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The Travel List, Food & Drink, Travel, The List

Where To Eat & Drink In London – A Service95 Guide

November 7, 2024 | By Team Service95

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best places to eat and drink in London. Here, the Service95 team and trusted contributors share their recommendations – from buzzing new openings to can’t-miss classics.

FONDA, Soho

“The wait is over as the best Mexican restaurant has now opened in London. From the team and chef that brought you the Michelin-starred Kol in Marylebone, Fonda is, as described by head chef and co-owner Santiago Lastra, designed to return to again and again. Inspired by the family-owned eateries famous in and around Mexico City, the menu is a contemporary take on street food that is as delicious as it is unfussy. And as good as the food is, the margaritas are not to be missed – the best you’ll find this side of the Atlantic Ocean.”

Recommended by Stella Fabinyi, Managing Director

The Barbary, Covent Garden

“There are three reasons you need to visit The Barbary, tucked away in Neal’s Yard, just moments away from the bustle of Covent Garden. The first is, of course, the food: sharing dishes inspired by the Barbary Coast, taking culinary cues from Southern Europe and Northern Africa – think succulent grilled meats and fish, a killer fattoush salad and the best spread of dips I’ve had in years (everything from creamy labneh to richly spiced harissa).

“The second is the service: diners sit on high stools around the curved countertop, with the servers and chefs preparing dishes in the centre, creating much room for great conversation and menu recommendations. Cue glasses of moreish pet nat and the discovery of my new favourite dessert, The Barbary’s hash cake (no hash involved, but plenty of pistachios).

“Finally, there’s the music. My meal was soundtracked by R&B classics, resulting in excellent vibes and a little seat dancing while mopping up every last bit of my meal with flatbread. I’ve already booked to go again.”
Recommended by Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Copy & Production Editor

Oh Gee at the Hoxton Grill, Shoreditch

Don’t miss your chance to taste Chef Byung Tae Anh’s award-winning Korean fried chicken and potato chips at the Oh Gee takeover at the Hoxton Grill, until 31 December.

“For fans of fried chicken and Korean food, new pop-up Oh Gee – taking over the Hoxton Grill until 31 December – will hit two birds with one stone. When I heard that Chef Byung Tae Ahn, grand champion of Netflix’s hit show K-Chicken War for his potato-crisp coating, was behind it, it was a no-brainer – especially with all the sauces to sample, just because. I loved the 3x Spicy Marg, but there’s a lineup of classic and OTT cocktails to wash down all the delightful Korean banchans. Bring your bestie!”
Recommended by Dennis Lye, Creative Director

Mangal II, Dalston

When he moved to London in 1987, Ali Dirik brought Turkish cuisine with him, opening restaurant Mangal Ocakbaşı – which later became what you might know now as Mangal II. Now run by his two son’s Sertaç and Ferhat Dirik, the restaurant provides an elevated dining experience now influenced by the pair’s London upbringing, yet its foundation is still rooted in family tradition.

“Mangal II is a Turkish restaurant rooted in family tradition and a deep passion for food passed down through generations. At the heart of Dalston’s culinary scene, this spot buzzes with energy every night. With a killer wine list and a perfectly curated playlist to match, every detail at Mangal II lives up to the well-earned hype – you’ll find yourself wanting to stay for hours…”
Recommended by Pia Brynteson, Content Editor

Rambutan, London Bridge

“Rambutan is the best meal I’ve had this year. London’s Borough Market is known as a foodie mecca, and in an unassuming spot just outside the market you’ll find this gem, where chef and author Cynthia Shanmugalingam presents her Sri Lankan menu. Either order a mix of the smaller and larger plates to share, along with sides (the butter roti and pear, daikon & lime leaf sambol are a must), or get the feasting menu and let a curated selection of dishes keep rolling your way. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, along with an excellent cocktail menu and some brilliantly inventive non-alcoholic options (including a cream soda, joy!).

“If there’s one dish you should order, please make it the swaledale lamb red curry: a savoury, spicy flavour explosion. I’m still thinking about it now.”
Recommended by Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Copy & Production Editor

Kricket, Canary Wharf

Kricket, the restaurant “combining British ingredients with the flavours and aromas of India”, is a standout on the London dining scene. And now, founders Will Bowlby and Rik Campbell have opened an expansive new site in Canary Wharf – the modern, industrial design is the perfect setting for this innovative menu.

“Kricket’s dahl holds a special place in my heart. It’s seen me through festivals (shoutout to their Lost Village pop-up) and nourished my soul during a break-up. The new Canary Wharf location takes everything you know and love about Kricket, and kicks it up a notch with a richly intimate ambience. Slick chrome counters, enveloping red tiles and private linen partitions create the perfect setting for long overdue catch-ups. My best tip: complete your night with Indian-inspired cocktails at next door’s SOMA 2.0 – easily the coolest speakeasy in the City.”
Recommended by Ella Marlow-Gilks, Social Media Manager

July, Marylebone

Whether for dinner with friends or a glass of wine and a catch-up, consider July highly recommended. Influenced by Alsace region of France, this seasonal bistro and wine house on Charlotte Street provides a menu rotation following the natural transition of the seasons, offering an array of wines, and dishes such as the pork and green peppercorn terrine and fried blackberry turnovers for dessert.

