Standard Dinner Spots in London
1. Naughty Piglets, London
Small plates paired with natural wines. Naughty Piglets is, as the owners themselves describe it, "an English [bistro] with a French accent." Whether dining or drinking, the venue impresses. Do note: booking is essential.
2. 40 Maltby Street, London
Multi-functional space next to the Maltby Street Market. Foremost a restaurant and bar, the venue also sells hearty sandwiches, artisanal foodstuffs, organic produce, and wine. A true neighborhood hotspot.
3. Cafe Boheme, London
Classic French bistro in the middle of London's West End. Food is served throughout the day - from casual breakfasts and brunches to more formal dinners. Evening jazz performances create a great pre-theatre atmosphere.
4. Ciao Bella, London
Italian fare that is generous in both flavor and portion size. Boasts a familial ambiance and has been serving for 40 years.
5. Dean Street Townhouse, London
Whilst bedrooms at Dean Street Townhouse are Soho House members only, tables in its restaurant are not. A place for sophisticated lunches and dinners - perhaps a negroni at the bar too. Really though, the venue fits most occasions.
6. BRAT Restaurant, London
Rustic Spanish restaurant with amazing wine recommendations. The kitchen takes influence from Basque-style cooking and prepares dishes over an open wood fire grill. Good food and stellar service in a stylish locale.
7. Dishoom King's Cross, London
Proven Indian cuisine in a Bombay-style setting. Alongside its King's Cross restaurant, Dishoom has locations throughout London. A place to order in bulk and share amongst friends. Open morning till night.
8. Campania and Jones, London
Handmade pasta made daily. Campania is a cosy, well-decorated spot serving up dishes from the south of Italy. Of course, each meal is also complimented by the stellar wine list. Grab some pasta to cook at home if just passing by.
9. Donostia, London
Not many restaurants in the city offer real Basque cuisine. Donostia does traditional yet unique pintxos & tapas. Try the Arriza, monk fish served with black rice, and the cordero, succulent lamb cutlets grilled to perfection.
10. 28-50 Wine Workshop and Kitchen, London
The first of three London locations. 28-50 in Marylebone offers an extensive wine list that has been thoughtfully curated to pair with a selection of seasonal European plates. The venue itself is stylish and refined.
11. Boulevard Brasserie, London
Busy French brassiere in Covent Garden with an intimate atmosphere and a wide range of menu options. At the heart of London's West End, making it an ideal spot for pre or post-show dining. Afternoon tea is also a popular draw.
12. Ducksoup, London
Soho-based wine bar and restaurant cooking seasonal eats from an everchanging menu. The dishes are diverse and pair well with the venue's selection of wine vintages. Embrace the intimate atmosphere for dinner and drinks.
13. Café Deco, London
Bloomsbury-based eatery pairing hearty cuisine with fine wines. Expect modern European cuisine. Open for both lunch and dinner - have a seat outside when the weather allows, or simply enjoy the laidback interior.
14. Noble Rot, London
From the founders of the "Noble Rot" food and wine magazine, this restaurant and wine bar offers seasonal French-British fare. Both this restaurant and its sibling venue, located in Soho, have won awards for their wine lists.
15. Bistrotheque, London
Sophisticated dining in a converted factory space - the whitewashed walls make for an industrial-chic atmosphere. The French-influenced menu has plenty of variety and focuses on simple flavors done well. Weekend brunches are popular.
16. Bar Douro, London
Representing Portuguese wine and cuisine in London. Bar Douro's London Bridge location - another in Finsbury - is set within a railway arch and offers indoor-outdoor dining. Order a mix of small plates to share around the table.
17. Bintang, London
Relaxed Filipino fusion spot with a BYOB policy - visit on Mondays to avoid some steep corkage fees. The restaurant also has garden seating for London's sunny days. A great place for social dining.
18. Daquise, London
Once an unofficial refuge to Poles who fled during the 1940s, Daquise is a restaurant with a rich history. Expect a refreshing menu of Polish dishes - make sure to try the wild boar and rabbit meat.
19. Elliot's, London
Wood-fired European cuisine served in a shabby-chic aesthetic. Alongside its Borough Market venue, Elliot's has a restaurant in Hackney. Both locations offer impressive wine lists to pair with their seasonal menus.
20. Fischer's, London
A Viennese restaurant on Marylebone High Street. With a menu and interior design to evoke a traditional Austrian ambiance - chopped liver, kasespatzle, and wiener schnitzel headline the classic dishes.
21. The Palomar, London
Family-owned restaurant serving modern Middle Eastern cuisine in Central London. Think harissa chicken, kubaneh bread, and delicate seafood. Make a reservation, as queues for the 16-seat chef's counter are common.
22. The Lady Ottoline, London
Elevated gastropub serving a variety of gins, craft beers, and a rotational menu of British cuisine. The Lady Ottoline is as equally suited to a composed meal as it is an evening of drinks and conversation. Visit for both.