad, flavourless variety?), and a garlic sauce that’ll have you breathing fire for days. Worth it, though, as long as you’re not snogging after.
Watch as the pides (Turkish flatbreads) emerge from the clay ovens, their toppings bubbling and edges perfectly charred, and order one of those, too.
Best of all? It’s BYO with no corkage charge. Well, not best of all, but in a city where a glass of house white can set you back a tenner, this is something to be celebrated. Bring a bottle of something nice – these kebabs deserve better than corner shop plonk – and settle in for one of the best value meals in West London.
Not so much a hidden gem anymore – those days are long gone – but rather an institution that reminds us that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.
Ideal for hearty, honest cooking in a pub that remembers what pubs are for…
The Pelican is the ideal boozer in Notting Hill for those who love a big, hearty feed to go with their John Smith’s. Hey, who doesn’t?
Standing proud on All Saints Road, The Pelican has evolved from your typical local into a modern gastropub under the stewardship of restaurateurs James Gummer and Phil Winser, who took over in 2022, all without losing any of its charm.
This transformation included a revamp of the decor – it’s now all butcher shop tones, leather banquettes, the sound of heels on a sanded wood floor and a menu of meats by weight scrawled on a mirror with chalk – and the installation of Owen Kenworthy as head chef, the kind of solid chef grounded in both the French and British classics. Though Kenworthy has now moved on, his influence over a humble, hearty menu remains.
Menu descriptors are even terser than Dorian’s from a few paragraphs previous. The Pelican’s is basically a shopping list, let’s be honest. Whilst ‘tomatoes, capers’, ‘leek, egg’, ‘hake, parsley’ (would it kill them to chuck an adjective in there so we know how things have been prepared?) all sound a little austere – spiritless, even – there’s fortunately more going on when the plates hit the table. St John-inspired minimalism rather than stinginess, we’d say. A dish of crimson, thinly sliced ox heart with a tangle of celeriac remoulade certainly wouldn’t feel out of place on the stark white tables of Smithfield, with all the top quality that implies.
The Pelican has featured on the increasingly influential Top 50 Gastropubs list, a testament to its quality, but the best part is that it remains a true pub at heart, welcoming patrons for drinks alone without any pretence or need for a feed. Cheers to that.
Ideal for homestyle Malaysian comfort far from home…
We’ve eaten a hell of a lot of grumpily described steaks in this article, and we’re sick of it, quite honestly. Thank the good, syncretistic lord for Med Salleh Kopitam, then, which brings sweet, spicy relief from our meat coma, and a good jolt of vitality in the process.
Visible from the exit of Bayswater underground, Med Salleh Kopitiam is run by Med Pang and Koi Lee, whose passion for authentic Malaysian food shines through in every complex, thoroughly spiced dish.
Much has been written about the restaurant’s absurd, impossibly sweet Devil’s tower of shaved ice, but it wasn’t on when we visited, so we’ll pontificate, instead, on the signature Med’s Grandma Hainanese Chicken Rice, which arrives presented prettily on branded greaseproof and in various shades of turmeric, with three sauces – all pleasingly pungent and powerful – for diners to mix and match to their tastes and tolerances.
The chicken itself (thigh) is poached to silky perfection, its fatty, flabby skin thankfully left on (much to the chagrin of Torode and Wallace – pricks). It’s the second best bit, dredged through those sauces, the highlight and headliner of course being the rice itself, satin-like in the mouth from a good dose of chicken fat and just wonderfully, insanely comforting. Lay me nude in a bath and cover me in the stuff, please. It’s how I’d like to go out. Yours for just £13.90.
Though the chicken rice is a meal in itself, the roti canai, beef rendang, and chicken satay have also been praised by others who have actually eaten them. For us, it’s all about the signature dish though. We can’t imagine ordering anything else here.
Just as is so brilliant in the hawker centres of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Med Salleh Kopitiam has an extensive selection of interesting, invigorating fruit juices and homemade teas. The lime iced tea is particularly good.
One of Notting Hill’s best restaurants, SUMI is the informal, laid back sister restaurant to sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s Endo at the Rotunda, which is a fifteen minute Uber ride (if you can bloody get one) west in White City.
Something we’ve found a lot in London in recent years; big, heavy hitting fine dining restaurants often phone it in when it comes to their more ‘casual’, bottom-line-fixated siblings. But at SUMI, it’s immediately clear that just as much care and attention has gone into the place as its kin up the road.
‘Sumi’ is chef Endo’s mother’s name, and this sense of reverence goes far beyond that nod to maternal affection. There’s love and respect in every morsel found on this clear, precise menu, primarily composed of nigiri, sashimi and temaki, the latter a technique developed by the family of Endo Kazutoshi.
