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Original poster

London dwellers, what's your favourite laid-back + amazing food restaurant?

70 replies

Toadthewetsprocket · 22/09/2019 09:53

Going for a weekend in a few months. DP and I are wannabe foodies (minus the London budget!) and want to go somewhere really nice.

Last trip we went to Dishoom (really enjoyed it) and Soho House at BBC Television centre (underwhelming food and £££).

Criteria are:

  • Unpretentious/casual style
  • Not too £££ but happy to pay for really good food.
  • Fairly flexible about cuisine but probably not Indian again.

We're staying in Notting Hill. Happy to tube it for somewhere amazing.

Ta ☕🥐

OP posts:
MsLumley · 22/09/2019 10:21

Barrafina in Covent Gdn. It's all barstools watching chefs make fresh food to order. It's really buzzy, totally relaxed, and some of the loveliest food I've ever eaten. It's Spanish tapas style. Not the cheapest but a really nice treat and experience.

goteam · 22/09/2019 10:26

Tacqueria or the Tabernacle in Notting Hill. Caravan or Camino in Kings Cross.

Zone4flaneur · 22/09/2019 10:29

Worth doing a food safari in Brixton - some great places in the markets and Coldharbour Lane. Banh banh has amazing Vietnamese, there's a great Onyamaki place etc.

Zone4flaneur · 22/09/2019 10:30

Oh Honey and Co is also brilliant - you'll need to book (near Warren St)

Needallthesleep · 22/09/2019 10:37

The Glasshouse, or for incredible steak, Roxie.

Original poster
Toadthewetsprocket · 22/09/2019 10:39

Love the idea of a food safari - we usually do that during the day time as we mooch around markets

Would rather a sit down for the Sat night.

Off to Google your suggestions - thanks all and keep em coming!

Should've said, Mexican not either of our favourite.

OP posts:
chocolatesaltyballs22 · 22/09/2019 10:40

Not a London resident but am there often for work. Leicester Square Kitchen has amazing Mexican and Peruvian tapas.

butterry · 22/09/2019 10:46

How about one of the indoor food markets? There's a new one called Seven Dials Marked in Covent Garden and you can choose different things from a few stalls to try. Very casual, trendy and delicious vendors and not too expensive. We had fun trying a few dishes downstairs then finishing off at the conveyer belt cheese and wine place upstairs.

Croquembou · 22/09/2019 10:47

Oooh!

Honey and Co but if you can't get a seat Honey and Smoke is still good. If you can't get in/don't fancy it, I'd pop in and buy a cake. They're amazing.

The Barbary is really good but a hang about waiting for the counter situation.

Mister Wei. Not very glamourous but the food is so good. I dream about pulled pork bun.

Pacha Mama if you want a cute-kitschy fun night with really good Peruvian.

WaynettaSlobOnTheSchoolRun · 22/09/2019 10:49

www.coqfighter.com/ Coqfighter is amazing for a lighter meal and the cucumber is incredible (seriously).

Shockers · 22/09/2019 11:41

I’m following this with great interest!

Pinkdoor · 22/09/2019 11:43

Ottolenghi has a cafe in NH. Pop in for takeaway breakfast/lunch.

SchnitzelVonKrumm · 22/09/2019 11:46

The Ledbury is in Notting Hill, surprisingly unpompous and the food is amazing. Not cheap though.

Tobeshared · 22/09/2019 12:58

Love the Ledbuy - very relaxed also try The Palomar - book a seat at the bar. If you're around on the Sunday head to Brick lane - amazing food market - look out for Eritrean food, delicious.

Persea · 22/09/2019 13:00

Hawksmoor in Covent Garden - excellent steak

Original poster
Toadthewetsprocket · 22/09/2019 14:57

Tobe We LOVE brick lane! We get there super early on a Sunday, salt beef bagel + coffee to get the blood pumping then I vintage shop like a woman possessed before we then try about 10 different dishes from the stalls at lunchtime. Amazing.

Am loving the look of some of these places suggested.

The Ledbury looks amazing (DP is all about modern British atm and would love it) but it seems to only do the 4 course dinner menu at night? At £135 a head that's firmly out of our budget. Or am I missing their normal menu?

OP posts:
PandaPaws99 · 22/09/2019 15:15

Duck&Waffle in the Heron Tower is lovely - quite casual but stunning views and the D+W is to die for!

We also like The Big Easy on Maiden Lane (near Covent Garden)

If you like Indian, our fave restaurant has just won an award! The Rajdoot on Paddington St, Marylebone is fabulous authentic food, quite low prices and great service.

Whatthefoxgoingon · 22/09/2019 15:23

I just wanted to say that The Ledbury is worth it. We go there at any excuse Grin

AmICrazyorWhat2 · 22/09/2019 15:25

Bookmarking for all the suggestions - keep them coming, please!

EstherLittle · 22/09/2019 16:47

We like Bhelpoori House in Chapel market. Just round the corner from Angel tube. It’s a vegetarian buffet which is amazing. Not the smartest place but it’s a proper neighbourhood place. The pakora is lush.

milliefiori · 22/09/2019 16:50

Bao in Soho. You have to queue to get in and it's cafe-like inside - quick not comfortable and lingering But the food is brilliant (Taiwanese) and cheap.

Pinkflipflop85 · 22/09/2019 16:52

Flat iron square is our favourite.

amiworryingtoomuch · 22/09/2019 16:55

The Laughing Gravy near Waterloo East - delicious food, sort of like a fancy pub.

sandyvacancy · 22/09/2019 17:06

I was going to say Barrafina too - there’s a few different ones and I’ve never had a bad time there. Food is amazing

thenorthernluce · 22/09/2019 17:12

Jen Cafe in Chinatown is lovely - unpretentious, simple and laid back Chinese canteen food. Or try Korean food at the basement cafe under the Point Food Store on New Oxford Street, near Tottenham Court Road.