Japanese Zuma
French
Spanish
Brawn
Pizarro
5 Raphael Street, SW7
49 Columbia Road, E2 7RG
A sophisticated blend of modern décor and innovative fare, loyal patrons continue to praise what they call the best Japanese restaurant in the city. A 10-yearold staple in Knightsbridge, Zuma has an atmosphere that combines urban coolness with seductive glamour. Whether it’s miso-marinated lamb chops seared on the robata grill, chiliglazed edamame or wine and sake from the acclaimed cellar of Alessandro Marchesan, everything about Zuma is electrifying and well worth the visit.
A great new local hangout, Brawn’s daily menu is an interesting mix of small plates and big, bold flavors. Salads and vegetables are well-represented, but it’s the prosciuttos, scallops and, yes, brawn that entice. Less adventurous diners will love the globe artichoke with vinaigrette or the English pea and mushroom risotto, but don’t be afraid to sample some of the other delicacies on the menu. The fresh-baked sourdough bread is simply delicious, and the wine offerings are varied and fun.
Seafood
Pub Lady Ottoline
194 Bermondsey Street SE1 3TQ
11a Northington Street, WC1N 2JF
Chef José Pizarro had a hit on his hands with his José tapas bar, so when he decided to open Pizarro in a nearby location, it caused quite a sensation. The newer, sit-down restaurant boasts an open kitchen, small plates and brief menu, but the minimalism stops there. The offerings are as diverse as the flavorings that enhance them, ranging from a scrumptious serving of duck livers served with capers and sherry, cannolis filled with delicious Manchego cheese, and hake (cod) enhanced with clams and spinach.
Named for a member of the aristocratic Bloomsbury set, the Lady Ottoline gastropub was recently refurbished and restored to its former glory. The first floor encompasses a typical pub where more serious drinkers can order from a less-formal bar menu. Up the narrow staircase is the restaurant, where diners can choose from surprisingly elaborate dishes such as cured duck breast or lobster and crab risotto. The mainstay of any pub, pork belly, is as good as it gets, served perfectly cooked and flavorful.
J Sheekey
28 St. Martin’s Court, WC2 Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden in Soho, J Sheekey is renowned for its tantalizing preparation of fish, oysters, shellfish and other fruits de mer. Two of London’s top restaurateurs have created a fish-lover’s haven, and today locals and celebrities flock to the restaurant for some of the town’s greatest food, excellent service and fabulous wines. The restaurant’s clubby atmosphere is a welcome retreat, where guests can get comfortable at the counter or tuck into intimate leather booths that afford a great place to see and be seen.
Euro Brasserie The Delaunay
55 Aldwych WC2B 4BB New to London’s dining scene, The Delaunay is the latest restaurant of Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, proprietors of the iconic Wolseley. Situated at the edge of London’s Covent Garden, this low-key brasserie harkens back to grand European tradition, with its bowlertopped doorman, dramatic décor, elaborate desserts and dishes that rival the finest from Germany and France. Here, celebrities can be seen indulging in mouthwatering desserts such as the incredible sacher torte, or noshing on an appetizer of Flammkucken, a German dish that resembles a thin-crust pizza topped with smoked bacon and shallots. The Delaunay offers great breakfasts, but will serve up a late-night meal that is well worth the wait.
Italian
MEMBERS ONLY
L’Anima
1 Snowden Street, London EC2 While the atmosphere practically screams upper crust and decorum, the food at L’Anima does not discriminate: Everyone becomes a fan. Chef Francesco Mazzei knows his way around the kitchen, and expertly conjures up dishes that are bursting with flavors and aromas of the sinful variety. Among some of the most acclaimed menu offerings are the Sicilian rabbit, fish stew and fettuccini with wild mushrooms and black truffles.
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Though the British have had a long-standing love affair with Indian curries for more than a century, savvy restaurateurs now draw on a host of global influences. Ask your on-site concierge to surprise you with reservations at one of London’s exciting new eateries. It’s a culinary adventure, guaranteed.
CafÉ Bar Italia
22 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4RT People flock to Bar Italia for the stupendous coffee, which is supplied by Signor Angelucci, who lays claim to a secret blend that he has been using since 1947. The barista prides himself on remembering customers, and that personal service is a source of customer loyalty. Celebrities are no strangers to the place, and it’s not unusual to see familiar faces drop in, such as Rupert Everett, Kylie Minogue, Boy George, Francis Ford Coppola or David Bowie.