There’s also comfort food of sorts here, done the Endo way in the form of A4 Wagyu sirloin grilled over coals (the chefs have several compact Konro grills lined up on the counter). It’s served with charred broccoli and a meat jus (‘SUMI meat sauce’) which has dextrously been lifted by the merest splash of rice vinegar. The effect is akin to the lightest yet most luxurious Sunday lunch you could dream of.
Comfort is a theme that runs through much of the operation at SUMI. The Beef Gohan, a Japanese rice dish that’s baked in a cast iron pots and designed to share, is a wonderfully homely thing. The graceful, studied hospitality only helps you relax into the place more deeply.
Don’t come to SUMI expecting the hushed tones of reverence that some sushi joints have. Instead, come for a nourishing, nurturing, familial vibe in keeping with the restaurant’s namesake.
Ideal for French rotisserie that’s a cut above your supermarket bird…
Something straightforward to finish our list of the best restaurants in Notting Hill with, where the decision making has largely been made once you’ve settled on the venue. Because Cocotte is all about one thing; chicken.
Specifically, free range, ‘farm to table’ rotisserie chicken, available in quarter, half or full bird portions, at £8, £12 and £22 respectively. The birds, sourced from the premium poultry producing region Pays de la Loire in Western France, are marinated overnight in a secret spice blend before being slowly grilled on the spit, the skin gradually blistering under the heat. Fabulous.
Throw in a few homemade sauces (the Cocotte’s gravy is basically a jug of umami), a couple of well thought out, healthy-feeling salads, and you’re good to go.
Come to think of it, ‘good to go’ is an apt phrase; although they have tables, Cocotte is perhaps best enjoyed as a takeaway; their boxes are ideal for a nourishing picnic lunch in nearby Powis Square park.
If you are staying in, consider coming for brunch. Cocotte’s chicken and waffles, which sees a sweet chili basted chicken thigh, a fried egg and a waffle croissant (or croffle), hits all the right notes.
Orasay, Kensington Park Road *as of January 2025, now permanently closed*
Ideal for seafood with finesse in a room bathed in golden light…
Orasay is a relaxed contemporary bistro designed under the discernible, immediately recognisable vision of chef-owner Jackson Boxer. A restaurant that places a firm focus on fish and seafood, Orasay gets its name from the Scottish island where Boxer spent his childhood holidays, infusing personal nostalgia and a sense of the wild and untamed into its essence.
Boxer has always had an eye for detail, and it’s a gorgeous dining room to settle into during the golden hour, with a recent meal we enjoyed here spent bathed in natural light from the skylight above.
We have to admit that we’re not usually fans of banquette seating taking up a whole wall of a dining room, finding it disrupts the intimacy of the experience, but here, it works.
What perhaps doesn’t work are some of Orasay’s more experimental dishes, which don’t quite land. The steamed custard, chicken liver and strawberry is almost as bad as it sounds, but boy, when Orasay gets it right, there’s nowhere better in London at perky, vivid seafood cookery.
That recent visit saw a dish of expertly butterflied, woodfired whole mackerel and salsa roja which was exceptional, the inherent oiliness of the fish’s skin catching and blistering beautifully, the tangle of salsa roja spread across the top of fish, all rust coloured and slicked in oil. Similarly impressive and magnificent to look at was a whole John Dory that had seen the same grill, this time buried under a blanket of iron rich charred greens. A fish that’s ugly as sin, we’re glad it was wearing a mask.
The signature puck of grilled potato bread, all barmarked and smoky, is pretty much obligatory at Orasay. It sits beneath whipped cod’s roe that’s positively collapsing under a mountain of chive. Luxuriate in a room that is exactly the same colour scheme as the puck and its pals. Both envelope you in browns and beiges in the best possible way.
If you’re visiting Orasay (the restaurant, not the island) on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening, then you’re in for a treat; Boxer’s riff on a Filet-O-Fish is served on these days – and only these days – for dinner. It sees breaded, fried haddock, sriracha, tartare sauce, shredded lettuce McDo stylee and, yep, a most welcome slice of American cheese, all delicately ensconced in a beautifully glazed bap. It’s an absolute winner (just as long as no one – wait staff, dining companion or neighbouring punters – refers to it as “dirty”. At that point, someone’s getting murdered).
Desserts are another strong suit. A delicate, almost prosaic celebration of the season in the form of strawberries and milk ice cream was just lovely; nostalgic, soothing and a gorgeous way to cleanse the palate and soul after a meal of big flavoured fish dishes.
This just in (a liberal use of ‘just’ we must admit); London has been voted the Most Vegan-Friendly City In The World for a fourth year running. Beating Berlin, New York and Melbourne to the top spot, London’s proliferance of vegan restaurants and its active plant-based community were acknowledged as the deciding factors, the city’s vegetarian and vegan scene an inspiration to other major metropolises across the world.
