Where has the year gone? We’re almost going to be in October and it’s a slippery slope from there towards to the big C…Christmas! I know, I know, most of you will probably say I should not be mentioning that word until November at least but the proof is in the pudding – time is just whizzing past before our eyes.
I’ve had the pleasure of dining out at some wonderful places so far in 2018 and I wanted to share my favourites so far this year. I always give myself this challenge of trying to pick five different places I loved and it never gets easier. The truth is I haven’t disliked a lot of places i’ve dined at this year, so it’s even harder than normal.
If you find yourself in London visiting over the next few months or your a resident, I would urge you to get yourself down to these five restaurants an give your taste buds a tingle.
1. La Dame De Pic
La Dame De Pic was one of restaurant that was on my list to try since it opened back in January 2017. Anne-Sophie Pic is no stranger to the food and drink industry, having taken over her father’s legacy with Maison Pic and introduced her very own 2 Michelin starred Anne-Sophie Pic. La Dame De Pic is a modern french restaurant, within the elegant 5-star Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square hotel. La Dame De Pic it will give you a mind blowing experience, from the exceptional service and theatrics to the divine food & drinks served. You will be leaving feeling full and ready to come back and try more of the dishes on the menu. You can read the full review here.
Must order dishes: Berlingots for starters, Roasted Hereford beef for mains and White millefeuille with Tahitian vanilla cream for dessert.
2. RIGO
Mixing cuisines can go one of two ways; it can be rather terrible or it can work in perfect harmony. Lucky for Gonzalo Luzarraga, his combination of mixing the French and Italian cuisine to produce the Piedmontian cuisine was a fantastic idea. Not only does Gonzalo’s food stand out above the rest of the overly saturated ‘standard’ London restaurant scene, it brings a mix of a wonderful relaxing dining atmosphere with the quality Michelin starred presentation. You won’t regret having a meal at RIGO, that’s for sure. You can read the full review here.
Must order dishes: Wild enoki with 48 month Parmigano and black Alba truffle for starters, Fassona beef for mains and Modern white Bonet made with amaretto, heritage coffee & meringue for dessert.
3. 110 Les De Taillevent
The second French restaurant to make my top five list, 110 Les De Tallievent, based in Marylebone. Its perfectly elegant interiors are inviting enough, but the warm welcome from the staff makes it even easier to spend a few hours having a long leisurely lunch. If the delicious selection if typically French dishes aren’t enough to sway you, the wine selection is extensive with a idyllic wine pairing to match every dish on the menu. It would be wrong not to have a boozy lunch! You can read the full review here.
Must order dishes: Spelt lobster risotto served in a lobster bisque for starters, Scottish strip loin lamb for mains and Calamansi lemon dome for dessert.
4. Indian Accent
One of Indian’s favourite and famous restaurant’s has made its way to London and about time too. They were hiding all these delectable dishes away, but it wasn’t long before I managed to sneak in for a relaxing lunch. It’s definitely a spot to try if you want good Indian food with a modern twist, a lovely ambience and somewhere quiet where you can have a good conversation without shouting. Disclaimer: You may have to be rolled out though, from over eating, because the food is so good you just can’t stop. You can read the full review here.
Must order dishes: Soy keema served with quail egg and lime leaf butter bread, Ghee roast lamb with roomali roti pancakes for mains and Makhan malai and Mishti doi cannoli for dessert. (Only get both if you’re sharing!)
5. Little Social
Little Social, one of Jason Atherton’s restaurants is the perfect little spot in Mayfair. There is a lively atmosphere that makes it fun to go in a group for dinner, order in a bottle of bubbly or wine and get the enjoy the mouthwateringly inviting French-inspired British cuisine being served. If cocktails are more your thing, definitely try the La Maison Villevert a gin based cocktail with a lovely egg white finish. You can read the full review here.
Must order dishes: Asparagus with hollandaise sauce for starters, Irish ox cheeks served with roasted bone marrow for mains and Apple & rhubarb crumble served with rhubarb sorbet for dessert.
What have been your favourite London restaurants in 2018 so far?
Until next time…
