Brilliant restaurants in London - recommendations wanted

[Mark]

OK, where do you recommend for a great restaurant to go for a nice meal for two in London? I was thinking of Chez Bruce in Wandsworth or the Narrow in Limehouse but they're both booked up so any similar suggestion would be warmly welcomed. Preferably somewhere which is relaxed with superb food rather than somewhere 'stuffy'

Thanks

Mark

[Jonboy]

Try Hakkasan, michelin starred chinese but ultra informal - really great atmosphere, off Tott Ct Rd

Wolseley a favourite also

The Harvester on LL is always good if you like the innovation of a germ ridden salad cart

[georgia]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but I can recommend 2 Indian restaurants which are a bit different from the norm and the food is fab.

La Porte des Indes - 32 Bryanston Street, W1H 7EG (behind Marble Arch tube).Tel: 0207 224 0055. Am going there again on Friday, you need to book as gets very busy.

Kasturi - 57 Aldgate High Street, EC3. Tel: 0207 480 7402

[Ant]

I really like Andrew Edmunds on Lexington St. Try to get a table upstairs, much nicer than downstairs.

[James]

The restarant upstairs at the Design Museum (Blueprint Cafe) is where I had my best meal in London. Amazing views of the Thames and Tower Bridge, and as for the food... sublime.

Incidentally, the day before our visit I rang to tell them the person I'd be dining with was a vegan. When I arrived they'd put together a special menu which they'd clearly done specially for us. It's one of the few 'posh' restaurants I've been where the staff made us feel like we were the important ones - not them.

[Huguenot]

Scotts in Mayfair. here.

A bit of star spotting is essential to a girl's good night out.

The food is exceptional, and the value p1$$es on Claridges. There's even seats at the bar if the going gets tough, and you'll still be impressed. Oysters are just kinda sexy.

[Huguenot]

James, v impressed by the Blueprint Cafe idea. Yes also to Andrew Edmunds, but it can feel cramped and a wee bit dingy even upstairs albeit in a romantic way. I'd say don't go at all if the table's downstairs. Wolsely yes but cheesy. Sort of swanky, but you can feel like a prole in a nobs place.

[Klaus]

Michael Moore in the West End.

Consistantly excellent reviews, very relaxed and nice little extras like free glasses of bubbly and tours of the kitchen etc.

http://www.london-eating.co.uk/2434.htm

[Huguenot]

Ah, good one! That's all the chat as well, not made it yet, but it's gotta happen.

[Ladygooner]

My favourite is the River Cafe at Hammersmith but probably booked up too

[Mark]

Andrew Edmonds is a favourite but was thinking of trying something different. I've only found one (6 month old) review of Scotts and it didn't sound good although I may give it a go. Blueprint Cafe's looking good a the moment...

[Bellenden Belle]

La Trompette in Devonshire Place, Chiswick - a bit of a trek from ED but worth it.

[Keef]

MacDonalds, Rye Lane! ;-)

[TillieTrotter]

For good authentic italian - Osteria Antica (not sure of spelling) in Cl***am

[SeanMacGabhann]

Not sure I would describe it as amazing food (in fact I wouldn't - it has been adequate to really nice) but I have always enjoyed meals at Joe Allen's just off Covent Garden. Easily passed it has a nice American buzz (set up to cater for the visiting actors darling)

[Ladygooner]

At the next drinks evening, I shall describe to you, in detail, the effects of sea food poisoning I got from eating scallops at Joe Allens!

[spadetownboy]

fifteen is a good old spot been there a couple of times now and never failed me yet.

[SeanMacGabhann]

there is something to look forward to LadyG

I stand corrected Mark!

[RosieH]

the Orrery's very fine if it's romance you're after - food's delicious (it's a cliche but the chocolate fondant I had there was one of the sexiest things I've ever eaten)

Or for a more decadent ambience, Les Trois Garcons. gorgeous food. sumptuous and slightly deranged interior

[James]

Oooh Rosie, am intrigued about the chocolate fondant!

Does Scotts do veggie stuff btw Hugue?

[buggie]

went to shanghi blues in holborn on sunday for dim sum and it was lovely - esp recommend the exotic fruit platter. We tried it after reading about it in the observer food monthly magazine last w/e.

[Rowie]

Canteen in Spitalfields - excellent, British comfort food (roast dinners, pies, jelly and ice cream) - really friendly staff too! It gets very busy in the evening though so you'd need to book.

[Huguenot]

Hmmm, no I don't remember if Scott's do veggie very well - it's mainly fish so there's even only about 8 meaty dishes. I'm afraid it probably doesn't do much veggie :'(

[louisiana]

St John Food & Wine in Spitalfields (less likely to be booked up than St John in Smithfield, and less stuffy too)

[louisiana]

louisiana Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> St John Food & Wine in Spitalfields (less likely

> to be booked up than St John in Smithfield, and

> less stuffy too)

Argh, St John Bread & Wine!

Having a senior moment there....:-S