Yep, London really is the dairy-free cream of the crop when it comes to plant-based eating, but with such a bounty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants comes a certain saturation – the city’s streets are paved with nutritional yeast and its towers have been built on a foundation of flax seeds, and it can be hard to tell the good from the great.
We’re here to help with that; here are the best vegetarian restaurants in London.
Plates, Old Street
Ideal for boundary-pushing plant-based fine dining from Britain’s first vegan Michelin-starred kitchen…
Making history as the UK’s first vegan restaurant to receive a Michelin star (awarded February 2025), Plates is the remarkable passion project of siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth. The intimate 25-cover dining room, tucked away just off Old Street, offers a cocoon-like escape with its earthy materiality – think natural plasters, recycled linens, and handcrafted wooden furnishings that mirror the restaurant’s sustainable ethos.
Images via plates-london.com
Kirk Haworth’s seven-course tasting menu (£75) is a masterclass in innovative plant-based cooking, drawing on his experience in world-renowned kitchens like The French Laundry and Restaurant Sat Bains. Standout dishes include the now-famous barbecued maitake mushroom with black bean mole, kimchi and puffed rice – a dish that demonstrates the kitchen’s remarkable ability to build complex, satisfying flavours without animal products. The house-laminated sourdough with whipped cashew butter has achieved near-cult status, while the raw cacao gateau with sour cherry and coconut blossom ice cream proves that vegan desserts can reach the highest heights of fine dining.
Be warned – securing a table here requires patience and planning, with bookings currently being taken several months in advance. Given the recent Michelin recognition, we’d suggest setting a reminder for when reservations open.
Ideal for creative takes on plant-based cuisine from one of the oldest (and still one of the best) veggie restaurants in London…
Proving that old still got it, The Gate, the self-proclaimed ‘’plant based pioneers’’, is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that has been delighting diners since 1989 with its creative takes on plant-based cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce, the menu features a range of innovative and globally-inspired dishes that speak for themselves; nope, we’re not going to use the ‘’you won’t even miss meat’’ line…
…Hang on, we just did. Anyway, the food here really is exquisite, with a clean clarity of flavour sometimes lost in the futile attempt to make vegetarian food more meaty. There’s no danger of that here. Dishes like a beautifully composed artichoke and hazelnut terrine, served sliced alongside an umami heavy sundried tomato salsa that gives the whole thing heft, are absolute crowdpleasers, whatever dietary stripes you’re wearing.
They’re good at the sweet stuff, too. We’ve always thought that you can tell a truly great vegetarian restaurant by the effort they put into their desserts, and we’re pleased to say that the Gate’s sweet round is truly inventive; the vanilla mousse-stuffed cannoli served with honeycomb and caramel sauce somehow skillfully manages to not be too sweet, the cannoli fried hard and fast until just off-bitter. An inspired move.
This is definitely a restaurant whose best light is shown at lunch; the bright and airy dining room (that is, if you remain on the first floor – the basement space is anything but) makes The Gate a perfect choice for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Or, a bout of celebrity spotting, if that’s your thing; this particular diner was sitting next to Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys on a previous visit. Starstruck would be an understatement…
Ideal for a vegan menu of globetrotting crowdpleasers…
From the meticulously manicured to the much more mellow, 222 Vegan Cuisine is an all-vegan restaurant whose menu of globetrotting crowdpleasers draws the crowds daily, with enough variety to satisfy even the most fickle members of the squad.
Come for the sauteed artichoke hearts, still boasting plenty of give and vibrancy and showing a kitchen team who know how to prepare them expertly. Stay for the bouncy, nutty quinoa and spinach meatballs, tossed together with gluten-free pasta and a richly uplifting tomato sauce. Order both and you’ll get change from a twenty.
When it’s on the menu, we’re also huge fans of their chilled avocado soup – it’s a creamy, refreshing number and a nice alternative to a classic tomato gazpacho.
With a couple of organic, gluten free lagers clocking in at the fiver mark, that’s a delicious, affordable all-vegan meal right there.
Mildreds is an institution in Soho that has rubbed shoulders with the area’s distinct history for over three decades. First opened by the dynamic duo of Jane Muir and Diane Thomas in 1988, the idea behind Mildreds was to reimagine what vegan food can be, giving it a vibrant kick in the arse and moving away from the stuffed mushrooms and nut roast-only ideas that have lingered since the 60s. It’s certainly worked; there are now six outposts of Mildreds in the capital with more rumoured to be on the horizon.
A wholly plant-based affair, a good slice of their cuisine is designed to be meat alternatives, with the restaurant serving up white bean ‘sausages’ and burgers made from soy or tofu, opening up new options of what ‘meat’ can taste like.
