London Restaurant Tips by gabriellefox

The Cinnamon Club: Some like it hot! Cinnamon Club, Westminster Review

Since its opening there has always been a certain buzz around this restaurant. We went recently and the buzz is certainly not hype. Cinnamon Club has it all: a superb setting, the Grade II listed Old Westminster Library, now beautifully updated, a remarkable head chef, Vivek Singh, formerly head chef at India's most exclusive hotel, an equally remarkable consultant chef, the Michelin-starred Eric Chavot, spices and ingredients flown in directly from India, and a very buzzy bar.

Favorite Dish: The changing menu draws from all parts of India and features starters like chargrilled sea bream with pomegranate extract, and mains like mustard flavoured tandoori king prawns with saffron kedgeree. Wines have been carefully matched to the menu, with sixteen labels available by the glass. A unique addition to London's restaurant scene.

Delicious food though quite pricey - on my budget special occasions only! Excellent cocktails and stylish ambience. Definite recommendation for a special night out.

Address: The Old Westminster Library

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BU
Near Westminster tube

Other Contact: www.cinnamonclub.com

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Indian

Website: http://www.toptable.co.uk

Asia de Cuba: In St Martins Lane Hotel Asia de Cuba Review

For global travelers with a cultured palate and a love of variety, Asia de Cuba, overseen by renowned international restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow, combines elements of Asian and Cuban cuisine served sharing-style in a high energy, sophisticated, yet relaxed environment. Housed in a dramatically colonnaded space, Asia de Cuba's innovative menu is matched in its surroundings by a dramatic series of soaring 'art columns'.

Asia de Cuba not only serves the huge sharing portions for dinner, it has adapted the famous dishes for Bento Boxes, perfect for lunch or pre-theatre; and Afternoon Tea is served daily offering two varieties of Asian or Eurasian teas. The Rum Bar, with its Starck-designed 'lean-on' tables, is an interesting modern play on the classic English Pub.

Favorite Dish: The battered prwns with chilli dip are a lovely starter. Everything on the menu is fantastic and the afternoon tea is excuisite.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7300 5588

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.stmartinslane.com

Romilly Room at Teatro: A place to see and be seen Romilly Room @ Teatro Review

Formally known as SO.UK SO.HO, The Romilly Room is a luvvy canteen that is gorgeous, serves great food and also keeps the renowned Teatro members-only club on the side - what more could you wish for? With DJ's playing nightly from 10.30pm, you can be sure of a great night out. Book The Romilly Room at Teatro to drink and dine in London's hottest lounge bar.

Serving a 'Global Fusion' style club menu, The Romilly Room at Teatro is set around a central Thai Buddha, low informal banquette seating and is adorned by cushions, low lighting and burning incense. The Romilly Room at Teatro has become London's newest after work venue to drink, lounge, snack, relax and be seen.

Favorite Dish: The menu dips into different influences with dishes such as home cured tuna with wasabi and pickled ginger, Szechuan peppered squid salad or Mafoldin pasta with wild mushrooms, semi–dried tomatoes and pesto or chicken poached in veal jus with dumpling and seasonal vegetables.

Address: 93 - 107 Shaftesbury Avenue

Comparison: about average

Directions: tube: Piccadilly Circus

Soho
London
W1D 5DY

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Website: http://www.toptable.co.uk

Lightship Restaurant: Seabass to share - fantastic Lightship Restaurant Review

The Lightship is a trendy newcomer to the London dining scene. Surrounded by the spectacular St Katharine Docks. and offers ideal places for parties or intimate occasions in a location with a difference.

The Lightship is exactly what its name suggests: an antique Lightship, built in Copenhagen in 1877. It is the oldest lightship in the World, with a long history of service and adventure, including being sized by the Germans in 1943. Lightship remained in in service until 1972 and has now been beautifully refurbished and given new life and docked by Tower Bridge. The old wood of the hull has been restored and is offset by sleek, modern decor, which is both luxurious and informal; and perfect for romance! The menu is a unique combination of modern British and Scandinavian superb jointly crafted by our Head Chef Laurent Pruvost and proprietor, Anders Jensen.

Favorite Dish: Foie Gras “Au Torchon” w/ Marinated Artichokes & Apple/Balsamic Reduction

Whole Roasted Sea Bass w/ French Beans, Buttered New Potatoes & Seasonal Leaves

I shared my starter and main course

Address: Lightship Restaurant (Next to Tower Bridge & Tower

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: 5A St Katharine's Way,
(St Katharine Docks - West Dock)
London
E1W 1LP

Other Contact: info@lightshipx.com

Phone: +44 207 481 3123

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

Website: http://www.lightshipten.com