Southbank, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“‘Cut-above’ pub food” is served in this “beautiful Georgian tavern” in Greenwich, whose garden has been “transformed into a well-designed and extensive eating area” (“far nicer than the makeshift tents that often emerged in the pandemic”).

“Outstanding showmanship” (“food theatre for the TikTok generation”) “but matched with exceptional cooking running behind the gimmicks” (“dry ice, melting bubbles etc thrill but don’t hide the perfect texture and a palate of savoury flavour combinations”) has carved an impressive reputation for Adam Handling’s acclaimed Covent Garden flagship. Despite its status as a foodie temple, staff are “so relaxed and fun” and the atmosphere generally is very “informal”, which fans feel “makes the experience even better”: “you can really focus on the food”. And with “the kitchen being open, it allows you to see Adam leading his very disciplined brigade”. On the downside, ratings dipped a little this year, with some diners questioning “startling prices”, or accusing the culinary pyrotechnics of allowing “a triumph of style over substance”. (“The technical excellence is unquestionable, but really too much showing off… serving waffles with caviar and honey ought to be a capital offence!”). Success came in other respects, though: it was finally – not before time – awarded a Michelin star.

This pavement brasserie, complete with outside seating in warmer months, is part of a well-situated hotel at the top of Marylebone Lane, near the High Street. The food is sometimes “variable”, but can be “very good”.

A very characterful Mayfair site – once a posh gentlemen’s outfitters and more recently a branch of Browns – now hosts this July 2022 newcomer (which opened too late to be included in our annual diners’ poll). Steaks feature prominently on a menu of ‘elevated’ British classics and there’s also a seperate all-day ‘tavern’ selection.

“A quick lunchtime drink can turn into several hours of cocktails and delightful bites” at this St James’s institution: “a bar full of Americana and with staff who put on a great show of mixology”. The Med-inspired brasserie menu is arguably “limited” but suits the venue, which is a “very buzzy” and “efficiently run” space.

“Sally Clarke remains very present” at her “sophisticated” and “welcoming” Kensington HQ, which she established in 1984 at the bleeding edge of a trend to a more seasonal, ingredient-led style of dining that’s nowadays become an accepted norm. Consequently, for some fans, this has been “a ‘go-to’ for decades” owing to its “consistently superb cuisine”, creating dishes “with fantastic attention to detail” that “are imaginative without seeming ‘tricked up’”. The décor has always divided opinions here: “quite formal” for some tastes, but to others “romantic” and “perfect for a relaxed evening with grown-up conversation”. Ratings slipped a little this year across the board, though, as even those hailing it as “excellent” may note that “prices seem to have jumped here even more than most post-Covid”.

“A cruise through Regent’s Park to Camden Lock on the Grand Union canal is the perfect complement to five flavoursome fishy dishes, sluiced down with sommelier-advised wines” aboard the Prince Regent. Sister barge the Grand Duchess offers a similar seafood menu, permanently docked by Paddington station.

Lovingly restored and converted into an award winning restaurant, Barge East offers a truly iconic dining experience. Behind our sensational, seasonal menus are our talented chefs who source the finest quality produce, and handpick homegrown ingredients from our Gardens for ev...

“Set in a quiet little street off the King’s Road”, Taylor Bonnyman’s “discreet and elegant” Chelsea townhouse HQ flies under the radar in terms of PR, but is one of the survey’s Top 40 most-mentioned restaurants, thanks to its “exceptional” quality. “Top-class ingredients are beautifully treated by a first-class team” overseen by Taylor and head chef Marguerite Keogh to deliver “classically inspired British seasonal food” that’s “refined and sophisticated, but never overwrought”. Service is “slick” and “classy” but “always with a smile” and the “soothing crisp lines” of the “beautiful dining room” create an “intimate” and “welcoming” atmosphere. “A truly special place for a celebration”, especially of a romantic nature.

Richard Corrigan’s Mayfair HQ, just off Park Lane, aims to ‘champion all game that is coastal and wild, furred and feathered’ and the result is a selection of fairly traditional British dishes, infused “with the occasional Irish flavour” (“top-quality venison” and “perfectly cooked fish” inspired particular mention this year). In style, it’s quite a “formal” space, although “service is efficient and not too stuffy for the type of establishment” (and “if the great man himself makes an appearance, prepare to be entertained!”). One much-repeated complaint this year, though: it’s becoming “heart-stoppingly expensive”.

