Cobham Restaurant Guide

This “welcoming and genuine gastropub” with an “interesting menu” “delivers what it promises”, in the form of “creative cooking and good value”. Hosts Mike Wall-Palmer and Dave Adams met 10 years ago working at nearby Drake’s, and jumped at the opportunity to open their own place when this charming, wood-framed, red-brick old boozer came their way four years ago.

“Every dish tastes different with wonderful, rich depths of flavour” at this “interesting street-food-style” café on Hammersmith’s ‘restaurant row’ near Ravenscourt Park: “both north and south India are covered” on a “great, regional menu”, incorporating “delicious vegetarian options”: “the wide range favours going with a big group, or ordering lots to have at home afterwards!”

Ex-Nobu London Head Chef Scott Hallsworth launched The Freak Scene as a pop-up in Farringdon in July 2017, after cutting ties with Kurobuta; the ‘rock and roll izayaka’ group he founded in London in 2014.The Freak Scene's first permanent loc...

“Consistently outstanding” – Eric & Sarah Guignard’s “cosy” backstreet gem has provided Surbiton’s contribution to London gastronomy for over two decades now. Their “professional and amiable” team deliver “confident”, “high-end” Gallic cuisine in a low-key but “delightfully decorated” space. In the words of a diner, who crossed town (from Watford!): “worth the very long, 3-hour drive for us… great crispy pig’s head and ham hock: excellent lamb assiette and the broccoli in a chickpea batter with pistou dressing was outstanding as part of a first-class culinary experience!”.

Tapas Inspired by Spain and Lebanon What does Dar mean? It’s Lebanese for “lounge” and Spanish for the verb “to give”. And that’s a perfect combination with Spanish and Lebanese-inspired tapas as well as fine wines in a relaxed and convivial ambience. This new restaurant is un...

Our StoryFor a long time now, we’ve observed foodies and non-foodies alike being somewhat ambivalent about fantastically popular Indian takeaway and restaurant food – not because they don’t ...

At Spice Village, we claim that every meal has a story. Interestingly, Spice Village itself has a fascinating story.The story of Spice Village is a story of taste, passion, and excellence exhibited by Nasir & Suleman, two immigrant brothers who journeyed to Lo...

“A perfect place this side of town”, say fans of this long-established pan-Asian – tucked away in Parson’s Green – whose swish décor and diverse menu (sushi, sashimi tacos, udon noodles, wagyu steaks, kushiyaki skewers, wood-roasted fish…) can make it a good choice for a special celebration. But it doesn’t attract the volume of feedback that it used to.

“Flying the flag for Philippine cuisine in the UK” – this “pioneering” Kensington fixture (owned by the grandchildren of a famous general) “was one of a handful of Filippino places when it opened” and its “consistently good” cooking and striking interior design has made it a good culinary ambassador, showcasing heirloom dishes from within the founding family. They also have three cafés under the same brand in the Philippines.

Classically trained chef Joshua Hunter opened Hawthorn, an elegant neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Kew Village, in 2023, offering refined, generous, modern European dining using predominantly British seasonal ingredients.

“Still worth the schlep across town”, says an E18-based fan of this “elegant corner of Chiswick” – “a brilliant, upscale neighbourhood restaurant” in a quiet backwater off the high street, which fans say is “pretty much on a level with its sibling Chez Bruce”; and which regularly features in the Top 40 most-mentioned restaurants in our annual diners’ poll. Like its famous Wandsworth Common stablemate, its culinary attractions include modern British cuisine that’s “up to date, with ingredients centre stage,” “complemented by a very fine wine list,” and with “a very good cheese selection”. But whereas reports this year often match the flawless pattern established over two decades (“just effortlessly excellent…”; “we have been regulars for a decade…never disappoints…”; “post-lockdown it continues to shine…”), there is also a growing minority concern that “while the food is still very good, the service has slipped”, with quite a few accounts of a “haphazard and brusque” experience. “Maybe it’s just because of these difficult times…”

Limited but good all-round feedback on this family-run Punjabi stalwart, which has long been a feature of the restaurant strip just to the south of Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo (and which sometimes only serves a restricted menu in the early evening during events there). It also has a branch in Ealing (not listed).

The Bunga Bunga restaurant on the ground floor comprises our gondola bar and authentic Italian pizzeria. Enjoy our well renowned Bunga Bunga stone-baked pizza which we consider the best in London, accompanied with a unique cocktail and wine list covering all regions of Italy.

Park Tavern is an independent gastropub located in the heart of Southfields, in South West London.All the dining areas and the beautiful back beer garden have been recently refurbished offering a sense of convivial atmosphere to its diners. The interior blen...

“A real gem”, serving “top-quality modern Indian cooking at sensible prices” on Fulham High Street near Putney Bridge. The “delicious, unusual food” comes courtesy of chef-owner Shilpa Dandekar, who trained with both India’s Taj Group and Raymond Blanc. She and her husband Faheem Vanoo, who runs the front of house, have made a good impression on locals (“it’s run by really nice people”).

“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”.

Close to Richmond Park’s Sheen Gate, this sprawling and “very friendly local pub” serves “outstanding food” from TV chef and owner Paul Merrett. A refurbished Victorian tavern, it has six boutique bedrooms, a large garden and a conservatory where family Sunday lunches are a big feature.

Meimo's is one of Windsors finest restaurants Meimos Restaurant has an extensive menu with dishes that will suit all tastes and a friendly atmosphere. A real locals' favourite and definitely not a tourist-trap! With popular dishes such as Lamb or Chicken Tagine with exotic...