The 8 London Dishes We Seriously Rate
There’s a lot to love about living in London, but the sheer depth and variety of its food scene has to be right up at the top. At The Handbook we do our best to keep track of the constantly evolving industry to recommend its best Spanish restaurants and secret garden dining spots, but sometimes just one dish has such an effect we feel the need to shout about it to whoever is within earshot – or who subscribes to our newsletter.
We’ve gone around the team to see what their most memorable London meal is, ranging from the best affordable ramen and delicious sorbets to the highest quality wagyu beef and fine French cuisine.
Garden Pea Tortellini
CORD, City of London
What makes the dish stand out: The Garden Pea Tortellini is a must-try – it’s delicate and the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. It has a light, herb-infused sauce and garnished with fresh pea shoots and crisp parmesan, it’s as vibrant in flavour as it looks on the plate.
Why we love it: – “I love a dish that I immediately want to stop and take a picture of – and this one is absolutely it.” – Elle, Venue Partnerships Manager
Perfect for: CORD is ideal for when you’re looking for a special-occasion restaurant to visit.
where: 85 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AE
website: www.cordrestaurant.co.uk
Blackmore wagyu inside skirt served with 15 hour wagyu parmesan chips
M, Threadneedle Street
Why the dish stands out: If the team at M cares about one thing, it’s beef. From the quality of it, to the suppliers of it right down to a 100% carbon neutral footprint getting it onto your plate. Choose to have it served with 15 hour wagyu parmesan chips (literally peeled, steamed, cut into tiny pieces, compressed with beef fat and carved into batons) and you’re looking at London’s ultimate steak and chips
Their Blackmore wagyu inside skirt is a genuine triumph.
What we say: “Their Blackmore wagyu inside skirt is a genuine triumph – silky soft and full of flavour, it’s possibly the best steak I have ever eaten. Plus as a less traditional cut it is very reasonably priced. Win-win.” – Robyn, Managing Director
Perfect For: The ultimate steak at a reasonable price.
ADDRESS: Unit 2 & 3, 60 Threadneedle St, London EC2R 8HG
WEBSITE: Threadneedlestreet.com
Charred Aubergine Salad
Stork, Mayfair
Why the dish stands out: This dish is perfectly spiced and it makes the perfect veggie starter. With charred aubergine, African-spiced cashews, harissa, and tahini it’s a gorgeous balance of flavours.
What we say: “The best dish I’ve tasted recently was undoubtedly the charred aubergine at Stork -I went in expecting to dive into some meat dishes but this veggie one stole the show” – Lola, Editorial Intern
Perfect For: Relaxed dinners with friends or to treat your family to an unforgettable meal.
where: 13-14 Cork St, Mayfair, London, W1S 3NS
Website: www.storkrestaurant.com
Lamb belly brochette with apricot and harissa
Maison François, Duke Street
What makes the dish stand out: Maison François is always a good idea for a dose of classic French cuisine in the chicest of settings, and this lamb dish matches elegance with an explosive burst of flavour.
Why we love it: “Having started the night off well with oysters and cocktails at Frank’s, their basement wine bar, the dish that stood out the most was undoubtedly their lamb belly brochette. The punch from the apricot and harissa added a dreamy mix of fruitiness and spiciness.” – Harriet, Head of Partnerships
Perfect for: Fine French cuisine with daring flavour profiles.
where: 34 Duke Street St James’s, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6DF
website: maisonfrancais.com
Rib eye steak with bone marrow gravy
Hawksmoor, Knightsbridge
What makes the dish stand out: What stands out the most about this steak is the attention to detail – from the perfectly cooked centre to the flavourful bone marrow gravy that’s served with it, this is one dish that always pleases.
Why we love it: “Hawksmoor serves British beef from grass-fed, traditionally reared cattle, and their menus showcase the very best of British so you can always expect quality on your plate”. – Caitlin, Client Account Manager
Perfect for: When you’re craving a really great steak and you want a place that you know you can depend on to serve the perfect cut.
where: 3 Yeoman’s Row, London SW3 2AL
website: www.thehawksmoor.com
Hot chocolate and crepes
Badiani, Hampstead
What makes the dish stand out: No matter the season (warm, cold, rainy…) there’s no bad time for a hot chocolate, and Badiani always delivers.
Why we love it: “I love a hot chocolate (and not just in winter), and one of my favourite things to do is grab a hot chocolate and a crepe from the Badiani’s at Hampstead and then go for a walk in the park.” – Andrea, Food, Lifestyle & Culture Writer
Perfect for: For days when you’re craving something sweet and delicious.
where: across london
WEbsite: www.badiani1932.com
Atungadira Tuna
Pizarro Restaurant, Bermondsey
What makes the dish stand out: Pizarro is one of the first restaurants in London to feature this ultra-rare meat, and the first Spanish restaurant. They prepare it in a variety of ways, and while the dish’s rarity is nice, the taste is even better.
Why we love it: “It’s hard to go wrong with Spanish food, and Pizarro is always a good bet for pushing the cuisine in innovative new directions. The new white tuna is an absolute home run.” – Rufus, Contributing Entertainment Writer
Perfect for: The most coveted cut of fish expertly prepared.
where: 194 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ
website: josepizarro.com
Big Boy Spicy Special
Monohon, Old Street
Why the dish stands out: Ordering this comically named ramen dish with a straight face might be a challenge, but it’s undeniably worth it. It has everything you want from a ramen bowl – rich umami broth, fresh ingredients, and plenty of noodles
What we say: “As a ramen fiend, I’m always on the hunt for where to find a no-frills, quality bowl of noodle soup and my go-to is this dish from Monohon. As is the case with the best affordable eateries, you can’t make a booking here, but the queue down the street says it all.” – Natasha, Digital Editor
Perfect for: Your next go-to ramen spot.
Address: 102 Old Street, London EC1V 9AY
Website: monohonramen.com
