Let’s be real, I love staying in and hosting but I go out, obviously and I love it!
Finally trying a new restaurant I’ve been eyeing and having it live up to the hype is extremely satisfying. On that note, have you noticed? There are 2 types of people: the ones who always check the menu beforehand and those who dive in. Guess what? I’m Team Menu Checker, of course.
Back to going out. Whether it’s a new restaurant, a coffee shop, an art exhibit, or a hidden bar, I love it all. My list of go-to places and must-see exhibitions is... well, let’s just say extensive (and some would say overwhelming). I’m all about sharing but unfortunately that list only makes sense to me, convenient but true :) So when I’m asked to give someone recommendations, I always curate them based on the person asking.
Today, I’m doing the same—sharing my latest discoveries and some of my favourites, mostly focused on food and drinks. Don’t worry, the rest will come in time.
Recent discoveries
Canteen
Located on the very cool Golborne Road, north of Notting Hill, Canteen is the spot to be. It used to be Pizza East and it’s now an Italian eatery with fresh pasta, incredible flatbreads straight out of their pizza oven and a menu that changes daily. Make sure to try the leek flatbread, it is to die for.
The head chef used to be at River Café and here’s something extra special, the majority of the team is women.
No bookings allowed, so arrive early, put your name down and go for a stroll on Golborne, there are lots of shops and a favourite of mine is Oyuna, a responsible cashmere brand. There you go, your perfect Saturday, sorted!
Space Talk
Very recent opening in London and in line with the trend of ‘listening bars’, Space Talk in Farringdon is a hidden gem. It’s next door to St John and focuses on an intimate and immersive music experience. The interiors are beautiful, designed by EBBA in collaboration with Charlotte Taylor, you will fall in love instantly.
Make sure to try the cocktails which are all delicious classics with a twist, ask for the Oolong cocktail with whiskey and strawberry. Check out their music programme and pick your night. You can eat sushis there but I would grab a bite at the bar at St John and head to Space Talk for drinks after!
FYI > pictures are not allowed but we managed to take one and that gives you an idea!
Rita’s
Rita’s in Soho might not be new, but I only discovered it a couple of months ago—and it’s exactly the kind of spot I love. Small, vibey, and unpretentious, with delicious food. Choose your vibe for the night: cozy booths US diners style, high tables, or the cute garden at the back for alfresco dining. Not easy to get a table, so book ahead. Oh, and it’s my idea of the perfect date-night spot.
The Dover
Admittedly, The Dover is in Mayfair, which might make you hesitate, but trust me, it’s worth it. Not only is it beautiful, but the food is just as impressive. They describe themselves as a New York Italian restaurant, serving naughty classics like meatball pasta, burgers, and other feel-good dishes. Dining at the bar is also an option if you’re in the mood for something more casual. The first time I went, I felt instantly sexy and a little seductive, it’s the perfect mix of moody lighting, chic decor, and delicious cocktails. There’s just something about it.
Classics I love
Hafez
If you’re like me, once in a while and I mean by that, once a month, I crave Iranian food. It usually is a Monday or Tuesday dinner with a very cosy group. Hafez is the place you want to go on this side of town ie. West London/Notting Hill. Food is delicious and the place itself is great. I love the decor with the plates and cutlery hung on the walls.
Bar Italia
I’ve always been a big fan of Soho. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it. And Bar Italia is one of the places there that has a lot of memories for me. Located just in front of Ronnie Scott’s, it’s open from 7am to 4am so basically all night. You can always (before your night or at the end) grab a coffee and a cannoli. Sit inside on the counter or one of the outside tables. It’s always fun!
Sumi
Sumi, the ‘canteen’ of Endo Kazutoshi on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill is a classic in terms of Japanese food. You can do it in many different ways: light lunch with the girls, a boozy lunch with your friends, a nice friday evening dinner at the counter. You pick. The whole menu is to die for but don’t miss out on Beef Gojan. If you don’t know, I won’t tell you more and let you discover for yourself.
Campania
Head to Columbia Road Flower Market and make sure that your lunch break is at Campania, an Italian restaurant focusing on the south region. The menu changes daily and the decor is the cosiest inside and on summer days, sit outside on this East London back alley. If you’ve never been, make sure to book as it gets (obviously) fully booked way in advance.
BRAT
You probably have already been to BRAT but it is definitely one of my favourite places. From the flatbread, the whole turbot, the sirloin or the rib, the olive oil ice-cream, it is extremely hard to choose! Plus the 1st floor dining room is super cosy and light, even on grey days.
Best Burger
Granted, that is not a place I would have discovered alone. Turns out my brother, Virgile, is also obsessed with food. Guess that runs in the family… So when he told me, he’ll take me to eat the best burger in town, I did not think about it twice. And he obviously did not disappoint.
The Plimsoll is not your typical burger spot. It’s actually a pub that serves burgers in their very charming dining room at the back. Their burgers are straightforward, unpretentious, and so good that one is simply not enough…
I also love the plates on which they serve the burgers. Not what you expect at all but makes it even more delicious. Every detail counts :)
Insider’s tip: Reminder, it’s a pub so best to avoid game nights…
Best Craving
Arôme Bakery was an instagram find. Their Honey Butter Toast kept popping up on my feed, and I just had to try it. This discovery was not planned which makes it even sweeter. I was with some friends, looked at my Google Maps and turns out, Arôme was just around the corner. But when we arrived, they had just sold the last Honey Butter Toast, right in front of us. We were allowed to order some in advance and wait for the new batch to come out of the kitchen. Talk about building anticipation and raising expectations!
Verdict: do not miss out. The Honey Butter Toast is a real treat!
Stay cosy until next time!