Talk to me about your favourite restaurant ever

[burntpinky]

Posting for traffic but just that: what is your favourite restaurant ever and why?

DH and I are well into our food (and it shows unfortunately!!) and now that we have a DC are going to do 1-2 weekends away per year, just us, to indulge in our favourite pastime (DC will be well cared for by nana whilst we are away - she was a foster carer for over 40 years until recently!)

Our current favourite is Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 which we've been to several times. Also been to Hand and Flowers, which was nice, but wouldn't rush back. I went to Chez Bruce (pre DH) YEARS ago which I enjoyed and The Square which was supposedly 2 M* but I didn't enjoy. Have also tried The Ritz (not great) and 15 by Jamie Oliver (set lunch menu which was fabulous).

Would love to try Black Swan at Oldstead and Le Manoir, but certainly Le Manoir will have to be an extra special occasion as it is so pricey.

So whilst we do love those sorts of restaurants, we also like less fancy too - Rojano's in Padstow being another favourite, Cornish Arms but we also have a local pasta restaurant - dishes are a tenner and the chef also provides the table service but it's so tasty and we love it (he's Italian).

Basically we just love food! (and reading menus and cookbooks is an obsession).

We love to travel just for a restaurant so please hit me with your favourites and why

Crab House Cafe for the oysters and Billy Winters for cocktails and views both on or near the causeway going to Portland Dorset

Gidleigh Park for food and stay was amazing

Wasn’t impressed by the Pig on the Beach but aware I am in the minority

In Belfast Ox is lovely. Especially for lunch.

Marcus Waring at the Berkeley was probably my favorite meal in UK.

The test kitchen in South Africa was my favourite ever.

Le Manoir is the best restaurant I’ve ever been to, consistently stunning food every time we’ve been

Wasn’t mad about Petrus

Love Pollen St Social

The Fat Duck was worth it for the experience but it was a few years ago

Hibiscus was amazing but has closed IIRC, I think Claude Bosi is at Bibendum now

Didn’t really rate Heston’s Dinner

Barnabys in Padstow is lovely

Uobei Shibuya..Dc&i ate here daily whilst in Tokyo
Something for everyone,delish desserts..&the lemonade beer is the best after a full day sightseeing👌

@kittlesticks , L'Enclume isn't anywhere near Northumbria.

Hambleton Hall

www.hambletonhall.com/

The food
The service
AND the amazing setting

You can also go for a lovely walk around Rutland Waters the next day :)

In 1987, on holiday in Slovenia, there was a small tavern/bistro/trattoria in the village of Bohinjska Bistrica, close to our hotel. The a la carte hotel food was excellent but it was even better in this little gem. Family-run, Mum and Dad in the kitchen and multi-lingual daughter front of house. All local, traditional dishes from soup to antipasti to stews and fish. They served their own home-made wine which was very good and ludicrously inexpensive. Beer from the Union Brewery in Ljubljana. Always busy and never a disappointment. Spotlessly clean, as my Mum used to say.

Thirty two years on, I wonder if it's still there ? I never knew the name; in fact, I'm not sure it had one.

We love The Harbour Inn, Bowmore, on Islay, food is just delicious but not as adventurous since being taken over by the distillery.
Do love it there though, even better in the rain, with whisky.

The Cross in Kenilworth is fabulous.

@Footle sorry - serious mum brain here - blame 5 week old DD - it's in the Lake District and despite not knowing where it is it was lovely, I recommend L'enclume to all!

Has anyone been to Morston Hall?

Bath Priory is also excellent.... although have just realised it's 13 years since I was last there and now I feel very old!

Actually my all time favourite place was the Monachyle Mhor, near Callander in Scotland. Can’t believe I forgot that!

I have loved in the last year:

• Claude Bosi at Bibendum
• Endo at the Rotunda (mindblowing Japanese)
• The Sportsman, Seasalter (lovely day trip or short weekend break to Whitstable)
• Core by Clare Smyth

@KatherineJaneway yes, many times! The new head chef used to be junior sous at L’enclume and his food is really stunning. Much better than it used to be!

Osteria dell orsa in Bologna.

The most amazing ragu and tagliatelle and tirasimu on a super hot Italian day. Not in the slightest bit fancy but it was SO tasty!

L’enclume in Grange over Sands is amazing

Peace & Loaf in Newcastle never fails to impress.

@ShinyMe yes Yes yes to de silveren spiegel! Best meal I’ve ever eaten, absolutely divine every mouthful and so clever. I ate things I swore blind I hated but it was delicious!

I also love Rules at Maiden Lane Covent Garden just for the traditional atmosphere alone, especially at Christmas .

The House at Temple Sowerby near Penrith, also a boutique hotel and very affordable.
Rules in Covent Garden, London's oldest restaurant and specialises in game.
Cirrik 19 Numara Bos - Turkish, Dalston.

Just seen your comment about being in Buxton, not sure if you’re local but the Peak Edge Hotel/Red Lion is my favourite restaurant ever, we got married there and it’s such a beautiful setting with gorgeous food and fantastic staff.

Outside of the UK (but too far for a weekend break 😂) the Keg Steakhouse at Niagara Falls serves the best steak I’ve ever had, we went for a special meal on our honeymoon and it didn’t disappoint in any way.

@MustardScreams

Thanks

Adam Reid at the French, in Manchester.
Man behind the curtain in Leeds.
L'enclume in cartmel.
The inn at whitewell,
Really want to try The Forest Side in Grasmere and gilpin spice. I like to eat

burntpinky you really, really need to go to San Sebastián.
It's a lovely town but the food is simply out of this world. You will be spoilt for choice even if you don't manage to get in to one of the Michelin starred places. Honestly, it's a foodie Mecca.
In the UK Le Gavroche is both very special and very dependable,
Also, Midsummer House in Cambridge is wonderful but a good £200+ a head. Especially if you like the Champagne trolley. (and what's not to like about a Champagne trolley?) Has 2 Michelin 🌟 .