Mentioned by Esquire
The Best Restaurants in London 2021
"Highbury Corner restaurant Trullo is a real gem, displaying with prominence the from-the-heart style of cooking that Italy is known for. In fact, you'll probably see the chef (glass of wine in hand) carefully dishing up plates of food at the open kitchen as you tuck into specialities including meat and fish from the charcoal grill and gutsy freshly-made pastas. Expect to pay around £10 for starters and £20 for mains."
"Steeped in fine Italian traditions, Trullo will make you forget you’re in North London and think you’ve been whisked away to Italy. It’s well-known for its delicious pasta dishes and is easily one of the best Italian restaurants in Islington. The settings are light and bright, providing the perfect spot to dine in, whether you’re enjoying a lite lunch or heading there for dinner with a date."
"If it’s pizza that the kids are craving then give Homeslice a try, rather than the big chains. There’s no special menu, but given that the enormous 20 inch pizzas arrive whole at the table for sharing, that’s not really a problem. Certain pizzas can be bought by the slice, too, which is perfect for those who aren't so fond of communal eating."
"Proving pizza can be just as delicious without the cheese is Homeslice, one of London’s best pizza joints. Plant-based options include a mushroom number with chilli flakes and a soy truffle glaze, plus the ‘Ndontja, topped with tenderstem broccoli, vegan mozzarella and vegan ‘Nduja. Various locations.homeslicepizza.co.uk"
"Neal’s Yard is a colorful alley in Covent Garden. It’s worth the quick visit just to take a photo. Just around the corner is Neal’s Yard Dairy, one of the best spots in the city to sample artisanal cheese."
"Zizzi serves up fantastic pizza and pasta dishes, with sophisticated options for the mature palate right alongside kids’ favourites. That’s why it’s one of the most beloved family restaurants in Wembley Park – you’ll love their huge array of delicious choices. Zizzi offers a ton of different options for kids, including a ‘build your own’ pizza that they’ll love designing, and enjoy eating even more."
"Pizzas, pasta, starters and more, you can get your vegan Italian food fix from Zizzi. Indulge on delicious pasta, including Lentil Ragu or Spaghetti Pomodoro. If you fancy some pizza, we recommend their Rustica Jackfruit Italian hot, with jackfruit pepperoni and stacks of chillies and spicy harissa."
"Set amongst the bustle of the London Designer Outlet in Wembley Park, Zizzi restaurant offers simple Italian recipes made with passion. Whether it's pizza or pasta, salads or risotto, or carne and pesce (meat and fish), each dish is prepared with fresh…"
"Allow yourself to be transported to Italy without leaving London with Lina Stores’ al fresco terrace on Lewis Cubbit Square. The outdoor space in Kings Cross offers diners a seasonal menu focusing fresh pasta dishes such as maltagliati verdi with spring mushroom ragù and crab linguine with lemon, chilli and garlic. For those with a sweet tooth, you can also pick up an icy treat from their vintage Italian gelato cart."
"Lina Stores’ Soho restaurant is full of the same easy charm as its stalwart deli around the corner. Homemade pasta plays a starring role and takes a trip around Italy: pici with Umbrian sausage and porcini mushrooms, lumache (literally “snails”) with ‘nduja, pappardelle with rich rabbit ragu. But don’t skip over everything else on the short but sweet menu."
"There are very few restaurants in London that can claim a more attractive location than Campania, which has spooled across the many rooms of a former dairy just off Columbia Road. It feels like you’re at an intimate wedding in the Italian countryside, no matter where they plant you. There’s not a single bad dish on the menu here, though the gnudi – pillowy, soft and then finished with butter and sage – stand out in a crowded field of masterpieces."
"No, we haven’t been on those lunchtime margaritas again, we just mean that even if it’s pissing it down, Campania and Jones will always give you that warm and fuzzy holiday feel. A great little Italian spot that’s all rustic furniture and excellent gnudi, they have a courtyard full of antique chairs and just enough candlelight to make you feel like you’re hundreds of miles away from Columbia Road. Get the raviolo e vongole for peak holiday feels."
"Temakinho is one of the best sushi restaurants in London, thanks to its masterful blend of Japanese and Brazilian flavours. Get your fill of tasty small plates, punchy concoctions and party vibes at one of their stunning spots."
"Chef Masayuki Kikuchi has been one of the most respected Japanese chefs in London. While the restaurant serves both tasting and à-la-carte menus, it’s possible to ask to be seated at the sushi counter and have nigiri served one piece at a time in an omakase manner. Sea urchin rice bowl, uni don, is the highlight but has to be pre-ordered one day in advance."
"Following on from the Duck and Waffle, and also in the Heron Tower but this time on the 38th and 39th floor, is Sushisamba. This restaurant offers a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine. There are delicious sushi and sashimi dishes to enjoy and again, splendid views of the Gherkin."
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"At Sushisamna, a newcomer to Covent Garden although the second in London, the concept of Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian fusion cuisine makes for an unforgettable dining experience."
"Children and adults alike will enjoy this museum, designed to encourage an interest in science and history through Roald Dahl’s characters and stories. A visit to the gallery has often been described as walking into a giant pop-up book and it’s impossible to leave without a smile on your face. So, whether you want to climb inside a giant peach, crawl through Mr Fantastic Fox’s tunnel (not recommended unless you’re small) or simply pay homage to The Twits, this gallery is well worth a visit."
"Sticking to a lower budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on flavour, as Comptoir Libanais prove. With vibrant interiors matched by a vibrant menu of Middle-Eastern dishes, it's a go-to for those looking to grab an affordable breakfast, lunch or dinner."
"This lively restaurant chain is bringing plates of crowd-pleasing Middle Eastern dishes to London's families. The Lebanese spot has something for even the fussiest little eaters, with a hearty menu of mezze including hummus, falafel and healthy salads."
"Comptoir Libanais is a fail-safe, boasting bright interiors and a flavoursome menu to match. Of course, there's plenty of plant-based goodies to enjoy from mezze platters to salads and falafel wraps."
"Restaurants Italian Soho. Dreamed up by Stevie Parle (of Rotorino and Palatino fame), this cheap and cheerful, no-bookings pasta pit stop is a terrific addition to the Soho scene. Everything is handmade (of course) and the menu delivers some big hits – don’t miss the magnificent bucatini cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper)."
"Offering delivery and click and collect, Stevie Parle’s pasta restaurant, Pastaio, is continuing to operate via Deliveroo. Pre-paid vouchers and merchandise are also available from Pastaio’s website."
"A pasta restaurant brought to you by restaurateur and chef Stevie Parle. Step inside for fresh, high quality pasta, made by hand, all for a low price."
"If you’ve never tried a cronut, then you need to put Dominique Ansel Bakery into Google Maps stat!. Sure, these strange hybrid goods aren’t for everyone, but those who can’t decide between a soft donut and a flakey croissant, these are just perfect. A perfect (and classic) choice for the best desserts in London."
"Feast the senses with Dominique Ansel Bakery’s artistic and delicious creations, including their signature pasty, the Cronut. Each month they present a different flavour combo – the current offering is cherry jam and muscovado grenache. The perfect excuse to go back and buy another."
"We are ready for Valentine's Day with our pastry case all dressed in pink!. 💗Visit the bakery with a loved one and enjoy one of our beautiful pastries until 8pm tonight. #HappyValentinesDay #DABLondon"