Restaurant with atmosphere London

[oceanaus]

Me and DH have a night away this Saturday in London and we’re looking for a nice restaurant to go to. We like Le Petit Maison, Zuma, Scott’s but would like somewhere with a bit of atmosphere. Nothing too crazy but something lively would be good as we haven’t been out together in ages. Any recommendations welcomed 🙏🏻

Hi Oceanus,

I think we have very similar taste in restaurants. Zuma and Scotts have been my favourites for over 20 years and I go back regularly (for birthdays and special occasions) as I rarely find something to beat them.

I'm very very specific about what I like and it doesn't always make sense. While I love Zuma, I never loved Nobu. I have liked Haakasan and Roka in the past but wouldn't put them on the same level as Zuma (for me!). I went to Haakasan recently and didn't enjoy it as much as 'years ago'. Perhaps its age! Food at Sexy fish is good but wouldn't choose the atmosphere/crowd unless I was taking my teenagers.

I also like Le Petit Maison, Sushi Samba and love the Wolseley but wouldn't put them in the same league. Likewise Zafferano. I love the Ivy Chelsea garden (only this one) for more casual lunch/evening.

I would suggest Coya for you and also Cecconi's which is another regular for me. Like the food and love the restaurant vibe also. Le Poule au Pot in Belgravia/Pimlico is another good 'date night' suggestion. I haven't been to Arlington (formerly Caprice) but hoping to go soon as I think I will enjoy.

Loving all these suggestions. Some of them might get me out of my comfort zone.

Andrew Edmunds is a good shout. Great wine list

Millions of us manage to live here quite happily 🥱
Another vote for Rules, op.

Thanks for all of the suggestions here, I’ve got a list of places I now want to try out! I think I need to revisit Rules as so many of you have recommended and it’s a good while since we’ve been. I’m meeting a friend next month and she loves the big mamma group so I’ll suggest Carlota for that. Also love the sound of Sessions but can’t get a table but will definitely try that out at some point, it looks beautiful.

@restaurantsinlondonit sounds like we do have very similar taste indeed! My husband has actually sorted it out now and has booked Coya. It wouldn’t have been where I’d pick but reading your post hopefully it’ll be a good pick. He did try Scott’s but we could only get a table much later so Coya it is!

Have also heard the Clove Club is meant to be very good!

Have a look at La Mome which has just opened and is much a restaurant as a sort of live show… but very high end.

I have been to Bob Bob Ricard in Soho recently and liked it and also the Aqua Shard for the views and the toilets!

I love Lurra too, @MokaEfti. I’m not sure the restaurant has the drama and style OP is looking for, it is bit more laid back. Have you been to Donostia, it’s sister restaurant across the road? I think the menu is often more interesting than Lurra.

Oh excellent thread, saving for next time I want to go somewhere special. Atmosphere is crucial!
I also love Bocca di lupo. Went to a place called Bubala quite recently, that was good.

Looking at the few other posts you have made I am very happy at this comment, you seem very abrasive, rude and confrontational. We don't need people like that in London. If anyone is anxious or on edge around you I would imagine it's because you are one of those scary angry people who puts people on edge.

Good point @KnickerFolderand no I haven’t been to Donostia - will investigate!

Julie’s is atmospheric - beautiful interiors and a terrace… also, Broadwick Street hotel has good restaurant downstairs, fun decor (Dear Jackie) - good value as well I think, plus lovely rooftop terrace Flute upstairs (think you have to book separately for that unless you ask the waiter nicely)
and there’s Louis in Covent Garden (near the Ivy) which has a nightclub upstairs and definitely is cosy and atmospheric..

I’d love to go to Le Frog in Covent Garden but it’s SO expensive

Noble Rot

If you go to Lurra for its signature Rubia Gallega ribeye steak, @MokaEfti, I would also recommend nearby Argentinian restaurant, Casa Malevo.

Jay Rayner absolutely slated this place recently.
he said it was awful.

Yes I can imagine he would hate it, you are there more for the entertainment than the fine dining really.

Who cares what Jay bloody Rayner says about a restaurant

the best thing is to just go to places and try them out for yourselves

I find it helpful to know where I might waste a large amount of money on a bad meal.

So helpful

Fair enough and I do trust Jays opinion Tbf but I think it’s unfair to the restaurants when we’re spreading his negative reviews further than us the individual reading it for ourselves in the Guardian.

Plus I suppose if they’ve read his review themselves I like to think they’ll make changes

I'll give you your second point - you'd hope so. But it's a published review that anyone can read, not something he told someone over a private dinner! I think it's fine to point people towards it if it might be useful information.

Sadly I think he's now at the FT so it's not hugely accessible to most.

Agree with you @ridingthespringwave, would be so weird if I mentioned maybe going to a restaurant and a friend had read a recent bad review but didn't say anything. Love JR (and Grace Dent), they do me a massive favour saving me from pretentious / loud / overrated restaurants with bad food, while pointing me in the direction of places I wouldn't otherwise try. Sad about JR going to FT, although you can get a good idea of his reviews from his Instagram.

The original ivy in Covent Garden is always atmospheric

Exactly how is this answering the OP?

Just wanted to return to this thread as I've been eating my way around some of the recommendations! Not Rules yet but it's clearly a must-try. The Timeout top 50 list which came out this week has some pretty tempting recommendations too.

OP, how was Coya?