“In a part of Mayfair heaving with Michelin stars, William Drabble and his team (operating out of a townhouse hotel) continue to knock it out of the park”, providing a “wonderful and very extravagant time”. “William is always in the kitchen where he belongs, not in the TV studios” and some fans feel he “doesn’t get all the plaudits he deserves” for his “exceptional cuisine, with big bold flavours. Nothing is done only for effect, as every ingredient on a plate serves a purpose. The tasting menu delivers upon this, course after course. Combine all that with knowledgeable and approachable staff and this really is a place to rave about”.

“The very definition of a neighbourhood star” – Bruce Poole’s “unpretentious, yet ever-reliable” south London icon, on Wandsworth Common, is – for the 17th year running – Londoners’ No. 1 favourite in our annual diners’ poll. For its legions of fans it’s “the lodestar as to ‘how to do it well’ without making people feel ripped off” – “a proper grown-up restaurant, yet without being staid or stuffy”. Matt Christmas’s “unfussy” but “cleverly crafted” cuisine is “consistently superb” (“imaginative and expertly executed, with nothing just for show/colour, and with all constituents perfectly balanced”). “Engaging staff are knowledgeable without being intimidating” and if you’re a wine connoisseur you’ll be delighted by the “comprehensive and well-selected wine list” (although, “if you just want the house white then they won’t be at all sniffy”). “The modest dining room is bright, with no background muzak, and always pleasantly buzzy and busy”. A few reports do note the odd “Covid blip” or staffing issues, but (practically) all accounts say it’s now “back to its best”. “Year after year, this is one of the places I feel a sense of homecoming, gradually developing rituals around different reasons to justify a trip. Wonderfully comforting, satisfying and delightful all round!” (“If I were on Desert Island Discs, this would be my luxury item!”) Top Tip – “the £57.50 3-course lunch menu is some of the best value in town”.

“With its quietly thrumming ambience, well-spaced tables and unobtrusive service from staff used to looking after royalty”, this “eternally discreet” brasserie hidden in a cute Mayfair mews is a long-established favourite for a blue-blooded, establishment crowd (and “perfect for doing business in”). Elegantly suited owner, Gavin Rankin, smoothly commands the space – “his team are wonderfully welcoming” and “all this is supported by classic French food, an excellent and keenly priced wine list, and a set lunch menu that’s a bargain (ideal for when Finance put a cap on your entertaining budget)”. Top Menu Tips – “Martinis, oysters and staples like steak tartare are prominent”.

Mr. White’s English Chophouse By Marco Pierre WhiteMarco Pierre White was the first and youngest British chef to achieve three-Michelin stars. His good looks and devilish behaviour led to the media dubbing him ‘the original rock-star ch...

Dine like royalty in regal surroundingsOpulently designed with a rich royal theme of grandeur with polished silver, beautiful chandeliers and tailcoat waiters offering traditional service at its most welcoming. Experience the finest of dining with a glass wall which all...

“A choice of four 8-course tasting menus and a fantastic selection of wines” greets visitors to this 1930s-style, oak-panelled chamber in Mayfair, which scored uniformly high marks this year for Sofian Msetfi’s accomplished, seasonal British cuisine. There are also vegetarian and vegan alternative menus (the latter of which requires 48 hours notice).

On a most chichi little thoroughfare, this café/bar and all-day restaurant is part of nearby luxury boutique hotel 100 Cadogan Gardens. It charges Chelsea prices from breakfast on, but fans say it’s a “perfect spot to have lunch when on a shopping expedition”.

“Low-key but capable of great cooking” – Jesse Dunford Wood’s “friendly neighbourhood spot” does sterling service for Holland Park, serving a “short but well-curated menu” for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, alongside an “awesome wine list”, in an “understated setting that makes clear that the food is the main attraction”. With just 36 seats, it can get a little loud with larger groups.

‘Old-fashioned, modern British cooking’ is the promise at this “very enjoyable” bistro near Oval tube – sister restaurant to Clapham’s Knife and with a menu that similarly makes a feature of both top steaks and Sunday lunch.