The food here is creative and inspired, with the Mexican-influenced mango, brie and jalapeno quesadillas being a favourite among regulars, served with a softly whipped avocado and sweetcorn salsa. You can also pair your meal with vegan wine or vegan fizz, allowing folk to let their hair down.
The vegan desserts at Mildred’s are something to write home about, too. The sticky toffee pudding, in particular, which is packed with ginger and served with lashing of toffee sauce for extra indulgence, is a thing of beauty. The same could be said for their white chocolate almond sponge tiramisu – it’s rich, thick and creamy from the white chocolate mousse and filled with classic coffee flavours, just like a good tiramisu should be.
For a touch of class, you can also book their more regal private dining room, perfect for a group of up to 14. Here you’ll get genuine Soho vibes thanks to the dark panels, quirky and clashing furniture and out-there artwork.
Ideal for South Indian vegetarian fare and arguably the best dosas in town…
Sagar is a South Indian vegetarian restaurant with several locations around London, all with a commitment to keeping the quality high and meat-free. Here, the food is proudly South Indian of origin, the chef here hailing from the coastal district of Udupi, a place famed for its confident, vegetable led cooking and as being the home of the masala dosa.
It’s clear, then, what the must-order dish at Sagar is, and the 12 versions of dosa served here certainly don’t disappoint. Our favourite is the paper paneer dosa, the shell a little crisper and lighter than the more familiar version, the housemade cottage cheese filling piquant and invigorating. It’s a classic. Similarly galvanising is Sagar’s version of rasam soup, its rougher, fierier edges smoothed out by a couple of restrained jaggery shavings. A side of aromatic sambar rice is pretty much obligatory.
There are further branches of Sagar in Leicester Square, Hammersmith, the West End and Harrow.
A restaurant that takes inspiration from the cafe and casual dining scene in Tel Aviv, this vegetarian restaurant is located on the perimeters of Spitalfields Market. With a name translating loosely as ‘sweetheart’, simply put, Bubala is a charmer.
It’s an a la carte lunch menu, here, but a set dinner menu is served at dinnertime for £38 per person, which isn’t cheap until you see just how much you get for that price; with over ten courses, this definitely isn’t a meal for watching your waistline.
The brown butter hummus is a must-try (and all present and correct on the Bubala Knows Best evening set). Fennel with saffron caramel and rose harissa, whose impossibly heady notes are smoothed and mellowed by a piquant, yet cooling yoghurt, is the headline act for us. It’s fantastic.
The vegan Japanese restaurant Itadakizen has branches not only in London but also Paris and Japan, a testament to the consistently excellent, soul-nourishing small plates the team serve here. The first of its kind in Europe, the vibe here is all blond wood and carefully composed ‘tapas’ dishes that are so featherlight, your table runs out of plate space long before you’re full.
For the more vigorous, vivacious dishes of which this kind of grazing certainly requires, Itadakizen borrows from neighbouring countries; their mapo tofu is arguably the standout dish, with bouncy tofu served suspended in a red-oil slicked sauce.
Judging by neighbouring tables on our visit, though, it’s the rich, almost gummy miso aubergine that’s the headlining act. You’ll need a bowl of freshly steamed white rice to go with it, sure, but for a dish that doesn’t contain any meat, it’s as umami rich, savoury and – whisper it – meaty as you’ll find anywhere in the city.
There is, of course, ice cold Junmai sake to wash it all down.
Whilst not strictly a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, Rovi – part of the Ottolenghi stable – is somewhere that places vegetables on a pedestal, and is therefore more than worthy of inclusion on this list, we think.
As with other Ottolenghi restaurants, the food at Rovi is rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, yet draws diverse influences from around the globe. Rovi, however, stands out with its distinct focus on vegetables and humble cooking techniques – here, the live fire grill and the fermentation jar are cast as co-stars at the top of the bill.
Offering a refreshing departure from the usual avocado, beetroot, or mushroom-based vegan options, the restaurant’s celeriac shawarma has earned cult status in the city, with vegetarians and carnivores alike singing its smoky praises. It’s one hell of a dish and one hell of a restaurant, and the perfect way to bid you farewell, with sauce running down our chin and ruining our white shirt.
Palm Greens @ Arcade Food Hall, Tottenham Court Road
Ideal for flavour-forward, nutritious and delicious lunches that should replace everyone’s meal deal, everywhere…
Palms Greens host pop-ups and residencies across London, including a previous three year stint at Hackey’s Netil House and time at Tottenham Court Road’s Arcade Food Hall. When you find them, expect a tight set of dishes that straddle a sense of the wholesome and the downright delicious – the kale caesar salad with a luxurious cashew nut dressing hits all the right notes, managing to be much more ‘why hello’ than simply ‘health food’.
Whilst we’re still in the warm embrace of delightful vegetarian cooking, why not check out these great ways to cook with butternut squash? And then, why not invite us round for dinner? Hello? Hello…..?