“This recent addition to Marylebone’s Charlotte Street offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere that feels effortlessly welcoming. This seasonal bistro serves hearty dishes that are full of flavour, presented in an elegant small-plate style – perfect for sharing.”
Recommended by Content Editor Pia Brynteson

Roe, Wood Wharf

In the heart of Wood Wharf (an extension of business district Canary Wharf), this spacious modern restaurant serves upscale and explorative dishes. Roe takes you on a culinary masterclass in good taste, infusing European cuisine with global influences, from its flamed sriracha mussels to their snail vindaloo.

“If you’re looking for a man in finance and he doesn’t take you to Roe on the first date, I’m sorry but he’s not the one. Situated on the sunny docks of Canary Wharf, this stunning restaurant from the brilliant minds behind Fallow and FOWL is probably the primary reason I’d travel into the City. Not only does it wow with a sprawling sun trap of a terrace, but the creative approach taken to each dish on the menu is a cut above the rest. There’s a touch of Noma about the place, yet it remains very down to earth. Paired with the most attentive service and a core of sustainability, this restaurant wholeheartedly gets the S95 stamp of approval.
Recommended by Social Media Manager Ella Marlow-Gilks

Akub, Notting Hill

“Situated in Notting Hill, Akub celebrates Palestinian cuisine, using locally sourced British ingredients. “Chef Fadi Kattan weaves Palestinian flavours with seasonal British produce in this beautiful restaurant. Go with friends, load up your table with sharing plates – we loved the red lentil moutabal, grilled nablusi and mafghoussa – and enjoy a delicious spiced cocktail or glass of Middle Eastern wine. Just make sure to leave space for the zaatar ice cream. You can also pick up Kattan’s new cookbook Bethlehem: A Celebration Of Palestinian Food, if you fancy trying to recreate some of the magic at home.”
Recommended by Editorial Director, Katie Teehan

Goodbye Horses, Dalston

“Tucked away in De Beauvoir Town, Goodbye Horses is a musical treasure trove offering a hot cup of coffee during the day and small plates and a selection of wines to wind down come evening. With over 4,000 records on offer, this classy little wine bar will serenade you with its tunes, as well as its dishes.”
Recommended by Social Media Manager Ella Marlow-Gilks

Berenjak, Soho & Borough

“Named after a Persian rice dish, Iranian restaurant Berenjak in Soho and now Borough aims to transport you and your tastebuds from the streets of London to the streets of Tehran. Don’t miss its kababs and sabzis – washed down with a spiked sharbat or mirinda spritz.”
Recommended by Service95 founder Dua Lipa

Speedboat Bar, West End

“Located off Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End, Speedboat Bar is the fourth restaurant from chef Luke Farrell. Labelled a ‘Bangkok Chinatown restaurant and bar’, Speedboat offers Chinese dishes infused with unmistakable Thai flavours, and one thing is certain – this menu doesn’t hold back on the heat.”
Recommended by Content Editor Pia Brynteson

Lore Of The Land, Fitzrovia

“Founded by the British filmmaker Guy Richie, Lore of t h e Land is a traditional English pub that offers classic British cuisine. From grilled Cornish mackerel to the perfect Sunday Roast, you cannot get better than that.”
Recommended by Service95 founder Dua Lipa

Bambi, London Fields

“The perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening. Wind down with an eclectic selection of specially curated music from Bambi’s vast record collection while sampling the delicious menu of wines and small plates.”
Recommended by contributor Poppy Roy

Juma Kitchen, Borough

“Bringing Iraqi cooking to London, Chef Philip Juma takes your tastebuds on an explorative culinary journey across the sea with an array of traditional Iraqi dishes, from kubbato to a bamia stew. All food served at JUMA is halal.”
Recommended by contributor Jake Missing

ROVI, Fitzrovia

“ROVI – from chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi – ‘celebrates vegetables from root to tip’, drawing on its kitchen garden and local producers to serve up unique dishes grounded in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions. The coal-roasted beetroot is a must-try.”
Recommended by Service95 founder Dua Lipa

Westerns Laundry, Highbury

“The laid-back and elegant Westerns Laundry offers the best of British seafood inspired by dishes from all over the world. There’s a focus on sustainable and regenerative produce, and excellent natural wine pairings.”
Recommended by Service95 founder Dua Lipa

Tiella, Islington

“Hidden behind The Compton Arms pub in North London is Tiella. A gorgeous little Italian restaurant steeped in family tradition. At the helm is the talented Dara Klein, an Italian-born chef raised in New Zealand, who describes the food as ‘very rustic, very warming and, according to some, much like a hug!’”
Recommended by Content Editor Pia Brynteson

Gymkhana, Mayfair

“Awarded its second Michelin star in 2024, Gymkhana is a beautifully intimate Raj-era themed restaurant in Mayfair serving elevated takes on classic Indian cuisine. Go for its tandoori roasts, chicken butter masala and creamy dark dal.”
Recommended by Service95 founder Dua Lipa