“I’m A Food Journalist, And These Are The Top 5 Meals I Had This Summer”

5. Brasserie Olivia

I say this not because the food will blow you out of the water. I say it not because it is the best steak frites, or oyster, or tartare. As much as it is on this list, it is not because of those things; that would be a lie. I include Brasserie Olivia for one reason: I had fun. That simple. I thoroughly enjoyed myself when I dined here. Perhaps it was the fact that it was enormous, but the blueprint was such that there were pockets of restaurant throughout the venue. Perhaps it was the way the oranges of the wood were illuminated by the tall candlesticks on the table. Perhaps it was the banter with the staff or the copious amounts of wine. Whatever it may be, a good meal is nothing without ambience, and Brasserie Olivia oozes ambience.

Where: 1 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EE
Website: www.lanouvellegarde.com

4. Labombe by Trivet

Unfortunately, not enough people bring up Labombe by Trivet in the upturned conversations on Michelin restaurants. Unfortunately, the tables were not full when I dined. I hope that was a one-off, because they deserve to be heaving; they deserve a waiting list of eaters. The hot tongue bun was something of a novelty in itself, though buttery and sweet nonetheless. But, really, it was the fried veal cutlet that I simply have not recovered from. If you frequently read my guides, you probably already knew that. And to their team, is there any way to make this permanent? I think I’ll want it again someday.

Where: 19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB
Website: www.labombe.co.uk

3. Dante

Popular opinion? Probably. I don’t care; let me be like everybody else. Dante has, and I’ll say it again, the best burger in London. Not only that, but Dante has the best martini in London. This is a place which has been crafted so carefully to be the perfect lunch. To be this old-school and glamorous while still being a place to eat finger foods and get smashed at 1 pm on a Tuesday is electric. It is both simple and it is exravagent. Subtle and yet so show-offy. Burger, fries, and martinis. Nothing more.

Read the full review of Dante here

Where: Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4HR
Website: www.dantemayfair.com

2. Spring

The utopia of restaurants is nothing if it is not Spring. Built by women through the tool of what Eleanor Henson calls “fairy fingers”. Yes, she said that. Imagine a court of garden nymphs in the all-white interiors of Spring, being encouraged to use Fairy Fingers to delicately place nasturtium flowers atop your roast potatoes before handing it over to a server in a long cotton dress who will then place it in front of you. When you try said potatoes, your skin immediately tightens, your hair grows shinier, your eyes brighter, and eventually you start sparkling with the sun. This is what eating at Spring does to you.

Where: Lancaster Pl, London WC2R 1LA
Website: www.springrestaurant.co.uk

1. Hon’s BBQ

In true me fashion, it always comes back to barbecue. I just don’t think anything can beat a perfect piece of smoked meat slathered in some sort of wet rub with sides of mac and cheese and slaw. I thought that, but then Hon’s brought its Chinese barbecue to the Hackney canal, and I was forever changed. Ox cheek and lamb, smoked and served atop blue and white china. Mac with bacon lardons, duck pancakes and pork belly. This, my friends, is what dreams are made of. The best meal of the summer.

Read the full review of Hons BBQ here

Where: First floor, Unit 7, The white building, Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN
Website: www.honsbbq.com