London restaurant recommendation pls - very specific criteria!

[mixandmatch]

Hi - I live in London and know lots of restaurants but I'm looking for something quite specific for a special occasion meal which is a really nice restaurant (for me, DH, one teen, one tween). Happy to consider all sorts of cuisine, but what I care about most is the vibe. So needs to feel special and treaty but not unbearably cool and/or noisy and/or dark. So many good restaurants are one or all of these things now. I also don't want silent/unbearably stuffy and starched white tablecloths either. But just nice and relatively laid back, a bit special and not too loud or dark and small-platesy. Any ideas?

@oneoneonemy test is always “would I spend my own money to go again?” (I went with clients) and it’d be a no from me I’m afraid.

I think the food is fine but the tables are just too cramped

Yeah, we enjoyed the food but given the price I’d expect a better experience overall.

How about Champor Champor in London Bridge? Great food and really unusual decor.

Some really good suggestions here - thanks everyone!

Forgot about this one
https://www.caravelrestaurant.com

And I haven't been here yet, but have heard good things and have a work dinner there this week
https://trattoriaburro.com

I really love Mallow in Borough market for the reasons you've outlined but it is plant-based so no good if you don't like that (food is great though).

Mele e Pere in Soho.

I think Toklas fits your bill exactly

www.toklaslondon.com/

The Delaunay - someone once told me the staff are jobbing actors (this restaurant is near the West End) which explains why the experience is somewhat theatrical. Not stuffy but quite fancy especially for a teenager/tween.

Da Mario South Kensington - Bonkers Italian by a guy who went on to found one of the pizza restaurant chains. Allegedly a favourite of Princess Diana (a marketing angle they still lean into) and in my day had a nightclub in the basement (not sure it still does).

The Delaunay? Maybe not special enough though
Or J Sheekey

Café Murano or Bocca Di Lupo are both good Italian restaurants, Murano being my favourite. Great cocktails too. Neither are noisy or stuffy.

You and I are obviously on the same restaraunt page. I haven't been to Bocca di Lupo in ages but i came on here thinking "Is Bocca du lupo still open - it could be a good choice!" And I love Cafe Murano - possibly a bit more subdued though?

This one IS a bit small platish and it's absolutely essential you book for a booth (which, I think, is a bit hit and miss on if they'll allow that) but Dehesa is my other favourite. The open area at the front gets a bit crazy, but if you can get a booth at the back, it's fantastic.

ALso, what about Dishoom? I've never eaten dinner in one admittedly, but I've had lovely brunches and lunches at the one off Carnaby Street?

We were there recently. I was encouraged by Jay Rayners positive review. I liked the atmosphere with the Art Deco building and I enjoyed the food but I would not say it was very special and it was very busy and noisy so perhaps not for OP.

Tasting menu at Colonel Saab? We went for DH’s 40th and it was absolutely delicious. Soooo much food!

We love Le Garrick in Garrick Street. It feels like being transported to Paris! Very small but delicious menu.

First reply nails it - Maison François, hands down. Unpretentious, delicious food, good for fussy kids (it’s got steak, roast chicken, chips and pasta), and just enough food theatre (tartare made at the table, desert trolley).

Brunswick House

The delaunay service and food is very good. I found the vibes a bit flat but perhaps because the interior is very spacious, difficult for it to feel intimate and special.

Galvin at Windows or Rules?

The Ivy (West Street - the original one not the chain brasseries). They do have table cloths but don't let that put you off because it is very not stuffy. It's normally just the right amount of buzzy and occasionally you do get a celeb spot although much less frequently than before in its hay-day It is a lovely room - bright airy with the lovely stained glass windows.

Food is great and again not poncy. The shepherd's pie is amazing.

Just to say not Balthazar as suggested above. It’s an absolute zoo for noise.

With teens/ tweens I’d also suggest J Sheekey. It’s relaxed enough for families but always feels like a treat. We were there on Saturday and the food and service were excellent.

Not Rules- no children allowed in after 5pm I believe, unless the rules (ha!) have changed recently.

I really liked rules and the history behind it

What about China tang at the Dorchester ?

I'd still put the original Ivy West Street as my top pick but I agree that J Sheekey is a good shout (it's quite fish based though) and also Rules isn't a bad idea.

Brasserie Zedel is underground and has no natural light so it wouldn't be my pick for a special occasion.

I've also thought of Harry's bar (the S. Audley St one) is fun and not stuffy.