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Dining in London
Oriel's is a fine
example of the good dining options available in the city.
Clean your plate of the thought that
there is no good food in London. Ethnic restaurants are as prevalent
as black cabs, so those seeking Italian, French Chinese, even Indian
food can be rewarded. The term "top British chef" is no longer
an oxymoron or bad joke; the city really has some of the world's finest
kitchen pros.
To be sure, there are places that bring back memories of the college
dormitory. The problem with British food is that it lacks the seasonings
and spices so prevalent in other countries. As as result, Italians,
French, Americans and others find it bland. But even pubs have upgraded
their menus and if you can get a tasty meal in a pub, then it's possible
to eat well just about anywhere.
London can even mix in fun with its food. At Belgo Centraal
(50 Earlham St) the waiters dress like monks. Weekdays, from 5:30-8,
it has "beat the clock" where people pay according to how long they
take to eat dinner.
There are certain foods that are uniquely British. One of the favorites
of foreigners are scones, which are are basically doughnut holes
that look like a small puffer fish. Fish and chips are a standard
(chips are to British what french fries are to Americans); Rock and
Sole Plaice in Covent Garden is the oldest fish and chip joint in
town. Hearty locals wouldn't think of starting a day without a big plate
of bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes). Roast beef
and Yorkshire pudding are a long-standing dinner tradition. Meat
pies taste about as good as they sound.
Restaurants
Many of London's top restaurants are located in the Theater District
and adjacent Soho. That makes sense, as a play always seems better when
preceded by a good meal.
The best of these are as follows:
On the finer side, there is La Tante Claiar (Berkeley Hotel),
Pied a Terre (Charlotte Ste) and L'Oranger (James Street).
fish! is a highly-regarded restaurant for well, you know. Located
in the London Bridge area, it is joined by other top fishy places, J
Sheekey (Leicester Square) and Livebait (Covent Garden).
Orielšs is probably the most popular and "cool" restaurant
in Sloan Square. It has a nice sidewalk eating area, a large restaurant
on its main floor and a cool downstairs club. It is somewhat expensive.
Moro (Exmouth Market) is Spanish on the surface, but blends
tastes from North Africa and the Mediterranean for some of Europe's
most creative cuisine. It's usually packed and noisy. If the restaurant
is full, sit at the bar and order tapas.
Nobu (Metropolitan Hotel, Hyde Park) is one of the city's finest
Japanese restaurants with a splash of South American influence. For
the best Chinese roast duck in town, head to New Four Seasons
on Queensway. Ibla Ristorante e Gastronomia (Maryleborne High
Street) is one of the best places for Italian food.
Gastropubs
One of the hottest new dining choices in the city are the pubs. Called
gastropubs (couldn't they have come up with a better term!?), they offer
fine cuisine at prices are usually – though not always – cheaper
than restaurants. Credit The Eagle (Farrington Road) for allowing
people to enjoy a pint and a good meal at the same time when it started
offering high-quality Mediterranean cuisine in the early '90s. Most
pubs serve lunch and dinner and eating at the most popular ones require
diners to arrive early to get a seat.
The Anchor (south back of the Thames) sits where a pub was destroyed
during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It has a creaking wood floor
and brick fireplaces and serves dishes such as lamb stew and baked pork
chops. Dark and hearty, the Argyll Arms (near the London Palladium)
is good for lunch, as is the Cole Hole in the theater district.
The red-white-and-blue exterior of the Grenadier behind Hyde
Park Corner once fed Duke of Wellington's soldiers in the early 1800s.
But don't let that keep you away. It is most popular for its Blood Mary
Sundays, a perfect warm-up to the honey-roasted chicken.
Those looking for a food break from shopping at Harrods, or men attempting
to escape shopping for a pint and some grub while their significant
other enjoys Harrods, are advised to head to the Enterprise.
It's too decorative to be a pub in the true sense of the word, but it
does have an upscale menu and is an agreeable place to wait on the lady.
Fish & Chips
The national dish of England is fish & chips and the best place
to find 'em is Rock 'n Soul in Covent Garden. It's been here
since 1871 and serves suds to soak down the good food.
Chains
Pizza Express is not what it sounds like. It is a great restaurant
with excellent service and food and a very friendly staff. There are
several locations throughout the city.
Another top low-cost option is Dome, which features three-course
meals for under £10 all day long. The Stockpot is an old-time
cafe that serves soups, omelets and casseroles. Pret A Manger
is a good choice for sandwiches.
 PubClub
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