London Restaurant Tips by Manara

Nobu: Where celebrities can be seen Nobu restuarant Review

The first restaurant opened by chef Nobu Matsuhisa outside of Japan, in 1997, is more succesful than ever. It is always full and counts a lot of celebrities among its regulars.
Its fame as a 'place to be' should not make you forget that Nobu earned its reputation thanks to its great food, a wonderful fusion of Japanese tradition with other elements from around the world.

Favorite Dish: It is hard to choose just one. With the starters, for instance, should I prefer the New Style Sashimi of salmon and white fish or the sashimi salad with Matsuhisa dressing?
As a main course should I recommend the broiled cod with miso or the rock shrimp tempura with ponzu? I cannot possibly eliminate one.
For those who like their food to be hot I suggest the Peruvian style chicken skewer.
And finally, for dessert, the warm harumaki with coconut sorbet and orange sauce.

Address: 19 Old Park Lane, W1Y 4LB

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: (+44) 207 447 4747

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Website: http://www.noburestaurants.com/london/index.html

Babylon at the Roof Gardens: Delicious food in smart setting Babylon at the Roof Gardens Review

This restaurant, owned by Virgin and situated in the same building as the Roof Gardens night-club, is very lively and a reservation is necessary.
The furniture and decoration can be described as ‘modern classic’. Tables situated near the glass walls have a wonderful view, with the Big Ben well visible.
The staff are numerous, very busy but also very efficient and attentive.
The choice of dishes is good, and although dishes are not too 'conservative' they are not too 'adventurous' either.
A friend who had the risotto was disappointed because it was not done in the proper Italian way, while I liked very much my veloute of artichokes.

Favorite Dish: I had a rather good confit trout as main course, but the best dish of all was the dessert: chocolate pave with honeycomb ice cream and orange sauce. Fabulous!

Address: 7th Floor, 99 Kensington High Street W8 5SA

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Nearest Tube, High Street Kensington

Phone: (+440) 0207 9377 994

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.roofgardens.com/restaurant/overview/

Criterion: Popular since 1873 Criterion Review

‘I was standing at the Criterion bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder and, turning round, I recognized young Stamford’. Who’s Stamford? The person who introduces Dr. Watson (the ‘I’ in the sentence I quoted) to Mr. Sherlock Holmes, in the first chapter of the novel A Study in Scarlet. These people are fictional, but the Criterion bar and restaurant were, and still are, very real.
Situated in Piccadilly Circus, the Criterion has been, since it opened in 1873, a very popular location for a night out or for an afternoon tea. The decoration has retained the original gilded opulence, although the furniture has obviously changed.
The food is not bad, but not memorably good either.
This is a restaurant I would recommend for a romantic dinner a deux.
If you book for a party of more than four, you will be accommodated in a separate area, very nice but without the live music that you would have in the main room.
A three-course dinner costs on average about 40 pounds per person, without beverages.

Address: 224 Picaddilly, W1J 9HP

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: In Picaddilly Circus, near the Eros statue, next to the entrance of the Criterion theatre.

Phone: +00 44 (0)20 7930 0488

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.criterionrestaurant.com

Kettners: ... and a bottle of the house champagne! Kettners Review

The founder of this restaurant had been a cook in Paris, at the court of Napoleon III. Kettners has champagne bottled with its own name, that you can drink with your meal or before it, as an aperitif, at the champagne bar while waiting for your table.
The place is very stylish and often full with elegant people, however, dining here may be far less expensive than you expect, because the menu offers also cheap(ish) options.

Favorite Dish: I liked very much the lamb chops, and I would also recommend the entrecote. However, the menus have changed considerably now.
For several years this restaurant has been owned by Pizza Express. Now it has been transformed, so it includes a brasserie, a champagne bar and also a pudding bar.
The bill will depend on your choice, more than in other places, due to the considerable difference in prices of the various dishes, and of course on your choice of wine.
If you feel uncertain, check the menu posted outside before you go. Now it is also possible to read the menu online.

Address: 29 Romilly Street, Soho

Comparison: about average

Directions: The easiest way to find it is looking for the Palace Theatre: when you face the theatre, the restaurant will be visible in the small street on the right-hand side.

Phone: 020 77346112

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: French

Website: http://www.kettners.com

Orrery: Cool place with warm staff Orrery Review

Orrery belongs to the Conran chain of restaurants. I did not know it, but one of my work aquaintances who live in London suggested it, and I was happy for this recommendation.
The ambience is pleasant, the lights are low, but not too much. The staff are very welcoming and do their job impeccably.

Favorite Dish: I had quail as a starter and chicken as main course and liked both, but I would describe them just as good, not outstanding. I was impressed, instead, by the quality of wines. They were really excellent.

Address: 55 Marylebone High Street

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: The nearest tube station is Baker Street

Phone: 0207 616 8000

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.danddlondon.com/restaurants/orrery/home

Maharaja: Delicious Maharaja, Queensway Review

Queensway is full of restaurants, and I have seen many of them change in just a few years, so I get some pleasure from the fact that the Maharaja is always there. The same family has been running it since 1967.
The tables are small and close to each other, but not worse than in most places. The service is very good and the food is delicious.

Favorite Dish: I like very much the chicken korma, and even more the samosas that I had as a starter the last time I was there.

Address: 50 Queensway, London W2

Comparison: about average

Phone: 0207 727 1135

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Indian

Tamarind: Indian with a Michelin star Tamarind Review

Tamarind is a very stylish restaurant, with smartly dressed and very efficient staff.
Things are even better in the kitchen, in fact the Tamarind has a reputation for using only the best ingredients, and to make the best use of spices. Never too bland, never too strong, just right.
The prices may be a bit discouraging, but if you are on a budget you can experience the Tamarind at lunchtime, when a 2-course menu costs 12.50 pounds, and a 3-course 14.50.
There are also pre-theatre menus at about 20 pounds, between 6 and 7 pm.

Favorite Dish: The Murg Makhni is chicken (only chicken legs, because the breast would be less tasty) in a sauce made of tomatoes and cream, with fenugreek, cardomom, cinnamom and garlic. It is a great dish for texture, taste and flavour.

Address: 20 Queen Street, London W1J 5PR

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: The nearest tube station is Green Park

Phone: 020 7629 3561

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Indian

Website: http://www.tamarindrestaurant.com

Hakkasan: Chinese with a Michelin star Hakkasan Review

This the fifth Chinese restaurant to be awarded a star by the Michelin Guide in its 103-year-long history, and the first in the UK.
Probably this is why it is always so crowded. Or maybe the reason is that Hakkasan featured in the movie "About a Boy". In any case, this is one of London hot spots.
The ambiance and decor are very trendy, and although the restaurant is windowless the atmosphere is pleasant.
The staff is extremely kind and helpful. The food is Cantonese with variations (eg Peking duck with caviar).
The bar serves excellent (overpriced) cocktails.
For a dinner you can expect to pay £ 60 per person. It can be less if you steer clear of the lobster and the shark fins.

Favorite Dish: Hakka vermicelli with dried shrimp roe and smoked chicken served with yellow chive consomme (£8.50)
Roasted silver cod with champagne and Chinese honey (£22)

Address: 8 Hanway Place, London W1

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: First street on the left of Tottenham Court Rd

Phone: 020 7927 7000

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum