Dinner in London

[coolbottlesummer]

I am looking to book somewhere in central London for our 20th anniversary dinner.

id like it to be really good but not posh if that makes sense. Just good food without it being pretentious with garnishes of this, that, the other and tiny portions etc. We love a good steak, seafood and a decent glass of wine.

we are staying at the Hilton at Paddington Station so we can get around by tube really easily. Has anyone got any recommendations? Have a reasonable budget for somewhere good.

Hawksmoor restaurants are always good for steak.

Not steak, but Trishna in Marylebone. Go at lunchtime and have the tasting menu. Amazing!

Or Copper and Ink in Blackheath. The most unpretentious tasting menu ever, with really great wine pairings. Run by Masterchef winner Tony Rodd. Menu changes every month and I want to go there every month. Sadly I live in the Midlands, but I will definitely go back again.

The Wolseley is relaxed, lovely atmosphere, and does proper traditional European food at a reasonable price. If you like steak, then Hawkesmoor, Goodmans, or Blacklock (the latter slightly cheaper and more chilled). Barrafina is good for tapas and sit at the counter and watch them cook and order what you like the look of - great wine too. Bob Bob Ricard is a bit of fun, nice booths and you can press a button for champagne, highly recommend the beef wellington, you can cut the steak with a spoon it’s so tender.

Goodman or Hawksmoor Air Streer

Have you considered a dinner cruise? I believe there are a few now in the city that are offering great food. Ther also used to be a lovely boat by Blackfriars Bridge but that sadly closed down during the pandemic. We did the one documented here www.londonkensingtonguide.com/thames-dinner-cruise-london/ , they also play music as you dine and I am sure they reasonably priced from what I remember.

A couple of suggestions that have not already been mentioned:

J Sheekey or Wilton's for more traditional seafood.

Theo Randall at the Intercontinental or River Cafe for some very good Italian.

Steak & Co or Hawksmoor. Both are lovely.

Hutong at The Shard for spectacular views and atmosphere - food is great too. An amazing experience - time it for sunset